8 Baby Shower Gifts to Skip and 8 New Parents Will Absolutely Adore
Baby showers are a time for joy and celebration, but the gift you choose can either be a hit or a total miss. Knowing what to buy and what to avoid can be tricky.
This article breaks down 10 common baby shower gifts that might not be as appreciated as you think, alongside 10 gifts that are sure to please any expecting parent. Make your present count with thoughtful choices that are both useful and delightful.
Terrible Gift: Newborn-Sized Clothes
Newborn-sized clothes might seem like a safe choice, but babies grow so quickly that these outfits often get very little use. Parents might end up with more newborn outfits than the baby can wear before outgrowing them.
Opt for larger sizes that the baby can grow into, providing longer-lasting utility and appreciation from parents.
Great Gift: Diapers and Wipes Subscription
A subscription for diapers and wipes is a practical and thoughtful gift that any new parent will appreciate. These essentials are in constant demand, and having them delivered to the doorstep can be a huge relief.
A subscription service not only saves time and effort but also ensures that parents are well-stocked with these much-needed supplies.
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Terrible Gift: Heavy, Bulky Baby Gear
Heavy and bulky baby gear can be a nightmare for parents who have limited space or prefer mobility. Items like large swings or high chairs can dominate living spaces and become more of a burden than a help.
Instead, consider compact, space-saving gear or ask the parents what specific items they really need.
Great Gift: Gift Cards
Gift cards are an excellent choice because they offer flexibility and allow parents to purchase exactly what they need when they need it. Whether it's for a baby store, a general retailer, or even a food delivery service, gift cards can help alleviate the financial burden of new parenting.
This gift puts the power of choice in the parents' hands, which is always appreciated.
Terrible Gift: Scented Baby Products
Scented baby products, such as lotions or soaps, can seem like a luxurious treat but they often contain irritants that can be harsh on a baby's sensitive skin. Many parents prefer to stick to hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products to avoid potential allergies or skin reactions.
Opt for organic or certified gentle skincare products if you want to gift something in this category.
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Great Gift: Books for Baby
Books are a fantastic gift that can encourage bonding and early literacy. A selection of board books, picture books, or even subscriptions to children’s book clubs are gifts that keep on giving, providing lasting value beyond the baby years.
Books are not only educational; they offer a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond with their child through reading.
Terrible Gift: Stuffed Animals
While stuffed animals are cute, they can accumulate quickly and often end up as dust collectors in nurseries. Too many plush toys can pose a cleaning and storage problem, not to mention potential allergens for the baby.
If you're considering a toy, choose something educational like a sensory toy that aids in the baby's development.
Great Gift: Portable Changing Pad
A portable changing pad is an essential for any parent on the go, making diaper changes possible just about anywhere. These pads are lightweight, easy to clean, and can be stowed away in a car or diaper bag.
This practical gift is sure to be a hit for parents who are often out and about with their little one.
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Terrible Gift: Complex Assemble-Yourself Kits
Kits that require extensive assembly can be frustrating and time-consuming for parents who are already overwhelmed. Items that come with complicated instructions or too many parts can end up unused and taking up space.
Opt for baby gear that is easy to use and set up, ensuring that it becomes a convenience, not a chore.
Great Gift: A Professional Photo Session
A professional photo session is a thoughtful and unique gift that parents might not buy for themselves but will definitely cherish. This gift provides a way to capture the beauty and fleeting moments of new parenthood and babyhood in a professional manner.
The photos from this session will be treasured memories of this special time that parents can look back on for years to come.
Terrible Gift: Impractical Fancy Outfits
While fancy baby outfits look adorable, they are often impractical for daily wear and can be uncomfortable for the baby. These outfits can be restrictive, difficult to put on, or not suitable for the baby’s daily needs.
Gift comfortable, easy-to-wear clothes that prioritize the baby’s comfort and the parents' convenience.
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Great Gift: Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is an invaluable gift for parents, offering a hands-free way to keep the baby close while going about daily tasks. Carriers promote bonding and can be especially useful during the baby’s first months.
Choose an ergonomic carrier that is comfortable for both the baby and the parent, ensuring it is a gift that gets used often.
Terrible Gift: Generic Nursery Decor
Generic nursery decor may not match the parents’ tastes or the theme of the nursery. Decor that is overly specific can clash with existing aesthetics or simply not fit the space.
If you wish to gift something for the nursery, consider a personalized item that reflects the family’s style or needs.
Great Gift: Health and Safety Kits
Health and safety kits that include items like a baby thermometer, nail clippers, and a nasal aspirator are essentials that not every new parent thinks to buy. These kits equip parents with the necessary tools to handle common baby care tasks safely.
This practical gift reassures parents that they have the essentials covered, especially in times of need.
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Terrible Gift: Loud Toys
Toys that are loud can be annoying and disruptive, especially in a household trying to keep a baby asleep. Parents often appreciate toys that stimulate the baby’s development without causing a racket.
Consider quiet but engaging toys that help develop skills like problem-solving or fine motor coordination.
Great Gift: Sleep Aids
Gifts like sound machines, night lights, or swaddle blankets help create a soothing environment that encourages sleep. These aids can be a lifesaver for parents struggling to get their baby to sleep through the night.
Such thoughtful gifts demonstrate a consideration of the parents' well-being as well as the baby’s.
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