A baby shower, a sprinkle or even a sip-and-see; call it what you will etiquette states they’re generally gift giving events. While showers can be bursting with love for a new mom, they are also a tricky social event to maneuver. It’s important to remember, all mothers are not created equally. If there is no shower registry (like this ideal list) or you decide to go rogue and avoid the registry there are a few considerations to be made when finding the perfect baby shower gift.
The personality of the new parents.
If mom is the sentimental type, you may look at a more traditional gift or keepsake. If she’s the fashionista Instagram mom, cute matching outfits will be loved. The more practical moms (raises hand) might rather have everyone pitch in for a good stroller, a baby carrier, or even cases of diapers!
Never underestimate the gift of help!
As a mom of six, the more children I had, the less actual “gifts” I wanted. The best “presents” were people taking my toddlers and pre-schoolers to the park to let me have some time alone with the baby. My friend recently had triplets and I set up a meal train. A meal was dropped to her house every night for three months. She said having dinner served during that newborn phase with triplets was like a wish come true.
Think beyond the infant stage.
Parents sometimes forget to think beyond the baby phase. Infants are tiny for about FIVE MINUTES! Think about what products and clothing items you might want when they are 18 months old. Investigate what friends with older babies and children are using. Often parents are overwhelmed with gifts for the first 6 months, but after that find themselves without the essentials they need.
Your own go-to’s
Moms make the best recommendations! I know some of my favourite products came at the advice of other moms in my village. If you have a go-to item, you can’t live without buy it for a new mom and let them know how much you love yours! I recently purchased a Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair for a new mom. My kids STILL use theirs as tweens and teens!
Stay safe by buying a gift from into one of these safe categories:
- Essentials
Curate a baby medicine kit, lots of new parents overlook simple drug store items that will be a lifesaver in those first couple of months. Fill a basket or storage container with essential items like a baby thermometer, vapor rub, baby sunscreen, Vaseline, baby powder, nasal aspirator, teething medicine, wipes, and liquid vitamin drops.
- Personalized
If the new parents already know the name of their child, gift them with these fun personalized rainbow crayons. These can act as décor in the nursery at first, and then when the child is ready to start using them. And of course, baby will be going to daycare in the blink of an eye, so Mabel’s Labels is a must have.
- Unique
It’s never too early to start sharing the love of reading with child. Fill a basket with books from a variety of topics. These can vary from fairy tales, poetry, science to social justice, and the classics like Goodnight Moon and The Giving Tree. A very special book I recently discovered is Words of Wonder which is perfect for new parent and baby. In each book, write a note to the baby with words of encouragement or life advice that relate to the book’s message. These books will help fill the shelves of their first library, and they will also act as words of encouragement and wisdom as the little one grows up.
And most importantly…
Whatever gift I give, I insist that mom just thank me verbally and NOT send a “thank you” card. Letting a tired new mom off the hook for some of the traditional etiquette is a gift in itself. Above all, I support mama taking time for a nap instead of writing “thank you” cards! Let me know your perfect baby shower gift!
You can never go wrong with this Baby Shower Label Gift Pack!
