42 baby shower gift ideas you’ll love

Selecting a gift for the nursery can be tricky. What do the parents really need? Here are some baby shower gift ideas that are absolute must-haves for the nursery:

• Crib: This is obviously a nursery essential, but there are so many to choose from and many factors to consider, safety being the most important. If you opt for this, start by finding out what type of crib the parents would like, and go for that. Crib accessories, such as a mattress and cover, are also must-haves for the nursery, so if the parents already have a crib, then opt for a mattress cover or fitted bottom sheet.

• Changing table: Another nursery staple that will be put to good use and makes a great gift. As is the case with the crib, the mom and dad might have their eye on a specific style or brand, so it's important to find out what type of changing table they would like.

• Changing pad: Any area of the home can be transformed into a diaper-duty station with a changing pad, diapers, and wipes.

• Burp cloths: These will help protect mom and dad's outfit during each feeding, plus they're handy for wiping up messes or cleaning the baby's sticky hands. You can assemble a few of these as your gift or add them to a baby shower gift basket.

• Mobiles: Choose something colourful — red is one of the first colours the baby will be able to see. There are also mobiles that play music, so there's no shortage of options. Find out if the baby will have a themed nursery, then select a mobile to match.

• Nightlight: A dim nightlight can help settle the baby and make it easier for mom and dad to get around without stubbing a toe during nighttime feedings.

• Baby shower gift basket: Combine lots of smaller necessities in a lovely basket. These can include a diaper pail, diaper cream, diapers, a burp cloth, body suits, baby wipes, pacifiers, a toy rattle, and more.

• Rocking chair: A sturdy rocking chair will keep mom comfy while nursing and cuddling her baby, and the gentle back-and-forth motion can help soothe her little one to sleep. You could also consider giving a small side table that can go next to the chair for items needed during feeding.

Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas

One of the ideas below could make the perfect unique gift for the baby shower that the dad- and mom-to-be are sure to appreciate:

• Memory book: These books allow for a little creativity throughout the baby's first year. They're a place to jot down special milestones and add pictures. Once the baby is all grown up, the family will love looking back at this special keepsake, too.

• **Baby books:** It's never too early for parents to start reading to their baby, and having a nice selection of books at hand is key. Prepare a gift basket of new or classic children's books, or add a personal touch by giving some of your favorite childhood books.

• Toys: Consider giving toys the baby can play with in the years to come. This means that as the baby gets older and is looking for something new to play with, the parents can simply reach for something that has been waiting on the shelf for just the right moment.

DIY Baby Shower Gifts

Personalized baby shower gifts really come from the heart. If you love getting creative, consider one of these ideas:

• Diaper cakes: A DIY diaper cake is both fun and useful. Consider using various diaper sizes, so there’ll be plenty of diapers on hand later on, even as the baby grows out of the newborn sizes.

• Handmade clothes: If you knit or sew, consider making clothes, socks, hats, or mittens for the baby.

• Home-cooked meals: With a newborn, parents don’t have much time to spare, especially for cooking. Consider providing a delivery of home-cooked meals each week for the first few months that can be unfrozen as needed.

• Handmade art for the nursery: If you are particularly creative, you may feel inspired to create a homemade baby shower gift in the form of a work of art to decorate the nursery.

• Other personalized baby shower gifts: Order a baby book or children’s book online that can be personalized with the baby’s name. Buy a cotton playsuit or receiving blanket, and personalize it by printing a message on the front. Or, have the child’s name stitched or embroidered on a teddy bear or other soft, cuddly toy.

If this is baby number two or three, the mom-to-be may already have most of the basics needed for a newborn. So, consider some of these ideas, and remember Mom deserves a treat, too.

• Pajamas or robe: She has a lot of late nights coming up, so why not treat her to some cozy PJs, comfy slippers, or a chic bathrobe? Bonus points for pieces that are machine washable and nursing friendly!

• Reading material: She's read all the pregnancy and newborn guides, and her library is about to be taken over by picture books, so give Mom a selection of grown-up best-sellers, a magazine subscription, or even an e-reader so she can download her favorites to enjoy during those (possibly elusive) quiet moments.

• Personalized jewelry: Available at a wide variety of price points, personalized charms or pendants engraved with the baby's name or initial make great statement pieces that Mom can keep close to her heart.

• Gift certificates: If you're in any doubt, purchase a gift certificate to a local baby store, or even a local supermarket. This is a great way to help parents purchase exactly what is needed. Or, a gift card to her favorite clothing store could be ideal for when she's ready to treat herself to something special. Date night, anyone?

• Blanket: A crocheted blanket is a creative baby shower gift that shows how much you care. This blanket comes in handy for mom while she's resting. It's sure to be used for many years and can even become a family heirloom.

• Diaper bag: If the mom-to-be is a close friend, you may know her personal style well enough to buy her a diaper bag. Don't forget to look for one that is spacious and has easy-to-access compartments and stroller attachments! Mom (and Dad) will be hauling this bag around for a couple of years, so go for something classic and versatile that she'll love.

There are some gift ideas you're not likely to find on any registries, but can be a great help to new parents. Most of these are service oriented, and can help free up parents’ time to spend enjoying their little one, or a few, rare minutes of downtime.

• Professional photo shoot: Once things have settled down after the birth, many new parents appreciate a family photo shoot with a professional photographer to capture memories that will last a lifetime.

• Pampering session: Arrange a pampering session for the mom-to-be at a nearby spa, including things like a massage, pedicure, or facial. She’ll enjoy this just as much after the baby arrives, too!

• A date night: Give the new parents some precious time together away from the baby. The night out may not take place during the first few weeks (or even months), but eventually mom and dad will enjoy having the chance to go out to a restaurant together. Tell the parents you would like to provide a gift certificate to a restaurant, babysitting, or both, but let them suggest when would be convenient.

• Cleaning service: Parents of newborns are so busy and so tired. Consider providing a professional cleaner to come and do a one-time big clean, or to come once a week for the first few months after the birth.

• Babysitting or night nanny service: The gift of a night off from baby duty will certainly be appreciated. You can offer to provide your own babysitting services or those of a trusted agency in your area any time. A night nanny can be arranged to care for the baby and perform various chores while the new parents grab some precious rest.

• Grocery delivery: You can also provide a gift certificate for grocery or meal delivery. Parents will appreciate having their pantry and fridge stocked without having to make trips to the store with a newborn in tow.

• Streaming services: It may be a while before Mom and Dad are ready for a night on the town, so why not make it easy for them to put their feet up and binge watch the latest drama everyone is talking about. The gift of Netflix or Amazon Prime Video might just be priceless.

Portable, Practical Baby Shower Gift Ideas

There will be times when the mom-to-be needs to travel with her little one in tow. Whether she's braving an airport or just heading across town to the grandparents' house, she'll need a variety or portable items to help get from point A to point B. Consider giving one of these on-the-go baby essentials.

• Travel crib: Look for safe, lightweight options that break down and set up easily. A portable play yard provides a safe space for the baby to play or sleep, while under the parents' watchful eyes.

• Play mat: A portable play mat is another option that can keep babies busy and entertained away from home.

• Emergency diaper bag: Put together a smaller diaper bag with basic essentials that the parents can keep in the car, or use when on a short errand.

• Baby carrier or sling: A good baby carrier is ideal for parents to keep their hands free while running errands or just moving around the house. It's also cozy and soothing for the baby. Another option is a baby carrier seat.

• Travel changing mat: If the parents-to-be love to travel or go on day trips, a travel changing mat will let them change diapers on the go.

• Stroller: Many parents-to-be want to select a stroller themselves, but if you know which one they will just love, then this is one baby shower gift that is sure to get plenty of use.

• Stroller accessories: These can range from toys and books for the baby to accessories for Mom and Dad, like cup and smartphone holders. Stroller covers, umbrellas, and even stroller hand muffs are great options for traveling with a baby in any weather conditions.

If you haven’t yet found the right gift idea among these mentioned here, don’t worry — we have even more great ideas for you. These gifts will really be appreciated as the baby grows. Your thoughtful gift will be on hand and ready for the parents to reach for in that moment when they suddenly find they need it.

• Baby bouncer: There are many baby bouncers to choose from, but check the age and weight requirement before you pick a style. Remember, some seats are designed for newborns, while others are designed for older babies.

• Clothes in bigger sizes: Babies grow fast, so consider buying clothes the baby can wear later on in the first year — not just in the first few weeks or months.

• Bath time accessories: Buy a baby bathtub, and then use it as a gift basket, adding a rubber duck, baby soaps, baby-sized towels, a non-slip bath mat, and a baby grooming set.

• “Oops” kit: For all those little emergencies that the parents might not yet be prepared for, give an emergency kit with a thermometer, tweezers, calamine lotion, antibiotic cream, little bandages, a cold pack, etc.

• Babyproofing items: There are all kinds of safety items the new family will need, including electric outlet covers, corner covers, and baby gates.

And, if you don't have the mom-to-be's registry information yet, you can get an idea what she may want by asking her to create her own online registry.

Your gift will be appreciated, no matter what. The parents have a lot on their plate, and your gift — no matter how big or small — will really help.