Best baby-shower gift picks: What ‘to-be’ parents hope to unwrap.
Trying to pick a unique baby-shower gift?
It would be excellent if the baby-shower invite came with a precompiled list, with ‘what to gift us’ options. Despite the fact that the variety available out there is infinite, it is maddening to zero down on something that’s gonna fit your budget and the hopes of the recipient, both. It is disheartening to imagine your effort ending up unused, in some dark corner.
Lately, I have realized that my friends keep asking for my advice: What gift to buy for the would-be parents or their newly born wonder? With a two-timer’s experience and a fresh memory from raising my 6-month-old, I guess my position as a ‘reliable advisor’, is strongly placed in this domain.
So, here I am giving you a sneak-peek of my infant-equipped armamentarium. Each suggestion is based on my personal experience, and any new mommy would love to receive these practical and most sought-after gifts.
My list is exhaustive, as expected from a want-all-for-my-kid mommy. Hitherto, I shall focus on the most relevant, and fit for gifting options:
- Diaper-bag
- Baby-essentials’ gift-set
- Cot/Crib toys
- Musical cot-mobile
- Swaddle-wraps
- Superbottoms hamper
- Baby hand/foot-prints, and casts
- Baby-rocker
- Star-projector
- Baby-gym
Diaper bag
A new mom’s shopping list is never complete until it includes this one. While you consider buying this as your baby-shower gift, remember to tick-off the most desirable features.
- Huge space. The list of items it will carry is literally endless.
- Compact and presentable.
- Water-proof.
- Separate bottle storage, preferably insulated.
- Side-pockets for thermos/sippers.
- Partitioned interior, that makes it easy to take out stuff neatly.
- Easy to carry. I prefer a bag-pack style, that keeps my hands unoccupied at all times.
- Travel-friendly.
- Quirky prints. Don’t go for boring, dull stuff.
Baby-essentials’ gift-set
All mommies love to indulge in this, and you will find one that suits your pocket, certainly. Keep a check on some quintessential hallmarks, and you shall not miss the twinkle in her eyes when she unpacks this delight.
- Choose natural baby-products, parents are a bit edgy on the matter, of late.
- Toxin-free.
- Paraben-free.
- Hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Non-perfumed.
- Reputable brand.
- Look for elegantly packing.
Cot/Crib toys
Bright and beautiful welcome-gift for the tiny feet, with a baffling choice available out there, especially for a non-experienced soul. Keep in mind these must-have safety features while choosing the most appealing-to-eyes version.
- Washable/ easy to clean stuff. {Baby-toys are potential germ-nests.}
- Non-toxic, BPA-free, Lead-free.
- No loose/ removable small parts. {Proven choking hazard.}
- Choose one with multiple child-engagement features like a rattle, squeak, crinkling cloth, music, teether, etc. {keeps the child busy.}
- Avoid battery-driven toys. { Not easy to clean and maintain.}
- Soothing, calm vocals. {Avoid buying loud toys.}
- No sharp projections.
- Preferably transportable, finding its use on prams/strollers, car-seats, baby-rockers.
Musical cot-mobile
The most engaging toy a new-born can have. Choose an option with bright colors, having soft music, and an inbuilt projector. I will keep stressing that you keep child-safety as a top priority. Chicco toy forest cot-mobile is a worthy choice, being a reliable brand with
- Inbuilt projector
- Removable soft toys
- Soft-soothing music
Swaddle-wraps
A purposeful choice marked ‘baby-essentials’ in any mom-to-be’s list.
- Muslin cloth is the best, don’t give in to synthetic/ nylon stuff.
- Choose a proper size, avoid towel type small wraps.
- Bright yet soothing colors/ patterns are preferred.
Superbottoms hamper
One trending thing in baby-care these days is using cloth diapers in place of disposable ones, and accordingly, the choice is huge. Having used them myself, I can swear by their utility anytime. After a lot of hit and trial, I have zeroed on Superbottoms as my first choice. Their individual packs or the carefully compiled collection; proffer to be an excellent baby-shower gift.
Baby hand/foot-prints, and casts
A keep-safe for life. I suggest you buy a wall-mountable photo-frame version. The hand/foot-castings/prints are adorable baby-souvenirs for the proud parents.
Baby-rocker
This has been the best gift I received for my princess. She adores it and we love the comfortable safety it offers. The vibration function is a huge hit as a baby-soother. I can’t stop stressing enough on compliance with international safety standards to prevent unwanted accidents.
Star-projector
Every baby in our family has the exact replica, bought one after another. We love this one, hypnotizing music and projection help put babies to sleep. Remote control would be a thoughtful add-on.
- Time-tested, repeatedly
- Calming music
- Soothing visuals
- Very basic version
- Reputed brand
- Crying sensor
- Auto-shutoff
- Detachable, washable toy
Baby-gym
Another joyous option! Although the diversity is bewildering, only a few options will guarantee you the ‘Awwwww!!!! thanks for such a thoughtful gift’.
Pick something that can keep the baby engaged for the maximum time. Foot musical panel is an engaging and desirable addition. Noise-levels should be as per allowed standards, and the dangling parts should not have detachable small/ sharp projections.
Still confused, you may want to look for
- Blanket/bedding-set
- Clothes hamper
- Bath-tub/accessories
- Baby- grooming set
- Bottle-sterilization unit
- Baby-book/ photobook
- Baby food-processor
- Stroller
- Car-seat
- Cot/crib
These are somewhat personal options that need careful selection, and unless you know the couple and their needs, it would be better not to indulge in these. They may not be the perfect choice for them, and your costly present may also prove worthless, ending in some dark corner.
All recommendations are based on my personal preferences being a new-mommy and include my must-have-list participants only. The options available, online and in stores, are so huge and may baffle anyone going down this lane. I hope, I could help narrow down your choices to a meaningful few.
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links that get compensated for the products, in case you make a purchase through them. I am an independent blogger and the recommendations are done based on my own opinions.