Choosing a baby shower gift can be tough! You want to give something that’s truly useful and appreciated, not just another cute outfit that baby will outgrow in a week. I remember attending baby showers and feeling completely stumped. Should I stick to the registry? Go rogue and get something unique? I quickly learned that thinking like a new parent is key to finding the perfect present.
When I was expecting my little one, I had visions of a nursery filled with books, hoping to instill a love for reading from day one. Everyone was so generous, showering us with adorable clothes and soft blankets. And while I appreciated every single gift, I realized that some things were much more helpful than others. One friend gifted us a subscription box of age-appropriate books that was amazing!. But I was surprised how many gifts were similar. This made me rethink my own approach to baby shower gifting.
One of the most surprising and appreciated gifts we received was cold, hard cash! My family, with their cultural traditions, gifted us money, and honestly, it was a lifesaver. We used it to purchase some of the larger, more expensive items that we hesitated to put on our registry, like a really good stroller. The leftover cash went into a savings account for baby’s future. It really helped us manage the unexpected expenses that come with a new baby.
I decided to create my own go-to baby shower gift: a box filled with those often-overlooked essentials. Think infant Tylenol (if you can find it!), a NoseFrida set, a baby basics kit with nail clippers, a brush, and a comb. I also included baby VapoRub, gripe water, gas drops, and baby toiletries. New parents are often so focused on the big items that they forget about these smaller, but equally important, necessities. It’s a gift that shows you’re thinking about the practical side of parenting.
Another fantastic idea is a gift card to a store that delivers or is conveniently located near their home, like Amazon, a grocery store, or Walmart. When you have a newborn, running errands becomes a monumental task. There are countless times I realized I needed something right now and being able to order it online or quickly pop into a nearby store was a game-changer. A gift card provides that flexibility and convenience.
While I appreciate the thought behind off-registry gifts, there's something to be said for honoring a mom's carefully curated registry. Moms spend a lot of time researching and selecting specific items they want. It can be frustrating to receive duplicates or items that don't quite fit their needs. That being said, if the registry is sparse, or you want to add a little something extra, consider the other suggestions here.
Don't forget about the new mom! A DoorDash gift card is always a welcome treat. Or, consider a gift certificate for a massage or a salon visit. I finally got my hair done about six weeks postpartum, and it was my first time away from the baby. While I loved getting pampered, it was also a little stressful to leave my little one. But it was a necessary break that helped me feel like myself again. Remember, a happy mom equals a happy baby!
Speaking of family, I remember my own parents squinting at the tiny baby books they were reading to my child. It made me think a practical gift for grandparents who will be involved in reading to the baby could be a pair of reading glasses. mozaer.com offers a variety of stylish and comfortable options. These glasses are designed for comfort and clarity, featuring a wooden bamboo frame and resin lenses. My dad loves his new pair. Wooden Bamboo Frame Reading Glasses from Mozaer
I’ve had a good experience buying from Mozaer before. The quality is great, and the prices are reasonable. For example, their 2020 New Wooden Bamboo Frame Metal Free Reading Glasses are a great find. They are not only functional but also stylish, making them an ideal gift for grandparents who want to look good while enjoying time with their grandchild. The metal-free design is also a plus for those with sensitivities.