Baby Shower Gift Guide

By Heather K. Scott, Tribune Content Solutions

If you’re struggling to find that just-right gift for mom or baby, be sure to check out our list of ideas and inspiration. We’ve got special gifts for mom, top registry gift picks, and unique presents to bring to your next baby shower.

Gifts for mom 

Shower mom with gifts to help her relax and recover from childbirth in style. These ideas will make her feel cozy, comfortable and appreciated as she eases into new motherhood:

• Gift certificates
• Pedicure or manicure
• Pre-paid massage
• Free house-cleaning session
• Comfy clothes
• Robe
• Pajamas
• Slippers
• Commemorative jewelry
• Digital magazine subscriptions, books or movies
• At-home spa supplies
• Bath oil or salts
• Lotion
• Candles

Registry gifts for baby

The most popular baby shower gift usually include items from the registry and baby clothing, says Katherine Kommer, lead planner for k Lane Events and founder of Baby Showers Inc. (babyshowersinc.com). Some of the top registry gifts seen at baby showers she has hosted or attended include:

• Swings
• Bassinets
• Carriers
• Bathtubs
• Diapers
• Strollers

“Guests really like to give clothing, just remember the parent's tastes may not be the same as yours,” says Stephanie Coffin of Bellies, Babies & Beyond, an online resource for parents (belliesbeyond.com). Clothing ideas that can be found in a multitude of unisex and gender-specific styles include:

• Baby booties
• Swaddling blankets
• Baby socks
• Sleepers
• Baby bunting
• Baby caps
• Bibs

Unique gift ideas for baby

“A popular trend is to request a book in lieu of a gift to start a library for the baby,” says Kommer. “This is a great idea for a unisex gift. Guests can leave a note and sign the book they bring so that when the parents-to-be read to baby, they’ll be reminded of their special guest,” she adds.

Additional one-of-a-kind gift ideas include:

• Monogrammed baby blanket
• Personalized baby pillow
• Baby’s zodiac-inspired gifts
• Knit or homemade baby clothes and hats
• Original artwork for the nursery
• Baby journal (for mom to write letters to baby)

Nostalgic gifts for mom and baby

Sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t layette essentials, but personal items that carry significance or are nostalgic for the new parents. “Some of the gifts that I have thought were great (included) Items that the grandparents saved that belonged to the parents when they were kids,” Coffin says.

Specific gift ideas include:

• Baby blanket or quilt
• Favorite stuffed animal
• Vintage baby books
• Music box

Etiquette dictates that you don't necessarily need to bring a gift for a little one to the baby shower party. You can also wait to send your gift once baby is born. If you do decide to go this route, it can be a nice gesture to bring a small token for mom or baby to the party — a heartfelt card, flowers or a baby rattle with a note tied to it are all good ideas.

Unique gift ideas for baby
“A popular trend is to request a book in lieu of a gift to start a library for the baby,” says Kommer. “This is a great idea for a unisex gift. Guests can leave a note and sign the book they bring so that when the parents-to-be read to baby, they’ll be reminded of their special guest,” she adds.

Additional one-of-a-kind gift ideas include:
• Monogrammed baby blanket
• Personalized baby pillow
• Baby’s zodiac-inspired gifts
• Knit or homemade baby clothes and hats
• Original artwork for the nursery
• Baby journal (for mom to write letters to baby)

Nostalgic gifts for mom and baby
Sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t layette essentials, but personal items that carry significance or are nostalgic for the new parents. “Some of the gifts that I have thought were great (included) Items that the grandparents saved that belonged to the parents when they were kids,” Coffin says.

Specific gift ideas include:
• Baby blanket or quilt
• Favorite stuffed animal
• Vintage baby books
• Music box

Etiquette dictates that you don't necessarily need to bring a gift for a little one to the baby shower party. You can also wait to send your gift once baby is born. If you do decide to go this route, it can be a nice gesture to bring a small token for mom or baby to the party — a heartfelt card, flowers or a baby rattle with a note tied to it are all good ideas.