Do you often find yourself stuck for baby shower gifts? Unsure how to make it special yet practical? Do you buy for Mum/ Dad? Or just Baby?
If you look up the origin of the baby shower you will find “The purpose of the celebration was (and still is) to give the mother-to-be much-needed baby items. The name baby shower comes from 'showering the mother with gifts and love'.
That didn’t really help did it? So let me help you.
As a Mum of two, I can say from experience, the best gift is one that I cannot financially justify. Something I would love but just can not afford. The options are limitless.
We know having your first baby can be costly. Cots, prams, high chairs, it adds up. This leaves little room for items that Mum would love, but simply can not afford. This doesn’t limit you to baby items either, if you are this way inclined, you could indulge your loved one with a pamper gift or even better, something for the birth of the baby.
Birth will be the most special hours a woman can endure, let her know you are there for her and you support her. Give her something to help her as she transitions into motherhood. Birth affirmation cards would be my go to here.
If the gift is for the baby then it should be practical, good quality and “extra special”. Kmart, target, baby bunting, they are great but Mumma can likely afford or justify these items too. It’s too often you hear “the baby will grow out of it quickly anyway” or “it will just get stains” which leads to a cheaper purchase, meaning Mum might only want to use it once of twice. But, if you invest in a higher quality item that Mum and Dad loves for baby then it doesn’t matter if the baby is only in it for 3 weeks, I can assure you, Mum has used it 15 times! This is more sustainable too!
Special high quality pieces become staple pieces and then keepsake. They will also evoke memories for the family whenever they see it, touch it or smell it for years to come. Wouldn’t you love to be responsible for creating such precious memories?
By saying this, I am by no means saying you have to spend a fortune on the Mum to be either, let’s face it, if you are good friends, then you will likely splurge upon babies arrival also.
No matter your budget, there will be something for Baby that will stand the test of time, it’s just about picking the perfect piece within your spending capacity. I assure you Mum would prefer one good quality, beautiful swaddle over 5 different mix and match outfits from Kmart that will likely become landfill after 2 washes.
Think quality over quantity. Mum to be will be able to tell, I promise you, she will appreciate it!
Tip from experience: purchase items that are trendy right now. Look at baby photography instagrams. See what they are using, it is likely up to date and “in vogue” and no doubt, Mum has been trauling through these pages, goo-ing and gaa-ing over what she is soon to enjoy, undoubtedly, being influenced by the gorgeous families with babies wrapped in soft fabrics and cosy blankets. It just so happens that these beautiful pieces may be “out of her price range” purely because she knows she has to stock up on 100 bonds zippys, leaving the beautiful linen on the back burner, hoping it is gifted instead!
Even if love is your only way to support your Mum to be at this point, a small token gift and a card with “I’ll pop in and fold your washing while YOU cuddle your baby.” Will put you in the best friend pile for life!
If you can always add a book- this is a great way to leave a message for the baby for years to come. You could even ditch the card!
Our favourite baby shower pieces:
- Popette Heirloom Knitted Blanket
- Popette Organic Bamboo Swaddles
- Popette Bibs
- Jane's favourite book
- Kim's favourite book
- A voucher for a facial at The Facial Collective
- Birth affirmation cards
- Anything from The Maternity Market