What's an Appropriate Baby Shower Gift? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Gift (2025)

Choosing the perfect baby shower gift can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s easy to wonder what’s appropriate. 

Should you get something practical or sentimental?

How much should you spend?

The good news? Whether you’re shopping for a first-time parent or a growing family, this guide will help you navigate the world of buying baby shower gifts. 

From must-have essentials to heartfelt keepsakes, we’ll break down the best gifts for every budget and need. 

What makes a baby shower gift "appropriate"?

Not only is it hard enough to find the right baby shower gift in the first place, but how do you know if that gift is ‘appropriate’? 

An appropriate baby shower gift is thoughtful, useful, and considerate of the parents needs. While it’s tempting to buy something you or your child might enjoy, it’s important to consider the baby & parents you’re purchasing for. 

Here are a few factors to keep in mind when shopping around:

• Practicality: Will parents or the baby actually use it? Or is this going to just sit on a shelf somewhere?

• Sentimental Value: Is the gift something that will be cherished for years to come? 

• Safety: Is the gift non-toxic and baby friendly?

• Budget: What’s a reasonable amount to spend on a gift?

A common question that people ask is whether the baby shower gift should be for the baby or the parents. 

The answer? Both!

While gifts for the baby are common, new parents also appreciate items that make their lives easier, like self-care kits or something relaxing. 

Best types of baby shower gifts

Get creative! Picking the right baby shower gift doesn’t have to be stressful. There are multiple types of presents you can choose from. Here’s a list of some of the best gifts you can get for a baby shower. 

1. Practical Baby Shower Gifts (Essentials New Parents Will Actually Use)

New parents will go through a lot of everyday essentials, so why not help them out a bit?

Diapers, bottles, baby wipes and clothing are all common items that every parent will use. But be cautious to pick the right type as lots of parents will have preference over the brands or types of products they use with their baby. 

While these might not be the most glamorous gifts, they are incredibly useful and appreciated. 

One unique yet practical gift to get the baby instead, is a crochet rattle toy, which provides both sensory stimulation and comfort for newborns. 

Snuggle Buddies has adorable options in a range of kids' favourite animals, making them a perfect and practical gift for newborn’s developing senses. 

2. Sentimental & Keepsake Gifts

If you’re looking for something more meaningful, keepsake gifts are a great choice. These gifts are something that the parents and baby will cherish for years to come. 

This can be personalised baby books, footprint kids, engraved jewelry, or a special handmade toy to commemorate the birth of a child. 

Soft stuffed toys, like Snuggle Buddies crochet toy range are a perfect combination of sentimental and practical, offering a special keepsake that the child can grow up with, and keep on their shelf when they enter their older years. 

3. Gender-Neutral & Unisex Baby Shower Gifts

Just to add some complexity to the baby shower, you’re unsure if the parents are expecting a boy or a girl!? Gender neutral gifts are a safe and thoughtful option that ensure you’re getting something that can fit any child. 

Some ideas include neutral coloured baby blankets, books or sensory toys like this teddy bear ring rattle which is a practical unisex gift (that is also adorably cute). 

4. Eco-Friendly & Handmade Baby Shower Gifts

In 2025, more parents are conscious of sustainability and non-toxic baby gifts. Choosing eco-friendly options not only benefits the baby by being safe and leaving harsh chemicals out of the toy, but it also helps the planet. 

All of Snuggle Buddies crochet toys are 100% handmade, making them excellent choice for a baby shower. Each one of our toys is made from 100% non-toxic natural cotton, and individually handcrafted and fully machine washable, making them safe for babies while also environmentally friendly. 

5. Budget-Friendly vs. Luxury Baby Shower Gifts

The best types of baby shower gifts are ones that don’t break the bank! A common question is: Is $50 a good baby shower gift? 

We believe that price shouldn’t be a factor for how ‘good’ the gift is, but this also depends on your relationship with the parents, your budget, and ultimately the quality of the gift. 

• Under $50: Small soft toys, books, baby bath essentials.

• $50-100: High-quality blankets, baby carriers, premium crochet toys.

• $100+: Personalised keepsakes, nursery furniture.

Remember the person you are buying for, whether they’re a good friend or family member, and judge what type of present you should be buying.

What NOT to buy for a baby shower

While most gifts are appreciated, some can miss the mark. The last thing you want is to rock up to a baby shower with a gift that is unwanted.

Here are some things to avoid:

• Items that new parents won’t use: For example, fancy newborn shoes that will never get worn

• Overly personal gifts: Nursery decor that might not match their taste or theme. 

• Unsafe or untested baby products: Blankets that pose suffocation risks, or small toys that have parts that could fall off and be swallowed.

• Items that won’t be used for years: Any item that’s not going to be used for a couple years, people have limited space - don’t overwhelm them with gifts that need storage. 

While the above are fairly safe bets at presents to not buy, this all ultimately comes down to understanding the parents you are buying for and what gifts they will appreciate.

Common baby shower gift questions

Is it rude to not bring a baby shower gift?

• While bringing a gift is customary, it’s not required. If you can’t afford or think of a gift, a heartfelt card or helping hand for the parents is always appreciated.

Do you bring gifts for the mom or baby?

• Both! While most gifts are for the baby, a self-care package for the mom (like bath salts or a massage voucher) is a thoughtful touch.

What to bring to a baby shower if you already sent a gift?

• A small gesture, like a cute crochet rattle toy, makes a great add-on.

Do you take a card to a baby shower?

• Yes! A heartfelt note adds a personal touch to any gift.

Choosing the perfect gift for a baby shower

Choosing an appropriate baby shower gift doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you opt for a practical necessity, sentimental keepsake, or eco-friendly/handmade option, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart, and isn’t just purchased for the sake of having a present. 

If you’re still stuck on a thoughtful gift, explore Snuggle Buddies baby shower collection.