It wouldn’t be a baby shower if it didn’t rain presents! Derived from the nineteenth-century custom of filling a parasol with tokens for brides, who then opened it up to be “showered” with gifts, all guests are expected to bring something along for mom or baby.
But how much should you spend on a baby shower gift when picking out your contribution – what’s the etiquette? We’ve done the research and have devised a list of average budgets to keep in mind depending on the situation… because of course, Sarah from work who you never talk to isn’t getting baby monitors, but your best friend might!
No matter who you’re buying for, it’s important that you always stick to a cost you are comfortable with. Your relationship with the shower recipient matters when deciding how much to spend, but nobody is expecting you to break the bank for this.
At the end of the day, it’s a bit of fun to celebrate the new parents and help them prepare for the huge responsibilities of taking care of a brand new human. Whatever you bring will be more than appreciated – trust us!
The recommended baby shower gift amount is between $25 to $100 or more depending on your relationship to the expecting parents. Close friends and family would be a reason to splurge on a gift. While co-workers and acquaintances would be reasonable to spend in the $25 – $30 range. The most important thing is to purchase something useful for the new parents as the experience the overwhelming journey into parenthood.
Gift cards are a great way for parents to finish up anything they didn’t receive from their registry! An appropriate gift card amount is between $25 – $50 for a gift card given at a baby shower. You typically should spend approximately the amount you would spend on a gift.
New parents will definitely receive money as a baby shower gift, especially if they need cash to go towards larger items they may not get from a baby shower.
Registry
First things first – is there a registry? The invitation to the shower you received should specify whether the expectant parents are providing a list of pre-selected gifts for you to choose from, which is a common practice these days. Some party hosts will have bigger expectations than others, so be sure to get in there early if you want to avoid getting stuck with the really boring or expensive options!
It could be considered impolite to completely ignore the registry, so even if you decide to go your own way, we would recommend picking up a small item from their list too – then everybody wins!
So, down to brass tacks – what’s it going to cost you? Our thorough investigation suggests that around 20 to 40 dollars are what the average American would spend on a first-time parents’ baby shower. For a work colleague or an acquaintance, there would be no obligation to bring anything more than a card and a little something sweet for the bundle of joy.
We recommend paying within the realms of 15 and 25 bucks for a cute sleepsuit or outfit if you want to get something more parent-focused, you could get a cute maternity top or some skincare products for the mom-to-be.
Friends and Relatives
Going to a shower for a friend or relative? In that case, you might want to spend a little more money to get them something bigger and better, or several smaller gifts, especially if you’re going to be a big part of the baby’s life. 30 to 50 dollars should cover putting together a lovely present with bits and pieces for both parents and their newborn to enjoy.
Our best friends and closest family warrant a little more time and attention to find something special, which is probably going to be more expensive than the average gift. 60 to 100 dollars will net you some of the higher-end registry items if the couple has asked for any, but again, don’t put yourself out for the sake of a party!
Buy Together
If you’re part of a close-knit group, or you know that some attendees might benefit from splitting the cost, why not consider pooling your resources to purchase a big-ticket item like a pushchair or a crib? Of course, this is only really useful for first-time parents, as those on their second child and beyond will usually have the big stuff already.
That’s not to say you can’t provide them with a swanky update if you so desire! But if the baby shower is particularly extravagant and you’re, well… not, don’t feel pressured to cave and spend more than you can afford.
Are there no gifts left on the registry? Is inspiration failing to strike? Remember, money is a universally appreciated gift, especially for those about to inherit an extra mouth to feed! It can be used to pick up those basic essentials like diapers and coffee and they’ll certainly be grateful for those when the time comes.
A more thoughtful alternative to cold hard cash can be gift cards, which open up a plethora of options: baby shops, grocery stores, restaurants, Starbucks… just about everywhere offers a voucher these days. Think about the parents and what they like, and pick a card appropriate for them, giving the gift a more personalized touch.
Tips for Choosing a Baby Shower Gift on a Budget
If you’re strapped for cash and struggling to find anything you can afford, don’t worry! There is absolutely no harm in a gift bought on sale or bringing something homemade.
Like we said before, try not to ignore the registry altogether if you can help it, just opt for a smaller gift from the list to give alongside your DIY one. The “no-fun” items like digital thermometers, nipple cream, and baby nail clippers are usually ignored for more attractive and impressive gifts but they’re still very much needed and probably not that pricy!
The easiest gifts to pick up on sale are photo albums and pajamas, which also happen to be two pretty affordable options in most stores. If you’re looking for inspiration for cheap and cheerful handcrafted gifts, why not choose a themed gift basket to assemble and pick out little gifts that match it within your budget?
For instance, you could place together a pack of bibs, a set of baby cutlery, a bowl and cup for baby, or nursing pads, a manual breast pump and nipple cream for mom!
Ideas for When There is No Baby Registry
Need some suggestions for what to buy when there’s no registry? For first time parents, you should stick to all things practical: diapers, wipes, changing bags and muslin cloths will be needed as soon as baby is born, and it’s great to stock up in advance.
If the new addition is a second or third child (and beyond!) you can afford to be a bit more frivolous; clothes, books, toys, and treats for mom like candles and body lotions are all guaranteed winners.
