Discover the best baby shower gifts that go beyond the registry. From thoughtful keepsakes to practical surprises, these off-list ideas are sure to delight new parents.
Sections
5
Essentials
Bathtime
Toys
Books
Sentimental
Essentials
This swaddle was absolutely our saving grace, and I feel like most people don’t know about it so I always gift one. There’s no Velcro to stick on stuff in the wash, super easy to fold, and you can often get certain patterns on sale
Miracle Blanket Swaddle Wrap - Heather Gray
According to my purchase history we’ve gone through 800 of these, and I’m honestly surprised it’s not more. These will be essential, but most don’t know to ask for it!
These are a lifesaver for all the items and clothes that you need to bring to daycare when your baby is young. A gift card here would be perfect. The initial batch we got for my oldest lasted for about three years.
Mabel's Labels E-Gift Card (US)
Anyone having a girl will need these, and they won’t know it yet!
THE PONY PICK Hair Elastic Rubber Bands Cutter
We’re still using the same ones we were gifted at our baby shower well in to preschool
Wet Bags - Bumkins
Bathtime
I stand ten toes down for this towel. Suitable for a little one, but it still works for my four year old girl - unlike the other hooded towels, that are long gone. Quality is great after four years as well!
Little Unicorn Toddler Hooded Towel
Our favorite for “special baths”
Glo Pals Water-Activated Light-Up Cubes 12pk
The first thing my toddler could stack! Also use as bowls, and the dripping feature is fun. Great bath toy too!
Lovevery Drip Drop Cups - 12pc
Toys
Simple but mesmerizing! A fun iteration :)
The Original Toy Co. Pop Up Birthday Cake
Simple but endlessly amusing
The Original Toy Company Pop Up Fire Truck
Lightweight - similar to magnetiles but less bulky and don’t make a crashing sound when they fall on the floor. Start with the pack of just X’s.
Clixo Tiny & Mighty
These soft bodied haba dolls are the perfect first doll. They’re smaller and soft, but still have hair and interchangeable clothes so they can grow with your child.
Cari 12" Soft Doll
Books
When I give books for a baby shower, I like to give “older” ones that are newer or less popular to reduce the chances that someone else will gift it. Never write in the book and always give a gift receipt!
This is one of our favorite books - the fact that it’s a Halloween book is a huge bonus!
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt
Jon Klassen's book are subtle and hilarious - as your child gets older, they'll start to understand more of the story.
I Want My Hat Back
Beautiful story highlighting how things change over time. This one made me cry the first time we read it.
Hello Lighthouse (Caldecott Medal Winner)
Inspired by the true story of an abandoned home the author found on her property, uses some elements from the actual house in the illustrations
Farmhouse
Sentimental
If the baby name is already public, a bunny with the name embroidered on the ear is a perfect gift. This has been a tradition in my family ever since my goddaughter’s adoption.
Bunnies
My sister got this for our first born and it was so unnecessary but so fun. If you get it engraved, just do the first letter of the last name so it can be shared across the family.
