Shopping and preparing for your baby can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of being pregnant. There are the tiny clothes, the adorable stuffed toys, and the too-cute baby furniture to have fun with. Even better are the gorgeous baby gifts you receive either at your baby shower or after the birth of your baby.
If you’re asked about what types of gifts you would like to receive or need, consider the following:
- If you’re a first-time mum, you may like to receive practical nursery gifts, such as a baby bath, nappy storage, baby monitor, etc
- If you already own all the necessities, perhaps ask for supplies like nappies or baby wipes, or opt for something simply cute (like rattle socks!)
- If your new baby has older siblings, you may like to update baby’s wardrobe with a few new items to replace tired hand-me-downs – while babygro suits, bibs, wraps, and bedding will last a long time, they are often stained and marked.
- If you have a lot of mum friends, get them to share their knowledge. Asking them for the one (small) thing they consider essential to surviving babyhood is a great way of tapping into the mum brains-trust. This is how many first-time mums discover the joys of paw paw ointment.
Baby registry
Just like weddings and engagements, you may like to consider starting a gift registry at a baby store or department store.
- To some, the idea of a registry might seem too formal but it is practical and ensures that you get just what you need, rather than ten sets of something you don’t, and it can help gift givers who are often stuck for ideas.
- If you are considering a gift registry for your baby shower, visit the store yourself to ensure it has the types of items you need/want, and that there are gifts in a range of prices – you don’t want your friends and family feeling too pressured to spend a fortune.
Baby shower gift ideas
Explore the Kidspot Directory and shop local for gorgeous gift ideas for babies and new parents:
This article was written by Claire Halliday and updated for Kidspot NZ.
I think a baby registry is a good idea. When buying gifts for my friends you don’t want to buy something they don’t need or everyone else has given them. I’d love to be able to pick from a list, that way I would feel like I was helping as it can be tough.
I’m not too sure or keen on having a registry when you have a baby? I have 4 kids and am greatful for all the gifts we were given, but I wouldn’t have wanted to ask for anything specific.
I was so lucky that I had my babies in between my friends babies so for many of the bigger items we could borrow things. I didn’t have to buy a bath, capsules, Bassinet or many clothes. Plus anything I did buy, like my sling or other clothes I could pass to another. We had family buy the high chair. And then the cot and stroller I think we had already budgeted for.
I have never thought of having a baby registry when having baby showers I don’t really agree with this either I think when you have a baby you need to be happy with what you receive from people. I have never heard of a registry unless it is a new thing coming in with new Mums.
My last shower instead of gifts we asked for everyone (who wanted to, you didn’t have to) to make a donation of any size towards a cot we were buying 🙂 As we were on 1 wage budget was tight and it made more sense, as we were older parents and had all the clothing etc we needed 🙂