A baby shower is a joyous way for friends and family to celebrate the arrival of a new little one. But even this fun event can feel a tad stressful if you don’t know the rules. For instance, how much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
People attending baby showers commonly spend between $30-$200 on a gift. But this amount depends primarily on your relationship with the new baby’s parents.
The general rule of thumb is that you provide a more costly gift to a close family member or friend and a smaller gift to a distant family member or coworker.
What is a Good Baby Shower Gift?
A good baby shower gift fills a need for the expectant family and shows thought and care. You should consider the style and safety features of any item you choose.
It’s a good idea to check safety ratings and customer reviews on any product, such as a car seat or stroller. For baby clothes or bedding, look for organic, soft fabrics.
Of course, you also want to find a gift that reflects the right color and style. Some expectant parents like the idea of gendered clothing or decor, but many parents prefer gender-neutral tones like yellow.
The gift registry is the best place to start shopping for a baby shower gift. These days, most parents-to-be create a registry online and include the link in the party invitation.
If you do not have a registry to guide you or want to go off-script and find a unique gift for this special little one, don’t worry! You can check out this guide for great gift ideas at any price point.
How Much Should You Spend on a Baby Shower Gift?
The average baby shower attendee spends at least $30 and as much as $200 on a baby shower gift.
Baby Shower Gift Ideas
This guide gives you a suggested price point and gift ideas for a baby gift for a family member, a grandchild, and a coworker.
Baby Shower Gift for a Close Friend or Immediate Family Member ($100-200)
You may want to spend $100-$200 on a baby shower gift for a close friend or family member, such as a sister or brother. Of course, this depends on your personal circumstances, but it is often the people closest to the expectant parents who know what the new family really needs and step in to provide it.
For example, you may want to gift a close family member a baby gift like:
- This Baby Trend Jogging Stroller
- This Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat
- This comfy StorkCraft Glider and Ottoman for the nursery
Baby Shower Gift for a Grandchild ($50-100)
Grandparents celebrating the arrival of a new grandchild often spend between $50 to $100 on a baby shower gift.
Special gifts for a grandchild-to-be might include:
- A digital baby monitor system to keep baby safe
- A baby food maker to help the new family cut costs on baby food
- A customizable gift like this baby keepsake box
Baby Shower Gift for a Niece or Cousin (Under $50)
When you attend a baby shower for a more distant family member, it’s usually OK to spend under $50 on a baby shower gift.
Baby shower gift ideas for a niece or cousin might include:
- Stylish presents like this handy 3-in-1 diaper bag, backpack, and travel bed
- Practical sets like this Mustela Baby Skincare package
- Adorable but useful tools like this Blooming Bath Lotus Bath Cushion
Baby Shower Gift For Coworker ($20-30)
On average, people spend just $20-$30 on a baby shower gift for a coworker. You don’t need to feel stingy because your coworker has family and close friends to provide the more big-ticket items!
Instead, focus on fun, charming baby shower gifts for a coworker:
- This bear-shaped swaddle blanket from Jam Naturals
- A cutesy pregnancy gift set complete with a gender reveal coin, baby’s first onesie, and more
- Carter’s washcloth and towel set in themes like dinosaurs, duckies, or sharks
Gifts Cards or Cash for Baby Shower Gift
It is entirely acceptable to give a gift card worth anywhere from $25-$50 as a baby shower gift. In fact, while it may seem less personal, it provides a valuable resource for new parents who will need to keep buying essentials like diapers for two or three years to come!
If you worry that a gift card or cash seems thoughtless or last-minute, consider writing a long, heartfelt message in the accompanying card.
Gift cards or cash also make an excellent gift if you receive an invitation but can’t attend the shower. Simply mail a nice card with your regrets and the gift card.
You may also want to lean towards buying a gift card if you do not know the expectant parents super well. This way, you avoid faux pas like buying the parents a set of disposable diapers when they plan to use washable diapers.
Group or Personalized Gifts
Don’t feel bad if you cannot afford the average price range for a baby shower gift! You can overcome the budget barrier by going in on a group gift or making a more personalized gift for the baby.
Online shopping makes the idea of a group gift much easier. For example, suppose your sister has her heart set on a $400 changing table for the nursery, but you only have $100 to spare. Maybe you can talk to your mom, aunts, or cousins to see if everyone can pitch in a few dollars toward that pricey changing table!
Another great way to provide a thoughtful baby gift on a budget is to craft a DIY item with a personalized element.
A few DIY baby gift ideas include:
- Stencil a wooden sign for the nursery featuring the baby’s name.
- Sew a quilt containing fabric or patterns that match the nursery theme.
- Put together a set of picture books you know the mom or dad loved as a child.
- Make a “bouquet” out of onesies or diapers using twist ties and ribbon.
- Knit or crochet baby booties using a free pattern like this one from Sarah Maker.
Whether you can afford to spend $20 or $200, the parents will appreciate the thought and care you put into selecting the perfect gift for this precious new baby!