A baby shower is an ideal opportunity for friends and relatives to gather together and celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new baby. Modern baby showers originally became popular in the 1940s and 1950s in America, although the tradition of bestowing gifts upon expectant mothers can be traced back thousands of years. While parents are under no obligation to host a baby shower, it can be a memorable experience for all involved. If you’ve been invited to a baby shower, you may be wondering what you can bring as a gift - here are some excellent practical baby shower gifts guaranteed to come in handy.
Muslin Blankets
As the parent of a newborn, your recipient will get through more than their fair share of muslin blankets. These thin, soft, versatile blankets have a range of uses, including swaddling, nursing, comforting and sun shade; hence, your recipient will likely go through several each day. Fortunately, muslin blankets are affordable and commonly available in multipacks, so you can purchase them in bulk, ready for the trials and tribulations of newborn life.
Skincare
Baby skin is highly delicate and around three to five times thinner than that of the average adult. Therefore, caring for your baby’s skin is crucial for avoiding dryness, sensitivity and infection. Consider purchasing a baby skincare package for your recipient. You could even get them a pregnancy skincare package with deep moisturising lotions for their growing bump and cleansers for their skin, which may be problematic or sensitive due to hormonal changes.
Pregnancy Pillow
Pregnancy pillows offer comfort and reduce pressure by supporting the curves and contours of your body, helping you get the rest you need for a healthy pregnancy. As your loved one’s baby grows inside them, getting a good night’s rest will become increasingly tricky. Finding a comfortable position and staying in it long enough to fall asleep can be profoundly difficult once you enter the third trimester; hence, a good-quality pregnancy pillow is a life-saver.
Nappies And Wipes
You can never have too many nappies and wipes. Young babies need changing up to twelve times per day, amounting to between 2,000 and 2,200 nappies just in their first year. Size one nappies will fit most newborns until they are around two months old, so a few spare packs will go a long way. In terms of wipes, opt for natural, biodegradable water wipes suitable for newborns. If your recipient is environmentally conscious, you could opt for reusable cloth nappies and organic cotton reusable wipes.
Organic Baby Clothing
Organic baby clothing is not only a highly practical gift, but adorable outfits are a joy to receive. If your recipient has chosen not to reveal the gender of their expected little one, opt for gender-neutral baby grows, dungarees, sleepsuits and sweaters made from 100% organic cotton. This remarkable fabric is incredibly durable, kind to young, delicate skin and, most importantly, environmentally sustainable - perfect for reducing your carbon footprint.
Montessori and Waldorf-Inspired Toys
Montessori toys stimulate learning by encouraging babies to explore and experiment through the medium of play, aiding a range of developmental areas such as fine motor skills, problem-solving and coordination. Furthermore, Montessori-inspired toys are predominantly made from natural materials such as wood, making them long-lasting, kind to the environment and appealing to babies’ sense of touch. You could also consider natural, Waldorf-inspired toys to encourage creativity and imaginative play. You can read more about Montessori and Waldorf toys here.
Gift Card
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a gift card. A gift card for your recipient’s favourite baby shop or even a popular supermarket where they can purchase essentials is an excellent crowd-pleasing gift that won’t go to waste. They can use their voucher to buy clothes, toys, toiletries, baby food and more - ideal for when money becomes tight at the end of the month or when they simply fancy a treat.
Newborn Photoshoot
Newborn photoshoots are ideal for capturing those precious first few weeks of life while your recipient’s baby is still tiny and new. Most newborn photographers have plenty of adorable outfits and props to make the finished results unique. Contact a professional newborn photographer and purchase a voucher for your recipient to cash in once their little one arrives - consider opting for a package with professional prints included.
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