A baby shower is a carefully-monitored thing to celebrate the coming life and help for parents. Generally though, people get stuck when determining how much to spend on a gift for a friend’s baby shower.
Is this a present you should go big on, or will something small and heartfelt suffice? It varies based on your relationship to the parents, your price point, and what part of the country they are from!
How Much Should I Spend on a Baby Shower Gift for a Friend?
Gift spending average = $25-$100 (depending on the relationship) If the parents-to-be are really good friends or family and you could afford it, you can also easily cross the line into more than twice over the median figure. If it is a casual acquaintance or a work colleague, you should be fine with the $25-$50 range.
A few basic rules of thumb:
- $20–$50: Casual acquaintances, co-workers, or distant relatives
- $50–$100: Close friends, siblings, or other family members
- $100+: Closest of close friends, best friends, or a sibling/cousin
It is the thought and effort that goes into picking out a gift. Your gift does not need to be expensive—quite the opposite, in fact (I am going through a book and gas card phase)—but the thoughtfulness behind it can make someone feel appreciated like nothing else.
How Much Should You Put on a Gift Card for a Baby Shower?
If you are not sure what to ask for or want to allow the parents some leeway, a gift card is an excellent selection. But, how much do you load on it?
If it is a baby shower gift card, the amount you put on ought to be in line with how much you would spend on an actual gift. Opt for anywhere from $25 to $100, since that’s the usual range most people will choose to load. For example, if the gift card is to a store that sells baby essentials like Amazon — it gives parents freedom to pick out what they actually need.
Or you may add a little more love with some personal touch to that gift card. All your unique baby blanket or their toy.
How Much To Budget On Baby Shower Gifts?
If you would be budgeting for a baby shower gift, then it is good to ensure that you give the right heartfelt present while also not going over the edge in your spending. This is a good budget with $25-$100 as I said, but have these in your mind when setting your budget:
- Finances: Never feel obligated to go over what you can afford. Baby showers are a time to celebrate, not go broke.
- The Connection: The more near you will likely invest, the parents
- The Registry: Baby registries are a great tool to help guide your spending. Items generally range and/or vary in pricing
If your budget is tighter on the pocket, then group gifting would be a good idea. Saving up with a friend or group of friends to get an item that may otherwise be too expensive for one person to drop all at once.
Q: What do I get my friend for her baby shower?
You want a baby gift that is both sentimental and practical when it comes to deciding what to buy for the baby shower. A few examples of gifts any new parent would love to receive are:
- Diapering Items: You cannot have too many diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and diaper bags.
- Baby Clothes: Seal in some practical clothes coz that baby is gonna grow like weed…and comfort clothes.
- Nursing and Feeding Supplies: Bottles, burp cloths, breastfeeding pillows.
- Novelty Toys: Anything fun, unusual, or from a great children’s novel makes an extra gift.
- Gifts with Personalization: Think about giving a personalized gift like blankets imprinted with the baby name or custom photo album.
For a thoughtful touch, you could also check out Best Friend Baby Gifts for a curated selection of baby shower gifts perfect for a best friend.
Is It Appropriate to Pay for a Friend’s Baby Shower?
Friends and family also host baby showers, or help pay for one. But people arent expected to chip in for the event. Your role as a guest is not to help set up the celebration, but come with a gift and enjoy the festivities.
If you are closer, and are just inclined to provide a little more help financially, connect with the designated person throwing the shower (the lead coordinator) to see if a helping hand is required. At times, you may contribute towards decorations, the cake or other minor things but this is up to you.
Is Cash a Great Baby Shower Gift?
While in the past it wasn’t common to give money at baby showers—nowadays, this is becoming increasingly acceptable and even encouraged if new parents have financial needs. Other parents might welcome cash — to buy extra diapers, formula or help with medical bills.
For example, if you ultimately decide to donate money, consider doing so in a more meaningful package like with a sincere note or accompanying it with some small gift.
What To Buy My Bestie For Her New Baby?
Too many baby shower gifts are cutesy and impractical.
Personalized Keepsakes
- Baby blanket, with the baby’s name
- Engraved baby rattle
- Wall art, customized to spell out the baby’s name
Experience
Gift a gift card to a professional baby photographer, or a subscription service for parents.
Handmade Gifts
If you enjoy creating things, a handmade gift such as a quilt, baby clothes (even make up some with appliques saying “Help my Nana Beat Cancer” — everyone loves to help), or stuffed animal can be treasured.
Memory Books
Aid the parents in capturing these moments with a darling baby journal or scrapbook.
When it comes to gifts, original offerings demonstrate even more thought and care than your usual suspects.
Do You Bring a Present to a Baby Shower?
You need to bring a gift to a baby shower. No matter how minor or inexpensive the object is, it conveys your interest to the newborn. You might have to stretch your finances if you’re attending on a tight budget, but handmade gifts are an option. Also, consider some lower-priced items from the registry or take up a collection among friends for something bigger.
In the event you are unable to bring a gift, try to give the soon-to-be parents or host a heads-up. If you offer to help set up the shower like my husband did, most parents will understand.
Conclusion
Baby shower, a time for friends to celebrate a soon-to-be mother to be filled with joy! Your relationship and your budget will influence you when deciding how much to spend on a gift, but remember that thought counts more than price.
Your thoughtfulness is sure to be appreciated, no matter whether you opt for something they can use from the registry, a monogrammed memento or something entirely hand-crafted. But really,
the best presents are the ones that honor your relationship with the new mom and dad–celebrating their little one! Therefore take part such that it adds to one of the most memorable times and be you give whatever suits best for you.
