Baby Shower Gift Ideas

So you're throwing the shower. And it's a sure thing that people are going to scratching their heads trying to think of the perfect gift ... and be prepared, because they're probably going to turn to you. Now, not only do you have to buy a gift for the mom-to-be, but you have to come up with gift ideas for others. How do you come up with thoughtful gifts that the mom- and dad-to-be will really appreciate? Well, start by considering what qualities a good baby shower gift might have; for instance, it could be...

• something the expecting parents will need to take care of their newborn;
• a gift the baby will enjoy;
• something that will enhance the parents' excitement about starting a family;
• an item for both parents to enjoy (i.e. not baby-related); or,
• something special from you, just for the mom.

If you still aren't sure what to give the parents-to-be, consider these more specific ideas:

• A Gift Basket Full of Baby Supplies (e.g. bottles, pacifiers, toys, etc.)
• A Baby Blanket (Note: If you know how to knit or crochet, make the blanket yourself for an extra special gift!)
• Baby Clothes in Neutral Colors (unless you already know the baby's gender)
• Unique, Homemade Gifts Like a Baby Sock Corsage, a Diaper Wreath, or a Bassinet Gift Basket (Note: To do the latter economically, have all of your guests pitch in to buy the bassinet, and then fill it with one smaller gift from each guest.)
• Parenting, Baby Name, and Other Baby Books for the Parents (Note: We recommend Baby Be Loved by Susan Ann Stelfox and Joel Dugan, and The Baby Book by William Sears & Family.)
• A Unique Picture Frame or Album to Use for Family/Baby Pictures
• A Baby Book
• A Baby Bank (Note: Turn this into an activity by asking your guests to dig through their purses and pockets for loose change. Then, pass a jar or piggy bank around, and ask your guests to drop in their change. Give the collected money to the mom to help start a savings account for the new baby.)

Here are a few more ideas for easing the gift-giving process:

• Coordinate with your guests for some or all of the gifts so that the parents don't receive duplicate items. 
• Encourage the mom-to-be to register at a baby store and pick out the items she wants or needs for the baby. Or, if the shower is a surprise, register the parents secretly, and then provide your guests with the registry information.
  

Gifts for the Guests

In addition to gifts for the parents-to-be, you should also have gifts prepared for your guests. These can come in the form of a few larger door prizes, or as small parting gifts for every guest. Great door prizes include restaurant, spa, or movie theater gift certificates; gift or gourmet baskets; and DVDs or CDs. 

There are also tons of adorable baby shower favors, such as candles, sachets, small picture frames, mildly-scented bath products and, of course, chocolate that you can put in themed party favor bags and give to your guests as they leave.

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