72 Unexpected Baby Shower Gifts That New Parents Will Love in 2024

As a result, I’ve compiled this list with 72 ideas for baby shower gifts that are actually and unexpectedly used and appreciated.

I hope it will help you find something both special and appreciated to give to your friend or family member.

This article is unique as it’s based on real experiences shared by new moms on Reddit.

So, what’s the perfect baby shower gift?

While opinions vary, many new parents appreciate gifts that make their lives easier in those first challenging months.

As one forum user put it, “I appreciated when people got us things from our registry.”

However, others found unexpected items to be the most useful. Another user shared, “Most unexpected was some handmade items from a few different aunts.”

If you like unique stuff, I highly recommend checking out my list of 25 adorable crochet toys that are perfect as handmade baby shower gifts.

Ultimately, the best gift depends on the specific needs and preferences of the parents-to-be. Check out the lists below, and I hope you find something you’ll consider a good candidate for the person you’re going to visit.

1. Essential Baby Care Items

• Infant Medicine Kit: Include infant Tylenol, Motrin, gripe water, gas drops, saline spray, and diaper rash cream. “It’s been a life saver! I wouldn’t have bought it on my own but now it’s one of my go-to’s for new parents.”

• Nose Frida: A must-have for clearing baby’s stuffy nose.
• Electric Nail File: Safer and easier than traditional nail clippers for trimming baby’s delicate nails.
• Digital Thermometer: Essential for monitoring baby’s health.
• Humidifier: Helps with dry skin and nasal passages, especially during winter months.

• Baby Vapor Drops: Soothing for congestion and colds.
• Aquaphor: Versatile ointment for diaper rash, dry skin, and minor irritations.
• Boogie Wipes: Gentle saline wipes for cleaning baby’s nose.
• Baby Grooming Kit: Include nail clippers, brush, comb, and other essentials.
• Infant Toothbrush and Toothpaste: For early dental care.
• Baby Sunscreen: Important for outdoor protection.
• Vitamin D Drops: Often recommended by pediatricians for breastfed babies.
• Probiotics for Infants: Can help with digestion and colic.
• Baby First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, gauze, and antiseptic wipes.
• Cradle Cap System: Helps manage flaky scalp common in newborns.
• Teething Toys: Various options like Sophie the Giraffe or refrigerated teethers.

• Baby Nail Scissors: An alternative to clippers, preferred by some parents.
• Baby Scale: Useful for tracking weight gain, especially for breastfed babies.
• Saline Drops: Helps clear nasal passages.
• Infant Allergy Medicine: Useful to have on hand, especially for families with allergies.

2. Feeding Essentials

• Haakaa Breast Pump: A simple, manual pump that’s a “lifesaver” for catching letdown while nursing.
• Breast Milk Storage Bags: Essential for pumping moms.
• Bottle Warmer: Convenient for night feedings.
• Nursing Pads: Disposable or reusable options available.
• Nipple Cream: This Lansinoh cream under the link is a popular brand for sore nipples.

• My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow: “I cannot sing the praises of the my Brest friend pillow enough. I had that thing strapped to me what felt like 24/7.”
• Boppy Pillow: Versatile for nursing, tummy time, and baby support.
• Silverette Nursing Cups: “They’re amazing and worked so well in the early days. So much better than cream IMO.”

• Baby Bottle Variety Pack: Different brands to find what baby prefers. Best brands to match (those highly recommended by parents) are Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic bottle, Lansinoh Breastmilk Feeding Bottle, Philips AVENT Bottle with Natural Response Nipple, Tommee Tippee Natural Start Silicone Anti-Colic Baby Bottle.
• Bottle Sterilizer: Microwave bags or electric options available.
• Burp Cloths: OsoCozy cloth diapers are highly recommended. “Amazing. All the others would get sloppy wet in 2 seconds.”
• High Chair: For when baby starts solids.
• Baby Food Maker: For parents planning to make homemade baby food.
• Silicone Bibs: Easy to clean and durable.
• Baby Led Weaning Supplies: For parents planning this feeding approach.

• Breast Milk Cooler Bag: For transporting pumped milk.
• Nursing Cover: For discreet breastfeeding in public.
• Bottle Drying Rack: Dedicated space for baby items.
• Formula Dispenser: Convenient for on-the-go feeding.
• Nursing Pillow Travel Bag: Keeps pillow clean during outings.

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3. Gifts for Mom

• Gift Box for Expectant Parents: There are cute options on Amazon. See them below.

• Postpartum Care Kit: Include pads, witch hazel pads, perineal spray, and disposable underwear.
• New Mom Affirmation Cards or New Mom Blanket with Affirmation Messages

• Water Bottle: Large capacity with a straw for easy one-handed drinking.
• Snack Basket: Healthy, easy-to-eat options for nursing moms.
• Meal Delivery Gift Card: “Food gift cards are a really great gift too because trying to find time to eat, let alone make something, is so hard the first few weeks.”
• Massage Gift Certificate: For some postpartum pampering.
• Comfortable Slippers: Easy to slip on for middle-of-the-night feedings.

• Lactation Support: Teas, cookies, or consultation with a lactation specialist.
• Bed Tray: For comfortable in-bed feedings or meals.
• Self-care Items: Face masks, bath salts, or favorite toiletries. See two adorable new mom self-care packages below.

• Photo Session Gift Certificate: For newborn or family photos.
• Cleaning Service Gift Certificate: “A 1 time cleaning service. Not a deep clean but even just a tidy up. The first few weeks were horrible and our house looked like a war-zone.”

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4. Unique and Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts

• Personalized Baby Blanket: “One of our closest friends got us a beautiful name embroidered blanket.”
• Personalized Baby Book: With a special inscription from the gift-giver.
• Handmade Items: A handmade crocheted blanket, personalized baby bib, cute personalized baby sweater, or embroidered burp cloth set adds a personal touch to your baby shower gift.

• Professional Photo Session: Captures precious early memories.
• Baby Footprint Kit: Creates a lasting keepsake.
• Monthly Milestone Blanket: For tracking baby’s growth in photos.
• Personalized Storybook: Featuring baby’s name in the story.
• Memory Box: For keeping special mementos and keepsakes.

• Baby Handprint Ornament Kit: A special keepsake for holidays.
• Custom Name Sign: For nursery decor.
• Baby Journal: To record milestones and memories.

• Personalized Growth Chart: Tracks baby’s height over the years.
• Custom Baby Shoes: With baby’s name or birthdate.
• Personalized Family Tree: To display family names or photos.

• Personalized Piggy Bank: For starting baby’s savings early.
• Custom Birth Stats Print: Displays important details of baby’s birth.

• Baby Time Capsule: To be opened on a future birthday.
• Personalized Baby Robe: Cute for after-bath photos.

• Custom Baby Book Shelf: With baby’s name incorporated.
• Personalized Jewelry: For mom, featuring baby’s birthstone, or new mom name first letter.

Remember, while these lists provide many great ideas, the most appreciated gift is often one that’s given with thought and care.

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Wrapping Up: Best Baby Shower Gifts

There you have it, folks – the ultimate list of baby shower gifts that’ll make you the talk of the nursery.

Remember, it’s not about how much you spend, but how much thought you put into your gift. So go ahead, surprise those soon-to-be parents with something they didn’t even know they needed.

Trust me, when they’re knee-deep in diapers at 3 AM, they’ll be thanking their lucky stars – and you! Now, go forth and gift like a pro. Your status as the coolest friend/relative/coworker is about to skyrocket!

Last Updated on November 16, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: August 13, 2024