Baby Shower Gifts Moms Will Genuinely Appreciate

Finding a baby shower gift that moms will genuinely appreciate means adding an extra bit of thought about what kind of present suits that specific mom-to-be. Is this her first child-rearing experience? What’s her personality type? Picking a gift that is both functional and fitting can set it up for a very appreciative reception at the baby shower.

First: Is the Gift for Mom, Baby, or Both?

Babies burn through supplies at a record pace. There’s no denying the value in helping a mom stock up on disposables during the baby shower—diapers, wipes, and bottles. After all, that stuff can seriously add up. When we buy baby shower gifts for friends, we tend to show up with a couple of these practical gifts as well as a more long-lasting gift that benefits the family unit through the months and years ahead. Personally, we like to include something for just the baby and something just for the parents.

Gifts for New Moms-To-Be

New moms get to enjoy the fun, precious aspects of having a baby while enduring, for the first time, the less-than-pleasant sides of parenting. As moms ourselves, when we pick out gifts for a new mom, we tend strike a balance of functional and fun. Some ideas are:

• Baby gear they can use for multiple months like bouncers, swings, etc.

• Bassinets that match mom’s home decor

• Gift cards for baby stores where they can pick up anything they realize they need along the way

• Postpartum tools they might not know they’re going to need

• Food service delivery

Gifts for Experienced Moms

Moms for whom this is not their first rodeo can still enjoy all the same baby shower gifts as a first-time mommy. Keep in mind, though, the items they may already have. Car seats, cribs, and the bounty of toys might all end up a burden on moms who are looking to implement hand-me-downs for their new baby. Instead, here are some gifts for veteran moms:

• Photography gift cards or pre-paid sessions for updated family photos

• Healthy snack packages to keep cravings at bay before and after delivery

• At-home pain relievers like foot spas, heating pads, and weighted blankets

• Books for the new baby as well as any older siblings

• Gift cards gift cards gift cards. She knows what she needs better than you.

Planning for childbirth is an exhausting and anxiety-inducing experience for most moms. Baby showers are, to us, the perfect opportunity to celebrate the baby on its way into the world and the mother who has carried this child. Moms will genuinely appreciate baby shower gifts that are personal or customized, so consider adding a twist to your gift that shows them you care about mom as a person too.