Do You Wrap a Book for Baby Shower

When your friend shares the exciting news that they're becoming a parent, there's plenty of excitement and maybe even a few happy tears to go around. And then you have to find a baby shower gift—one that's awesome, thoughtful, unique and useful for your friend and baby. Tall task? Before you sound the alarm, we're here to help make the baby gift buying process as easy as shopping online for yourself. Keep scrolling for our top tips on baby shower gift etiquette, plus our favorite baby shower gift ideas for expectant parents.

In this article:
Baby shower gift etiquette
Best baby shower gifts
Unique baby shower gifts
Funny baby shower gifts Inexpensive baby shower gifts
Baby shower gifts for mom
Baby shower gifts for dad

Baby Shower Gift Etiquette

If you decide to take the simple route to brainstorming a baby shower gift idea, you can just pick something that looks interesting or fits your budget from the couple's baby registry and call it a day. Check out the baby shower invitation for all the details you'll need. Most invites will include everything you should know about the baby shower, like if there's a theme, what baby's gender is (if the parents know) and where to find the baby registry. It may also tell you if there's a wishing well, which is a fun addition to some baby showers where guests bring an extra small trinket or two (think baby socks or diaper cream) to toss into it. Sometimes the wishing well has its own theme, like "baby's library," so you can bring a new baby book along with your main baby shower gift.

But if you want to stray from the baby registry and look for unique baby shower gifts, that's totally great too (and we can even find you a few deals on baby gear here). When it comes to baby shower etiquette, there's no rule that says you must stick to the gifts on the registry.

As you decide between good baby shower gifts, you'll want to think about what the recipient would appreciate as a new parent. Are they design-savvy? Eco-conscious? Are they funny? Sentimental? Do they love travel? Sci-fi? Literature? All these things can help guide you in the right direction as you come up with spot-on and meaningful baby shower gift ideas. Another thing to do is look at their baby registry to see what items they've already registered for to get an idea of the colors and styles they like, and use that as a jumping off point for what to buy (or DIY if you're the crafty type!).

Once you've taken these things into consideration, it's time to lock down the present. To get you started, we did the work and narrowed down the best of the best baby shower gift ideas out there. Don't be surprised if you find just the right baby shower gift off our list and add it to your shopping cart for instant checkout!

Best Baby Shower Gifts

Whether this is the first shower you've been to or the 15th, you'll never go wrong with one of these great baby shower gift ideas. From "Welcome Home Baby" sets to the ultimate play mat, there are lots of things to pick from to help celebrate a new arrival.

Image: Courtesy Lovevery

This play mat was designed by child development experts to keep baby engaged, entertained and learning through their whole first year. The amount of options to switch out based on baby's age and stage make this activity gym super-customizable and sure to see hours of play and tummy time. Bonus: Its stylish design will look right at home on the living room rug, without being an eyesore.

Buy it: Lovevery Play Gym, $140, Lovevery.com

Image: Courtesy Amazon

Want to know what new parents really need? An Amazon gift card to get all the little baby essentials that slip through the cracks. Trust us, any new mom will be thankful for this lifesaver when she's searching for the latest sleep solutions at 3 a.m.

Buy it: Amazon Gift Card, any amount, Amazon.com

Image: Courtesy of Sophie the Giraffe

Even if you're not a parent, you're probably already acquainted with Sophie—this bestselling teether is dangling out of the mouths of every baby on the street. This gift set includes the must-have teething toy, along with a beaded rattle, a Sophie la Girafe bag and a gift tag.

Buy it: Sophie la Girafe, 'Sophiesticated' Rattle & Teething Toy, $45, Nordstom.com

Image: Courtesy Dagne Dover

Some of the best baby shower gifts are ones that help your friends ease into parenthood while still feeling like themselves. This stylish satchel looks so cool, no one will even know it's a diaper bag until parents start pulling out the nappies. The backpack silhouette allows for handsfree wrangling and comes fully loaded with all the accessories needed on an outing with baby, including a changing mat, stroller clips and extra pouches for storing all of baby's tiny things. There's even a built-in laptop sleeve.

Buy it: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack, $195, DagneDover.com

Image: Courtesy Maisonette

Help baby make that first public appearance in comfy and cute style with this five-piece, 100 percent cotton set, which includes a reversible blanket, a snap sleeper, a short sleeve onesie, kimono pants and hat. If you need a gender-neutral baby shower gift, the gray racoon and star print is adorable, but there are other colors that make great baby shower gifts for girls or boys.

Buy it: Snugabye Take Me Home Baby Set, $56, Maisonette.com

Image: Courtesy DockaTot

An all-in-one baby shower gift, this play bundle provides Mom a safe place to put her baby for some playtime—a breathable, washable, plush docking station—plus an archway of dangling toys to keep her little one entertained. And a safe, happy baby makes for one happy mama.

Buy it: DockaTot Deluxe+ Dock Play Bundle, $205, DockaTot.com

Image: Courtesy of Artifact Uprising

Baby's first year is filled with amazing moments—ones that parents won't want to forget. This classic photo journal helps them document those precious memories, all bound in a beautiful foil-stamped fabric cover.

Buy it: Artifact Uprising The Story of You Baby Book, from $100, ArtifactUprising.com

Image: Courtesy Burt's Bees Baby

Muslin swaddle blankets are possibly the most versatile baby essentials ever invented, making them some of the best baby shower gift ideas around. These super-soft, lightweight swaddles can not only tuck baby in at night, but they can also serve as car seat covers, nursing wraps, stroller shades, burp cloths and so much more. You'll definitely want to get a three-pack given how much use these multitaskers will get. We especially love that these are organic and come in classic, neutral prints.

Buy it: Burt's Bees Baby Starry Eyes Organic Baby Muslin Swaddle Blankets, $35, BurtsBeesBaby.com

Image: Courtesy ErgoBaby

Toting baby around isn't easy on the back, unless you use a carrier designed to take the pressure off. That's why the ErgoBaby Omni 360 is a good baby shower gift for parents on the go. With four different carrying positions, padded shoulder straps and wide waist belt, this workhorse can adjust to fit any parent and any baby (it's designed to be used from birth as long as baby is at least 7 pounds). Plus, the Cool Air version has mesh cutouts to keep baby cool and comfortable.

Buy it: ErgoBaby Omni 360 Cool Air Baby Carrier, $180, Nordstrom.com

Image: Courtesy 4moms

Parents of fussy babies swear by this high tech baby seat that mimics a real person's movements. The five different motion settings can help soothe and calm baby when Mom's arms just need a rest. It'll even connect to a smartphone so parents can switch up the sound and motion settings with ease.

Buy it: 4moms mamaRoo4 Infant Seat, $220, 4moms.com

Image: Courtesy FridaBaby

Forget every other baby toiletries kit out there—this is the stuff new parents really need. The NoseFrida (aka the snot sucker) has a reputation for being the most effective way to clear baby's stuffy nose. This handy kit also includes a nail clipper, cradle cap brush and even a tool to help baby pass gas. Because the best baby shower gift ideas aren't always the most glamorous, but they're downright practical.

Buy it: Fridababy Baby Basics Kit, $40, BuyBuyBaby.com

Unique Baby Shower Gifts

Searching for some good baby shower gifts that are a bit outside the norm? Choose from this list of creative baby shower gifts that will stand out from the crowd, like IQ-boosting blocks, a toy that gives the gift of sleep or a personalized keepsake Mom and baby will treasure for years to come.

Image: Courtesy Uncommon Goods

Whether you need a baby shower gift for a boy or a girl, baby's greatness will be written in the stars with this personalized baby shower gift that speaks to astronomy lovers everywhere. Hanging on the wall of the nursery, this star-themed growth chart can track baby's height year after year. And since it's printed on museum-grade canvas, it's sure to last that long as well.

Buy it: Uncommon Goods Personalized Constellation Growth Chart, $60, UncommonGoods.com

Image: Courtesy Kiwi Co.

Help baby learn through play with this researched-backed toy subscription service. Every two months, a box will arrive on the doorstep filled with developmental milestone-meeting toys, parenting tips and fun activities to try. Choose between a single box or an ongoing bimonthly subscription—either way, it's the baby shower gift that keeps on giving.

Buy it: Kiwi Co Panda Crate Subscription, from $31 per box, KiwiCo.com

Image: Courtesy: BuyBuyBaby

This fuzzy little sheep is more than just a cute toy—it's a new mom's lifesaver. With relaxing white noise like Mother's Heartbeat, Spring Showers, Ocean Surf and Whale Songs, it will calm baby down with the push of a button. Hang it outside the crib (it comes with Velcro tabs) and send baby off to dreamland. What could be better than giving the gift of sleep?

Buy it: cloud b Sleep Sheep, $30, BuyBuyBaby.com

Image: Courtesy Uncommon Goods

Is Mom- or Dad-to-be a teacher or a scientist? These wooden blocks are the ultimate unique baby shower gift to introduce a curious baby to the wonders of the universe. The colorful handcrafted set represents all 118 elements on the Periodic Table and is sure to make nerdy new parents smile.

Buy it: UncommonGoods Periodic Table Building Blocks, $39, UncommonGoods.com

Image: Courtesy of Finn + Emma

Two all-time favorite baby playthings? Rattles and stuffed animals—and with Rattle Buddies, you get both in one adorable toy. Plus, these Buddies (you can get a variety of cute creatures) are made from organic cotton yarn and eco-friendly dyes, making Mom happy too.

Buy it: Finn + Emma Rattle Buddy, $28, FinnandEmma.com

Image: Courtesy Etsy

Baby will be "doing it for the 'gram" when they're smiling on this adorable star and moon milestone blanket that can track their age from days old to years old. We love that it comes with everything parents need to create a custom photo shoot, including coordinating frames and a wooden chalkboard sign and liquid chalk maker.

Buy it: LukaLily Baby Milestone Blanket, from $40, Etsy.com

Funny Baby Shower Gifts

Want to make the future parents and all the baby shower guests LOL? We've rounded up the funniest baby shower gifts, from tongue-in-cheek bibs to silly baby booties.

Image: Courtesy Uncommon Goods

If the parents-to-be are the type to never miss a Taco Tuesday, these irresistible booties are sure to get a chuckle. Baby's feet will look good enough to eat in some delicious handcrafted wool shoes that are totally photoshoot-worthy.

Buy it: UncommonGoods Taco Booties, $25, UncommonGoods.com

Image: Courtesy Etsy

Babies and llamas share two things in common: they're both cute and they both spit a lot. (Sorry, we had to.) But at least baby will be spitting up in style with this funny bib.

Buy it: Thepillowgeek Spit Happens Llama Bib, $13, Etsy.com

Image: Courtesy Fred

Do you even lift, bro? Watching baby wield this dumbbell-shaped rattle will definitely get everyone laughing. Need an extra pick-me-up (pun intended)? Make sure you read the hilarious reviews.

Buy it: Fred Buff Baby Rattle, $10, Amazon.com

Image: Courtesy Bumkins

Any gamer would get a kick out of this funny teether resembling their favorite retro handheld system. Once baby starts chewing on this, they'll be mastering Super Mario Bros. in no time.

Buy it: Bumkins Game Boy Silicone Teether, $13, Walmart.com

Image: Courtesy Amazon

If you're a parent yourself, you may want to welcome your newfound comrade with a dose of reality and a side of humor. This book from the comedian behind the popular parenting blog The Ugly Volvo covers the all-too-real milestones they'll soon be "celebrating," like the first time baby headbutts you in the lip. Ouch.

Buy it: Welcome to the Club: 100 Parenting Milestones You Never Saw Coming Book, $14, Amazon.com

Inexpensive Baby Shower Gifts

Attending a baby shower and low on cash? Don't worry. You would never guess how affordable these inexpensive baby shower gifts really are. Spoiler alert: Nothing, including a spill-proof plate and a set of classic books, is more than $25!

Image: Courtesy Etsy

The best part of parenting? Watching baby complete all those amazing "firsts." Parents can snap a photo of baby with these beautiful illustrated cards to keep track of every big milestone, from smiling to sitting up. There's even the option to add a personalized storage bag and matching journal to keep track of all those precious moments.

Buy it: lovedbyjacob Baby Milestone Cards, from $8, Etsy.com

Image: Courtesy WeddingStar

Want to win big with the baby shower crowd? This adorable, personalized critter bath towel is an instant thumbs-up. A dapper fox, complete with bow tie and glasses, is the perfect baby shower gift for boys, while the unicorn is great for a girl.

Buy it: WeddingStar Animal Face Hooded Towel, $22, WeddingShop.TheKnot.com

Image: Courtesy Zutano

Trust us: Every baby will eventually find a way to pull off their socks (most likely when you're out and about and don't want to lose one). That's why a great gender-neutral baby shower gift is a pair of stay-put booties. Zutano's double-snap ankle stretches to fit just right, so savvy parents swear these infant shoes stay on no matter what.

Buy it: Zutano Cotton Gripper Bootie, $22, Zutano.com

Even with the wiliest of babies, parents will get through dinnertime in peace with The Mini Mat. Not only do the separate food compartments make a fun a smiley face, but the mat also suctions to the table to prevent spills. Peace out, food tantrums! Plus, take 15% off sitewide with code BUMP15.

Buy it: Ezpz The Mini Mat, $20, EzpzFun.com

Image: Courtesy SwaddleMe

Many babies sleep better swaddled, but the advanced origami required to create the perfect baby burrito with a traditional blanket can be tricky, especially during a diaper change at 2 a.m. These Velcro swaddles are a foolproof way for even sleep-deprived parents to get the perfect wrap, which is why this two-pack for under $20 is such a good baby shower gift.

Buy it: SwaddleMe Original Swaddle, $18 for two, Walmart.com

Image: Courtesy Target

Help mom start growing baby's library with this quartet of Beatrix Potter classics, including the famed Tale of Peter Rabbit. They're all perfect bedtime stories, beautifully illustrated and will look lovely sitting on baby's bookshelf.

Buy it: Peter Rabbit Naturally Better Classic Gift Set $12, Target.com

Baby Shower Gifts for Mom

Believe it or not, the one person who's often left out at a baby shower is the guest of honor—the mom-to-be! Surprise her with one of our favorite baby shower gifts for Mom, including a luxe robe, some breastfeeding-friendly PJs and a mug that will keep her coffee piping hot.

Help the mom-to-be stay comfortable throughout her pregnancy—and even during her ultimate trip to the hospital!—in this luxe, charcoal-gray cashmere robe by HATCH. This one has a tie to bundle up on chillier mornings and oversized pockets to stash a burp cloth, pacifier or even a portable breast pump.

Buy it: HATCH Cashmere Robe, $378, HatchCollection.com

Image: Courtesy PinkBlush

Whether it's during pregnancy, at the hospital or recovering at home, any new mom can benefit from a comfortable, cute pair of PJs. This versatile set can take her from the third trimester all the way to late night nursing sessions in style.

Buy it: PinkBlush Long Sleeve Button-Front Maternity Pajama Set, $60, Pinkblush.com

Image: Courtesy Etsy

Help a new mom keep her coffee from going cold—again—with this stylish insulated mug. Not only is it cute, it's also super-practical. You know the mom-to-be is going to need extra caffeine soon enough, and this creative baby shower gift will save her many trips to the microwave.

Buy it: sweetwaterdecor Mama Needs Coffee Metal Mug With Lid, $20, Etsy.com

Image: Courtesy Tubby Todd

Pregnancy and postpartum skin require a little extra TLC, so why not give a mom-to-be a gentle and pregnancy-safe pampering kit? This four-piece set from Tubby Todd includes belly oil, hand cream, a lightly scented freshening spray and an organic nipple balm to soothe tenderness from nursing.

Buy it: Tubby Todd Mama Gift Set, $74, TubbyTodd.com

Image: Courtesy My Brest Friend

Whether the mom-to-be is planning on breastfeeding or not, this uniquely shaped feeding pillow can save her back with its multiple uses. This foam core wraparound pillow ideally supports Mom and baby for nursing or bottle-feeding, cuddling or even napping (it'll save Mom's arms during those times when baby refuses to be put down). The handy pouch is a great place to store all of her feeding essentials, or even her phone or a book.

Buy it: My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow, $40, BuyBuyBaby.com

Image: Courtesy GrubHub

One of the best baby shower gift ideas for Mom that'll be put to good use starting day one? A food delivery gift card. Trust us, she'll be so busy feeding baby that she'll barely have time to feed herself. Take care of that for her with a gift card that can get her food delivered right to her door. Grubhub, Seamless or DoorDash are all great options, depending on what's available in your area.

Buy it: Grubhub Gift Card, any amount, Grubhub.com

Baby Shower Gifts for Dad

The dad-to-be may not be preparing to give birth, but he's certainly prepping for a major life change. Celebrate his entree into parenthood with a special baby shower gift that's just for him. These items, from the coziest slippers to a hoodie that can carry pretty much anything, will help ease his transition.

Image: Courtesy Uggs

All those late nights up changing diapers and pacing the floor to get baby back to sleep call for some extra cozy footwear. These super-plush slippers are made from supple suede with Ugg's signature wool lining that will keep this dad-to-be comfortable for hours at night (let's just hope it doesn't come to that).

Buy it: Ugg Ascot Slipper, $110, Nordstom.com

Image: Courtesy Etsy

This is one of the best baby shower gifts for dads who love their Xbox. Any gamer would want to celebrate his ultimate achievement with this matching T-shirt and baby bodysuit set. There are three color options and a wide range of sizes to suit any daddy and me combo.

Buy it: TheShirtLounge Achievement Unlocked Matching Daddy and Baby Shirts, from $36, Etsy.com

Image: Courtesy The Grommet

Keep Dad connected with baby even when he's at work with this elegant and ingenious smart photo frame. It connects to your smartphone and uses facial recognition to automatically prepopulate the frame with the people you photograph the most (aka baby). Plus, you can choose to send photos to the frame with the Family Share feature.

Buy it: Aura Premium Smart Connected Picture Frame, $300, TheGrommet.com

Image: Courtesy Walmart

Sometimes you just wish babies came with a manual. Well now they do. This book shares plenty of useful information about baby's first year, from "programming sleep mode" to "emergency maintenance," through humorous instructions and diagrams that make it fun and easy to read.

Buy it: *The Baby Owner's Manual, $14, Walmart.com

Image: Courtesy Tactical Baby Gear

This rough-and-tumble diaper bag is just what a rugged dad-to-be needs for his outings with baby. The front zips down completely, so he can see everything at a glance, and the back transforms into an attached changing mat. Dad can even swap out the removable name patch on the front depending on who's carrying it, Mommy or Daddy.

Buy it: Tactical Baby Gear Daypack 3.0, $135, TacticalBabyGear.com

Image: Courtesy The Dad Hoodie

A new dad will have everything he needs close at hand with this unique baby shower gift. For the man who hates carrying a bag, The Dad Hoodie is chock full of compartments to stash everything from extra diapers and wipes to baby bottles. The super-stretchy mesh lining helps to keep Dad cool and adapts to store whatever he'll need.

Buy it: The Dad Hoodie, $85, TheDadHoodie.com

Do You Wrap a Book for Baby Shower

Source: https://www.thebump.com/a/baby-shower-gift-ideas

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