There’s no shortage of cool and creative baby shower gift ideas out there. But I speak from experience when I say that practical baby shower gift ideas should always take priority!
While only some parents may appreciate things like knick-knacks and keepsakes, I feel confident saying that all parents appreciate products that are useful in everyday life.
So below I’ve rounded up exactly that – over 50 baby shower gift ideas that parents will actually get a ton of use out of.
All of these items are baby must haves recommended to me by friends, family members, and my Instagram followers. And they’re all products that I’ve purchased and/or received for our baby boy (due November 2021). So I can assure you they are all tried and true!
Scroll down to see and shop all of the picks. Simply click on the product photos and/or links to see details and purchase.
PLEASE NOTE: This post includes affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we could earn commission. This comes at no expense to you as the buyer, but it keeps this blog alive. Thank you in advance for your support!
Useful Baby Shower Gift Ideas by Category
Baby Must Haves for the Nursery
The Nanit Pro Camera and Wall Mount
Or any other monitor that will help mom and dad watch over baby. I just chose the Nanit Pro one because of the positive reviews, and I liked that I could use my mobile device for viewing.
A Play Mat
Play mats are perfect for play time and tummy time! I chose one that matched our nursery vibe so it could double as decor.
A Humidifier
I love the Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier because it’s a night light, essential oil diffuser and humidifier all in one.
Toy Box
This pop up toy box is the perfect size for a new baby who has just a few small toys, like rattles and stuffed animals.
Laundry Baskets
One of the most practical, but creative baby shower gift ideas I’ve seen is filling a laundry basket with new baby must haves like laundry detergent, hangers, etc. So there’s a fun idea for the taking! 😉
Storage Baskets
Storage baskets can be used for blankets, stuffed animals, diapers, wipes, and other miscellaneous extras. You can gift one filled with these items, too!
Closet Organizers
Closet organizers like these are great for organizing clothing by size so everything on hand is visible in a single glance.
Book Shelf
Lots of parents-to-be (Dane and I included) request books in lieu of cards at their baby shower, so a book shelf is one of those baby shower gift ideas they may not have thought of but will certainly use.
Crib
Obviously go for whatever the parents have on their registry, but we went with the Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib because of it’s 3-in-1 design if you need a recommendation. It has fantastic reviews!
Power Swivel Glider
While there are a ton of glider and recliner options out there, the Kersey Power Swivel Glider seems to be a fan favorite. It’s super comfortable, comes in a ton of colors, and is on the more affordable side comparatively. Plus, the recliner can be adjusted with the push of a button, which was a must for short little old me, lol.
Wall Decor
Letter ledges are fun because you can change the messaging whenever you feel like it! I actually ordered this exact set from my former sorority sister’s Etsy shop and I’m obsessed with it.
Crib Sheet Sets
If you don’t know the theme of the nursery, opt for crib sheets that are plain and neutral. They’ll for sure get used!
Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers help to compartmentalize big drawers and optimize the space for little clothes and other items like socks and mittens.
Baby Clothing Hangers
A hanger set like this (with the included clips) is great for storing pants and other outfit separates.
Hatch Sound Machine and Nightlight
The Hatch is one of the products everyone seems to swear by. It provides soothing sounds, gentle light, and the time for the parents sake.
Baby Must Haves for Bath Time
Hooded Towel
The bamboo hooded towels by HipHop Panda on Amazon are SO cute and super soft!
Washcloths
The bamboo washcloths from that same store I just mentioned are awesome, too!
Bath Time Essentials Kit
This bath time essentials set includes a mat for kneeling, an arm rest for leaning, a cup for rinsing, and a cover for the spicket.
Baby Lotion
Be sure to choose a baby lotion that’s on the gentle side and not overly fragrant just to be safe.
Baby Shampoo and Body Wash
Another one of my go-to baby shower gift ideas is pairing a bottle of baby shampoo and wash with lotion, towels, and other bath time essentials. It might sound “boring”, but it sure is useful!
Infant Comb
Even if baby is born bald, they’ll eventually need a soft infant comb, lol.
Bath Tub
This baby bath tub is great because it can be broken down for easy storage.
Baby Must Haves for Diapering
Wipeable Changing Pad
A changing pad like this one by Bumbo is ideal because it can be wiped down. Mom and dad don’t have to worry about buying extra covers and keeping them clean.
Wipes
Obviously there are a ton of options on the market, but I registered for WaterWipes because of how gentle they are and how many positive reviews they have on Amazon.
Diapers
I hear great things about the Pampers brand diapers, and I do plan to use them. I also plan to try the popular bamboo diapers from Amazon. Both are great options for your baby shower gifts!
Aquaphor
So many people swear by Aquaphor for diaper rash and other skin irritations!
Baby Bum Brush
The baby bum brush is a tool for spreading diaper rash ointment evenly and mess free. Sure, it’s not 100% necessary, but it is certainly convenient!
Diaper Pail
This specific diaper pail was recommended to me over and over. Many say it’s the only one they’ve used that doesn’t emit any nasty smells.
Baby Must Haves for Health and Safety
Electric Nail Trimmer Set
I know it sounds bougie, lol, but this electronic nail trimmer set from Amazon is popular because it’s so easy and gentle.
Thermometer
The Fridababy thermometer provides a 1-second reading via forehead or ear.
Baby Must Haves for Travel
Portable High Chair
A portable high chair can be used on vacations, at restaurants, and even local trips to visit friends and family.
Wonderfold Wagon
This is still something on our to-get list, but this foldable wagon is great for trips to the zoo, walks around the neighborhood, and so much more.
Playpen
Specifically a playpen that includes a secure bassinet and storage pockets. Those are just more functional!
Portable Fan
This portable fan can hook on to a stroller or playpen to keep baby cool on the go.
Stroller Travel Cover
Stroller covers are especially great for gate checking strollers when traveling by air.
Car Seat Travel Cover
This car seat travel cover allows a car seat to be carried as a backpack.
Portable Sound Machine
A portable sound machine can help baby to sleep comfortably in unfamiliar environments.
Insulated Bottle Bag
This insulated bottle bag can keep bottles warm or cold. It comes in several colors and patterns, too.
Portable Play Yard With Canopy
This portable play yard with canopy can be used at the park, on the beach, or in the yard. It keeps baby contained and shaded while leaving mom and dad hands free!
Baby Must Haves for Feeding
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
The Stokke Tripp Trapp chair was made to grow with baby! Plus, it’s easy to wipe down.
Muslin Burp Cloths
TheseMuslin burp cloths are great quality and a nice size, too.
Bottle Cleaning Tools
This bottle cleaning tool set includes a basket for small parts and bottle brushes.
Bottle Drying Rack
I recommend getting a bottle drying rack in a neutral color so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
Baby Bottle Warmer and Sterilizer
This baby bottle warmer safely heats bottles and food jars. It can sterilize nipples, pacifiers, and other items, too.
Bibs
Bandana bibs are super trendy, and these specifically are great for girls or boys.
Other Baby Must Haves
Bouncer and/or Rocker
This rocker is fully adjustable and can lay flat for easy storage.
Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Support Pillow
The Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Pillow helps mom support baby while breastfeeding. It can also be used to prop baby up when they’re starting to sit.
Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger
The Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger is a comfortable, portable place to put baby when they’re not in someone’s arms.
Bumbo Infant Floor Seat
The Bumbo helps baby sit upright from 3 months to 9 months. This is great for when baby gets more curious/alert and doesn’t want to be laying around/sleeping all of the time.
Orthodontic Pacifiers
There are a lot of cute pacifiers on the market, but if you’re going to gift any make sure you choose orthodontic pacifiers. These are designed for specific stages to prevent negative impacts on jaw growth and development (Babylist).
Swaddles
Swaddles help to prevent a babies startle reflex, aiding in better sleep.
Receiving Blankets
Receiving blankets are cozy and even versatile, doubling as a burp cloth when needed.
Warm Blankets
A warm blanket is necessary for baby, especially if they live in a cold climate! This one from Amazon is SO soft and great quality. It reminds me of the popular Barefoot Dreams blankets you can get at Nordstrom, but more affordable.
Gender Neutral Baby Clothes
Buying gender neutral baby clothes allows mom and dad to reuse gifted items for future babies. Many stories offer gender neutral baby sections these days, my favorites being BuyBuyBaby, Gap, Gap Factory, H&M, and even Carters (their Little Planet Baby brand is adorable!!).
Diaper Bag
If you’re not sure what to choose, opt for a gender neutral diaper bag that anyone would feel comfortable carrying.
Overnight Tote
The tote shown is technically a diaper bag, too. We plan to use it as an overnight bag, though, as it’s the perfect size for a few outfits and such.
Ergo Baby Carrier
Out of all the baby carriers recommended to me, the Ergo Baby Carrier was the fan favorite. My sister also owns it and loves it.
Milestone Blanket
A simple milestone blanket like this one helps capture babies growth throughout the first year. It’s not something you can use every day, per say. BUT it can certainly be used for future children.
While I know it’s tempting to steer from this list and try to get creative with your baby shower gift ideas, I can assure you that useful items like those above are best.
As I move into motherhood myself, I’ll be sure to come back and update this list with more baby must haves and other baby practical shower gift ideas for you. So be sure to pin this post on Pinterest and reference it whenever you have to buy a baby gift.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading. Come back soon!
