42 baby shower gifts parents will thank you for - all under $50
A personalized bedtime book
Create a personalized goodnight book for a gift they'll always remember. To make it even more sentimental, write a heartfelt inscription inside for when baby grows up.
Funny pacifiers that parents will get a kick out of
Few things diffuse tears and panic for babies like pacifiers. For adults, the same thing can be achieved with a little much-needed chuckle at their child looking like a man from the Wild West.
Adorable, bright baby moccasins
It's not anywhere near as practical as gifting diapers, but these tiny moccasins are adorable — and they come in a huge selection of fun prints and vibrant colors.
A silicone roll-up bib that will save them time and time again
What's conveniently mobile, well-designed, extremely useful, and far better than the status quo it replaces? A roll-up, silicone bib with a shelf to catch the rainstorm of food that babies drop while eating. Plus, the Velcro means it's easily removed. Even if it's not on the registry already, parents will thank you for it.
A gift card to a new startup that makes organic clothes for kids
Colored Organics is one of the best-kept secrets these days. The startup makes 100% organic cotton clothes that are incredibly soft, cute, and safe for babies and kids. Plus, it partners with organizations to help children in need with every purchase you make — from using part of 2017 profits to build an orphanage in India to supporting local hospitals. And, you can rest assured that no child labor will ever be used to make one of the products. If you're looking for a meaningful, unique gift, you could do worse than turning them on to a cool new brand they can feel good supporting. It's also better for the environment.
All the baby basics in one convenient kit
If you're a parent, don't you kind of wish the mythical stork dropped off an entire bag of essentials at the same time? This Baby Basics Kit attempts to do something similar: grouping favorite products from trusted brand Fridababy for everything from "claws" (nails) to "flakes" (dry skin).
The go-to set for baby's bath time
Make bath time easier with a set of gentle essentials parents can feel good about using — and that they'll love having on hand for messy days ahead, without a trip to the store.
A clever, unique bib that turns children into prodigal artists
Picasso once said that every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain one as we grow up.
A pacifier that won't keep falling to the ground in a never-ending loop
This WubbaNub pacifier is beloved among parents for good reason — a pacifier attached to a stuffed animal is less likely to fall to the ground a thousand times a day. They will thank you for this cute and clever gift.
A portable gadget for fussy sleepers
No matter where baby is — in the car, at home, or in public — this little white noise machine helps fussy babies fall asleep.
A fun rocking chair
This rocker is highly rated and relatively inexpensive. Parents can use it to entertain kids from their infancy right up until they're toddlers, and it has a calming vibration setting to soothe and comfort when needed.
A funny new children's book that Jimmy Fallon wrote
"Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA" isn't what The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon is best known for (yet) but it is a fun new kid's book, detailing every dad's secret campaign to ensure baby's first word is "dada."
Classic swaddling cloths
Aden + Anais are known for making quality baby products, and this set of classic swaddling cloths is no different. They come in cheerful patterns and are made from breathable, lightweight muslin that can be used for virtually anything.
A cult-favorite, comfortable baby wrap
This sling is comfortable, doesn't have any hard or involved straps and buckles, and can be used with kids from babies to toddlers to help parents get more time with two free hands.
When we polled Business Insider parents for their favorite registry items, one told us this is the only thing she gives as a baby gift because of how good it is.
Crib sheets in cute prints from a beloved startup
The internet's favorite adult bedding startup recently launched a line of sheets for little ones. Brooklinen's Brooklittles line comes in tons of fun, vibrant patterns and prints.
An under-the-radar backpack that holds all the essentials
This diaper bag is functional but pretty stylish, and the spacious interior is cleverly organized. It features insulated pockets for bottles, a waterproof zippered pocket, straps that can be locked to hang from a stroller, and even a tissue pocket for runny noses.
A hooded baby towel for cozy bath time
Parachute's recent line of baby sheets and towels is extremely cute, and they've earned their reputation for quality. This all-over hooded towel is perfect for soft, cozy bath time and a quick dry.
Lots and lots of diapers
It's not as fun as buying baby moccasins in a gemstone color, but diapers are one of the most practical and thoughtful gifts you can give a new parent. They'll need as many as they can stockpile, and it's a relief to already have them at home.
Fan-favorite baby bottles
These baby bottles are beloved because they mimic breastfeeding. They're especially convenient for when parents want to transition baby from breast to bottle.
A contoured bath sponge that makes it easier to bathe newborns
This infant bath sponge is a slip-resistant cushion with a contoured shape that makes it easier to clean newborns. There's a slight incline to support baby's head, neck, and back, and the foam is quick-drying for fast cleanup. It's under $10, and it has over 1,000 five-star reviews.
An interactive piano gym mat
Though the sounds may drive the parents crazy, baby won't be able to get enough of this interactive mat.
All the nostalgic childhood classics
For many, childhood's fondest memories are reading the children's classics with parents or family. The same goes for many parents. Gift them a set of handpicked classics that are sure to stand the test of time for a meaningful present. If you need suggestions, we've polled our colleagues and compiled 20 children's books that stand the test of time.
A lightweight baby blanket
Pick up a lightweight cable knit blanket for baby in blue, pink, or white from Nordstrom for a super soft snuggle. It's also worth noting for procrastinators that Nordstrom (alongside other big retailers) has an in-store pick-up option for a lot of what's online.
A lounger that helps parents get more hands-free time
This cult-favorite newborn lounger has over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, and it keeps baby safe and cozy so parents can get more hands-free time and use it for easier carrying and travel.
A new maternity bra
Lively's Mesh Trim Maternity Bralette is a new entry to the world of maternity wear, but its rave reviews have landed it in major publications like Elle and Instyle. It's useful, comfortable, and looks a bit more like what moms may be used to wearing before their pregnancy.
Fuzzy UGG booties
These tiny, adorable UGG booties keep baby feet snuggly smooth all day long. The hook-and-loop closure also means they won't suffer the same fate as all the socks that end up on the floor.
A beloved teething toy
This infant training toothbrush and teether looks like a banana and helps kids get through the terrible teething phase with minimal tears. It has over 6,500 five-star reviews on Amazon.
A soothing anti-swelling cream for legs and feet
Hatch is the cool new brand for maternity wear — so cool, in fact, that a good portion of the new startup's customers aren't pregnant, but just love the aesthetic.
Down, Girl is a cooling, anti-inflammatory gel-based cream that Hatch designed to soothe and reduce swelling in legs and feet during pregnancy.
A home cleaning service they can schedule through Amazon
The house will be messy. The parents will be tired. Though a clean, organized environment both feels great and is easier to navigate, they probably won't have the energy for it with a newborn. You'll want to coordinate with them beforehand, but this is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give.
Though prices and availability vary by area, you should be able to book a cleaning professional to do any type of service around the home (including a deep clean) at around $20 per hour.
Tiny booties that look like fortune cookies
Cute, unique, and sure to give baby's parents a laugh. Don't gift these if you aren't ready for all the pictures grateful parents will send you.
A white noise machine so baby's parents can get some sleep
A white noise machine will relax and calm both parent and baby, letting each of them get some much-needed rest. Once asleep, the machine will keep working all night long — blocking out the disruptive random noises of the neighborhood.
A fun, nourishing mask for her belly
Hatch's Belly Mask is a fun way for mom to relax and spend time caring for herself. The mask is full of nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and propolis to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy and soften skin postpartum.
A clever baby briefcase to store all of baby's important documents
This clever baby briefcase is a cute (and helpful) way to organize all the important papers parents will need to keep track of — from birth certificates to passport photos.
Amazon Prime for easy, cheap, and fast refills of essentials
The best thing you can give — if they don't already have it — is probably an Amazon Prime membership. Parents can order essentials without leaving the house, pay less, and get it within two days with free shipping. It'll also give them access to tons of other benefits. Plus, if they do have Prime already, your gift will convert into a gift card for them to use on any supplies they need.
Tethers that keep things like spoons and sippy cups from falling
These multi-functional tethers may not be on the registry, but they should be. They'll keep things like spoons and forks from falling to the floor while baby eats.
A removable diaper bag insert for totes
ToteSavvy makes removable bag inserts for all the essentials. Parents can fill up the clever organizer and transfer from bag to bag without breaking pace or re-organizing.
A super soft octopus friend for baby
This plush octopus is a cute, floppy playtime companion baby will love.
Cult-favorite cream moms swear by after breastfeeding
You don't have to hunt far online for the most beloved new mom products for mention of Lansinoh's Lanolin nipple cream. It soothes, protects, and is really effective. It's also 100% natural and preservative-free.
Safe nursery essentials
Honest is well-loved by parents because all of its products are meant to be safe, gentle, and as minimally processed as possible. This set includes face and body lotion, shampoo and body wash, healing balm, and other essentials that are hypoallergenic and free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, and other risky additives.
Wrist rattles
Wrist rattles are the distraction that baby won't accidentally shake off as easily as other toys. They also have teethable, textured silicone borders that are BPA-free.
Five natural, gentle essentials
Mustela is another well-loved brand for babies, and this set of newborn arrival essentials has five products designed for delicate newborn skin. Parents can trust all the products to work together gently and effectively.
Fun animal-inspired plates and bowls
If you're looking for an inexpensive add-on gift, these adorable animal-inspired bowls and plates are a sweet option.
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