Having just had a baby less than a year ago, one thing I am not is a stranger to gifts from a shower. My shower was fantastic and it was so nice to see family and friends together. I know it’s a lot harder to be on the other side of the giving end than the receiving. There is so much to choose from for a new mother! You always have to ask yourself…WHAT do they want? WHAT do they need?

Should I get something practical like diapers, cute like sweet baby clothes, or something special and unique? I am a fan of giving all types of gifts to an expecting mom and here are some suggestions for your next party!

 

5 great gifts for a baby shower

Feed Her Well

China Sets

One thing my grandmother (in law) does for all her grandchildren is gift them with one set of china from Tiffanys. Charlotte has an Alison in Wonderland one and I hope that Phoenyx ends up with one this upcoming Christmas. While not everyone can run to Tiffanys for a plate, cup and spoon, I love the tradition of having a place set that inspires you to add to it as the years go on. If you bought one more setting each year till they were an adult, they would leave the house with their first real China (before marriage!). Just make sure you include mom in on the deal if you go this route.

 

She is loved

Stuffed Lovies

Honestly, I am not a huge fan of stuffed animals in general. My cats always seem to pee on them and now that we have a dog, he seems to find them and commandeer them as chew toys. At any rate, a snuggly for the baby is always a welcome gift to any nursery. Find something soft and sweet like a bunny or cuddly and loving like a bear. Little P loves his little bear that his grandmother gave him a few months back. He holds it to his face and hugs it and it is so sweet to watch at even his age. I think kids just in general love to hold something soft and it’s an easy item to put in a baby box for future memories once it gets “loved out”.

Keep Her Warm

Baby Blankets

Everyone and their mother (sometimes literally their mother) will knit you, buy you, and make you a blanket when you are pregnant. But I am here to tell you that even if I had 100 blankets, it’s never enough. From keeping warm, to spreading on the floor, swaddling the baby, much needed burp clothes, and snuggling up close, all types of blanket are important to a new mom. Sometimes I look around and wonder if my own house can handle another blanket, but then I see Charlotte make blanket fort and know they are all still being put to great use.

Light Her Way

Lamps and Nighlights

In my sons room, I have it all done in a beach theme. His nightlights were from a special store on the beach in my hometown and made from shells to match his room. I think having little extra touches like nightlight, lamps, light switches, and other unique decor can really set a room up in going from good to great! Help out the new mom out by finding her something that matches her nursery while also providing a little light (like this Rabbit Lamp) in the dark during those midnight feedings.

And there are a LOT of midnight feedings.

Make her Unique

Wall hangings

When I was pregnant one of the nicest things I received was a wall painting for Phoenyxs room with his name and a picture of a Phoenyx on it from my friend Kim. It was so unique and special and something he can have for years to come. His name will never be out of style, kwim? Find mom something beautiful to hang and if the babys room ever changes theme, its an easy fix to bathroom decoration or a wall mount.  I think giving the gift of a picture on the wall is something that very little will think of but often finishes up a nursery quite nicely.

Of course not all of these gifts are traditional in the sense of a baby shower and as a newer (again) mother, I urge you to bring a box of diapers to the shower as well. But it’s always nice to think of of the box and bring a unique present. However, no matter what you bring, your presence and support for most new moms is enough.

Now tell me, do you have a favorite gift from your child’s baby shower?

~trisha