Baby Shower Gift Giving Ideas: What Are My Options?

It's no surprise that you have to bring a gift to a baby shower. It's very common for specific gifts to be requested by the mom-to-be or hostess. Sometimes, it's even printed on the invitation. Most often the mom-to-be will have a gift registry at one or two stores. If not, there are many other ways for you to give her a baby shower gift that she'll indeed put to use.

The Registry A gift registry is very popular for a mom-to-be to have before the baby shower. By registering at a certain store, she's able to pick out the things she feels will be necessary for the baby. This is very convenient for the mom, so she won't have to stress about purchasing so many necessities for her new baby. It's also convenient for you, the buyer, because then you don't have to worry about searching for a particular item. Many people like the idea of a gift registry for this reason, and because it's less overwhelming for them to have to worry about how much money to spend. All you have to do is print out the mom-to-be's registry and choose the item you'd like to buy. However, not all people agree with the idea of a registry. Some may feel obligated to then buy a bigger ticket item, but usually a gift registry is not forced. If you have a special gift idea in mind, there is no need to feel pressured to throw it away just because the gift registry was mentioned on the invitation.

A Gift Card / Gift Certificate Though some people consider a gift card rude and unthoughtful, many people disagree. If you're completely unsure of what to give the mom-to-be, a gift card is a great option so she can buy some of the items she didn't receive at her baby shower. In fact, many people prefer receiving gift cards so they're able to get what they want exactly. There is no hassle for the mom-to-be to return a gift (or be stuck with something she doesn't need if there is no receipt). Sometimes "gift card presents only" are requested on the invitation. Even though there really is no surprise or thrill of opening a gift card, at least you don't have to worry about purchasing something the mom-to-be won't like or use. It's also great if you need to get a last minute gift.

The Wishing Well If you've ever been to a baby shower, you've probably noticed some giant basket or bucket smack dab in the middle of the floor or a table. That's the wishing well, and most of the time you'll find there will be one at the shower. A wishing well is the perfect device for collecting small ticket items necessary for the baby. If you peer inside one, you're likely to be staring at socks, onesies, bath products, pacifiers, burp cloths, utensils, sometimes even baby food or formula. Some people even throw in cash, checks or gift cards. Wishing wells are much more common than money trees, and even though you have the option of putting in money, it's not demanded. Money trees are a bit more up-front about what's being asked for; but with a wishing well, you're not limited to just cash.

The Money Tree This is perhaps one of the most unpopular devices used at a baby shower. Most people consider them rude and downright greedy, because it's basically just bluntly asking for money. Your guests probably don't want to feel forced into forking out cash. This also takes away from the fun of opening the gifts. If you're really leaning toward having a money tree, it's recommended that the guests are given the option of giving money or a gift. Then you can also instead use a "dream tree" as an alternative. Guests can write a little note, dream or wish they have for the mom-to-be or the new baby, and hang that on the tree along with money if they choose. It's similar to a money tree, but guests won't be obligated to give money.

Bulk Presents Many of the necessities for a new baby can be very costly. Diapers, baby wipes and formula are probably the most expensive items a mother will end up purchasing for her baby throughout infancy. If you're friends or acquainted with a couple of other girls attending the baby shower, propose giving a bulk gift for the wishing well. All of you can chip in to buy a large amount of diapers or formula. Not only will this allow her to save a ton of money, but she'll be able to stock up and be saved from the worry of having to run to the store late at night when she runs out of clean diapers. But this is not recommended to give as the main present - this should only be for the wishing well. It's not exactly personal, nor is it fun to open. Though it's guaranteed the mom-to-be will be extremely grateful, you should still buy her something she's able to open as well.

We have tons of unique baby gifts for the new little one, and even for mom.

© 2010 Kelsey Bowen, Little Things Baby