What are some good baby shower gift ideas?

I brought a copy each of Dr. Spock’s baby and childcare book, and T. Barry Brazelton’s book on newborn care. No one else brought anything like that, and the mother-to-be tells me that she has used that gift the most. On the card I wrote “Here are the manuals.”

Umbrellas. It hurts when babies land on your head.

why, i oughta…

One thing I’ve heard new moms appreciate is help! You could make “coupons” for things like a dinner you cook, or babysitting while the grownups go out to do something that doesn’t involve baby poo or baby puke.

If that’s not your thing, there’s a big selection of ROCK-a-bye Baby! CDs that feature lullabye renditions of bands that even parents can appreciate, like Queen, AC/DC, Bob Marley, and the Beatles. Seriously.

Get her something off of her registry… that’s what expectant mothers really want. At least the ones I know do! If I get one more freakin’ picture frame etc. I am going to scream. People register for stuff because that’s what they need and want.

A nice postpartum care kit, a nice robe, slippers, a gift certificate to a spa for hair and nails. New moms always want to feel good and look good after having a baby, or even a gift certificate to the gym. What is really good is a postpartum belly wrap which really works… I’m a new mom…

It has taken until I became a grandmother to get this right.

1. If the family is registered at Babies R Us (or anywhere at all), buy something on their list.

2. If they are not registered anywhere, do one or more of the following:

a. Give a gift card that can be used anywhere, e.g., Visa or AMEX

b. Write a note with an invitation to a lunch out and take her shopping to pick something special she still needs/wants.

c. Give a gift for the mom-to-be instead of the new baby, e.g., a charm bracelet with one or more charms related to a new baby (little blue or pink baby shoe maybe) or spa/bath items to make her feel special.

d. Make a set of coupons for special favors, e.g., baby sit while she takes a well-deserved nap, home delivery of a favorite take out food, a bouquet of flowers brought with a smile, time to listen (the key on this is to include your time to support her not just some token gift)

Ps. She really needs a good friend and support after having a baby, she is going to be really emotional and hormonal..

I would recommend Dr. Sears over Dr. Spock. Every parent is different, so I’d avoid getting a specific parenting book.

I think getting her a kit to memorialize the baby’s feet and hand prints would be sweet.

@laureth I LOVE those cd’s! My son can’t sleep without them!

Pay for a maid service to come once a week for a couple of weeks. I also like the robe and slippers idea.

Generally I agree, buy off of the registry for the BABY, but something especially for your sister is really nice.

I agree with the post partum gifts. Even doing some luandry or making dinner for the parents after the baby is born is like a little piece of heaven.

Since you already got a gift for the baby, I would get her a gift for herself that has nothing to do with the baby. I know this sounds odd, but my mom got me a nightgown and a really comfy pair of jogging pants for me to wear when I came home. When the baby comes home everything is about the baby. The momma tends to become second. She will get so much stuff for her new baby, and I imagine you will continue to buy stuff for the baby since you will be an aunt. Comfy home clothes, a new journal, chocolate, favorite scent of lotion, do something just for her.

@jamielynn2328 I cannot believe I didn’t mention buying her chocolate! Great idea.

@JLeslie I know that I LOVED chocolate milkshakes when I was pregnant.

@jamielynn2328 I wonder if there is a chocolate of the month club? That might be a great idea for a business if there isn’t one already. Chocolates from around the world. But now I am off topic.

I think my favorite gift was a laundry basket full of useful items such as lotion, baby shampoo, baby wipes, bibs, baby powder, Desitin (you can never have too much Desitin!), onesies and bottles.

You just don’t realize how quickly you can go through these items if you’ve never had a child.

Speaking from the husband’s perspective.. nothing but diapers and wipes.. lots of them. LOL… but for a personal gift to your sister.. well.. that’s.. personal I guess. I can’t begin to know what your sister would like. Maybe some kind of locket that she could put the baby’s picture in as well as her husband’s so they will always be close to her heart? (cue the crowd noise: awwwwwww) or maybe a ticket on a cruise ship… now that would be nice… if money were no object.

If she’s planning on breast feeding there are a lot of new items out that make it a lot more comfortable. My daughters swore by their “Boppy Pillows” and there are kits with creams and pads that make it a lot easier too. Also, blouses that you can. Hide a nursing baby under are nice too. She probably won’t fit in her pre maternity clothes right away but will be sick of her maternity clothes so a cute top could be great.

@Judi I still have my Boppy Pillow. Great answer! I use it as a back rest now (5 years after my daughter was born).

I loved the boppy, and my son loved it as well. And I have a Snoogle…can’t wait to bust that bad boy our when my stomach gets bigger lol

that could be labelo or jonsons gels.

A baby bath full of baby bubble bath, shampoo, sponge, baby scissors, thermometer, nappies, bottles, dummies etc…

Or alternatively something for mum/dad… a nice bag (to take into the hospital) filled with sweets to suck on during labour, essential oils (pregnacy safe of course) magazines, puzzle books, bubble bath, make up case, face cloth, baby naming book, drinks, water spray- to keep cool, book and pen- to write down lists of things to pick up from home whilst in hospital and to keep a record of any gifts given, coins/phone card – to announce the birth!

You could go wild with anything they enjoy really :)

http://www.vermontteddybear.com/SellGroup/Pregnancy-Bear.aspx?bhcp=1 this is quite cute :)