Baby Shower Gifts: 7 Ideas That Actually Get Used
Table of Contents
- Why Most Baby Shower Gifts Miss the Mark
- Funny Baby Grows: The Gift Everyone Remembers
- Practical Baby Shower Gifts New Parents Actually Need
- Baby Shower Gift Etiquette: What to Buy and Who It's For
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Baby Shower Gifts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 1, 2026
Why Most Baby Shower Gifts Miss the Mark
Most baby shower gifts miss the mark because they're bought for the occasion rather than for the weeks after it. At Lazy Baby, we've watched this play out: the beautiful basket gets admired, photographed, and quietly stored away, while the plain essentials get used until they're threadbare.
The problem isn't generosity. It's aim. Shoppers default to what looks impressive on a table instead of what a sleep-deprived parent will actually reach for at 3am. That gap between "ooh" and "useful" is where most baby shower gifts go to die.
Below, we'll show you exactly how to pick baby shower gifts that get worn, used and remembered, from funny baby grows to keepsakes and group presents.
NHS advice on caring for a newborn
Funny Baby Grows: The Gift Everyone Remembers
Funny baby grows are the one category of baby shower gifts that reliably gets a reaction. Everyone crowds round, someone reads the slogan aloud, and the parents laugh. That moment is worth something.
But a laugh alone doesn't justify a gift. The grow has to survive being worn.
What Makes a Funny Baby Grow Actually Wearable
A funny baby grow is only wearable if the fabric, fit and fastenings work as hard as the joke. Slogan first, quality second is how you end up with a one-photo wonder.
Look for three things:
- Soft organic cotton, gentle on newborn skin
- Poppers that survive repeated nappy changes
- A unisex design that works whether the gender is known or a surprise
Lazy Baby's Just Done 9 Months Inside® Baby Grow (£30.00) covers all three. It's black and white striped, made from soft organic cotton, and comes with easy poppers for quick changes. Over 1,000 parents have bought it as a baby shower gift, and it's the design that started the whole range.
Practical Baby Shower Gifts New Parents Actually Need
Practical baby shower gifts get used daily, which is exactly why they're underrated. Nobody coos over a bib. Everybody uses one.
The trick is buying practical items that still feel like a gift rather than a chore.
Baby Care Essentials Worth Gifting
Baby care essentials worth gifting are the ones that get worn, washed and worn again. Skip anything the parents will already have bought themselves in bulk.
A good essentials bundle includes:
- A hat, bib and socks set in newborn size
- Machine-washable fabrics that survive constant laundering
- Adjustable fastenings, because babies grow fast
Keepsake and Memory Books
Keepsake and memory books turn a baby shower gift into something the family keeps for decades. A memory book, a set of keepsake prints or a milestone card set all do the same job: they capture the first year before it blurs.
Baby Shower Gift Etiquette: What to Buy and Who It's For
Baby shower gift etiquette comes down to three questions: who is the gift for, how much should you spend, and what should you avoid? Get those right and everything else follows.
Do You Buy for Mum or Baby?
Buy for the baby by default, but buy something for mum if you're close to her. Most guests bring baby items, so a small pampering gift for the mum-to-be stands out simply because nobody else thought of it.
Just Done 9 Months Inside® Baby Grow →
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Baby Shower Gifts
Sustainable baby shower gifts are no longer a niche request. Parents increasingly ask where the cotton came from and whether the item will last beyond a season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gifts do you give at a baby shower?
Most guests bring something for the baby, such as clothing, baby care essentials, or keepsakes. Practical items like nappies, muslins, and toiletries are always welcome. Many people also bring a small treat for the mum-to-be, like a pampering session voucher or her favourite snacks. Funny baby grows work well because they suit any gender and give everyone a laugh during the gift-opening. If you are unsure, check the registry first and pick something from it, then add a personal touch.
Should I buy a gift for the mum-to-be or the baby?
Both are appreciated, but baby shower gift etiquette leans towards the baby. The event celebrates the upcoming arrival, so most gifts are for the newborn. That said, mums-to-be rarely receive anything for themselves, so a small pampering item or a thoughtful keepsake for her goes a long way. If you can only choose one, pick something for the baby that the parents will use daily, such as a soft organic cotton baby grow or a practical baby care set.
Are funny baby shower gifts appropriate for a first-time parent?
Yes, as long as the humour is warm rather than critical. First-time parents are often overwhelmed with advice and serious gifts, so something light-hearted brings welcome relief. A funny baby grow with a slogan like 'Just Done 9 Months Inside' works because it celebrates the baby and pokes gentle fun at the situation, not the parents. Avoid anything that comments on parenting choices, birth plans, or the mum's body. Keep it kind and everyone will laugh.
How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
There is no fixed rule, but most guests spend between £15 and £40. Close friends and family often spend more, while colleagues and acquaintances stay at the lower end. If you are part of a group gift, £10 to £15 each is common. What matters more than the amount is whether the gift is useful or memorable. A £26 baby essentials set or a £30 funny baby grow can feel more thoughtful than a £50 item the parents never use.
Baby shower gifts are easy to buy and hard to buy well. The difference comes down to one question: will this still be in use a month from now? Lazy Baby has been answering that question since 2003, designing humorous baby clothing made from soft organic cotton and built to last. Every piece, from the original Just Done 9 Months Inside® Baby Grow to the five-piece layette set, is made to get a laugh and then get worn. Add one to your basket and give a gift the parents will actually remember.