It’s tough to know what a new mom really needs unless you’ve had a nose through the nursery she’s been steadily filling with stuff for the baby.
I found it even tougher before I became a mom. I didn’t have a clue what was useful to a new parent, I’m sure I ended up buying cute little newborn clothes that the baby wore once and then just took up space.
It’s easier if the expectant mom makes a list of the bits she’s missing, but of course that kind of takes the fun out of the baby shower gift opening.
Having attended quite a few baby showers, including my own, here’s a few ideas that make beautiful, and some of them practical, gifts that will delight a new mom.
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What makes a unique baby shower gift?
A unique baby shower gift goes beyond the typical gifts of a new outfit, simple baby blanket, and the newborn baby essentials.
It’s about finding something that isn’t a typical newborn baby essential, but something that may be a little extra and unexpected. It’s not necessarily that it isn’t useful, but it’s something that mom needs that they never realised would come in handy.
There’s a mixture of gifts that will be used for the baby and gifts that will be useful, or nice to have, for mom.
1. Write-on baby vest
This is both a gift and something fun to do at the baby shower that everyone can get involved in.
Everyone gets to write their own short message on the baby vest – just get a plain babygro like this – and then mom can do what she wants with it.
The baby may only wear it once, but then it could be framed on the wall of the nursery as a reminder of the special occasion.
2. Keepsake box
A baby book is quite a common gift at baby showers, however one of the most useful things that I received was a baby keepsake box.
This is where I kept larger items, such as a onesie with the name of the hospital where I have birth, the hospital cuffs my baby wore after birth and cards sent to us when she was born.
3. Sophie La Giraffe
Everyone I know has a Sophie the Giraffe for their baby. It’s a brilliant teething toy.
My babies just loved gumming away on the feet. It seemed to really soothe them. It helps that Sophie makes a fun squeaking noise too.
4. Steps counter
This is a slightly more extravagant gift, but if you have a bigger budget it’s a nice option for a mom who loves to stay active.
New parents end up doing a lot of walking and having a fitness tracker to record her steps and distances walked may be a bit of fun and motivation to get more fresh air.
5. Baby milestone blanket
I would have loved to have one with my two and I would definitely get one if I ever have a third.
The milestone blanket has dates and months that you highlight with cool props like a picture frame. There’s also a tape measure printed on one size to show how quickly baby is growing.
Its a gift parents can use every month to record their baby’s growth and it’s practical for tummy time or playing on the floor.
The parents could make a lovely collage or photo album of the monthly photos after the first year.
6. Photography session
Although new parents take a lot of pictures of their newborn, it’s nice for parents to get some perfect shots of their new baby.
Plus a photography session ensures every member of the family appears in the picture.
Hiring a photographer can be seen as a bit of an extravagance and may be something they forget to do, so it’s nice to treat a new family to pictures they can treasure forever.
7. Funny baby book
There are loads of parenting advice books out there. They offer different theories and suggestions and vary in how strict they are in terms of routine and structure.
It’s up to each individual parent what strategy they sign up to and they may already have an idea of how they’re going to approach those tough early months. So why not offer the mom-to-be an alternative with a funny book about parenting.
This could either be a funny version of a child’s book, or a humorous look at life as a parent.
8. Nursing pyjamas
Chances are a new mum is going to spend a lot of time in her PJs in the early weeks. Therefore, they should be nice PJs.
Getting some pretty maternity PJs that she can wear for the last weeks of her pregnancy that then works as nursing wear will be useful and she’ll appreciate the comfort for wearing around the house.
9. Mini diaper bag
The mom-to-be may want to pick out here own larger diaper bag for trips out, but a small pouch for quick trips may be something she hasn’t thought of getting.
This type of bag has space for just a couple of diapers, a small pack of wipes, as well as keys and some change.
I love this little organiser from Skip Hop, which can be attached to a stroller.
10. Nursing shawl
A gorgeous nursing shawl can be worn as a poncho and used as a cover-up when breastfeeding in public.
I’ve used a Seraphine nursing shawl with both my kids and it’s been so useful.
Look for one that can double up as a beautiful scarf as well, especially if she is due in winter.
11. Early weeks survival kit
Put together a thoughtful DIY new mom gift hamper with all of the essentials she’ll need, or just some really lovely items she will appreciate.
A gift hamper with essentials may be filled with wipes, cotton wool balls, doapers, vests, Lansinoh nipple cream, nursing pads, and muslins.
Alternatively add items only mom will use. Here are a few ideas:
- Lip balm
- Face cream
- Face mask
- Claw clip
- Nail polish
- Nail file
- Warm socks
- A new book
- Latest issue of her favourite magazine
12. Baby hand and foot casting kit and frame
This is a lovely way for new parents to capture a lasting memory of how tiny their baby was when a newborn.
They grow so quickly that it’s nice to have one of these kits to hand when the baby is born so the foot cast can be taken in the early weeks.
You can buy kits that walk you through how to take a cast of baby’s hands and/or feet. Alternatively get a hand and footprint kit.
13. Vouchers for delivered meals
Whether you buy them vouchers for their favourite takeaway service or vouchers for a company such as Cook that will deliver ready meals to their home, providing them with easy food is an amazing gift.
When you have a new baby one of the most important things you struggle with is time and the lack of routine. Anything that brings convenience to a new parent’s life is a huge help.
14. Baby sensory flash cards
Sensory flash cards are designed to stimulate baby’s developing senses. Newborns see only in black and white in the early weeks, so baby flash cards come in black and white with bold prints.
A new mom will be grateful for these as a simple activity to do with baby during the day.
15. Baby sleep sound machine
White noise and soothing lullabies can help to lull baby to sleep.
There’s a number of different sound machines you can get – such as Ewan the Dream Sheep which plays lullabies and white noise.
Some are portable and easy to attach to the stroller for use on the go.
16. Electric nail trimmers
One of the most nerve-wracking things for new parents is trimming their newborn baby’s fingernails.
Make it easier for them with a electric baby nail care set. It’s designed to make cutting baby’s nails simple, and to avoid pressing down too hard.
17. Matching mom and baby robes
A sweet mom and baby matching robe set will be something that makes her smile. Plus it has practical benefits, especially during colder months.
18. Baby bump casting kit
Mom can have a sculpture of her belly to keep as a reminder of this magical time in pregnancy thanks to a DIY casting kit.
Kits like this bump casting kit come with everything you need, including instructions to help.
She can then hang the cast somewhere in her home as a piece of personalised decor.
19. Personalised wooden nursery sign
If the parents have already chosen a name then you can order a special sign or plaque to decorate the baby’s room with their name. There are some really sweet ones made of wood.
In case they haven’t made a decision on a name yet, you could get them a voucher they can order a sign as soon as baby arrives.
Another alternative is to buy some kind of nursery decor with a sweet slogan – such as “welcome to the world” or “love you to the moon and back”.
20. Baby clothes in 6months+ size
A lot of people will buy the new parents newborn clothes, but the trouble is the baby will grow out of all of them so quickly.
It can be really useful for new parents to have clothes for six months and over ready to go. They may not use them for a few months, but it means they are prepared!
21. Nursing pillow
A supportive nursing pillow can be such a lifesaver for moms in the early weeks of breastfeeding.
Even bottlefeeding parents can find them useful, as they help to support baby and help mom maintain a posture that means she doesn’t end up with neck or back ache.
22. Personalised jewellery
There are lots of different types of personalised jewellery out there that can make a lovely, thoughtful gift for a new mom.
Some necklaces and bracelets can have personalised charms added featuring a newborn baby’s footprints or handprints. Alternatively you could buy her a locket where she can add a photo of her baby once they arrive.
23. Babysitting for older kids
Sometimes it’s the practical help that means the most! For a mom who is welcoming their next baby, offer to step in and babysit her older kids.
This could be over an evening or during the day so she gets some peace and quiet.
24. Alexa speaker with subscription
An Alexa has so many handy uses for a new mom. It can be used to play white noise for the baby, or play music or podcasts when she’s having a rough day at home with the baby.
25. Date night treat for mom and dad
A voucher for a meal out or spa experience can be a real treat for a new mom and dad.
They can use it once the newborn baby is OK to be left for a brief period, and it gives them a chance to have a couple of hours to connect with each other.
26. Handheld food blender
Weaning sneaks up on new parents, so a stick blender or small blender for the kitchen can prove really useful.
I used a small blender to puree the meals I had cooked for us to make it appropriate for my babies to eat. This made it really easy, and much cheaper than buying jarred baby food.
27. Baby first aid kit
For a practical gift a baby first aid kit is really handy for new parents. You can buy pre-made kits or put one together yourself with the following items:
- Thermometer
- Scissors
- Nasal aspirator
- Reusable cold compress
- A first aid for children guide
28. Hooded towel
A soft hooded towel makes bathtime so much easier. Look for something with cute bunny or bear ears.
You can also find towels that can be personalised with the family name.
29. Customised mug or wine glass
A customised mug or wine glass could feature her name or just a funny slogan about mom life.
Add a bottle of fizz or wine to the gift as well so she can enjoy a glass after she has given birth. If she’s not much of a drinker, then add a hot chocolate or special coffee pack to the mug gift.
Final thoughts
I hope this has given you some ideas for what to buy as a baby shower gift. You know the mom-to-be best so consider something that will be meaningful to her.
Some people would really appreciate something practical, while others may want something that’s unrelated to baby and makes them feel more like themselves again.
If you are still struggling with what to buy for someone who is expecting then check out these gift ideas for stay at home moms and these postpartum gift ideas.
