What is baby shower gift etiquette?
Apr 3, 2023
In this article, we’ll give you all the tips you need on getting an appropriate gift for a baby shower.
Who do you address a baby shower gift to?
You should address a baby shower gift to the baby shower host, which in many cases is the mother. But, if it’s a co-ed baby shower, you can address the baby shower gift to both parents.
If you want to play it safe, address your gift card to the baby and avoid mentioning the parents.
Do you address baby shower gifts to both parents?
If it’s a couple’s baby shower, then yes, you should address the gifts to both parents.
Traditionally, baby showers would only include women, but co-ed baby showers are now common. Co-ed baby showers are hosted by both parents and include both men and women on the guest list. This serves as a great way to include both parents in welcoming the new baby.
If you’re uncertain whether or not to address the gifts to both parents, you can grab hints from the baby shower invitation. A co-ed baby shower will usually include both of the parents' names in the invitation.
How much to spend on a baby shower gift?
Trying to figure out the appropriate spend for a baby shower gift isn’t as easy as it should be. The cost for a decent baby shower gift typically varies from $25 to $150. So, whether your budget is small, or a bit bigger, you’re able to buy a gift that the hosts will appreciate.
If you've been sent a baby registry, the sooner you choose a gift from it, the more price options will be available. It's not mandatory to follow a gift registry, but it is part of baby shower etiquette to do so. Parents usually create registries to give people an idea of things they need, and to help avoid duplicate gifts.
Along with your budget, how much you spend on your gift will likely be motivated by your relationship with the parents. We've provided a guide on how much to spend on baby shower gifts for co-workers, friends and family members below.
The budgets we suggest below are in USD, but we know budgets and prices vary from country to country. Therefore we've also provided examples of typical gifts within each price category. You can also browse through real examples from the baby registries below:
2023 Baby registry USA / 2023 Baby registry UK
Gifts from acquaintances and co-workers
If you aren’t too close with the parents, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on your gift. The baby shower hosts will probably send out a baby gift registry with a list of items they would like to receive. From this list, you can choose one of the cheaper items. This will likely be between $25 to $50.
There’s no shame in buying an affordable gift, as long as it’s something that will benefit the baby.
Common baby registry examples include:
Baby clothing
Bottles
Pacifiers/ dummies
White noise machine
Baby bath towel
Room/ bath thermometer
Silicone/ muslin Bibs
Rattles
Teething Toys
Gifts from friends
If you’re friends with the mother or father, then you might want to be more thoughtful with your gift. You can spend anything between $50 to $100, depending on what you find on the baby registry.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to get one item, you can get creative with your gift and buy a collection of items that they might need.
Common mid-price baby registry examples:
Foldable Changing Table
Changing Pad or mat
Bottle sterilising machine
Baby mat (for play & tummy time)
Travel Cot
High end baby sleeping bag
Gifts from family members
Parents, siblings, and other close family members typically go for items with a bigger price tag. When you’re welcoming a new member of the family, you might want to get something that counts.
These kinds of gifts cost over $100, and while that might seem like a lot, there are plenty of essential baby items that are in this price range. Big ticket baby items include strollers, cribs, luxury feeding chairs, and more.
Common higher-price baby registry examples:
High Chair
Baby monitor
Cot/crib
Car seat
Pram/stoller
Baby carrier
Getting an appropriate baby shower gift
You can find lots of real examples in the baby registries below:
2023 Baby registry USA / 2023 Baby registry UK
Getting an appropriate baby shower gift
Now that you have the tips mentioned above, you don’t have to walk into a baby shower with an unwanted gift.
Even though there's a certain baby shower etiquette to follow, don’t forget that the first rule should be to enjoy the event and to celebrate the new life that’s being welcomed into the world.
If you’re planning a baby shower, you can use online platforms like Moonsift to help manage the gifting etiquette at your baby shower. With Moonsift, you can create gift registry lists with items from any online store.
