- Nursery Articles -
50 Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas for 2023
When you receive the exciting news that a loved one is expecting, there’s plenty of joy and excitement to go around. You want to help them celebrate with a thoughtful gift, and even if there’s a baby registry, it can be tough to know where to start.
To make the process of picking out a gift easier, we’ve highlighted 50 of the best baby shower gift ideas that are guaranteed to help make navigating newfound parenthood a little easier.
Practical Baby Shower Gifts
As much fun as it is to bring fancy gadgets and funny mementos to a baby shower, parents will appreciate the essential gifts that they will use the most. Check out this list of practical baby shower gift ideas for inspiration.
1. Diapers and Wipes
You can’t go wrong when you bring diaper bag essentials like diapers and wipes to a baby shower. They are the most practical gift and will definitely be needed. Some parents may opt for cloth diapers for environmental reasons, so make sure to find out what their preference is before purchasing.
2. Diaper Bag
Treat Mom or Dad to a practical yet stylish diaper bag they can stuff with all the diapers, wipes and other essentials they’ll need when they’re out and about.
3. Bouncer Chair
A bouncer chair is great to have when parents need to take on other tasks. It keeps baby safe, entertained and comfortable while the parents handle other priorities.
4. Baby Carrier
Any new parent will love a wearable baby carrier to keep their baby close and their hands free. Look for a model that offers extra lumbar support.
5. High Chair
A high chair is a mealtime essential that will last from infancy to toddlerhood. It's also a great gift for co-workers or friends to pitch in on together as a coordinated group gift.
6. Feeding Mat
Once babies get to the age where they can start feeding themselves (and drop everything on the floor), a feeding mat really comes in handy. Silicone mealtime accessories are durable, easy-to-clean options that also promote self-feeding.
7. Drool Bibs
Every parent knows you can never have enough bibs to help keep those little drool machines clean. Look for distinctive patterns or prints you know the parents will love.
8. Toddler Clothing
Baby clothes are a standard baby shower gift, but it’s good to buy clothes that the baby will be able to grow into. Also, keep in mind the different seasons and what age range the baby will be in during the warmer and colder months.
9. Diaper Pail
With all the diapers a new baby will go through during the first few years, a reliable diaper pail is essential. A diaper pail effectively seals in odors, which keeps the room fresh.
10. Wearable Blanket
Baby will be super snug for bedtime or when on the go in a cute, wearable blanket. These blankets are great for new babies to keep warm during colder months!
11. Storage
Storage is an extremely practical gift, as there are lots of accessories that go with a newborn. Whether it's baskets, hampers or a diaper caddy, anything that helps keep the nursery cute and organized will be helpful—doubly so if it’s for twins.
12. Changing Pad
Changing pads are a necessity when it comes to the nursery. Grab a basic changing pad and a few adorable covers to go with it to help make sure you match the nursery theme!
13. Baby Tub
Make bath time easier with a supportive baby tub. Designed for all stages of infancy, these bath accessories cradle the baby from head to toe while allowing water to drain through.
14. Activity Gym
Make playtime fun with an interactive activity gym that will keep the baby entertained and stimulated.
15. Travel Playard
A travel playard is a portable crib that’s perfect for naps. This gift is great for parents who travel a lot or for those who plan to drop their bundle of joy off with friends and family.
16. Play Mat
It may be months before baby is ready to crawl around—or even sit up on their own—but when that time comes, their parents will be glad to have a play mat. Until then, it’ll also make a great changing mat.
17. Muslin Blankets
Muslin refers to a specific cotton weaving that has more breathability compared to other blanket materials. Muslin blankets are great gifts for a baby shower because they are so versatile. They can be used for swaddling, nursing and more.
18. Newborn Lounger
A newborn lounger pillow is the perfect place for parents to set their newborn baby down during playtime. The pillow has a comfy, nest-like feel and also helps keep the little one supported.
19. Teethers
When the teething process starts, parents will be happy to have a teether around to help ease the pain of their baby’s new teeth coming in. They may not need a teether right away, but they’ll appreciate having it at the ready when the time comes.
20. Stroller
Whether it's for errands, a walk around the neighborhood or visiting family, having a nice stroller really comes in handy. When choosing a stroller, consider the family’s unique needs and lifestyle.
21. Stroller Blankets
Stroller blankets are always useful and need to get laundered often, so parents will appreciate having a few to choose from. They are usually smaller than a crib-size blanket and are perfect for fitting over the little one’s stroller or car seat.
22. Bottle Warmer
Parents can evenly heat bottles up in minutes with a bottle warmer, making late-night bottle feeding a little easier. The timer ensures the right temperature for each bottle based on its size and material, reducing guesswork.
23. Baby Monitor
Baby monitors allow parents to keep a watchful eye or ear on baby from another room. A baby monitor that includes a wall mount is perfect for the nursery with its overhead camera, nightlight and sleep-tracking abilities.
Unique Baby Shower Gifts
Looking for a gift that will stand out? Consider one of these unique baby shower gifts. From the latest tech to meaningful keepsakes and distinctive nursery essentials, these ideas will put a smile on the parents’ faces—and the baby’s.
24. Artistic Toys
Since the little one may be too little to play with all of their toys for a little while, why not go for something that’s also pleasing to look at in the meantime? Artistic wooden baby toys can make for fun nursery decor until the little one is old enough to start handling them.
25. Smart Baby Monitor
Let parents track their baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels from anywhere with a tap of a screen! A smart baby monitor fits around the baby’s foot to check their vital signs so parents can make sure everything is okay no matter where they are.
26. Nursery Wall Decals
Though the parents may have already designed and decorated their nursery, putting up decals is a creative way to further personalize the space. Look for options that are versatile and, ideally, match the nursery theme.
27. Baby Food Maker
Parents who prefer to eat homemade meals will love having a baby food maker. They can create delicious and nutritious meals from start to finish in a flash without having to rely on store-bought options.
28. Nursery Organizers
From diapers to hygiene products to pacifiers and everything in between, there are a lot of little things to keep track of in a nursery. New parents will appreciate having plenty of storage options to stay organized and have everything they need at the ready, particularly if they have a small nursery.
29. Pacifier Clip
Babies tend to drop items and throw things on the floor, so a pacifier clip is sure to come in handy! A plush pacifier holder is a cute option that doubles as a stuffed animal friend.
30. Plush Nursery Rocker
You can’t go wrong with play items that are adorable enough to double as decorations. Consider gifting this nursery staple that baby can grow into over the coming years.
31. Hooded Baby Towels
Nothing is cuter than a baby wrapped in an animal hooded towel after bath time. It’ll keep their bundle of joy warm and create the perfect opportunity to snap some pictures.
32. Night Light
Night lights are a childhood staple and make bedtime a little more relaxing. For an unexpected gift that’s both functional and decorative, try a fun night light.
33. Sound Machine
Many parents find that their newborns enjoy having soft, soothing white noise playing as they transition into their new home. A sound machine is a great way to help baby sleep soundly—a perk the parents will appreciate, too.
34. Fun Onesie
The more onesies a baby has, the less often parents have to run laundry, so this gift is always appreciated. If you know the parents-to-be well, look for a quirky print that will make them smile.
35. Stroller Caddy
When Mom and Dad are out and about with the stroller and baby, they’ll need to have their essentials close at hand. A stroller caddy will help them keep their cell phones, wallets and other necessary items accessible.
36. Bassinet
It’s likely the new parents will already have a crib set up for their new baby, but they may not have considered an alternative sleeper like a bassinet. A great portable option, a bassinet is a handy option to have ready to lay the little one down to sleep in the parents’ room, living room or any space outside of the nursery.
37. Portable Table Chair
Portable table chairs are comfortable, convenient and easy to attach to most tables, making mealtime simple for everyone. They’re also much easier to pack and travel with than a high chair for parents who often travel or drop off their little one with friends or family.
Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts
Not all gift ideas need to be practical. Bring one of these thoughtful baby shower gifts to show the parents and their new bundle of joy just how loved they are.
38. First Year Frame
Babies grow so fast. Fortunately, parents can keep track of their growth with a first year frame by documenting each month of baby’s first year.
39. Items for a Hospital Bag
When labor starts, it’ll take a huge weight off Mom’s shoulders if she has a bag pre-packed with hospital stay essentials. Pick items like comfortable loungewear or a soft wrap that’ll make her feel as comfy as possible.
40. Personalized Christmas Ornament
If you know the parents love to celebrate the holidays, they’ll appreciate this gift any time of year. Opt for a personalized option to commemorate the little one’s first Christmas.
41. Nursery Diffuser
If you’re looking for an unexpected gift, consider a diffuser. Pair it with soothing essential oils to help give any space a warm, peaceful atmosphere.
42. Nursery Decor
Give the thoughtful gift of on-brand decor to the soon-to-be parents. If you aren’t able to see the space before the baby shower, find out from the parents or someone who knows if they’ve set a nursery theme or color scheme. Then, pick a unique decorative element that matches so you can be sure you’re giving the type of item they would have picked themselves.
43. Story Scrapbook
Baby’s story begins well before they’re born, so the parents will love being able to start filling it up now. For bonus points, print out photos from the baby shower or bring a camera that creates instant prints so the parents can start recording that story at the celebration.
44. A Calming Journal
A calming journal is a great gift for new parents, as parenting can be a stressful job. A calming journal is designed to help ease anxiety with different tips and writing prompts that will be great to have once the baby arrives.
45. Artistic Displays
Nurseries provide countless opportunities for showing imagination and whimsy. Even seemingly utilitarian features like shelves can contribute to an aesthetic, providing toy storage options while also serving as a decorative element.
DIY Baby Shower Gifts
If you’re more of a hands-on gifter, homemade options might be more your style. Consider some of these cute DIY baby shower gift ideas in lieu of a store-bought item.
46. Papier-mâché Lantern
The possibilities for papier-mâché are endless, and this crafting staple is perfect for making a creative lantern shade. Start with a basic corded light bulb and craft the design of your choice to fit around it.
47. Personalized Wall Art
Consider creating personalized wall art that matches the parents’ tastes and the nursery’s aesthetic. Even if you’re not the world’s greatest artist, try your hand at simple line or text art.
48. Baby Care Package
Help the new parents be ready for anything with personally curated baby care packages. Fill a basket up with baby registry essentials, and consider filling another one up with parent-friendly items like candles, coffee and chocolate.
49. Custom Mobile
With a few items you can find at any hobby store and a great concept, a creative gifter can easily put together a custom mobile. Align your design with an aesthetic you know the parents will adore.
50. Night Light
A nightlight is a versatile, useful addition to any nursery that brings a touch of style and ambiance. It’s also the kind of piece a nursery could use more than one of and may get overlooked during the design process.
Keep in mind that while baby showers are technically meant for the proverbial bun in the oven, in many ways they’re still more about the tastes and needs of the parents. Whether you’re shopping for new parents or are planning your own baby shower, we hope this list of baby shower gift ideas gives you some new inspiration!