You've been invited to a baby shower and you're looking for a gift that stands out among the piles of babygrows and cuddly toys. Practical, personal or something a bit different: below are baby shower gift ideas for every budget, with something for every kind of giver.
What to bring to a baby shower
A baby shower usually takes place before the birth, so you're giving something for the parents-to-be or the baby on the way. Popular choices are care packages, baby clothes and toiletries. Practical, except that several guests often end up giving the same thing. If you want to stand out, go for something personal or something the parents wouldn't quickly buy themselves. Tip: check with the organiser whether there's a wish list, so you don't double up.
Fun and original baby shower gift ideas
1. A digital baby diary that grows with the child
A gift parents rarely buy for themselves and will enjoy for years. With Ouderliefde they'll soon be capturing photos, milestones and funny moments with a few taps on one private timeline, in English or Dutch and without ads. A paper fill-in book often ends up half-finished in a drawer. This digital growing-up book grows with the child from the first day to their school years. A gift voucher is sorted in no time. See also our original new baby gift ideas.
2. A care package for the first days
A basket with toiletries, snacks for the first week after the birth and a treat for the parents. Practical and always welcome.
3. A personalised gift with the baby's name
Do you already know the name? A cuddly toy, blanket or wall decoration with the name on it is instantly more personal than a standard present.
4. A "first year" set with milestone cards
Cards for taking a photo at every milestone. Pair it with our milestones checklist so the parents don't miss a moment.
5. A nappy cake
A baby shower classic: a "cake" built from nappies, often decorated with little gifts. Decorative and useful at the same time.
6. A set of books to read aloud
A few beautiful picture books. You can read aloud to a baby from the first months, and it grows with the child.
7. A voucher for a photo shoot
A newborn or family shoot with a local photographer. Professional photos of this time are priceless later on.
8. Practical help or a meal service
Credit for a meal delivery service, or a promise to cook or babysit in the first weeks. For brand-new parents, that's worth its weight in gold.
A baby shower gift that grows for years
Give a digital baby diary with Ouderliefde: unlimited photos, milestones and a time capsule on one private timeline, in English or Dutch and without ads. A gift voucher takes a minute to arrange.
See the gift →How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
For a baby shower, many people stick to around €15–€35, depending on how well you know the parents-to-be. If you're giving as a group, you can of course go for a bigger joint present. What matters more than the amount is whether the gift feels personal.
Baby shower gift versus new baby gift: the difference
A baby shower gift is usually given before the birth, at the party for the parents-to-be. A new baby gift is given after the birth, once the baby has arrived. The ideas largely overlap. Looking specifically for something for after the birth? Then read our guide to new baby gifts or the ideas for a new baby gift from the grandparents.