I, for one, love going to a baby shower. First kid or seventh, I think all pregnancies and babies should be celebrated.
I know it’s fun shopping for tiny baby clothes, and I’m sure the mama-to-be appreciates any and all of the efforts to welcome new baby, but it’s always nice when a gift turns out to be a useful item that comes in handy on a daily basis.
Bonus points if it looks pretty, too!
I’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite affordable, useful gift ideas. I hope these 12 items come in handy when it comes time to welcome the next sweet babe into your life!
1. Heirloom quality bib
This one is from Nena and Co. This bib is super soft and is just as practical as it is cute! It’s still going strong after many washes and can be handed down to younger siblings or grandbabies. (Let’s try not to dwell on that last word. *gulp*)
2. Organic baby food
Even die-hard DIY baby food makers will appreciate having some pre-made food on hand when they’re going out. If it’s not the first baby, chances are mom might suddenly realize baby is six months old and scramble around looking for a banana. Baby food will not be wasted!
3. Boon baby food dispensing spoon
I love this product when we are on the go. I fill it before we go out and the mess is minimal.
4. A silicone placemat
Some styles stick to the table and have built in bowls. I like knowing my baby is going to be eating on a clean surface and she won’t be dropping any plates off the side of the restaurant tables!4.
5. Nuby Stage 3 sippy cup
This sippy cup transitions easily from a bottle nipple to a sippy spout with two handles. Available at WalMart, Target, and Kohls in a variety of colors.
6. Braided Pacifier clips
These cute leather clips help ensure that pacifiers- and even small toys — stay within baby’s reach and ensure that they don’t get lost or dropped on the germy floor.
7. The Nose Frida
Yeah, I know; if you told me I would suck my baby’s snot I would have been disgusted, too. But this is a necessity for every mom. A typical nasal bulb aspirator is in actuality a thinly veiled torture device; both for baby and parent, since it never actually gets the boogies on the first try. The Nose Frida is a lifesaver. Gift it with Boogie Wipes and Saline spray for the ultimate snot elimination kit.
8. Cute, natural diapers
Especially in the size the baby will use during the summertime. Maybe it’s just me, but my baby doesn’t wear much when we’re home during the summer. Enter: cute diapers. Regular diapers work just as well, but cute ones are a splurge for us. (Hedgehogs! Fawns! Holy cuteness!)
9. Silicone teething necklace
(This one is my favorite!) Mama’s necklace is going to get chewed on, no matter what. She might as well wear a pretty one designed for just that!
10. Boon Grass Drying Rack
It’s cute, small, and conveniently sits on the counter top awaiting all those tiny baby items that can’t go in the dishwasher. We received one as a gift when we had our first daughter and I’m still using it (7.5 years later!). It’s one of those items that can be used over and over, even well after baby-turns to toddler-turns to big kid.
11. Waterproof wet/dry bag
Babies make messes. It’s their favorite thing to do. A waterproof bag keeps the mess separate from the other clean essentials in the diaper bag. Plus, these can be used long after they aren’t needed for baby. We use ours during the summertime to store wet bathing suits after swimming. Two cute, affordable options can be found here and here.
12. Infant toothbrush
Baby’s new teeth will be here before you know it! A baby toothbrush will help ease the teething pain and introduce baby to the concept of having their teeth cleaned.
BONUS: Last but not least… How about a gift card for delivered groceries?!
It’s every new mom’s dream to have a fully stocked fridge without leaving the house. Instacart for the win!
I love that any or all of these gifts can be neatly assembled into a gift basket without even needing to be wrapped. Now all we have to do is wait for these babies to arrive so we can hold them… and maybe give their mamas a few minutes to go take shower.
