Best Baby Shower Gifts to Buy in 2019

After the Invite

A baby shower is the time to celebrate a new arrival — a gathering of people who will love baby as much as they love mom! Whether it’s a huge bash or a quaint get-together, every expecting mother hopes for a baby shower that emulates this special love, properly welcoming her little one into the world.

For those of you on the guest list, picking a thoughtful gift that shows how much you care can be a little overwhelming. As you wander through the baby aisle at Target — with the shower invite in hand for inspiration — several questions may pop into your head:

“Should I just get something on the registry?”

“Would she appreciate something unique and special?”

“How do I get something useful on a budget without it affecting the baby?”

Especially if you’re not a mom, answering these questions can be a challenge!

The good news? We at Tummy Cradle took the time to find the best items to snag on or off the registry:

The Most Practical

Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag

$65.00

The Skip Hop Duo diaper bag with white and gray chevron stripes and gray memory-foam shoulder strap.

Photo courtesy of Skip Hop

An expecting mother doesn’t realize how important a quality diaper bag is until they’re in the grocery store, desperately searching for a ringing cell phone buried in one of three bags they’ve been lugging around for weeks. Or maybe it’s in the front pocket of the baby carrier? Who knows.

With the Skip Hop Duo Signature Diaper Bag, your favorite future momma has one less thing to worry about: her phone is always going to be in the handy, easy-access cell phone pocket, so she can focus her attention on something a little more important. Both functional and fashionable, the Duo features a total ten pockets that can be stuffed with useful items for both baby and mom.

Practical, but on a Budget

Boppy Newborn Lounger

$30.00

Photo courtesy of Boppy

Give the gift of convenience at home! Even the biggest snugglers need a moment of hands-free bliss every once and while, and — with the cute, machine-washable Boppy Newborn Lounger — baby can coo and kick in a safe and comfortable place. And for only $30?

This gift is not only a winner, but something many mothers won’t think to register for!

Baby Clothes (for a Little Later)

Cute baby in Teddy Bear Nursery Pajamas from Pottery Barn, which are white with patterned teddy bears on onesie and cap.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

There are so many adorable baby clothes out there (our pick is the Teddy Bear Nursery Pajama Set from Pottery Barn Kids), especially teeny tiny ones for newborns. But many people don’t think to prepare a new momma for when baby grows, which happens all too quickly!

Look for cute picks for 6-9 or even 9-12 months and your pregnant friend will surely thank you later!

Sophie la Girafe Teether

$24.99

Sophie La girafe, a cute giraffe made of natural rubber, meant to soothe babies while they're teething.

Photo courtesy of Target.com

A classic teething companion, babies love Sophie la girafe! Sophie stimulates all 5 of a baby’s senses: the flexible, natural rubber creates a satisfying texture, taste and smell; the contrasting spots catch a baby’s eye; and the squeaker inside her tummy is not only fun for baby to listen to, but introduces him or her to the concept of cause and effect.

We can’t think of a more perfect companion for a little one!

Something for Mom

HATCH Belly Mask

$12.00

Photo courtesy of HATCH

Even before the baby is born, it’s easy for moms to stop thinking of their own well-being — it’s that maternal instinct!

Give your favorite momma a break with a spa-themed present, complete with a “belly facial”! The HATCH Belly Mask are moisturizing sheets that wrap around the entire belly, meant to reduce the appearance of stretch marks as the pregnant tummy grows. That, coupled with a fuzzy pair of socks, a calming candle and a shiny new shade of nail polish (make sure it’s safe!), and you can rest assured that the future mom will be relaxed and ready when baby decides to make an entrance.

Most Unique

BabyLit Board Book

$5.00

: Photos courtesy of BabyLit

We’ve all read up on the benefits of listening to Mozart while pregnant, but the learning only becomes more important once the baby is born — why not share the gift of a bright future for your friend’s son or daughter?

Featuring baby-friendly renditions of literary classics from Lewis Carroll, Jane Austen, Shakespeare and more. BabyLit board books offer an early introduction to the literature we all love, creating an early bond between parent and child through a mutual passion. The books are designed to be bright, fun and visually-stimulating, sure to hold your little one’s attention!

Something Memorable

Milestone Baby Photo Cards

: Photos courtesy of Milestone

In a world where everyone is an amateur photographer, new moms spend a ton of time taking pictures of their little ones as they grow. We’re sure the expecting mother in your life will love to have a photo card to document and preserve each big moment in their baby’s development.

You can find a huge selection of customizable Milestone baby photo cards in various languages online, including free PDF downloads for the eager little ones who arrived a bit too early!

The Backup Plan

Amazon Gift Card

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

When in doubt, give the gift of choice — moms can be particular sometimes, and I’m sure they’ll appreciate the opportunity to buy for themselves with an Amazon gift card.