What to gift for a baby shower, according to the FJ editors

How to nail the all-important baby shower present.

Let’s face it: pregnancy can be a, ahem, bumpy ride. Preparing to bring new life into this world is one thing, but doing so while you wrestle with morning sickness, hormones and cravings is another. Hence why some well-meaning ​person (who are we kidding? It was definitely a woman) invented the baby shower.

It’s an event purpose-built for not only spoiling expectant parents but to share in the excitement (and financial burden) of preparing for the impending arrival of their little bundle of joy. 

Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.

While in theory, it should be easy to find the perfect gift for parents-to-be, unfortunately, for friends and family the world over – especially those among us who may be new to the world of bassinets, bottles and breast-feeding – it’s rarely straightforward. Because, even if you decide what you’re going to give them, everyone else has probably come up with the same ideas. 

Thankfully there are easy solutions to this all-too-common problem that means you will get your expectant friend/sister/hairdresser/work-wife/first-cousin-twice-removed exactly what they need and want. Phew.

Encourage them to create a gift registry 

In an ideal world your sweet, preggers pal will take all of the guessing work out of the equation and simply just tell you what they want. But let’s face it, admitting you don’t know what to get them is almost as awkward as them sending you the link to a $400 breast pump you definitely can’t afford. 

That’s why you should use your powers of persuasion to avoid this awkwardness and encourage them to create an online gift registry. The best way to do this is getting them to register with a one-stop shop like Metro Baby where everything they will need is in one place and they can choose from a variety of brands. That way they can cover all bases (and accommodate all budgets) by registering for a bunch of items they want/need from a variety of trusted brands at a mixture of price points. Kind of a genius move, no? 

Think about a future-proof present 

If you’re reading this, then let’s face it, you’re likely clutching at straws trying to come up with a gift. Maybe you’ve left it until the last minute and most of the big-ticket baby items have been purchased and you’ve got absolutely no idea what else there is to buy. Well, fear not because this is time to turn to a ‘future-proof present’. 

You see, while the tendency at baby showers is to buy something for a newborn’s immediate arrival in the world, the reality is they will only be that tiny for a short time. So, instead of adding to the pile of things that will be rendered useless in a couple of months’ time, why not help the parents future-proof their lives with something that will be useful for when they have a toddler crawling around? 

If you’re not sure about age-appropriate gifts for the post-newborn stage, sites like Metro Baby can help by taking the guesswork out of giving. Metro Baby has divided its gift guides into age categories, making age-specific gift suggestions for babies and toddlers up to three years old. The best part? By the time the baby is using your gift they may even be able to thank you for it themselves. 

Practical makes perfect 

Of course, we all want to be that friend who gives our pregnant friend the most meaningful, thoughtful and symbolic gift for their new life as a parent. But the reality is, the baby shower is a tradition born out of necessity, as much as a nicety. Preparing for a newborn baby is expensive (not to mention the ongoing costs of providing for a child for the next 18 plus years), so if you’re stuck on what gift to get there’s no shame in opting for something that’s practical.

Items like a booster seat or a baby-food processor may seem impersonal and won’t elicit the same squeals of “How cute!” as a pair of tiny booties, but they can make a big difference to the life of your loved one. In the same vein, there’s no shame in giving a gift voucher, whether it be for a spa visit for the expectant mother or to a widely stocked baby bazaar like Metro Baby, so the parents can use it to buy something they really need. 

Remember, at the end of the day, the best gifts are the ones you use and anything meaningful and mushy can go in a message on a card. And if you’re still unsure, below our editorial team has shared what they are gifting their besties that are expecting bubs. 

Small accessories for feeding

Recommended by: Giulia, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

I find it very easy to get carried away when shopping for my friends’ bébés. But over time, I’ve learnt that new parents care more about utility than cuteness. Experience has taught me that it’s better to gift a trio of cotton onesies than an adorable white, frilly pinafore that will be ruined within 15 minutes of wear. Still, gifting a trio of onesies isn’t super exciting.

However, there are a few gifts that I know end up on heavy rotation and garner lots of compliments to boot. Anything that is used for feeding and won’t take up precious kitchen real estate is always a winner. Metro Baby has a great range of accessories for feeding – this cute pacifier clip is one I’d opt for, a silicon bib is another.

Bath toys for tub entertainment

Recommended by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Editorial Assistant

How good are baths? I think in my jaded old age I had forgotten the wonders of bath time and these cute rubber David Toys have just reminded me. Not only are they simply the sweetest little creatures I ever did see, but they’ll provide restless bubs with hours of tub entertainment. Choose from pink dinosaurs, green woodland creatures and blue bunny rabbits. Your tired parent friends will thank you!

Pooling for a big gift, as chosen by the parents

Recommended by: Giulia, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

As you near a baby shower, it’s always worth joining forces with friends to get the parents-to-be something they really want, but maybe can’t fit in their budget right now. While it’s not as exciting as gifting a series of teeny tiny outfits, it’s often much more appreciated. Pooling funds for a pram upgrade or an extra nice cot is always a winning idea, provided you invite the new parents to choose the piece they most want.

Earth Arch Rainbow Stacker

Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Digital Editor

Having a baby is obviously a huge life change, and I imagine it’s painful to witness your sleek, artfully-curated adult interiors turn into what is essentially a nursery-cum-playpen. That’s why I’ll be gifting my expectant friends this sleek rainbow stacker toy. It’s easy on the eye, and could even double as a cute little coffee table sculpture.

Baby wipes cover

Recommended by: Izzy, Fashion Journal’s Editorial Assistant

Complete transparency – I’ve actually never been to a baby shower. It’s not quite baby time for my friendship group yet (we’re still in sharehouse, $10 Aldi wine territory), but there’s nothing wrong with being ultra prepared when the time comes.

While I don’t know a lot, I do know new parents seem to go through baby wipes at an alarming rate. Bubbas seem to always have snot or food on their faces, kind of like my boyfriend. The Emi Wet Wipes Cover is an adorable way to cover up throwaway baby wipe packaging; available in sweet colours like whale blue, peppermint, oat and hunter green.

An electric warmer

Recommended by: Giulia, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

A fear that grips many new parents is overheating breast milk and burning their little bubba’s sensitive mouth and skin. I’ve had friends cry over the process, or stress on nights out that their babysitter won’t do it right. One friend made the call to buy an electric bottle warmer, and I’ve heard her recommend it non-stop to new parents since. For many mums-to-be, it can seem an indulgence or an expense that can easily be spared in favour of something more practical, but as a gift, it will be one of the most treasured.

Three Pack Rib Socks

Recommended by: Cait, Fashion Journal’s Digital Editor

I’m partial to a good sock. It can really elevate an outfit (not that babies necessarily care about that), but more than anything a quality sock can withstand some serious wear and tear. These tonal three packs are super cute, and they’re made of organic cotton. I’ll be absolutely be gifting them to my pregnant friends.

Discover more baby shower ideas here.