A baby shower is such an exciting time for a mum-to-be. Whether she is a first-time mum or a fifth-time mum, the journey is always a new and unknown one, welcoming another little life into her arms. It can be hard to find the perfect gift to celebrate this special occasion. Often, the mum-to-be has already stocked up on all the essentials she needs and you can be left feeling a little unsure about what might be helpful or appreciated.
If this sounds like you, don’t worry, we have you covered. We will walk you through a variety of unique gift ideas for a baby shower that you may not have even considered before.
Personalised Baby Gifts
How nice is it to receive something that has been personalised just for you, or in this case, for the littlest love in your life? It adds a special touch to any present and will be treasured for years to come. Of course, this one can be tricky, as many parents these days are choosing to keep the gender a surprise, and if they do find out, they generally keep the chosen name to themselves until the birth.
But there are ways to get around this and offer a special, personalised gift.
Instead, get the words ‘Baby’ with the last name of the parents to be (if they share one). For example, if the couple is Mr and Mrs Smith, get Baby Smith embroidered, printed or engraved on the item. You can also choose to wait until the baby is here and let the mum know that your gift is in the making.
So what gifts can be personalised? Here are just some great options out there:
- Embroidered Towels
- Engraved Spoons
- Embroidered Teddy Bears
- Personalised Onesies
- Personalised Jewellery
- Embroidered Blankets
Baby Gift Baskets
Can’t decide on just one gift? Baby gift baskets are the perfect way to spoil a mum-to-be, and you can include all your favourite items (or the ones you think she will love). The best part about this present option is that you can put it together yourself with products you collect over time. It also takes the pressure off finding the perfect gift. Simply head to a $2 store and pick up one of their straw baskets. Add a little bit of tissue paper on the bottom, then add the products you have picked out before wrapping it up with reusable gift wrap ready to go. The mum-to-be will appreciate the thought and effort that has gone into this and will love going through each item you selected yourself.
Wondering what might go inside?
Here are just a few options you can consider:
- Cloth Nappies
- Blanket
- Bonnet
- Crochet Basket
- Bibs
- Books
- Booties
- Mittens
Modern Baby Gifts
Did you know that the contrast of black and white is easy for a newborn’s eyes to process? Babies aren’t born with good eyesight like you or me, it takes a while to develop, which is why contrast is so helpful for them. As the child focuses on the contrasting shapes in black and white, they are training their eyes to team and converge on one incoming image and therefore developing visual efficiency skills that are later needed for writing and reading. If you’re looking for a unique gift that no-one else will have thought of, check out this Monochrome Sensory Cube. You can include a special note to the mum-to-be explaining exactly why you chose the gift and how it can help their little one’s development in the early days.
Baby Blankets
This is often one of those overlooked baby gifts, but let’s be honest, a very important one. Blankets and swaddles are just so useful and are used every day, which is why there is no such thing as too many. You can wrap the baby up in them, you can throw it over yourself while you are breastfeeding in public, you can drape it over the pram to help the little one sleep, and you can tuck them into the bassinet each night and keep them warm. The options are endless, which is why you can never go wrong with a blanket.
Here are just some of our favourites:
- Eucalyptus Muslin Blanket
- Mabel Baby Blanket
- Taggie Blanket
Baby Nursery Items
Some mums are very organised and have the nursery set up during pregnancy, but you will find plenty of mums wait until bub is here before they get decorating. This is something you can suss out with your friend. If they have already started setting up the nursery, ask them about the theme. Perhaps you can find a unique piece they can add to the nursery?
If they haven’t yet started, then you can find a few pieces to help them out. One perfect way to keep it gender neutral and matching a variety of themes is to look out for rainbows! It adds a nice pop of colour and will blend into any nursery design. Plus, if it isn’t right for the nursery, then there is also the playroom (where all the baby’s toys will be kept), which most parents keep nice and bright.
Looking for some rainbow inspiration? Check these out:
- Rainbow Plushie
- Polka Dot Garland
- Enfys Baby Blanket
Baby Teething Toys
This is an inevitable for every parent – a teething baby. Every baby will go through it at some point, but parents just never know when. For some, it starts as early as a couple of months, while others can be waiting the full year for any signs. Either way, you know one present that won’t go to waste is a good quality teething toy. Teething babies love nothing more than to put something into their mouth to have a good chew on and help with the pain in the process. This is one of those gifts that will keep on giving for both the baby and the new parents as well.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to choosing the perfect teether? This teething ring is just great for little hands to grasp with the option to personalise it.
Handmade Baby Gifts
Still feeling undecided about what to get the mum-to-be? Then take a peek at some handmade businesses, because you are sure to fall in love. There are so many amazing mum businesses out there creating a variety of beautiful products in their home. What better way to spoil a new mum-to-be than by purchasing from a mum working from her home?
There are so many options from clothing, bibs, blankets and dolls to teddy bears, backpacks, bows, beanies and so much more.
Picture Books
It’s the one thing (that in my opinion) you can never have too many of: books. This one has to be one of my all-time favourite present options, as it is so practical and can be nice and personal too. You can pick out one of your childhood favourites (for me it's Beautiful Oops), and add a little note to the baby at the front of the book. Every time they read the book they will see your special note and be reminded of the gift and why it is important to you.
Picture books also work well instead of a card. Add a book to your chosen present and write a message in it and unlike most cards – it will be treasured for years to come.
Still stuck for ideas?
Just remember, it’s really is the thought that counts. A baby shower is all about celebrating a new life that is soon to come into the world, so no matter what you end up choosing, you really can’t go wrong.