Baby Shower Gifts
New parents are drowning in tiny onesies and stuffed animals. The gifts they actually remember are the ones that make those chaotic first months easier — practical essentials they didn't know they needed, and a few treats for the parents themselves.
1A Swaddle Blanket Set
You can never have too many swaddle blankets. They're used for swaddling, burping, nursing, stroller covers, play mats, and about 47 other things in the first year. Muslin cotton in neutral prints is always a safe bet — soft, breathable, and machine-washable.
2A Diaper Caddy or Organizer
A portable diaper caddy that moves from room to room is the kind of gift new parents rave about. Fill it with a few diapers, wipes, and diaper cream, and you've basically given them a survival kit they'll grab 15 times a day.
3A Sound Machine
A white noise machine is the unsung hero of infant sleep. Babies sleep better, parents sleep better, and the whole house benefits. Look for one that's compact, has multiple sound options, and plugs in (battery-operated ones always die at 3 AM).
4Baby Books or Board Books
A small collection of classic baby board books is a timeless gift that gets used for years. Goodnight Moon, Brown Bear Brown Bear, The Very Hungry Caterpillar — these are the books that get read 400 times and are loved every single time.
5Something for the Parents
New parent life is relentless, and everyone forgets about the adults. A gift for Mom and Dad — a cozy robe, a meal delivery gift card, or a nice insulated tumbler for their cold coffee — shows you're thinking about them too, not just the baby.
6A Baby Care Essentials Kit
A set of baby grooming essentials — nail clippers, a nasal aspirator, a digital thermometer, and baby-safe shampoo — is the kind of practical gift that saves a panicked midnight pharmacy run. Parents always need these and rarely think to register for them.
The most appreciated baby shower gifts aren't the cutest — they're the most useful. When in doubt, ask a parent friend what they wished someone had bought them. The answer is always something practical.
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