Best Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts
Ideas of Presents to Buy for Newborn Babies and Give to New Mommies
Jan 9, 2008
A young new mother recently expressed concern over having run short of clothing for her 8 month old baby girl. After generous shower gifts, how could this be?
It seems that baby shower attendees and baby present senders more often than not think in terms of a newborn when picking gifts. As thoughtful as these sweet presents are, parents are often frustrated by the short time their new babies can wear and use newborn items (for 0-3 months) and how fast they outgrow even the 3-6 month sizes.
When visiting a baby and infant area in a store, newborn through 9 month clothing is the most abundant. They are also adorable, of course, and irresistibly tiny; but while parents need a few of these miniature outfits, larger sizes can get much more use.
Here are some simple tips to choosing especially thoughtful gifts for baby boys and girls and their parents, guaranteed to please new parents and baby too.
Pick Larger Sizes for Baby Shower Clothing Presents
- 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months are especially needed.
- Look for clothing that will grow with the infant. This includes comfy cuffed overalls with adjustable straps, stretchy onesies, slightly longer dresses for girls, baby hats that expand in size, and pants with elastic waists.
- Remember that 12 to 24 month old babies and infants still need snapping pants for diaper changes.
- Also ask if Mom and Dad have set up a baby gift registry at a store.
For Baby Gift Clothing, Think Comfort and Ease
- Feel fabrics inside and out for softness, non-scratchy tags, and ease of fit.
- Babies are wiggly. Parents enjoy easy-on, easy-off clothing for infants.
- Newborn t-shirts should have snaps in front as they are easier than over-the-head types.
A Thoughtful Baby Gift May Be Something A Bit Different
- A pediatrician raved over the gift of a 12 month sized swimsuit and an after-swim robe. A floating ducky was added for fun.
- A gift card to a shoe store helps with an expensive item when baby starts taking first steps. Add socks and tights (for girls) in sizes 12 to 24 months. One thoughtful grandparent gave the gift of shoes for the baby's entire childhood.
- Babies get lots of newborn toys tied to the tops of gifts. Consider a very sweet toy made for a 12 month old.
- A gift basket of bedtime items could be extra special. Ideas for contents include jammie sleepers, lullaby CDs, a night-light, and a sleepytime storybook (such as the board book version of Goodnight Moon, available at most bookstores).
Practical Baby Gifts are Always Needed by New Parents
- Consider a basket of baby bottles, receiving blankets, burp rags, teething items, washrags, a baby bathtub, diapers, etc.
- Consider going together with others for larger gifts such as a stroller, car seat, crib, etc.
- If the new family is interested, a month of diaper service may be a great gift.
It is so fun to shop for dear babies. Whatever gift is chosen, it will be loved and appreciated by the new parents or parents-to-be.
Parents, you may enjoy reading Get Kids Clothes for Free & Cheap, Girls Valentine Tea Party Ideas and Must Have Infant Items.
Resources:
References to individuals (young mother, pediatrician, and grandmother) are personal acquaintances of the author. They prefer to remain nameless.
