Whether you’ll be attending a baby shower or simply want to express congratulations for the parents-to-be, we have 12 baby shower gift ideas that are sure to be a hit.

The golden rules of baby shower gifting

Make things easy on yourself by referring to the baby shower registry. Pick an item that resonates with you and that you believe would be a useful and practical gift…. and that meets your budget. You can also consider contributing towards a group purchase for more expensive items like a stroller, a highchair, or a bassinet. The baby shower invitation usually includes a link to the wish list.

There’s no hard-and-fast rule that mandates you must stick with choosing an item on the baby shower registry. If you know the future parents well and want to surprise them by offering them a more personalized gift, then don't hesitate to be creative! However, there are some things that need to be considered:

1. Be cognizant of available space.

Avoid giving bulky gifts that could clutter or overwhelm the future parents’ apartment or house.

2. Show respect for any themes and colour palettes.

Avoid choosing a gift that clashes with how the future parents want to decorate their baby’s room.

3. Don’t duplicate. Don’t duplicate.

Go through the baby shower registry and ensure the gift you want to give hasn’t been purchased by someone else. If this is not the parents’ first child, keep in mind what they might possibly already own. Although it’s crucial to be well prepared before a baby enters the world, it’s counterproductive to have doubles.

4. Think of the parents’ preferences.

Don’t give disposable diapers to a couple who plans to use cloth diapers. Or don’t give a nursing pillow to a mother-to-be who does not intend to breastfeed. As best as possible, use common sense.

5. Keep it simple.

A newborn is a huge responsibility. Avoid gifts that require a lot of time and attention on the parents’ part. That plant you thought was a great baby shower gift idea? Think again.

And don’t worry: There is no “right” or “wrong” amount to spend on a baby shower gift; it really depends on how close you are to the parents. You'll probably want to spend more on your best friend's baby shower than the one your third cousin twice removed is having. The bottom line: It’s the thought that counts the most!

Baby shower gift ideas for future parents

If you’ve ultimately decided to bypass the wish list and express your individuality, we’re recommending the following 12 items that make for perfect baby shower gift ideas.

1. A unisex diaper bag

The days of diaper bags featuring giraffes or toy cars are long gone: Today’s models are practical and stylish. Neutral colours and shapes ensure parents will be proud to carry them... even as their baby starts getting older!

2. Body care with mom in mind

Stretch marks, dryness, irritated nipples: A new mother's skin can experience several changes during pregnancy and then later in the postpartum period. Let her pamper herself with gentle-formula products that are free of ingredients considered to be of concern according to the EWG.

The Mama’s Love pregnancy and postpartum gift set has everything necessary for new mothers to take care of their bodies with complete peace of mind : a stretch mark prevention oil, a pregnancy body butter and a breastfeeding balm, as well as essential products for newborns. Plastic-free, this set goes gentle on mom, baby and the planet.

Discover which ingredients pregnant women should avoid when it comes to skincare in this article.

3. An air purifier

Frequent diaper changes can sometimes result in odd smells that settle in the house after a baby arrives. The solution? An activated carbon air purifier that cleans indoor air by eliminating odours and contaminants. Completely safe, it’s ideal for the baby's room.

4. Candles

Candles with soothing aromas like lavender are great to help new parents create a relaxed atmosphere in their home.

5. Coordinating bathrobes

The perfect baby shower gift idea for new parents who, during the first weeks following the birth of their baby, will probably have neither the inclination nor the time to put on their best clothes.

6. Those small essentials that are easy to overlook

Once the baby has arrived, new parents sometimes realize they are missing small essentials: Diapers and wipes with biodegradable compounds; formula (if the mother chooses not to breastfeed or to do mixed breastfeeding); baby massage oil or diaper cream.

Sure, these post-natal gifts may not be as cute as a pair of mini slippers, but they’re always useful!

7. Personalized jewelry

This is a beautiful baby shower gift idea for pregnant women, so long as you know the future mother’s tastes! It can take the form of a chain or a bracelet with the baby’s name engraved or M-O-M to form the word “Mom.”

8. A sleep sack

The luxury version of swaddling blankets, sleep sacks for babies are soft, safe and facilitate diaper changing without significantly disturbing a baby’s sleep. This one’s a winner!

9. Books

Stock your friends' bookshelves with parenting and baby books. It's never too early to make reading part of a bedtime routine. And who knows? Because of you, that baby may become the next Einstein.

10. A photo session

Offer the new family a session with a professional photographer to commemorate and immortalize their first moments with their new baby.

11. Beautiful mugs (and the coffee, tea or herbal tea that goes in them)

An insulated mug for parents with their preferred hot beverage – as interruptions will become the new norm – makes an ideal (and appreciated) gift. Simple, effective and oh-so-comforting!

12. A pharmacy or grocery store gift card

What’s the best way to ensure avoiding buying something that parents really don't need? Let them choose for themselves! Offering them a pharmacy or grocery store gift card near to their home means they’ll buy products they’ll actually use.

Ultimately, above the baby shower gift ideas and baby shower registry items, the best thing you can give new parents is your presence and your love. Suggest looking after their baby while they enjoy some down time or offer to do the cleaning and laundry once a week. Show them – through concrete actions – that you’re there for them, and that you intend to continue to be part of their lives and that of their child’s.