If you have lots of friends and family members having babies, you’ve probably realized that the cost of baby shower gifts can quickly add up, especially if you’re opting to give cute designer baby duds.
Here are some cheap baby shower gifts that don’t look cheap! Stop stressing out over what to gift mom-to-be, and use these gifts for a baby shower as your guide! They’re the perfect new born baby gift ideas!
However, baby gifts don’t necessarily have to break the bank. No etiquette rule says you have to spend a certain amount on a baby shower gift (or on a baby gift given after birth).
There’s no requirement that a baby shower gift must come from the registry or cost a certain amount. In fact, some of the most meaningful and appreciated gifts won’t cost you that much.
How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
The amount you should spend on a baby shower gift can vary based on your relationship with the parents-to-be and your personal budget. Generally, here are some guidelines:
- Close Friends or Family: $50 to $100 or more, depending on your budget and how close you are to the parents.
- Friends or Relatives: $30 to $50 is a common range.
- Acquaintances or Coworkers: $20 to $30 is usually sufficient.
Ultimately, the most important thing is giving a thoughtful gift that fits your budget. It’s the thought and care that counts more than the price tag. That is the most appropriate amount to spend on baby shower gift.
Baby shower gift ideas
Here are seven such great and cheap baby shower gifts to consider if you’re on a budget.
Diapers and baby necessities
If there’s one thing new parents really need and want, it’s diapers and other relatively inexpensive newborn necessities, such as wipes, baby shampoo, onesies and baby clothes. As blogger Post Emily Post aptly pointed out, “the most-appreciated gifts are the practical ones . . . even if the parents don’t know it yet.”
For a cheaper gift, buy store brands of diapers and wipes; Costco and Target brand products are solid and a great value, so you can give more for the same budget. To make these items feel a bit more like gifts, you can present them in a diaper cake or as a “baby care package.” Find a pretty basket at a thrift store and arrange your gifts with some ribbons and colorful shredded paper filler; you could even tie a dollar-store balloon to the handle.
- LEAK AND BLOWOUT PROTECTION: up to 100% leakproof protection with an All-Around LeakGuard, Blowout Barrier and absorbent core.
- Huggies Size 1 Diapers: 32 Little Snugglers Baby Diapers, size 1 (8-14 lbs), packaging may vary
- All-Around Blowout Protection: The only leading national brand with front & back blowout blocker* (*Size 1 and 2 only)
- Up to 100% Leakproof: Infant diapers are up to 100% leakproof – even for blowouts
Photo: Deposit Photos
Babysitting or housework help
After the basics, what many new parents most need is childcare and household help. Give a homemade gift certificate offering a night of your babysitting services or help with laundry or other housework. As The Emily Post Institute staff writes, such certificates are “priceless gifts” that “won’t cost you much more than your time.”
And follow up. Exhausted moms might not think to call in their gift, so make a point to call a few weeks after baby is born, and name a few dates you can come over to do laundry, wash dishes or snuggle the baby while mama takes a shower.
Homemade meal
New parents have their hands full, so they need all the help they can get with feeding themselves. Who has time to cook a homemade meal when baby is nursing, fussing and pooping constantly?
If cooking is your thing, consider giving a certificate for a post-birth homemade meal, whether it’s one you drop off (along with a card and a bottle of wine) or cook at the new parents’ home.
Cheap meals you can make that harried parents can eat now and freeze the rest for later include soups, stews and lasagna; look for easy meals you can make in your crockpot. We have some great slow-cooker recipes for you. Throw in a simple banana or zucchini bread or batch of muffins for midnight munchies after those late-night feeding sessions.
Favorite board book or inexpensive toy
Board books make great cheap gifts. To add a personal touch to such a gift, give two or three that were your baby’s favorites, or your favorites from your childhood, and explain the story behind the book gifts in your card. Another similar idea is to give an inexpensive toy (think in the $10 to $15 range) that is, or was, a favorite of your little one.
Babies quickly outgrow the rattles and squishy plastic books they play with in the early months, so a cheap baby shower gift idea for those on a budget is to seek out used plastic baby toys at thrift stores and through online buy/sell or Freecycle groups. Many look brand new because they weren’t played with so long.
Give them a good cleaning, and arrange them in a gift bag, for an affordable gift that a new mama will appreciate.
Meaningful onesie
These days, you can find a onesie that says pretty much anything for $10 or less, so consider giving one that displays something meaningful to the couple, like their hometown or school mascot. You can find baby outfits themed around sports teams, hobbies like wine (I had a “vintage 2011” onesie for one child) and careers (“future scientist”). If you can’t find what you want, there are plenty of online sites that will print your own design or message.
Handmade baby gear
If you’re crafty, consider making a gift, like knitting or sewing a baby blanket, crocheting a sweet bunny or bear, or even framing your own artwork to put up in baby’s room. Anyone can put together a homemade baby advice book with your favorite tips.
Clearance items
Finally, be sure to check out the clearance and sale sections at local and online baby and dollar stores for cute items at discount prices. Sign up for coupons or look for discount days (such as Grandparent Wednesdays at Carter’s). Remember, new parents will get inundated with newborn and 3-month size clothing, which their baby will soon outgrow.
Shop the end-of-season sales and buy in larger sizes; you’ll be pleased with a cheap baby shower gift, and your recipient will appreciate having a stash of clothes for six or nine months down the road.
What are good homemade baby shower gifts?
Don’t forget that you can always make a cute gift for the baby shower! Crochet some booties, or a cute little hat! You can also donate your time to clean the house or car – because mom is going to be tired!
While homemade gifts might not be cheap baby shower gift ideas, they’re from the heart!
What are good unique baby shower gifts?
Looking to wow the parents-to-be with a thoughtful and memorable gift? Here’s a list of unique options that’ll earn you major brownie points! From personalized keepsakes to practical surprises, these ideas go beyond the usual diaper cake and onesies.
Personalized Baby Blanket
Soft, cozy, and totally adorable! Get a high-quality blanket embroidered with the baby’s name or initials. Parents love items that feel one-of-a-kind, and it’s something the little one can treasure for years.
Baby Memory Book
Give them a beautifully designed memory book where they can document all those “firsts” — first smile, first laugh, first scribble. Bonus points if the book has prompts or space for photos!
Customized Storybook
Create a storybook that features the baby’s name in the storyline. It’s a heartfelt keepsake—and as the child grows, it’ll be their favorite bedtime read.
Monthly Milestone Blanket or Props
Help the parents capture those Instagram-worthy baby milestones with a milestone blanket or props. It’s perfect for photo ops and gives them a fun way to chronicle the baby’s growing journey.
Portable White Noise Machine
A lifesaver for sleepless nights! A travel-sized white noise machine makes it easy for parents to soothe their baby anywhere, whether it’s at home or on-the-go.
Subscription Box for Parents
Think beyond the baby and pamper the parents! A subscription box with goodies like snacks, skincare, or self-care treats is a welcome surprise—they deserve it!
Baby Footprint Kit
A kit to capture those tiny hands and feet in clay or ink is equal parts sentimental and fun. It’s a sweet way to freeze a moment in time before the baby outgrows everything!
Customized Baby Name Puzzle
A wooden name puzzle doubles as both a toy and a keepsake. It helps the baby learn their name as they grow and makes for a cute addition to the nursery.
Diaper Backpack
Not a regular diaper bag—a diaper backpack. They’re trendy, ultra-functional, and keep busy parents’ hands free. Look for one with lots of compartments and a portable changing pad.
- Baby Registry Search & Shower: For yourself, a friend, wife, or family members, Tenot's baby diaper bag will be very practical and thoughtful; Backpack diaper bags were made in water-resistant and tear-resistant fabric, looking nice and durable; This would make a nice shower baby bag backpack; It's material is soft and has good breathability, and is not easily deformed; Mainly used by people over 20 years old
- Your Life Companion: Design of Tenot large diaper bag is based on practicality and can effectively help you to organizer 1-2 babys essentials in the shortest time and easy access; Various floral pattern baby girl diaper bag looks very sweet and cute; Stylish grey diaper backpack is designed for dad; This baby diaper bag backpacks make you the avant-garde parents; During your busy weekdays and enjoyable weekends, this diaperbag will keep you company to perform amazing storage functions
- Impressed With Overall: Tenot baby backpack diaper bag only 1.54 lbs, but comes with 10 pockets and spacious to keep diapers, breast pump, wipes, formula, toys, cell phones, baby bottles, books, laptop, clothes well organized; The quality is top-notch, strong zipper, sturdy stitching, detachable stroller straps; Especially has 3 insulated bottle pockets to keep warm/cold 2-4 H; This makes diaper bag purse very durable and will not easily fall apart; A good bet baby boy baby girl diaper bag
- 【Convenient Diaper Bag with Changing Station】 All-in-one design includes a diaper backpack, a changing station, a washable changing pad, a pacifier case, a shading cloth and built-in stroller straps. The water-resistant outer fabric and lining make for the clean and mess-free organization for all necessities.
- 【Large Capacity with 19 different pockets】 16.5'' x 8'' x 13'' inch dimension and 19 different pockets, our diaper bag offers ample storage for all your essential items. From diapers, bottles, clothing, and wipes to purses, mobile phones, and even baby’s soiled pants, everything has its dedicated place. The front pocket is equipped with an aluminum foil lining to keep bottles warm, ensuring your baby always has the perfect temperature milk.
- 【Hidden Back Pocket and Detachable Design】The safety pocket securely stores your valuables for peace of mind. Built-in stroller straps effortlessly hang your baby bag off of anything. The diaper changing station is detachable, it will even make a great piece of carry-on backpack beyond toddlerhood.
Meal Delivery Service Gift Card
Tired parents will LOVE you for this. Give them the gift of delicious, ready-to-eat food—because finding time to cook can be a challenge during those first few months!
Baby Swing or Bouncer
If you want to go big, a baby swing or bouncer can be a real lifesaver for parents when they need a moment to eat, relax, or just breathe.
- Bright Starts Playful Paradise Portable Swing is lightweight & foldable for storage or travel; easy to carry on the go; swing & songs powered by 4 C batteries (not included)
- Toy bar with 2 interactive toys to entertain baby and practice reaching and batting; easily remove the toy bar when you need to scoop up baby
- 6 speeds with WhisperQuiet technology that won't disturb baby; TrueSpeed weight sensing technology keeps baby at the perfect swing speed; maintains different speeds as baby grows
- Gentle, side-to-side swaying motion soothes and comforts baby
- 6 swing speeds allow you to find the right pace for baby
- Deep, plush seat and head support keep baby cozy and comfortable
Personalized Nursery Art
Custom nursery wall art featuring the baby’s name, birth details (weight, height, date), or the theme of the nursery makes for a thoughtful and decorative gift.
Newborn Photo Shoot Gift Voucher
Help the parents capture those precious newborn moments with a professional photoshoot. This gift is a memory-maker that lasts forever.
Personalized Baby Book Library
Put together a small collection of your favorite childhood books, and include a heartfelt note inside each one. Start the baby on a lifetime love of reading!
Parent Survival Kit Basket
Fill a basket with caffeine fixes (hello, coffee!), snacks, comfy slippers, and maybe even a cheeky sleep mask that says, “Wake Me at Your Own Risk.” A little humor goes a long way!
Hooded Towels with Animal Ears
Bath time just got cuter! Hooded towels shaped like little animals are both practical and delightful. Think baby panda or lion—it’s almost too adorable to handle.
- - Ultra-Soft Fabric: Gentle on delicate skin while providing warmth and comfort.
- - Long-lasting Construction: Retains softness and vibrancy after multiple washes.
- - Practical Design: Lightweight and portable for use at home or on the go.
- SOFT ON DELICATE NEWBORN SKIN: Woven from rayon made from bamboo, this hooded baby bath towel feels plush and smooth for newborns, infants, and toddlers during bath, pool, or beach use.
- ULTRA THICK 2-LAYER 500 GSM ABSORBENT: The double-layer construction absorbs up to 160% more water than single-layer towels, quickly drying baby off after bath, pool, or beach outings without feeling stiff or heavy.
- GENEROUS 30x30 INCH WITH CUTE ANIMAL HOOD: Large enough to wrap newborns fully and grow with baby into toddler years; the adorable animal hood keeps baby's head warm and dry after bath, making cuddle time cozy.
Eco-Friendly Baby Toys
Opt for wooden rattles, stacking toys, or plush animals made from organic materials. They’re gentle on the baby and the planet.
Babywearing Wrap or Carrier
A comfy baby wrap or ergonomic carrier can be a game-changer for active parents. It helps them stay mobile and keeps the baby close for bonding time.
Customized Growth Chart
A growth chart with the baby’s name or a creative design can make tracking their milestones even more special—and it’s a great long-term keepsake.
Sleep Training Night Light
Smart night lights that double as sound machines or sleep trainers are all the rage. Find one with soothing light, sound, or color settings to help the baby (and parents!) stick to a sleep routine.
No matter your budget, these ideas prove you don’t have to stick to the registry to give a gift that feels meaningful and unique. Pick something that reflects your thoughtfulness, and you’re bound to make the day extra special!
What are your favorite budget baby shower gifts? I hope this list of creative baby shower gifts gave you inspiration!
If you liked this article on best baby shower gifts, you might also like:
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- Easy Mother’s Day gifts for kids to make
- Get the most from your baby registry
- DIY products to decorate baby’s nursery on a dime
Thanks so much for mentioning us! Great ideas in this post!