There are, on average, 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year. That’s a lot of baby showers!
While the tradition of having a baby shower for an expecting mother is wonderful, and a great way to make sure that family has what they need, there are some things that you shouldn’t consider, and some things that may actually be more important than you think.
So, while diaper cakes and onesies will always be great gift options, it might be time to think outside the box. If you’re heading to a baby shower sometime in the near future, don’t let yourself bring the “wrong” thing.
Keep these tips in mind to pick out a gift that any expectant mother will love, and avoid something that may never get used.
Don’t Leave the Basics of the Registry
If you’re a mother, you probably already know all of the time, effort, and research you put in to looking at baby products when you were pregnant. Expectant mothers do a lot of digging to find the best products, and the ones they’re interested in. They put those products on a registry for a reason.
So, while there is nothing wrong with getting something off the registry or trying something unique, you should get them something small from their registry, as well. It’s there for a purpose, and it’s what that mother really wants.
Make Things Personal
A personal touch is always welcomed at a baby shower. Can you knit? If so, why not make a beautiful baby blanket? Even if you don’t “DIY” things, you can still order custom baby gifts with a child’s name or anything else that makes them special. It’s something that will be unique only to that baby, and what mother wouldn’t appreciate that? It’s a nice escape from some of the more traditional gifts without getting something too unique.
Pitch In for a Group
There will undoubtedly be some larger items on a woman’s gift registry. If you see things on there like a stroller, a crib, or a high chair, you might consider getting a group of friends together to “go in” on one of those higher-priced items. Some things are incredibly important necessities that will be needed right away when the baby is born. So, you can feel good about chipping in to get a large gift, even if you may not be able to afford it on your own.
Group gifts are a great way to not only get more expensive items but actually “shower” an expecting mother with care. New moms need to feel the love, too, and when she knows that she has a group of friends or family members willing to do something like that, she’ll love the gift even more.
So, if you’re trying to figure out what to do for that baby shower you got invited to, keep these tips in mind to avoid some common mistakes, and put the best practices into place, instead. When you do, you can have confidence in your gift and know it will be put to good use.