Choosing the perfect baby shower gift

Are you heading to a baby shower and are feeling lost amongst all the things? Or perhaps you are in the thick of planning your own baby shower and need some ideas on what to ask for - we've got you covered!

BABY

It’s so easy to be lured in by the vast array of adorable baby clothes, but sometimes the best baby-shower gifts aren’t the cutest or most exciting items. Consider practical + functional items for babies such as:

• Hooded towel + wash cloths
• Wipes - opt for fragrance free or water wipes
• A natural body wash or shampoo
• Soft bristle baby brush
• Nail grooming kit
• First aid kit
• Thermometer
• Nasal decongester
• Disposable changing mats
• Linens - bedding, blankets, muslin or cotton wraps, burp cloths, capsule covers etc
• Book - include a sweet handwritten message inside
• Teether
• Bibs
• Silicone cutlery, bowls and plates
• Larger sized clothing - it's best to check parents have the capacity and space to store the items first
• Nightlight
• Lamington socks - warm and won't wriggle off!

FOR THE PARENTS

Along with the ideas mentioned above, great gifts for parents might include:

• Organise to drop off dinner
• Crock pot or instant pot with ingredients to make a meal
• Photoshoot
• Streaming or audio book subscription
• Grocery delivery
• Hire a house cleaner for an hour
• Car wash voucher
• Hire someone to do the lawns and gardens for a week
• Feeding pillow
• Sheepskin rug
• Snack or tea hamper
• Comfy loungewear
• Gift voucher

BIG TICKET ITEMS

If you’re looking at a bigger purchase but are unsure what the expectant parents need or want, ask! They’ll be able to tell you their preferred brand or model. Rally together family members or friends to contribute towards the more expensive items and give a joint present:

• Bassinet or Moses basket
• High chair
• Baby bath
• Pram
• Cot
• Cot mattress
• Baby food steamer + blender
• Humidifier or dehumidifier
• Sound machine
• Car seat
• Bouncer
• Play mat
• Baby carrier
• Change table
• Woolbabe sleep sack
• Baby moniter
• Rocking chair

WHAT NOT TO GIVE

Unless the parents have indicated they want a specific brand/style/item, we recommend steering clear of the following things...

• Hand wash or dry-clean only items - self explanatory, we don't want extra jobs for the parents
• Wall art + nursery decorations - parents may have their own vision for the nursery
• Baby bags - it's really hard to know what style parents want (over the shoulder, backpack, plain or patterned etc) and we've noticed these are often being exchanged in-store
• Clothing with quotes or sayings on them
• Noisey + light up toys
• Baby journals - if parents are going to keep a journal, it's likely they already have one by the time a baby shower rolls around
• Novelty 'mama' themed items (jewellery, mugs, hats, clothes, picture frames etc)

CREATE A GIFT REGISTRY

If you're an expecting mama, don't be afraid to ask your guests for what you really need! We encounter frazzled friends and family members daily, trust us they will appreciate knowing they are gifting you something that will actually get used. If you're stuck for ideas take a look at our Newborn Baby Essentials List to help you navigate through the endless (but totally cute!) options of teeny tiny things.

Once you have a clear idea of what your needs and wants are, you can create a Gift Registry HERE. It's easy + minimises the risk of double ups!

Lastly, always check the exchange or return policy of an item before making a purchase and keep the receipt. Better yet, pop the receipt in with the gift - allowing parents to (for what ever reason) do what they need to do without the awkwardness.

Tania of LMB