If you’ve just received an invite to a baby shower and you want your gift to be something thoughtful, practical and totally unique. We’ve got 100 baby shower gift ideas that expecting parents will love.
I wanted to suggest gifts that are off the beaten path (most new parents get a billion swaddles and baby outfits) but still something helpful that they might not think of.
If you're looking for gifts under $30 (or want to top off a gift with a little somethin' extra) you can check out my post 30+ Quality Baby Gifts Under $30.
Jump to each price range:
Practical and Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas Under $40:
Door Silencer
The click of a closing door can be all it takes to catapult a sleeping baby from dreamland to wide-awake mode. A door silencer will help parents maintain super-stealth mode as they tiptoe successfully out of the room. You can find them here on Etsy.
Car Seat or Stroller Do Not Touch Baby Tag
People often have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves so these fun, sturdy tags are a great way to head them off. They can loop around a car seat handle, stroller canopy, or even baby carrier straps.
The severed finger version is my favorite but not every new parent will appreciate my twisted sense of humor. You can find them in the shop.
Letters to My Baby
This book comes with 12 letters with a separate prompt for parents to respond to. Each letter can be folded up and sealed and given to babe when they’re all grown up. Cue the happy tears. You can find it here.
Unbuckle me
Invented by an Occupational Therapist and a Child Passenger Safety technician, this gadget saves hands (and nails) so you can easily unbuckle a car seat. You can find them here.
Mama needs a nap mug
For the mama who likes pissing off the prudes with her coffee. You can find it on the Buffalo Lovely website.
Stroller Lock
Strollers are hella expensive. The absolute last thing any exhausted parent wants is for their stroller to get swiped while parked somewhere that has a “no stroller” policy they weren’t expecting. This lock has a cable that can be looped through the stroller wheels to keep it locked up tight until everyone’s ready to roll. You can pick one up here.
Bokee
Since preparing a bottle with one hand while holding a squirming baby in the other is exceptionally difficult, this handy little tool holds your bottle or sippy cup in place so it can be opened, filled, or closed with one hand. You can find them on Amazon.
Zutano Booties
These cozy fleece booties will keep baby’s feet nice and toasty, and the double snap closure will keep them snug and secure on even the kickiest tootsies. They end up on many a baby registry so they are always a good pick. You can find them on the Zutano website and on Amazon.
First Year Frame
Help keep track of baby’s monthly growth with a sweet frame to commemorate their first year. You can find one here.
Trumpette socks
Sure, baby shoes are cute, but little socks that look like baby shoes? Well, that’s just stinkin’ adorable. Plus, you don't have to worry about shoes falling off. They have little sneakers, work boots, ballet slippers, etc. to fit all kinds of themes. I found a nice selection on Amazon.
Babylist Bottle Box
Parents often to a painstaking amount of research to pick the perfect bottle only to find out that their baby hates it. This pack comes with 5 different bottles for the kiddo to try out; hopefully, they’ll be able to find one or two that they like, so parents will know what to stock up on afterward. You can find them here.
Custom Memory Game
Pinhole Press has a sweet little memory game that baby will love playing when it gets a little older. Use your own photos of 12 of babe’s favorite people, places and things to create this extra special activity. Use special people or places for a truly unique (tear jerker) gift that's surprisingly easy to make and affordable (they are around $25). You can create one on the Pinhole Press site.
Closet Dividers
It’s un-freaking-believable how quickly a baby can grow out of a size of clothing. These are great for keeping track of all those stages and sizes in an organized way. If you're shopping for someone who love organization and order, these would make a great gift. You can find them at Nordstrom and these ones on Amazon are cute too.
Multi-Use Cover
These can be used as a nursing cover, car seat cover, shopping cart cover, burp cloths, and more (my friend wore hers as a skirt when her baby had a blowout on her lap). They come in a ton of patterns and colors. Copper Pearl makes really nice ones that you can find on their site and on Amazon.
Meal Delivery Gift Card
As new parents adjust to the long nights and crazy days of having a newborn, planning and cooking meals is likely to fall to the bottom of the priority list. Gift certificates to a meal delivery service like Skip the Dishes or DoorDash are a thoughtful way to keep them fed and watered.
“Just in Case” Meds
To complete the perfect “Baby sick kit”, a nice little stockpile of “Just in Case” baby essentials (think fever and pain relief) is always a nice idea. Here’s a list we came up with.
Batteries
They. Will. Never. Have. Enough. AA and AAA seem to be the most common ones for baby stuff but there are always random C and D needs that sneak in there. You can pick up single-use or rechargeable.
“Oh Sh!t” Car Kit
These emergency supply bags can get tossed in the trunk – or left at grandma’s house – for those unforeseen vomit/poosplosion moments that take you by surprise when you’re out of the house with a new baby. Here’s the full post on how to pack one.
Laundry Bundle
There ain’t no party like a baby laundry party, cause a baby laundry party don’t stop. Gift a laundry bundle with Baby Laundry Detergent, dryer balls, and a mesh bag to keep those damn baby socks from disappearing. Here's a post with all the possible products.
Custom Book by Wonderbly
These custom books are so beautiful and they make such a great gift. They do an amazing job of incorporating each unique name into the story and I have no idea how they do it.
Whether you’re looking for a bedtime book, a story to let this baby know how much they’re loved, or want to let them look for themselves in their very own search-and-find story, Wonderbly has gorgeous, customizable books in both hard and softcover format that make a thoughtful gift. You can create one here.
Frida Baby Baby Basics Kit
Believe me when I say that the Frida Baby Snotsucker is a lifesaver. Since babies can’t blow their noses, it’s up to parents to come to the rescue when it comes to nasal congestion with, yep – a literal booger vacuum. It’s not as gross as it sounds, but it’s about a million times more awesome.
This kit also comes with clippers perfect for teensy baby nails, a special brush to combat cradle cap, and gas passer tubes to help relieve trapped baby farts. You can find it on Amazon and at Target.
Starter library
Books make the best baby-shower gift. Skip Goodnight Moon and The Hungry Caterpillar and go for some less popular – but equally excellent – board books to create a well stocked library. Just make sure I Am a Bunny is at least one of the picks (it’s my fave and I won't shutup about it).
Here's a Best Books for Babies (Including Some Hidden Gems) list for some great ideas.
If you want to up the gift you can add a bookshelf to go with it. The one shown above is from Potterybarn Kids, but if you're looking for something more affordable, this one from Target is lovely too.
Safety stuff
A baby’s number one mission in life is to find as many ways to injure itself as possible. There are some great products to start baby proofin’ doors, corners, cords, outlets and more. Bonus: they are nice looking too.
Here’s a post on all the safety gear that might be useful (note: no one would need all of it.) Target has a nice selection as well. (Don't use Amazon for this one unless you know exactly what you want. There are too many sketchy knock offs and many of them are dangerous on their own.)
Ubbi Bath Toy Caddy & Toys
This freestanding bath toy organizer can sit on the side of the tub or be stuck away where no one has to look at it. This set also comes with these interchangeable toys easily open and can be washed in the dishwasher to prevent mold. The cute critters and fun drain hole designs provide tons of gunk free entertainment in the tub. You can find it on Amazon and at Target.
Copper Pearl Hooded Towel
These hooded towels aren’t just pretty to look at – the knit fabric and terry cloth combo makes them both super soft and ultra absorbent. Keep little hands and heads cozy and warm after splashing around with the handy hood and pockets.
I like these because they work for bathtime and outdoor swimming when they can (and will) trip on a full sized towel. You can pick a style here on the Copper Pearl site and on Amazon.
Swim Set
Get babe ready to hit the beach or the pool with a full swim getup – we’re talking swim diapers, a hat, a rash guard, swim shoes and sunglasses to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays. Green Sprouts iPlay makes the best stuff (their sun hats are the industry standard).
This is one of those gifts that many parents don't think of but comes in handy if they do swim lessons or enjoy the water. You can find the whole line here.
ezpz First Foods Set
ezpz makes high quality, food-grade silicone feeding products with help of a Pediatric Feeding Specialist. The Tiny Spoons have sensory bumps on the spoon bowl that activate sensory awareness to decrease gagging and choking.
The Tiny Cup can be used from 4+ months and has a weighted base and tactile bumps that provide topple resistance. The bowl has a suction feature to help keep it stay put, and it fits ALL highchair trays, including the Stokke Tripp Trapp and Boon Flair. (I could write a whole post on why these are so well made and special.) You can find it on the ezpz site, on Amazon and Target.
Baby Gifts $40 - $100
Skip Hop Diaper Caddy
There’s no bigger pain in the ass than being midway through a Netflix binge and having to run all the way to the baby’s nursery for supplies after a blowout. The Skip Hop Diaper Caddy keeps all of baby’s diaper changing necessities close at hand, plus, it has a light in the handle for those late night diaper changes. You can find it on Amazon and Target.
Crane humidifier
Humidifiers are great for providing baby relief from stuffy noses and dry skin and many parents don’t think to get one. Crane is a tried and true brand that doesn’t have any sketchy parts like some of the other ones you find online.
I prefer the classic teardrop style over the cute animal versions so you can use it long into the teen years. You can find them on Amazon and Target.
Buzzy
This little vibrating bee cold pack is designed to reduce needle pain. The premise is that when nerves receive non-painful signals such as vibration or cold, the brain closes the gate on pain signals. You can find them here.
Christmas Stocking
Get the new family set up for the holidays with a set of matching, customized Christmas stockings from Pottery Barn. Hot tip: if you buy them out of season, they’ll probably be on sale. You can find them here.
Book or Toy Subscription
Subscription boxes are (literally) the gift that keeps on giving. A toy or book subscription means mom and her baby can get excited for mail throughout the year, long after the shower is done. It's also a nice gift if you need to send something in the mail - it's much nicer than a dented Amazon box tossed on the front porch. Here’s our list of the best ones.
Kindred Bravely Maternity & Nursing Pajamas
Every mom needs a comfy pair of PJs to lounge in. These ones even have a nursing-friendly top, as well as a gentle waistband that’s perfect for pregnancy and postpartum bodies. You can find them on the Kindred Bravely website.
Hatch Rest
White noise can work miracles when it comes to a good night’s sleep. Hatch Rest has a sound machine, nightlight, time-for-bed cues, time-to-rise alarms, dimmable clock, touch ring routines, and can be WiFi controlled. It's a very coveted baby item. You can read our review on it here and shop it here on the Hatch site or on Amazon and Target.
Dog Walker
There’s a good chance that Fido’s daily walk routine may become a little less consistent with the addition of a newborn, at least until the family has a chance to find their new rhythm. Help set up a dog walker for the first few weeks (or months, if you can afford it!). You can search for one here.
Dad Shirt from Lalabu
This baby carrier shirt for new dads makes babywearing simple and dare we say, stylish. It's especially helpful for new parent who might be a little nervous about handling a newborn or dads who are excited to be involved. You can find them on Amazon.
cuddle + kind doll
These popular heirloom-quality dolls are ethically hand stitched in Peru, and each doll sold provides ten meals to children in need across America and around the globe. They are very unique looking and incredibly well made (I can't stress how lovely and soft these things are). This would be a great gift for anyone who is into quirky stuff or loves the idea of giving back to the community. You can check out all the cuteness on their site and on Amazon.
Custom Easter Basket From Pottery Barn
Help keep baby’s eggs in one basket with a sweet, customized Easter basket from Pottery Barn. You could even fill it with books, soothers, bibs, etc. as a great gift basket. You can shop them here.
GroAnywhere Blind
For parents committed to giving their baby (and themselves) a good night’s sleep when they travel, Gro Company has a blackout blind that can be attached using suction cups and fits any window up to 51 x 71 inches. You can buy one here. Amazon also makes a knock off that is half the price.
Custom Wood Blocks
These custom blocks can channel their inner engineer and help them to recognize the letters in their name while building hand-eye coordination. These ones are just so lovely.
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
This easy to use portable high chair attaches to the edge of the table to provide a safe seat at home or away. It uses twist-couplings to fasten to the table without scratching it, and it will work with most tables so it's great for restaurants or visiting family and friends. I know many parents who use this as their everyday highchair. You can find it at Pottery Barn and on Amazon.
Growth Chart Ruler
These growth charts make beautiful bedroom decor, and help keep track of kiddo’s growth over the months (or years). Best of all, this chart can come with the family if they ever decide to move (unlike the doorframe in the kitchen). You can get a wooden one or this vinyl version that you put on the board yourself. It’s less expensive but still awesome looking.
ToteSavvy
ToteSavvy is a handy organizer that makes almost any bag a diaper bag and keeps everything in its place. This is a great gift for someone who already has a great bag collection and might not be thrilled at the idea of hauling a diaper bag around. You can find them on the ToteSavvy website and on Amazon.
Streaming Entertainment
The best thing about newborns is they have no real preference for which shows you should binge watch and streaming services like Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, Prime Video, DisneyPlus, etc. are a real sanity saver at 3 am. You can find a selection of gift card options here at Target or buy directly from the site.
Baby Gifts $100 and Up
Tubby Todd The Ultimate Mama + Baby Gift Set
This is a great set whether you know someone well or are not quite sure what they are into because it checks a lot of boxes - natural, for mom and baby, pediatrician and dermatologist tested, mom-owned company, and made in the U.S.A.
The gentle, natural products in this set include Hair + Body Wash, Everyday Lotion, Baby Deo, Baby Massage Oil, All Over Ointment (a cult favorite) Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste, Bye-Bye Cradle Cap Gel, Silicone Scrub Brush, Organic Nipple Balm, and Belly Oil. You can shop for it here.
⭐️ Take $10 off your first Tubby Todd order of $30 or more. The code cannot be combined with other discounts and is valid until June 25, 2025.
Use the code: PREGNANTCHICKEN10
Custom Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair
These little chairs have a long shelf life. My kids read, played and even slept in them. You can get them personalized with the baby’s name too. You can find them here.
Bird Style Box Subscription
This clothing rental service delivers fresh styles right to your doorstep (including maternity, seasonal and plus sizes). Once you're finished with them you send them right back and you can keep swapping as many times as you like so there's always something to wear. It's especially nice when you have a newborn and nothing fits. You can see our review to find out more or buy a gift here.
Lovevery Playkit Subscription
These play kits are NICE. Each box is filled with beautiful playthings to inspire a baby at every stage of development. The Lovevery team is made up of parents, academics, researchers and practitioners for various disciplines who have worked together to curate boxes that foster the growth of neural connections in the developing baby brain. All the toys are built to last and made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, nontoxic paint, and baby-safe plastics. You can send anywhere from one to 18 playkits depending on your budget.
Photo Session
Whether you’re looking for a “Fresh 48” session of the baby’s first couple days of life, or a family session to capture everyone together, a gift certificate toward the cost of a photo session is a definite shower-gift winner. A great way to find a photographer is to use the hashtag #photographer or #newbornphotographer paired with your area i.e #seattlenewbornphotography on Instagram to see what talent is out there.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are a great way to expose little ones to the water, helping them to be comfortable and safe everywhere from the bathtub to the ocean. Experience gifts are a nice alternative to the traditional shower gift and will create memories that’ll last forever. Search for ones in your area.
Veer Wagon
Odds are parents will register for a stroller but they are less likely to register for a wagon and these things come in handy in the toddler years and beyond. The Veer Cruiser is a very coveted baby item that is made from aviation grade aluminum and it is a sweet ride (you can find our review on it here) but there are plenty of more wallet-friendly options like the Jeep Stroller Wagon if you don't have the budget to spring for the Cruiser. You can find it on the Veer website, at Nordstrom's, or on Amazon.
Roomba
Save the hassle of sweeping 600 times a day and get a sweet little vacuum to take this thankless job off the to-do list. I find iRobot and Shark get the best reviews.
Postpartum Doula
Make sure that mom is healing physically and emotionally with this godsend of a gift – someone to help take care of her as she transitions into this demanding new phase of her life. Postpartum doulas can help with a range of things, from demonstrating how to take care of a newborn to helping out with breastfeeding. They are amazing.
Gift to Charity
If you’re stumped on a great shower gift, giving to a mother specific charity is a sure bet. Something like a baby resuscitation kit from Unicef or School Essentials from Plan Canada doesn’t cost a lot but they can certainly have a huge impact.
I often buy these as gifts when I'm stumped on what to give, the person lives far away, or they already have a ton of stuff and don't want anything else.
Are there any baby gifts you would add to the list?
Do you have any baby gear that you think I need to add? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Our next reco: Best Gifts for Pregnant Women
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