thoughtful baby shower gift on a budget

[4kids4karen]

Is this someone close? If it is someone close that you will be buying a birthday present for each year, I would suggest a savings bond, then a savings bond on their birthdays. I know it is something usually grandparents or aunts/uncles do, which is why I ask if you are close to this family.

 

[4kids4karen]

Diapers are the most useful baby gift, so big box of newborn diapers would be appreciated and is not expensive.

I was very particular about diapers because of my babies sensitive skin. Some diapers caused really bad rash and burn on my little one. I did not like receiving diapers as gifts since I was very particular.

 

[FireflyTrance]

I want to chime in as someone who is 8 months pregnant

I think want new parents really want is what is on their registry. For both this pregnancy and my last one I was given too many baby clothes, especially in newborn and 0-3 month size. I am not trying to sound ungrateful, but the reality is you only need so many very small pieces of clothing. Some won't get a chance to get worn before the baby outgrows them. If there is anything in your price range on the registry I would suggest just going with that.

 

[christineinvegas]

I have a girl at work who is pregnant and when shopping for her I was trying to think of the things I used the most with my own.

I bought her diapers (she can return and get a different brand if she wants), wipes, and baby butt cream. I also got a pajama outfit size 3-6, bibs, and a cute toy to go on the carseat.

With my own daughter, I got so many diapers. But I used them all. I also got SO MUCH baby wash that I think she was 4 before we used it all. LOL!

We used a TON of bibs because DD had GERD and spit up everywhere. I also think those swaddle wraps are awesome!

 

[LJSquishy]

Stick to their registry or buy a gift card to the place they've registered at. The parents have carefully selected the items they would like (brand, style, color, etc) and/or need the most. While some gifts might seem very thoughtful, they may go unused if not selected from their registry. For example, I would never use disposable diapers, disposable wipes, baby bath wash set, exersaucer, or Bumbo seat. Others might, but it's very specific to each parent. I would appreciate a $10 item from my registry much more than a $50 item I wouldn't use.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I would buy the registry items...UNLESS I was close enough to the family that a gift of movie tickets or dinner for mom and dad with free babysitting from you would seem appropriate. This is a great gift for someone with no real local family b/c babysitting is SO expensive, and most parents are leery leaving babies with anyone they don't trust...

 

[CouponGirl]

This is not very traditional, but I think it is thoughtful and could be done on a budget - Put together a basket of paper products (plates, napkins, cups, etc.) and offer to organize a meal train for once the baby has returned home. (Or if you don't want to do the whole meal train organization, offer to bring a meal and even just leave it on the doorstep so she doesn't have to come to the door or add a gift card for a place that delivers with the paper products). It won't get the same 'ooo's & 'awwww's of a cute little person's item, but will be super appreciated once the little one arrives and she doesn't have to worry about cooking or washing dishes. And if she doesn't care to have people bring meals, the paper products will still keep dishes from having to be done.

 

[kuhltiffany]

I like to buy onesies, one in each size from newborn to age 2, pile them on one another in a stack. It's neat to see the progression of size difference. Very practical, and you can go as fancy or simple as you like...

 

[seasheller]

We have a large church family so there are always baby showers going on. I usually buy larger pj's - at least 18 months or higher. One year I got three thank you notes that all mentioned that they appreciated getting the larger size. I'm always picking up infant pajamas when they are on sale - usually in a safe color for boy or girl.

 

[tcufrog]

My go to gift for house warming, baby showers and wedding showers when the registry isn’t an option is a Brother label maker. They usually look strangely at me until they start using it. The labels are dishwasher safe and stay on really well but usually come off easily without damaging the item they’re on. I’ve used them to label items for daycare, leave instructions and warning on baby items, leave reminders and notes for my dh, etc. Now that the kids are older I label shelves, pantry items, water bottles, school and camp gear, etc. with my label maker. I’ve had the same one for more than a decade and it still works perfectly. The recipient usually asks me where to get refills sooner than they expected. I’ve bought them on Amazon and at warehouse stores.

 

[superme80]

Butt paste! Best diaper cream out there. I loved all gifts I got. A friend who knew me, bought me pampering set. It had shower gel, soap, powder, and a mini manicure set. Burp cloths and baby wash cloths got tons of use. My aunt embroidered my son's name on them. They are still treasured!

 

[barkley]

I'd like to stay right around $25. The parents have a registry at Target but I didn't see anything that really jumped out at me. I have had success there in the past putting together gift baskets from their clearance, but I have been trying to stay out of there if I can help it. I always spend more that I anticipated.

I give the same gift for all baby showers-a cool mist humidifier. a new parent never needs one until THEY REALY NEED ONE-and generally it's in the middle of the night after all the stores are closed. bed, bath and beyond has them for around $29-use a 20% off coupon and your're out the door w/tax at $25. I have never failed to receive a secondary thank-you following the first time the parents needed to use one and remembered they already had it on hand.

 

[kymom99]

My niece always makes a "taggie" for new babies. She finds fabric on sale and sews loops of ribbons in between 2 pieces. Babies like the tactile feeling. I don't know if you have any sewing skills but you could make something like this and put it with something else. I like the larger size pj idea. Also the first aid type things.

 

[Bren's Mom]

I agree with Butt Paste. LOL I like to make a basket with all the things you don't know you need until you need them and it's late at night and you don't want to have to go out. Gripe water/baby Tylenol/butt paste/thermometer/mylicon/nose sucker/syringes (my pharmacy will give these to me free, and they're safest to use with meds because you can get the dosage more correct)/pedialyte.

Check that expiration dates are at least a year out. I use coupons!

 

[mjkacmom]

Really, try to find something from their registry if you can. They wouldn't have registered for the items if they didn't want them.

If you can't do that, maybe pick up a nice fleece blanket at Target or Kohls, and order a board book or two from Amazon.

Do you have a Kohls charge? You can get great deals on super cute Carter's baby outfits or pjs when they have the 30% off codes.

I personally loved these terry cloth sleepers - perfect for year round, baby doesn't overheat.
https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2883077/baby-carters-animal-terry-sleep-play.jsp?prdPV=5

Funny, I was recently at a party and we were talking babies, I said what I really miss is holding a freshly bathed baby in a terry sleeper.

 

[mjkacmom]

I agree with Butt Paste. LOL I like to make a basket with all the things you don't know you need until you need them and it's late at night and you don't want to have to go out. Gripe water/baby Tylenol/butt paste/thermometer/mylicon/nose sucker/syringes (my pharmacy will give these to me free, and they're safest to use with meds because you can get the dosage more correct)/pedialyte.

Check that expiration dates are at least a year out. I use coupons!

This used to be my go-to, but it’s expensive!

 

[tcufrog]

I just remembered one awesome gift I got. A friend took those old school cloth diapers that are layered white cotton fabric and decorated them with ribbon and patches. They were by far the best burp cloths I’ve found. It was a very inexpensive but super thoughtful gift.

I just remembered a gift I gave when I was broke. I bought the cheap stretchy white onesies in a variety of sizes and dyed and tie dyed them. My friend who got them loved them and said that they were invaluable as diaper bag backups and easy outfits on at home days.

 

[scrapquitler]

I usually buy a couple books and something from the registry or a gift card.

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

Large package of onesies in a slightly larger size - ie 6-9 months or 12 months, not newborn. Babies outgrow those things overnight. Then, use the rest of your budget on a gift card that they can use for diapers/wipes/socks/whatever they may need.

 

[laceltris3]

Bumkins long sleeved bibs. You can get a 2 pack inexpensively and they are the best things ever for keeping a baby from getting food all over themselves.