Baby Shower Gift Ideas That Are Actually Useful (For Mom & Baby)

If you want to bring something when you’re visiting mom after she has the baby and you need some ideas, our list of what to bring when you visit a new mom has a ton of options.

Diapers And Wipes

Babies go through a ton of diapers, more than a new mom probably expects, so it’s great to give a few boxes of diapers and baby wipes with your gift. What I’ve heard from new moms is that babies usually outgrow newborn diapers very quickly, so it’s better to buy sizes 1 and larger.

A really great idea is to stock up on diapers and wipes when you see them on sale, then gift them to your friend either at her shower or when you visit a new mom.

Baby Washcloths

When I was brainstorming for baby gift ideas a few years ago, my friend told me to get baby washcloths. She said you go through a ton of them as a mom and you don’t want to constantly do laundry just for those. She said the larger the pack, the better.

There are some really cute packs out there, but I think function (and bulk) is most important to new moms when it comes to these.

Baby Bibs

Bibs are definitely something that babies need. Look for ones that are drool bibs because they’re great for when the baby is teething. The new mom won’t want to use them when the baby is feeding, but rather when she’s out and doesn’t want the baby to drool all over itself and ruin its outfit. 

These are the kind of practical baby shower gifts that mom forgets to put on the registry, then realizes she needs when baby gets here. So they’re great to pick up and add to your shower gift.

Sleep & Comfort Essentials For Baby

If baby doesn’t sleep, no one sleeps. So this is a really helpful section for everyone.

Sound Machine

Ever since my nephews were born, they’ve had a sound machine in their rooms. Originally, it was a white noise machine, but since then other colors and sounds have been added to create the most soothing environment for sleep.

And, when the baby sleeps, the parents sleep. So, a sound machine is a great gift idea.

We suggest a travel-size sounding machine rather than a full-size one. A full-size one may be on the couple’s registry, but that takes up a lot of space when they’re packing a bag for grandma‘s house. So, having a small but powerful travel-sized machine is so incredibly helpful.

Stuffed Animals

I still have my very first two stuffed animals that my parents bought before I was even born. They were in my crib with me and are now in my house.

So, you’re looking for something really special, buy a small stuffed animal that’s the perfect size for tiny hands.

It will help the baby sleep when they’re young and bring them comforting nostalgia when they’re older.

Pacifiers

Babies love pacifiers, and new parents do too. They are so soothing for babies … but, for some reason, they seem to get lost often.

Even if these are on the registry, you might want to pick up some extras for new moms. She’ll be able to keep them everywhere — her purse, the car, every room of the house — so they are handy in case the baby spits one out and it goes missing.

Personalized Books

I know, I know. Babies can’t read. Yet. But mom and dad can. So books are a great idea.

Actually, there are some showers that request you bring a baby book instead of a card. That way, you can sign the book and the baby can have a huge collection of books. Then, when the baby gets older, it’ll really be a special collection. Even if the baby shower invitation doesn’t request it, I usually try to do it now. I really like the idea.

A personalized book is perfect. I gave some to all my nieces and nephews and it was fun to personalize them.

Bath Books

Babies smell so lovely and fresh, but they do need to take baths to keep that newborn smell. Bath books help to keep them distracted while mom and dad are bathing the baby.

If you pick up one with a classic design, like Disney, it can transition with the baby when he goes from taking a bath in the sink to the actual bathtub.

Stacker Toys

One of my go to gifts is the Fisher-Price rock-a-stack toy. It’s such a classic baby gift. So, if you’re looking for something classic and fun, this is it.

There’s a plastic version for younger kids and a more modern wooden version that’s geared to kids who are a little bit older.

I know, it seems a little counterintuitive to give non-newborn gifts at a baby shower, but remember, most people are giving newborn items. And, well, the baby will grow up. So having some items for the baby’s future play is really helpful for mom, even if she doesn’t realize it yet.

Baby Clothing Gifts

Babies only stay in newborn clothing for a short time, so getting clothing in various sizes is a great idea.

Mommy (Or Daddy) & Me Clothing

I love giving clothing because then I have an excuse to shop for cute baby clothes. But so does everyone, I’ve learned.

So be sure to keep the tags on any baby clothes you purchase. That way, if the parents receive too much in one size, they can exchange some of the clothes for larger sizes.

And, if you’re like me and you still really want to give clothes, just make sure to vary the sizes: one newborn, one 3 to 6 months, one 6 to 9 months, and one 12 month. Just make sure to count and see what month it will be when baby will be fitting into those clothes so you can buy items for the right season.

Baby Shower Gifts For Mom

Mom is the real MVP here, so definitely get some gifts to remind her how amazing she is — and to help her after her baby is born.

Tumbler (Or water bottle)

Moms need to stay hydrated, especially breastfeeding moms. But, because mom is thinking about her new baby, she forgets to take care of herself.

So buying her a nice tumbler or water bottle is a good idea.

Look for one with a sturdy lid so if she’s grabbing it with one hand, there’s less of a chance that it will spill. Also look for one that isn’t too heavy because she’ll be holding this with one hand while her baby is in the other.

Coffee Gift Card (Or coffee-themed gift idea)

In the beginning, mom’s running on fumes. She’s not getting very much sleep, her body is exhausted from breastfeeding and caring for her baby, and her mind is worrying in a way that it never has before.

So, she deserves all the coffee in the world.

You can either get her a gift card to her favorite coffee shop so she can grab a pick me up or you can put together a coffee gift (which is easier for her because she’s not getting out of the house very much). Fill it with bottles of shelf stable coffee and a couple of coffee-themed snacks like chocolate covered espresso beans to ensure she’s getting her caffeine in.

Meal Delivery Gift Card (Or a postpartum meal train)

When my neighbor had her son, another neighbor set up a meal train. Everyone in the neighborhood took turns bringing her food for the first couple weeks so she didn’t have to focus on cooking.

If you have a community that can rally around the new mom, this is a great help.

If you don’t have that tribe, get her a gift card for a food delivery service or her favorite fast food restaurants. That way she can order something for dinner rather than having to figure out what to cook.

Self-Care Basket

Mom is going to be spending so much time taking care of her baby, she’s gonna forget to take care of herself. You can’t be there all the time to make sure she is hydrating and taking care of herself, but a self-care basket is the closest way to do it from afar. 

Fill a basket with items specifically for her, like an aromatherapy spray, comfy slippers, a face mask if she’s into that, fancy chocolates, and a really cozy sweatshirt (maybe one that says “Mama” on it).

Because she can’t pour from an empty cup. But she’ll try.

(Quick note: We have a list of self-care items for women, if you want to shop that link and put together your own basket. Or you can shop for fully-made ones below).

Store Gift Card (Target, Amazon, etc.)

There’s a very good chance your friend has a baby registry and an even better chance that not everything on the registry is getting purchased.

So, a great gift idea is a gift card to that store. That way, the new mom can pick up everything she wanted but didn’t get.

What To Buy From A Baby Registry (That Still Feels Thoughtful)

Moms-to-be make babies registries filled with what they want and need for their baby. So, it makes sense to go to the registry and buy something off it. Honestly, the new mom will be very happy with that.

But, if you want to be a little more creative, shop off the registry with intention.

Pair a registry item with gifts of your choosing for the best of both worlds. If you buy the diaper bag off the registry, add some non-registry items mom will end up carrying in the diaper bag, like cute clothing for backup outfits and fun baby toys.

You could also buy some everyday items that mom will need, but aren’t being purchased (like baby lotions and a diaper rash cream). Those might not feel like a gift, but the baby needs them and mom will be really happy to have them.

Purchase Baby Shower Gifts Online:

Of course, these are just our suggestions for baby shower gifts. They’re not all of the ones out there. There are more great ideas, like Lovevery toys (or a Lovevery subscription), online.

You can purchase specific baby shower gifts at the following sites online:

• Amazon – Amazon is great because there’s a huge variety and you can ship the item directly to the new mom.
• Etsy – You can find really unique and personalized items on Etsy.
• Target – Target has a ton of baby items (which is why many new moms create registries here).
• Walmart – Walmart has practically anything and everything a mom needs.

Don’t forget to look for a store’s cart minimum to qualify for free shipping. Consider curbside or instore pickup in order to avoid shipping charges.