Some people trace the roots of baby showers all the way to the Victorian Era. However, the modern baby shower originally started near the end of World War II when mothers were expecting the baby boomer generation.
The tradition has changed a bit since then, but the theme of this little party is still the same: the giving of gifts for quite a momentous occasion—the birth of a young child. Choosing the right baby shower gifts can be a bit daunting at times, ergo this guide.
The tips and rules of thumb mentioned below may help you find the perfect gift.
Rule #1–Stop Giving Nursery Decorations
The first baby shower gifts rule of thumb is not to give nursery decor as a present. Not only is this a cliché, but it is also a bad idea for two very important reasons:
- It is something that will not be used regularly, so it is not practical for the parents and the baby that’s coming along the way.
- Parents usually want to decorate the nursery using their own themes and style. Giving decorations gets in the way of that.
So, right off the bat: remember that you shouldn’t give decorations for the nursery.
Rule #2–Make It Personal
Another important rule for giving baby shower gifts is to make the gift personal. It is quite likely that you know the parents of the baby very well—you wouldn’t be invited to the baby shower if you didn’t.
That means you can choose a gift that will make a wonderful keepsake that can last for years. Don’t give generic gifts like sippy cups, onesies, and others. Try a personalised baby spoon or a memento that will remind the parents of your love and affection for the family.
Rule #3–Give Something Practical Like a Gift Card
Gifts with practical uses will come a long way. A good example will be a gift card. There will be times when the new parents will run out of supplies like baby wipes or diapers. A gift card is something that they can use, especially when they’re in a pinch. It can be anything from gift cards for free babysitting to food delivery services. They will be staying up late during the first months, and having a way to get food delivered is a great blessing for the couple.
Rule #4–Choose the Staples
The next rule of thumb for giving baby shower gifts is to give them some of the staples. Baby diapers and wipes will go a long way. It is also a gift that you will never go wrong with. Having extra emergency supplies on hand when you don’t have the time to go to the store will be a big help to them.
Rule #5–Check the Registry
Online registries are becoming very popular nowadays for parents who are having baby showers. If you’re still unsure about the baby shower gifts that you can bring, then check it out. It will contain a list of items that the parents themselves have specified. These are the very things that they will need, and they will be highly appreciated.
Online registries are everywhere. You can even look for the parent’s names on Amazon, and you might find a registry that they have made. Don’t hesitate to ask the would-be parents for their registry address—they will be more than happy to give you the link.
Conclusion
Picking gifts for baby showers can be tough at times. But by making things personal and choosing practical gifts, you are helping expecting parents get a good head start.