You might make your purchase from a registry for an easy solution. But in the absence of a registry—or if you’re just looking to personalize your contribution—our list includes some of the best baby shower gifts you can give, whether you’re looking for practical or sentimental picks. Natasha Burgert, MD, a Philips partner pediatrician based in Kansas, explains that the best gifts are “simple, interchangeable, and long lasting.” And ultimately, the best baby shower gifts are ones your guest of honor can really use. “Most parents of new babies enjoy practical gifts versus sentimental ones,” advises Bethany Cook, PsyD, MT-BC, the author of “For What It’s Worth – A Perspective on How to Thrive and Survive Parenting Ages 0–2.” To put together this list, we sought feedback from child development professionals and other relevant experts, and chose innovative and highly reviewed picks across a range of price points and functions. From affordable game-changers to big-ticket splurges, these are the best baby shower gifts for 2022. Price at time of publication: $22 Think of this as a fancy cappuccino maker but for formula. It makes a warm bottle of formula at the touch of a button—and this Wi-Fi-enabled model even allows parents to make a bottle right from their smartphones. (Genius.) This works for formula-feeding or formula-supplementing parents, no matter the brand of formula or bottles. Price at time of publication: $180 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $170 The cute sweater comes in a variety of colors—from Barn Red to Birch White—and in infants’ sizes 6M, 12M, and 18M. Parents note that the sizing runs large, so plan ahead when you order. Price at time of publication: $59 Price at time of publication: $42 Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $100 Price at time of publication: $49 Price at time of publication: $60 The 100% cotton onesies feature bottom snap closures for quick changing and come in a range of sizes—from preemie to 2 years old. Price at time of publication: $18 Made from easy-to-clean, BPA-free material, the “shusher” features adjustable volume control, so it won’t keep everyone else awake while it relaxes baby. Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $210 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $24 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $15 Price at time of publication: $65 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $78 Price at time of publication: $24 Price at time of publication: $85 Price at time of publication: $50 Price at time of publication: $399 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $95 Price at time of publication: $190
What to Look for in a Baby Shower Gift
Practicality
It’s easy to pick out a cute baby gift, but often, the most beloved gifts are the ones that are the most useful for parents. Consider items that will help babies sleep or make outings easier. If you’re a parent yourself, remember what products you found to be lifesavers when your child was a newborn. If you’re not a parent, get recommendations from others who are. “You don’t want parents to be overwhelmed with more unnecessary stuff,” explains Melissa Bowley, founder and CEO of the baby registry platform Flourish Fund. “I think mixing one fun gift with other useful items is the way to go. That way you can have a little fun, but also make sure the new parents are getting what they want and need.” Stick to essentials and choose quality, she advises. “Many parents are combining some products and a gift card for an excellent experience for the parents or family into one gift. That way the new parents are getting the stuff they need, but also the support services they need such as sleep consultants, lactation consultants, or doulas to name a few options,” Bowley suggests. “It’s the best of both worlds!”
Sentimentality
Especially if you know that all the basics for a newborn have already been bought, consider a gift that will help parents remember this special time. Whether you make it personal with a monogrammed item or give something to help with photos and scrapbooking, gifts that hold sentimental value will be remembered long after the shower. It’s OK to give a gift that’s more sentimental than practical “when you know the parents’ and babies’ basic needs are met,” Cook says. “Buying a cute outfit when someone is struggling to afford diapers isn’t helpful. Ask the parent if they need any supplies or self-care type items, and if they don’t, feel free to buy fun.”
Style
There’s definitely something to be said for those gifts that elicit all the “oohs” and “awws” at a baby shower. Baby gear can be downright adorable, and it’s fun to find gifts that match the parents’ style and taste as well. Finding a gift that’s practical, cute, and personalized is the ideal trifecta.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. She loves to get her kids involved in gifts and have them each pick a favorite board book (or two) for the new baby. As a mom, she loved gifts that were for her, since the baby was sure to receive plenty of gifts. Cook says the most useful—and appreciated—gifts are the ones that keep on giving, like a “house cleaner, a certain number of hours of babysitting, a personal trainer, homemade meals, or takeaway budget,’’ she suggests. Beyond that, remember that the gift of love and support is truly the most valuable one. “People want to buy cute little clothes and toys for the baby but honestly the best gift a baby can have is a happy parent to care for them lovingly,” Cook says. “Happy and low-stress parents equal happy and content babies.” “Let the baby get a bit older and parents get a little more sleep before passing down family heirlooms or giving keepsake-type gifts that may inadvertently get thrown out or broken during the first 12 months,” she says. “Breakable keepsake items that require dusting or safe storage don’t offer practical help.” Additional reporting to this story by Alesandra Dubin Alesandra Dubin is a professional product reviewer in the parenting and lifestyle space. She’s also mom to boy-girl twins and has attended, planned, and been the guest of honor at numerous showers.
