Shopping for a baby shower gift? We tapped our Taste of Home mamas to find the best gifts for showering parents-to-be with baby essentials that are as adorable as they are practical.
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When it comes to finding baby shower gifts for new and seasoned parents (and of course, their little ones), it’s hard to determine whether that cute toy or decoration is really essential or a gag gift at best. Do you go big with the latest and greatest baby tech or keep it practical with clothing?
According to Jamie Grayson, dual-certified CPST and internationally-recognized baby gear expert, it’s always best to listen to the parents first and foremost. “I cannot tell you how many times I would have people come in to where I worked, and they would be shopping for gifts off of a baby registry that an expecting family built based on their needs, and they would be all ‘I don’t like that, it’s not cute, etc.’ and get something else in the store,” he says.
“Or, the only thing left on the registry would be a changing pad and they didn’t think that was exciting enough. This is a list of needs and wants that an expecting caregiver has put together to help them out. Shop for them. Not for you.” To ease your baby shower gift woes, we tapped our fellow Taste of Home mamas for their guidance on what gifts are a total must-have for baby showers.
A crib mattress is a must-have item for almost every family. And since every parent wants their baby to get a good night’s sleep, there’s a good chance they’ll have the Newton crib mattress on their registry. This mattress is a parent favorite thanks to its breathability, which reduces the risk of suffocation, and the fact that the whole thing is completely washable. But is it really worth the hype? Our staff writer answered that question with an emphatic “Yes!”
Marisa Hillman is a mom of four and wishes she had opted for the Newton from the start. “My fourth baby was not a great sleeper. Unlike my other babies, she still wasn’t sleeping through the night by age one,” she says. “We went on vacation and I rented a crib and Newton mattress through BabyQuip. My daughter slept soundly through the night during our entire trip.” The difference was so astounding that Hillman ordered a Newton mattress before she even got home from her vacation. “The Newton was life-altering,” she raves. “My daughter went from being a terrible sleeper to a great sleeper, literally overnight.”
One of the best baby shower gifts for keeping baby close, the Moby wrap baby carrier is a tried-and-true option for moms who want to maximize bonding. Each secure wrap works for littles anywhere from infants to toddlers and allows Mom to use her hands while ensuing her little one stays safe.
Warmies aren’t just cute—toss them in the microwave to give baby a warm friend to hug. With over 100 animals to choose from, you’re bound to find one that resonates. “I’ve been a fan of Warmies for years,” says Senior Editor Katie Bandurski. “After all, what’s not to love about cuddly toys you can pop in the microwave (or freezer!) for instant relief? Each plush weighs roughly 2 pounds and is scented with real French lavender.”
If the mom-to-be is still working on her “go bag,” this weekender bag fits all the essentials and then some. Smart storage (like a dedicated shoe area) and other thoughtful details make this a great gift. Not to mention it comes in five fun colors. And, after baby gets here, they’ll never have to worry about not having enough room to pack everything they wish for the next weekend getaway.
Make Mom and Dad a custom puzzle to celebrate their most cherished memories—think ultrasound or maternity photos. Jiggy puzzles are high-quality prints meant for framing and enjoying even after they’re put together. Just choose between 100 or 500 pieces and upload a photo to their puzzle workshop—they take care of the rest.
Not sure what the new parents need? No worries—this baby starter set has a little of everything! Included in this newborn bundle is a sleep sack, two pairs of pajamas, bodysuits, leggings, hats, muslins, blankets, a bath towel and a wooden ring toy. “I’ve had four babies so it’s safe to say that I’ve tested a ton of different brands,” says Hillman. “MORI makes some of the softest and sweetest clothes my girls have ever worn.” Talk about the best baby shower gifts!
Little ones love a soft friend, but many options out there simply aren’t safe for newborns. Not so with Gund’s My First Teddy, which is free of easily swallowed parts or rough patches. Gund is one of the most trusted names in stuffed animals, so expect this furry friend to stick around for years to come.
When it comes to baby shower gifts, this multi-functional sound machine, clock and color-changing night light is ideal for soothing restless babies. It includes 11 different sounds like white noise, rain and ocean. Plus, users can connect their smartphones for hands-free programming.
Senior Set Stylist and mom of two, Missy Franco, is an owner of a Hatch Rest+ and adds that the time-to-rise feature helps little ones adjust to when it’s time to wake up. It’s a simple feature and one of the best baby shower gifts that will continue to help through their toddler years.
Subscription boxes are the baby shower gifts that keep on giving, especially when they’re packed full of fun like Lovevery play kits. Choose from a variety of toy kits perfect for 0 to 12-week-olds, 3- to 4-month-olds and beyond. Every two months, recipients will score a variety of educational toys to inspire their baby’s learning.
Former Senior Shopping Editor, Cher Checchio, has a couple of these play kits and highly recommends them. “The kits are perfect for toy rotation and toddler development as they help with fine motor skills and more. Plus, they’re just so pretty to look at.” This subscription box is also a top-notch gift for baby’s first Christmas.
There are regular pacifiers, and then there are Wubbanub pacifiers. Part pacifier, part stuffed animal, the easy-to-grasp design is an instant baby soother, making it the ultimate baby shower gift for parents and little ones alike. “Some parents aren’t huge fans of pacifiers, but WubbaNubs are so cute and fun for when babies do need one (read: at the doctor or in the car),” says our Manager of Strategic Growth & Optimization, Gina Burke. “Everyone who has seen our daughter with hers is blown away by the concept.”
Every foodie will swoon over this muslin swaddle available in avocado, pizza, sushi and taco patterns. The swaddle is made from soft, breathable fabric designed to comfortably wrap newborns up like a little baby burrito.
Car mirrors are a must for keeping babies entertained—and helping Mom and Dad keep an eye on their little one while driving. This light-up mirror includes a remote to control light settings, including soothing warm tones and energizing cool colors. Missy, who bought this car mirror for her second baby, adds: “I love that it has a remote and light-up option so I can see my baby while driving at night.”
Every expecting family needs a rock-solid collection of iconic baby books, and these beloved Disney books are no exception. Complete with 12 classic tales including Alice in Wonderland, The Three Little Pigs and Dumbo, this set is ideal for Disney fans young and old. Plus, it’s a fabulous way to introduce Disney stories to little ones. These gifts for 1-year-olds might come in handy for their next birthday party.
This Baby Einstein crib toy offers lights, motion and classical tunes to soothe babies and toddlers. There are four different modes so parents can customize soothing to baby’s preferences, and it comes with a remote that allows parents to turn it on or off from up to 12 feet away. “This fish tank has been a favorite for all four of my children,” says Hillman. “My two-year-old loves the lights and sound mode for every nap and bedtime.”
This smart baby monitor contains a super-powered HD camera that’s compatible with smartphones and other smart devices so Mom and Dad can keep an eye on their little one through the night. It comes with a wall mount to capture a bird’s eye view of baby’s activity. Plus, a breathing band is included to monitor baby’s breathing—and alert parents if they need help. Everyone will sleep soundly with this high-tech gift.
Trust us, this baby shower gift is cuter than it sounds. Gift a diaper bundle arranged like a cute little cake. They’ll get more than just diapers including shampoo and body wash, face and body lotion, baby balm, wipes and baby laundry detergent. Choose the diaper pattern that fits your loved one’s style best (or match it with their nursery’s theme!). Every parent will appreciate as many free diapers as they can get their hands on.
Baby’s post-bathtime ritual isn’t complete without these snuggly hooded towels. Available in a rainbow of colors and patterns, these 100% cotton towels are ultra-soft and absorbent for easy swaddling.
From their hospital bracelet to their favorite stuffed animal, this sleek baby keepsake library helps new parents cherish their little one’s milestones in one organized place. It boasts drawers, labels, envelopes and vertical files for stashing all of their precious moments from birth to toddlerhood. The whole family will cherish this keepsake for years.
Give the gift of time and peace of mind thanks to this high-tech bottle washer. Not only does it clean baby bottles on its own, it kills 99.9% of germs so parents never have to worry about time-consuming (and tiresome) scrubbing—or having to worry about semi-dirty bottles. With six cleaning modes, 20 high-pressure spray jets and a large capacity that cleans, sterilizes and dries four bottles at a time, this is one of the most high-tech baby shower gifts parents will benefit from every single day.
A budget-friendly portable sound machine that’s perfect for on-the-go lullabies, this device clips onto cribs, strollers and playsets. It features four relaxing sounds: white noise, heartbeat, ocean and lullaby. Plus, it boasts the National Sleep Foundation’s seal of approval.
Perfect for the Friends-lover on your baby shower gift list, this baby bodysuit is downright adorable and sure to be their baby’s go-to ‘fit. Choose from a variety of sizes from 0 to 18 months old and two sleeve lengths. Now that’s one of the cutest baby shower gifts!
We could dedicate a whole list to breastfeeding products alone. If you get one as a baby shower gift, let it be this manual Haakaa breast pump.”I will sing the Haakaa praises for the rest of my life,” says Gina. “I found this manual breast pump essential for breastfeeding.” It relies on natural suction for pumping, making it not only portable but ideal for busy mamas everywhere.
The best baby shower gifts are ones that are tailor-made for baby, like this customized nursery pillow. Not only does it boast a pretty flower print, but baby’s birth traits are sprinkled all over for a personalized design. It’s a gift parents will cherish throughout their little one’s childhood! Check out more personalized baby gifts they’ll love.
When in doubt, keep it sweet and simple with gear to deck out their nursery—and keep baby warm and cuddly. “Baby blankets are big, and babies can’t have them in the crib until they’re older,” Gina says. “That’s where lovey blankets make beautiful baby shower gifts. Anything from Jellycat, like this bunny lovey, is a total hit with kiddos these days.” Plus, the lovey comes in more fun animals and colors guaranteed to impress expecting mamas.
The Skip Hop wipe-clean changing pad is a registry fave—and it makes sense why. No cover is required thanks to its cushy foam surface, making it ideal for easy clean-ups, meaning no extra laundry for Mom and Dad.
Help welcome your loved one’s newborn with this cozy bathtime gift set. It’s stocked with all the essentials like gentle shampoo, body wash, conditioner, bubble bath and body lotion. Bonus: A bath toy is also included. Mom and Dad will be thankful to have a nourishing personal care set on hand after their little one arrives.
Everyone’s favorite cozy essential gets a pint-sized upgrade with this adorable Barefoot Dreams baby blanket. Don’t be surprised when they carry this blanket well into childhood—it’s that cozy.
The most adorable NutriBullet blender ever, the baby food prep system is as convenient as it is fun when meal prepping for a little one. The set includes a blending bowl and motor, a mini cup with handles, storage containers (plus a date dial to track freshness) and a silicone tray to store up to 12 ounces of pre-made baby food. Homemade baby food awaits!
ICYMI: Bibs with catch-all pouches for food and spills are all the rage in the parenting world. Snag these adorable silicone bibs before your loved one’s baby shower for a quick and sweet gift.
Every baby needs an entertaining activity center, which is why we recommend this Fisher-Price jumperoo that sits, spins and bounces while baby plays. “When I say my daughter loves this bouncer, I mean it,” raves Caitlyn.
“It has different levels to fit your little one’s height, and it plays music when the different accessories are touched. It keeps my girl entertained while I put away dishes or open Amazon deliveries. We especially like to use it before bedtime to wear her out.”
Babies require a lot of gear. Sure, a diaper pail may not sound like a super sexy gift, but it’s an essential item parents will thank you for later. “The Ubbi diaper pail is amazing, comes in different colors and traps smells so well,” says Gina. “I especially love that it doesn’t need special bags like some diaper genies require.” Trust us, you can’t go wrong with practical finds like this.
The award-winning Owlet Dream Sock is so much more than just a sock. It’s a wearable monitor that wraps around baby’s foot and tracks their sleep quality, like how many times they wake up, movement and even oxygen levels and heart rate. Baby’s vitals connect to the Dream App for easy monitoring by Mom and Dad.
And with access to sleep prompts and a digital sleep coach, the app acts as a source of guidance to new and seasoned parents. The dream sock is perfect for babies 0 to 18 months old and will help new parents sleep peacefully knowing their little one is safely asleep.
The Fridababy healthcare kit is a pediatrician-approved starter kit that will be there for Mom and baby from day one—and well into their toddler years. It includes a peri bottle, newborn clippers, a nail file and a hospital bag for Mom all neatly packaged in a reusable pouch that makes for fantastic baby shower gifts.
“Upon first glance, you might be wary of trying the Windi and NoseFrida, but both are a lifesaver when your baby is gassy or stuffy,” says Cher. “The Windi provides instant relief, and the snot sucker comes in handy every time baby gets a cold, which is quite often if in daycare.”
Hello, tummy time! Aesthetic and oh-so practical, this play gym is about to be a staple in baby’s routine from their first several weeks to toddler age. “This Lovevery Playgym is life,” says Gina.
“We used it every single day. for the first year of our daughter’s life, and now at 19 months, we’re still using it because it has a cover to become a little tent. It also comes with an awesome book/cheat sheet that talks through different developmental activities you can do during the baby’s first year based on where they are developmentally and it’s honestly amazing.”
Perfect for pet lovers, this customizable book depicts silly conversations between baby and the family pet. Personalize it with the name of your loved one’s furry friend (bonus points if you add their newborn’s name) for a gift the whole family will enjoy.
If you’re shopping for soon-to-be parents who are short on living space, this space-saving high chair is the perfect gift. It grows with baby from infant to toddler years thanks to three recline positions and four belt adjustments, and it fits on most dining and restaurant chairs for optimal space-saving. As a bonus, the deep food tray is machine washable.
Not only is this simple rocker a number-one bestseller on Amazon in stationary baby swings, but it boasts more than 19,000 five-star ratings. It’s a high-quality and affordable baby swing, with six swing speeds, plush fabric and a starry mobile to keep baby comfy and entertained.
Both Mom and Dad will be happy to flaunt this stylish diaper backpack that includes a spacious interior, more than 10 pockets and a changing pad for on-the-go diaper changes. Interior insulated pockets keep bottles cool, while exterior side pockets offer easy access to wipes. And the backpack easily attaches to strollers for shoulder-free carrying on the go.
Give the gift of precious moments with this modern baby book that documents baby’s milestones. The book is filled with thoughtful prompts and pockets to keep track of every little memory, and you can choose from a variety of book fabric colors to fit your loved one’s aesthetic.
Just like an activity center or play gym, a baby bouncer is always a welcome baby shower gift. This top-of-the-line pick comes highly recommended by our Social Media Director, Mel Matzker. It keeps little ones entertained when parents need to focus on household tasks, work or take time for some self-care while keeping baby within view. From one mama to another, “My baby loves this bouncer, and yours will too,” says Mel.
Help Mom and Dad capture their little one’s growth month-by-month with this Instagrammable muslin blanket. They’ll get one blanket printed with months 1 through 12, a felt triangle to frame baby’s age and a black and white triangle muslin blanket as a bonus.
A newborn must-have, this pack of swaddles is perfect for babies 0 to 3 months old. The bottom zipper makes for painless diaper changes so baby stays swaddled at all times. “What I loved most about these were the hook and loop closures,” adds Cher. “They are way more convenient when you have a tired baby and can’t remember how to burrito-wrap your baby in a blanket like they did at the hospital.”
Billed as a bottle “helping babies easily transition from breast to bottle (and back!),” these anti-colic bottles are a new parent essential. The bottle mimics the shape and feel of the breast, making the feeding transition as smooth as possible. Choose from two adorable colors.
This HD baby monitor grows with baby through their toddler years. Interchangeable lenses give parents multiple views of their little one, and the display screen includes a speaker and a zoom-in and out option. The best part of all? It’s noise-reducing, so parents will only hear their baby’s sounds (and nothing in the background) for a restful sleep.
As Missy’s preferred brand for car seats and strollers, the Graco Modes Nest travel system is a 3-in-1 car seat, stroller and bassinet that’s guaranteed to wow any parent on your list. The infant car seat carrier easily attaches and detaches, while the stroller itself converts into a bassinet and toddler seat. The extra-large stroller basket offers optimal storage for baby essentials. Parents will be happy to have this high-tech stroller on hand through their little one’s toddler years.
This portable baby dome doubles as a play center and napping spot. The canopy protects baby from harsh weather and bugs, while two hanging toys make for entertaining play. It folds flat, so Mom or Dad can pop it in their car trunk and pull it out when adventure calls.
A most-wished-for baby gift on Amazon, this diaper caddy helps Mom and Dad organize their little one’s essentials around the house. It features eight external products and three roomy compartments, giving it versatile use as a diaper caddy, storage basket or changing table organizer. Plus, it’s lightweight and foldable so parents can take it on the go.
Every parent needs a lightweight stroller, and this Bugaboo travel stroller is a convenient option designed for kiddos up to 50 pounds. Its extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy keeps little ones safe from the sun while its breezy panel keeps them cool. But the best part? This stroller takes just a second to fold and unfold. “I love that I can hold my daughter in one arm and use the other to quickly lift and unfold this stroller,” raves Marisa. “And the spacious basket which comes in handy when we’re on the go.” This stroller is sure to become their go-to when exploring parks and attractions and is undoubtedly be one of the best baby shower gifts to receive!
A Pottery Barn Kids bestseller, this convertible crib grows with baby through their toddler years—and it’s pretty to look at, too. It easily adapts from crib to toddler bed to daybed, safely caring for little ones until they reach 50 pounds. Select the color that best fits your loved one’s aesthetic and they’ll be thanking you for years to come.
No new parent wants to immediately think about their child getting sick, but the truth is that babies sometimes fall ill. It’s better to be prepared than not, and many parents have been thankful that they’ve had a thermometer handy when needed. This no-touch thermometer (which works by pointing it at the baby’s forehead) gets bonus points for being super easy to use and entirely non-invasive.
Once baby gets bigger, they’ll be out of the bucket seat and into a convertible car seat. After that, it’s onto a big kid booster seat. Sound like a lot? That’s because it is. Luckily, Britax has solved that problem with this all-in-one car seat which is designed to last up to 10 years. Better yet, it’s comfortable for little ones and has a slim design to help maximize backseat space. “I love this car seat,” raves Marisa. “It’s a breeze to install, doesn’t take up a ton of room in our already packed car, and is easy to clean. Best of all, my toddler is comfortable and happy in it, which is especially important given the amount of road trips we take.”
For this piece, we consulted baby gift expert Jamie Grayson. Jamie is a dual-certified CPST and internationally recognized baby gear expert on TikTok with 20 years of experience in the industry. He is passionate about helping parents decide on the best baby gear for each family through honest and entertaining product testing, reviews and parenting events, both virtual and in-person.
Our product experts and parents thoroughly researched and tested the following items to help you impress expecting parents—and ease their anxiety. We hand-selected gifts ranging from smart sleep tech to healthcare essentials and developmental must-haves based on overall quality and gift-ability. Babies require a lot of gear, so you can rest easy knowing these gifts are what expecting parents need.
If you’re buying for a coworker or acquaintance (someone you’re not close to), a gift of around $30 to $50 is more than adequate. Expect around $50 to $100 for closer friends and family members. And for those you are closest to, you should probably be spending around $100 to $200. Of course, this heavily depends on your comfort levels, budget and the specific asks of the parent(s)-to-be.
While there are a lot of gifts you should expect to see at a baby shower—including strollers, car seats, diapers, baby clothing, bottles, bedding, etc.—there’s not really any single “typical” gift. That being said, you should be able to figure out what to bring well ahead of time, as most parents these days have a registry where they can put all the specific gifts they need and want, and all you have to do is buy them.
Yes, it is typically traditional to show up to the baby shower with a gift. You shouldn’t be expected to bring anything else unless you’ve been tapped to help plan the event. Furthermore, you should always pick the gift you bring from the registry, as it exists specifically to cover the needs of the new parents, and shopping outside of that could be considered thoughtless and rude.
In times past, it was much more difficult to figure out an appropriate gift to bring to a baby shower, especially if you’re hoping to avoid buying the same gift someone else brought. Nowadays, registries take all the guesswork out. These handy databases allow the parents to assemble a collection of potential gifts they want and/or need and allow the guests to purchase those specific gifts ahead of time. Furthermore, the parents can set numerical limits to the gifts, so only the number they need/want will be available to purchase.
