Baby Shower Gift Etiquette: Spending Tips & What to Buy
Wondering how much to spend on a baby shower gift? Learn the gifting etiquette, budgeting tips, and the best gift ideas for every situation to make your choice easier.
Emily Harper
5/15/202511 min read
Introduction:
Buying a baby shower gift can feel like a big decision—you want to show the parents-to-be how much you care while picking something meaningful and practical. But where do you even start? How much should you spend, and what gifts are considered thoughtful and appropriate? I’ve been there, trying to strike the perfect balance between practical and personal. In this post, we’ll break down baby shower gift etiquette, helping you choose the perfect gift without breaking the bank or second-guessing your choice!
How Much Should You Spend on a Baby Shower Gift?
When it comes to selecting the perfect baby shower gift, the price tag can be tricky to navigate. You want to be generous, but you also want to stay within your comfort zone financially. Here’s a breakdown to help you set a thoughtful yet budget-friendly approach for your gift.
Factors to Consider When Setting a Budget
First, take a moment to consider a few key factors:
Your relationship to the parents: Are you a close friend or family member, or more of an acquaintance? The closer your relationship, the more you might want to spend to reflect that bond.
Location and tradition: Different areas have varying expectations for gift-giving, and some cultures or traditions may influence how much you should spend.
Your personal finances: Above all, stay true to what you can afford. It’s important to give a gift that reflects your budget, not your stress level!
Common Spending Ranges for Different Relationships
Gift budgets can vary based on how close you are to the parents. Here’s a rough guide:
Close family or best friends: You might spend anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on your personal financial situation and what you feel comfortable giving.
Acquaintances or coworkers: Typically, a gift in the $20 to $50 range is perfectly acceptable for people you’re not as close to.
Group Gifts: Sometimes, pooling money with others for a larger gift is a great way to provide something substantial without shouldering the entire cost alone.
Keep in mind that spending more doesn’t necessarily mean your gift is better—it’s about the thought you put into it.
The Importance of Quality Over Quantity
Let’s face it: no one remembers the price of a gift years later, but they do remember how thoughtful it was. Whether you spend $20 or $100, it’s more important to choose something meaningful. A cute baby onesie in a theme the parents love, a personalized blanket, or a gift card to a favorite store can make a lasting impact without costing a fortune.
The best gifts are the ones that show you’ve taken the time to think about what the parents really need or will enjoy. A handpicked gift that resonates with them will always be more appreciated than something generic.
How to Gracefully Give a More Affordable Gift If You’re on a Tight Budget
We’ve all been there—tight finances are real! But don’t worry, you can still give a thoughtful gift that will be cherished. Here are some tips:
Look for deals and discounts: Baby items often go on sale, and you can find great gifts at discounted prices.
DIY Gifts: A handmade gift, like a personalized baby blanket or a DIY diaper cake, can show love and creativity without costing much.
Group gifting: Team up with friends or coworkers to pool resources for a larger gift without one person feeling the burden.
Gift cards: These are practical and always appreciated, especially when the parents have the flexibility to buy exactly what they need.
Present your gift thoughtfully: Sometimes a well-wrapped, simple gift with a heartfelt note can be more meaningful than anything expensive.
Ultimately, the amount you spend should reflect what’s comfortable for you. Focus on making the gift personal and thoughtful, not on impressing others with how much you spent. A meaningful gesture will always win over a hefty price tag!
Choosing the Perfect Gift: What Actually Matters?
Let’s be honest—shopping for a baby gift can be weirdly stressful. You want it to be useful, but also meaningful. Not too practical that it feels impersonal, but not so sentimental that it just ends up collecting dust on a shelf. Sound familiar? I’ve been there too many times. Here’s how I now think about choosing a gift that actually lands with new parents.
Essentials That Save the Day
When in doubt, think survival mode. The early days of parenting are beautiful chaos, and the right essentials? Absolute game-changers. I’m talking:
Swaddles that don’t unravel after two minutes
Burp cloths (you cannot have too many)
A solid white noise machine that drowns out life
These aren’t glamorous gifts, but trust me, when a parent reaches for your gift for the hundredth time at 3 a.m., that’s love in action.
Gifts That Tug at the Heart
Sometimes, it’s the quiet, personal gestures that leave a mark. A custom name blanket. A storybook with the baby’s name woven into it. Or that gorgeous, hand-knit sweater made by your cousin’s roommate’s grandma—it all counts. These gifts whisper, I thought of you.
But here’s the trick: don’t just buy something labeled “personalized” and call it a day. Ask yourself—does this reflect their values, their style, their story?
Team Up for the Big Stuff
There’s no shame in going big—together. New parents are often staring down a spreadsheet of costs that looks more like a wedding budget. Cribs, strollers, car seats… that’s serious cash. If you’ve got a group of friends or family, pool your resources and go in on a high-impact item. It’s one less thing on their list—and it’ll be remembered.
Pro tip: coordinate early. No one wants to be the fifth person who chipped in for a second stroller.
The Eco-Conscious Route
If you’re someone who tries to give gifts that respect both the planet and the parents, good news: there are some excellent options now. Reusable cloth wipes, organic cotton onesies, sustainably sourced baby skincare—stuff that’s kind to the environment and actually useful.
I’ve found brands like Finn + Emma or Burt’s Bees Baby walk that fine line between thoughtful and sustainable. Bonus: a lot of eco-minded parents will appreciate that you got their lifestyle.
What Not to Bring to a Baby Shower (Seriously, Please Don’t)
We all want to show up with the perfect gift—something that gets “oohs” from the crowd and grateful tears from the parents-to-be. But just as important as choosing the right gift is avoiding the stuff that can make you look… well, a little out of touch. I’ve learned this the hard way—so here’s my real talk list of what not to wrap up.
Don’t Be the Third Person to Bring a Wipe Warmer
Before you click “add to cart,” check the registry. I can’t stress this enough. The registry exists for a reason: to prevent a stack of five bottle sterilizers and seven identical baby bathtubs. No parent needs five of anything—except maybe pacifiers (those things vanish like socks in a dryer).
Pro tip: If everything affordable is already claimed, go off-registry thoughtfully. A book with a handwritten note inside? A meal delivery gift card? A baby medicine kit they didn’t even think of yet? Yes, yes, and yes.
TMI Is Not a Gifting Strategy
It’s tempting to get personal—especially if you’re close to the parents. But there’s a line. Lingerie for the mom-to-be? Cringe. A book on sleep training that you swear by but no one asked for? Save it for a private convo after the baby’s born. Not everything needs to come wrapped in pastel ribbon.
If it might raise eyebrows or requires a long disclaimer, maybe just… don’t.
Say No to Sketchy Hand-Me-Downs
I get it: baby gear is expensive, and second-hand can be a huge help. But unless it’s coming from someone the parents trust—and it meets current safety standards—it's better left in your garage.
Think twice before gifting:
Used car seats (expiration dates are a thing)
Cribs made before 2011 (drop-side cribs were banned for good reason)
Random gear off Facebook Marketplace that still smells like someone else's baby
When it comes to baby safety, there’s just no wiggle room. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a ton of helpful info if you’re unsure.
Clothes That Don’t Fit… Yet
It might feel fun to buy that adorable newborn outfit with the tiny giraffe ears, but here’s the catch: babies grow like weeds, and sizes are wildly inconsistent across brands. A “0-3 months” in one label might fit for a week, tops. Worse? Buying a size 12 months for a baby born in winter—who’ll be a sweaty mess come summer.
If you’re buying clothes:
Look ahead at the baby’s age for the next season
Or grab a gift receipt and admit, “I took a gamble on sizing!”
Bottom line? A great baby shower gift doesn’t have to be flashy—it just has to be thoughtful, safe, and ideally something that won’t be re-gifted or returned. And if you're ever in doubt, ask the parents or go in with a friend. Because nobody wants to be that guest.
Baby Shower Gifts by Budget: What’s Really Worth It?
Let’s cut to the chase—baby shower gifts can get expensive fast, but you don’t have to drop $200 to give something meaningful. Whether you're working with $20 or ready to splurge, it’s all about choosing something intentional. So how do you shop smart at every price point without looking like you just grabbed something off an endcap five minutes before the party? Here's how I break it down.
$10–$25: Small Budget, Big Heart
Don’t underestimate this range—it’s perfect for showing you care without draining your wallet. Personally, I love gifting board books with a handwritten message inside. It’s simple, heartfelt, and something parents will read again and again (even if it’s “Goodnight Moon” for the 472nd time).
Other thoughtful ideas:
A sweet onesie that reflects the parents' humor or style
A silicone teether (the cute ones shaped like tacos or avocado are irresistible)
A set of soft baby washcloths—practical, yes, but always used
These are the kinds of gifts that may not be flashy but end up getting real use. And that’s the point, right?
$25–$50: Sweet Spot for Practical + Thoughtful
This is the “goldilocks” zone. You're spending enough to get something that feels solid without overcommitting. If you’re in this range, lean into things that balance sentiment and function.
Baby wrap or sling – Not every parent registers for one, but when they have a fussy newborn, they’ll wish they had it
Plush blankets or sleep sacks – Just make sure they’re breathable and machine-washable (read: real life approved)
High-quality baby lotion/bath sets – Go for organic brands or ones made for sensitive skin like Earth Mama Organics
In this price range, the trick is to find something a little nicer than what someone would usually buy for themselves.
$50–$100: Go Big… Without Going Overboard
Now we’re talking serious gifts. You’ve either really love these parents-to-be—or you’re splitting the cost with someone (which is a great idea, by the way). This tier opens the door to gifts that make life easier in the long haul.
Diaper bag that doesn’t scream “diaper bag” – Think fashion meets function
Bouncer or portable bassinet – Bonus points if it folds up easily
High-end sound machine or baby monitor – Just make sure it’s one they didn’t already register for
If you’re not sure what’s still needed, a registry check or a quiet message to the parents goes a long way.
Over $100: When You Want to Really Show Up
This is the "wow" zone—and sometimes, the “we all chipped in” zone. These are the gifts that new parents don’t always expect, but deeply appreciate.
Convertible crib that grows with the child? Amazing.
Top-rated stroller that turns with one hand? Game-changer.
Fancy glider or rocking chair for the nursery? That’s luxury and love in one.
If you’re going this route, make it count. Make sure it matches their space, their style, and their actual needs. Nobody wants a $300 gadget that ends up collecting dust.
How You Present Your Baby Shower Gift Matters More Than You Think
You found the perfect gift—great. But here’s the truth: how you present it can elevate a good gift into a memorable one. And no, I’m not saying you need to be Martha Stewart with a glue gun and custom ribbon. I’m saying a little thought goes a long way.
Gift Wrap That Actually Feels Special
Listen, most people tear through wrapping paper without a second glance. But when someone takes the time to wrap a gift beautifully—or even just thoughtfully—it shows. And parents-to-be? They notice.
A few easy ideas I’ve used that make people pause before ripping:
Reusable cloth wraps or muslin swaddles instead of paper—eco-friendly and part of the gift.
Simple kraft paper with twine and a sprig of lavender or rosemary—instant charm, minimal effort.
Tote bags or diaper caddies as the “gift bag”—practical and creative.
Just... maybe skip the glitter. No new parent needs more tiny chaos in their house.
That Card? Make It Count
Too many cards feel like afterthoughts—generic message, scribbled signature, done. But this is one of those rare times when people actually read what you wrote. So make it count.
Even just two or three personal lines about how excited you are, a piece of advice you learned the hard way, or why you picked this gift—that’s the part they’ll remember. Honestly, years later, I still have a couple of those baby shower cards tucked in a memory box, and it’s not because they were Hallmark masterpieces. It’s because they felt real.
To Send or To Bring?
Good question—and it really depends.
Bringing it in person? Great if the shower is local and you want that “ta-da” moment. Just make sure it’s not so bulky that it’s a pain to carry in or out.
Shipping ahead of time? Absolutely smart if you’re traveling, the gift is oversized (hello, stroller), or you just want the parents to avoid schlepping things home. Include a note inside saying “open at the shower” if you want it part of the event.
And if the parents are doing a virtual shower or a sprinkle instead of a full-blown bash? Ship it early. That way it can be part of the celebration, not a late surprise they unwrap during diaper duty.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right baby shower gift doesn’t have to be stressful! By considering your relationship with the parents-to-be, sticking to a budget, and focusing on thoughtful, practical gifts, you’ll be able to show your love and support in just the right way. Remember, it’s not about the price—it’s about showing you care. So, whether it’s a small keepsake or a big-ticket item, trust your instincts and enjoy being part of such a special occasion!