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You Have the Baby Shower Invite... Now What Gift to Give? |
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Written by Susan Anderson
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Here lately, it seems like everywhere you go you encounter a pregnant woman. I work in an office with about 400 people, and it seems like at least one person a month is popping out with the news that they are expecting, in fact I just had a baby myself four months ago. With all these expectant parents, you are sure to receive several baby shower invites. Many people will often stress over trying to find the perfect baby shower gift, when there really is no need. Most expectant parents would rather receive practical gifts that the baby will actually use, rather than expensive trinkets to sit on a shelf.
One of the most obvious baby needs of course is diapers. It may seem like a dull gift, but most expectant parents are extremely grateful for any bag of diapers they receive. Diapers can become expensive, especially with newborns that have to be changed basically at every feeding. Of course, before you purchase, you should check with the expectant parents or baby shower organizer to see if they prefer cloth or disposable, and whether or not they plan on using a particular brand. I recommend buying different sizes as well, just in case the baby is larger than expected. Often at baby showers the parents are inundated with newborn items, and then left on their own to purchase larger items for when the baby grows. Diapers will be needed for quite a while, and by buying different sizes you can provide for the baby as it grows, and make things easier for the parents as well. Occasionally, you can find a diaper gift set, which includes diapers, bibs, maybe a few bottles, and other baby accessories.
Many people will opt to buy blankets, socks, bibs, etc. as baby shower gifts. That is all good and well, but most of them will all be purchased in newborn sizes. Much like the diapers, the mother will end up with a lot of newborn items that may not even get used, and not enough larger sized items, therefore having to purchase more as the baby grows. Buying a mix of both newborn and larger items will ensure that you are giving a gift that the baby will definitely use, and making things easier for the parents as well.
One often overlooked baby shower gift is savings bonds or cash that can be put away for the baby. These gifts make good starts for college savings, or can help the parents with baby’s financial needs in the future.
Gift cards can be a very useful baby shower gift for expectant parents. Often, they would rather choose the larger baby items themselves, crib, stroller, car seat, etc., and gift cards can be very helpful for purchasing these big ticket items. They also come in handy for any last minute shopping the parents may have to do. Some parents will wait until after the showers are over to do any left over shopping, and gift cards can be redeemed then, saving the new parents some money.
The expectant mother is often left out on the receiving end of things at the baby shower. Of course, there are lots of gifts for the new baby, but mom could benefit from some well thought out gifts as well. Pregnancy takes a big toll on a woman’s body, and most pregnant moms would enjoy receiving bath items, maybe some good non-baby books, etc.
Hopefully, this article will provide you with some tips to help you with your next baby shower shopping expedition. Remember, the small gifts can be just as important as the large ones, and that practicality often will win out over prestige. Try not to forget mom in your shopping as well.
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