Best baby shower gifts for mum
Becoming a mum is a very exciting time but can also be quite stressful. It can be difficult to have everything needed in time for the baby as there is a lot to prepare. Due to this, baby showers are becoming more popular in the UK. They are a great way to help mums-to-be with being fully prepared for their baby. Plus, baby showers are a fun way to celebrate a new life and the expectant mum!
We have created a helpful list of essential and unique baby shower gifts that expecting mums would appreciate. Whether you are invited to a baby shower or you are an expecting mum looking to give gift ideas to guests, check out our best baby shower gifts for mum.
Essential baby shower gifts
There are many various essentials that expecting mums will need. Gifting essentials is a great way to help mums-to-be and ensure parents have all the basic necessities required for when their baby arrives.
Bassinet or cot
The ultimate essential that a mum-to-be may need as a gift is a bassinet or a cot. There are so many options available with lots to consider before opting to gift this.
For a newborn, it may be best to choose a bassinet as these are smaller and allows the baby to be closer to their parent's bed, making breastfeeding and bonding easier. Our Fisher-Price Soothing View Basket is a perfect choice as it’s lightweight, foldable and portable so it can be transported anywhere. The mesh sides allow mum and baby to see each other, helping with bonding time and the basket can be rocked to aid with sleep.
However, if you want to choose baby shower gifts that think ahead, a cot would be a perfect choice for when the baby is a little older and can sleep better independently.
Changing table
Another extremely useful baby shower gift for mum is changing tables. These are a staple for all nurseries and can be a unique gift idea that expectant mums will appreciate. However, make sure to find out if the parents want a particular style as they may already have a style and theme to suit their nursery.
Baby clothes
Baby clothes are the most popular essential gift that mums-to-be receive at their baby showers. To avoid giving the same sort of gift, find out what different clothes can be useful. Baby grows, leggings, jeans and t-shirts are all great options for a baby shower gift. However, to think outside the box, options such as hats, socks and mittens make perfect gifts.
Mobiles
Mobiles make the perfect cot accessory and is a useful baby shower gift. Consider a colourful and soothing mobile that plays music to help babies settle down into a deep slumber. It’s also useful to select a mobile that can fit most cots and bassinets that can detect when babies stir to quickly settle them back down.
Ask the parents if they have a particular theme for their nursery or a preferred style of cot to be able to choose a mobile that fits with their style.
Playtime fun gifts
Great baby shower gifts for mum are often play-based to help their babies grow, develop and give some independent time for both mum and baby. There are lots of playtime fun gifts to choose from, so we have listed a few of our favourites to help you.
Activity gyms
A great choice for some fun playtime is activity gyms. There are a wide range of gyms to choose from that offer babies development and growth as well as a sensory experience. Babies can bat and grasp the linkable toys and explore the world around them through mirrors that most activity gyms come with. Consider a brightly coloured activity gym that also plays music to enhance the experience for the baby and aid with their visual development.
It is also helpful to choose a gym that can be transformed into a tummy-time mat for when the baby is older.
Sensory toys
Gifting sensory toys allows babies to explore different textures and develop their gross motor skills. These are perfect to introduce to newborns and come in handy for when they grow. From soft toys, teething toys to wooden and crinkly toys, there’s lots to choose from that lets babies explore new sensations and aids with soothing.
Bouncers
For the ultimate enjoyable playtime experience, consider bouncers. These can be a different baby shower gift that allows the baby to develop motor skills whilst giving them, and mums, all important independent time. Bouncers provide babies with many visual stimulants and toys to play with while allowing them to develop their leg muscles. Many bouncers light up, play music and spin to encourage the baby to continue bouncing. Although this gift won’t be used straight away, it will come in handy when the baby is bigger and can be frequently used.
Unique baby shower gifts
Stand out from others with baby shower gifts that are usually forgotten about or seen as gifts for when the baby is older. Mums will love a unique gift that they can use time and time again.
Books
Babies are never too young to be read to and starting early on is best as it can develop listening and helps with bonding time. Choose classic stories that are simple and quick for parents to read. You could even start a collection of pop-up and sensory books for when the baby is older.
Toys
Even though toys are mainly played with when the baby grows, they can still make excellent gifts for a baby shower. Think about useful toys that can be used as the baby grows or even to be used once they are older. Simple toys such as a musical piano that can be kicked and hit to play music can be used from a very early age. A gift like this is simple to use and teaches babies all sorts from numbers to language development.
Memory-log
One of the best baby shower gifts for mum is a memory-log or memory photo album. This unique gift allows mums-to-be to treasure memories with their baby and record milestones to look back on. They can put in what is special to them using words, pictures and even items that can be kept forever.
Relaxing bedtime gifts
It is no secret that newborn babies need help to settle down to sleep and so relaxing bedtime gifts are a great option to aid expectant mums with a bedtime routine. Choosing a relaxing bedtime gift can make bedtime that little bit simpler for parents. We have a few picks that can make a great present for a baby shower.
Nightlight
Nightlights are a fantastic way to help settle a baby and are useful for mums to find their way around the room when they need to do a night-time feed. You could consider a nightlight that projects patterns onto the wall or ceiling to further aid the baby with their sleep.
Comforter
A comforter is an essential bedtime companion for babies. Soft and easy to grip for little hands, comforters are great for drifting off to sleep while encouraging babies development. Many comforters come with sensory features such as teething rings and knotted corners that babies can explore to make them feel relaxed.
Plush teddies
Babies seek comfort through physical touch and snuggles so plush teddies make excellent baby shower gifts. Gifting a plush opens up a world of imaginative play for the baby and also gives them a best friend. They are useful for bedtime to help with settling down and sleeping as babies can cuddle up to them and calm themselves through their soft touch. Plus, as the baby grows older, they can still use the plush for comfort and even begin to play with them properly!
Use these best baby shower gifts for mum suggestions to spark your gift ideas and make the tough decision that little bit easier. It can be difficult to know what the mum-to-be needs or wants, as well as weighing up what others may gift too, but it is important to not overthink. Give what you can, no matter how big or small the expectant mum will be appreciative as it helps her be prepared. And remember out of all the presents, the mum-to-be will just be grateful for your support and being there for her.
