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
http://www.MyHandyDaddy.com has adorable unique handcrafted gifts for new dads and sports fans. They can be customized to make the perfect shower gift!
My favorite gift I recieved was Girlie Glue! I had never heard of it. It is ALL-Natural and sticks bows on my baby’s head and they stay all day! Now that is always what I give if they are having a girl! I LOVE it! Less than $5 too and it will stick on ANY accessory. girlieglue.com
There are some very cute items over at http://www.kollettibambini.com/ that would make great baby shower gifts. Lots of toys, clothing and even organic products for all price ranges.
Not too expensive gifts but shining with love !!!
My favorite was books, as well. Almost everyone gave me a book for my son, usually along with another gift. So we had a great library of books started when he got here. I also loved the quilt my m-i-l made for me.
I received lots of handmade receiving blankets and my Grandma made me a custom crib skirt. I had the hardest time finding a dog themed bedding set for girls.
Oh gosh, my favorite gift was a no-sew blanket my friend made for my daughter. She is not known to be crafty so it felt more special that she actually made something!
I love that rabbit lamp!
My favorite gift was probably the fluffy blanket that started them all for all my kids. A friend’s mom got Gabriel this big fluffy blanket that became his lovey. He’s had 4 in different colors. The other two kids have two each of the same blankets in different colors.
I don’t think I have a particular gift that stands out as a favorite. I justlike how I remember that for both my sons, my parents bought the bed sets, and that my grandmother searched for the perfect blanket and outfit to bring them home from the hospital, and that my very best friends were always so thoughtful and supportive, not just because of the gifts they gave. I have to say, the tradition of giving a dish set is really sweet!
For me it’s been a long time since I had a baby shower, but I always loved a handmade baby quilt or any personalized baby item.
I so love the Rabbit Lamp. I want one just for me. To cute!!!
My favorite gifts were the books everyone gave us. I mentioned to my MIL that I’d love if people can purchase books instead of cards and so she wrote this in the invites. I got so many great books for the baby and they all have a personal saying from each person
My family (mom, aunts, uncles, grandparents) all chipped in to help buy my nursery furniture. That was my favorite shower gift.
Those plates are so cute! I never had a baby shower, but I always appreciated when I was given something practical like diapers. Those aren’t very fun, though, huh?
I’m hoping for both the big stuff (stroller, car seat) and clothes. I wouldn’t mind stocking up on diapers too. I’m glad to see some ideas tho – things I wouldn’t know to ask for!
It’s been so long since I had a baby shower (11 years) that I don’t really remember them
But I still attend showers and always have a hard time choosing gifts. But from the gifts you have shown, I love the bunny light, it’s so cute!
Besides all of the gorgeous handmade blankets I received from my mom for both of my children, one of my favorite shower gifts for my daughter was a Winnie the Pooh lamp. It was in the shape of the big tree that Pooh lives in and had star cut outs on the top — I guess it was more of a night light. I loved that thing, it was so cute and durable and she used it for years!
My mom made my daughter’s crib set and gave it to us as a gift. I absolutely love it! She is the only one who has it and she custom made it to match our decor. My mom even embroidered her name on it!