The most appreciated baby shower gifts are usually the least exciting to wrap. Here is what new parents actually reach for.
The consistently useful
- Muslin wraps. Used as blankets, burp cloths, sunshades, pram covers and privacy screens. Nobody has ever complained about receiving too many.
- Nappies in larger sizes. Everyone gives newborn size. Size two and three arrive when the gifts have stopped and the parents are tired.
- Clothing in six to twelve months. The zero to three months drawer is always overflowing while the next size is empty.
- Sleeping bags. Genuinely useful, and two in each TOG is the practical number.
- Fitted cot sheets. Four to six is realistic, and most families start with three.
- A gift voucher. Unglamorous, and it lets them buy the thing they discover they need.
Gifts that last beyond the baby stage
- A framed photograph or a quality frame ready for the first photos.
- A box frame for keepsakes, which holds hospital tags, hand prints and a first photo together.
- Books. Board books survive toddlers and get read hundreds of times.
- A good quality towel or bath set, which outlasts most other gifts.
Gifts to think twice about
- Newborn-size clothing. Already covered several times over.
- Cot bumpers, pillows and quilts. These should not go in a cot at all, so however beautiful, they cannot be used.
- Soft toys. They accumulate rapidly and cannot go in the cot for infants.
- Strongly scented products. Newborn skin is sensitive and many families prefer fragrance-free.
- Anything requiring assembly, unless you have checked they want it.
- Car seats and cots, unless specifically asked. These are personal, size-dependent choices tied to their car and their room.
If you do not know them well
Stick to consumables and neutral colours. Nappies, wipes, wraps, plain cotton bodysuits and vouchers are always safe. Avoid guessing at nursery themes or brand preferences.
If you know them very well
Ask. Most parents-to-be have a mental list and will tell you gladly. Alternatively, offer something that is not an object at all: a few home-cooked meals for the freezer, a load of washing, or an afternoon holding the baby while they sleep. These are remembered far longer than anything wrapped.
A note on group gifts
For larger purchases such as a pram, cot or nursery package, a group contribution towards something they have already chosen is far more useful than several separate items. Check what they have selected rather than choosing for them.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend?
There is no expectation. A pack of muslin wraps chosen thoughtfully is better received than an expensive item they will not use.
Is it bad luck to give gifts before the birth?
Customs vary between families and cultures. If you are unsure, ask, or give a voucher that can be used whenever they are ready.
What about gifts for the parents?
Very welcome and rarely given. Good coffee, a meal delivery, or anything that acknowledges there are two adults in the situation.
Gift ideas in store
Babyworth stocks wraps, bedding, frames and gift items at our Peakhurst showroom, and vouchers are available.