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.
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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.
- Perfect Baby Shower Gifts! Your Baby Registry Search ends here! What You'll Get - A spacious enough diaper backpack (size: 12"x8"x16.5", 26L), an easy wipe-clean foldable changing mat (size: 23''x14.5"), stroller straps, and a detachable pacifier holder - everything on-the-go parents need!
- Tons of Storage – BabbleRoo baby diaper bag has tons of spaces to hold Baby Stuff, plus some for mom and dad! Baby bag includes 2 main compartments, 5 insulated pockets (Fit for All Major Baby Bottles), a wipe pocket, and a dedicated multi-function changing pad! Pocket for tablets and laptops up to 15.6". Multiple pockets with easy-glide zippers makes this nappy changing backpack easily accessible with one hand.
- Durability & Comfort - Our chic handy backpack diaper bags are made of tear-resistant water resistant fabric, strong zippers and lining. Reinforced cushioned shoulder straps and padded back panel will distribute the load evenly on your shoulders and back for long time wearing.
- Over 1,000,000 units sold - Trust in our proven quality! What you'll get - 1 normal size backpack diaper bag (size: 11.8''x 7.8''x16.5'', weight: 1.78lb) with a changing pad (size: 23''x15'') and a pacifier case. Two big zipper closure compartments and 17 pockets, spacious enough to hold most of baby essentials and still look perfectly organized, without being too large or too small. Insulated bottle pockets can hold most of wide neck or tall baby bottles, from 5 oz to 11oz.
- Upgrade Handy Construture - The interior of our diaper bag includes a padded laptop pocket, mesh pocket organizers and other organization essentials. Maintain the temperature of your baby bottles in the insulated pockets, never lose your keys and wallet in the mommy pocket, and quickly grab a diaper out of the mesh diaper organizer
- Designed for Convenience - Extra wide opening makes this diaper backpack easy to find essentials in a pinch, and dual zippers for easy-access & closure even with one hand! Easy-grab handle & back ergonomic design & thick padded shoulder straps offer you a comfortable carrying and force reinforcement
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.
- 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
- Compact baby swing designed to save space in the home, making it ideal for any room
- Carry handle makes it easy to move from room to room
- Easy, compact fold to store between uses or when extra space is needed in the home
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!
- Editors of Phoenix International Publications (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 120 Pages - 01/21/2020 (Publication Date) - Phoenix International Publications, Inc. (Publisher)
- Amelia Hepworth (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 28 Pages - 03/03/2015 (Publication Date) - Tiger Tales (Publisher)
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.
- 【TWO Promises】① The latest textile technology, double-layer materials rayon made from Bamboo.Ultra thick & absorbent baby towels. Excellent longevity makes them full reusable. ② Truly natural bath hooded towel. Ideal solution for babies skin.
- 【Versatile Use】- This soft baby hooded towel is perfect not just for baths but also as a blanket, swaddle, or changing mat cover. Wrap your little one in comfort after a bath, pool, or beach outing.
- 【Keep Warm】Boasting an extra thick design (500gsm), make sure your precious newborn stays dry. Generously sized at 30" x 30", it will last well into your little one’s toddler years.
- Soft and Absorbent: Crafted from 100% organic cotton, these hooded towels are gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. The single-ply knit terry fabric is soft and absorbent, ensuring your baby girl or baby boy stays cozy every after bath.
- Perfectly Sized Hood: The hooded baby towels are thoughtfully designed. Its perfectly sized hood is not too large or deep, so it does not cover the baby's face. Our baby born essentials are sweet, snuggly, and super soft.
- Smooth and Loop Texture: These baby bath towels are fluffy on one side and loop-knit terry on the other. The soft side feels gentle against your baby’s skin while providing excellent absorbency—a practical and functional design for everyday use.
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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Thanks so much for mentioning us! Great ideas in this post!