reading time – 9 min

What to give at a baby shower: 20 gift ideas they'll love

The date is on the calendar, you've RSVP'd… now to find the baby shower gift! Between baby essentials and thoughtful treats for the mom-to-be, choosing isn't always easy.

Here are 20 gift ideas for a baby shower that are sure to delight (and help you avoid giving yet another newborn-sized onesie).

Gifts to welcome the baby

Let's start with the guest of honor, even if they haven't quite joined the party yet. For a baby shower, some gifts can be used from the baby's earliest months and become a natural part of everyday life.

1. A personalized cuddly toy

A first little companion bearing the baby's name, initials, or a special message: a personalized Petit Picotin cuddly toy is the kind of gift you keep for years. If the name is still top secret, don't worry: choose a subtler personalization or save this idea until after the birth.

2. A lovely swaddle

In the diaper bag, over your shoulder after a feeding, as a little blanket or an improvised cover… a baby swaddle often serves several purposes in a single day. It's a great option when you're looking for a useful gift without having to guess clothing sizes.

3. A hooded baby towel

After those first baths come the first cozy snuggles. A super-soft hooded baby towel is a lovely gift that will actually get used from the first few weeks. Its hood helps keep the baby warm after bath time. Personalized with their name, it becomes a gift just for them, ready to use after every bath.

4. A toiletry bag

Small, practical, and made to be used for years, the Petit Picotin toiletry bag keeps baby's essentials together at home or on the go. You can even turn it into a little gift set by adding a few newborn-friendly products.

5. A personalized child health record cover

Less expected than clothing, yet something the baby can use for years: a personalized child health record cover is one of those gifts that grows more meaningful over time. Embroidery, color, pattern… choose one that suits the baby and add their name to make it truly theirs.

Gifts just for the mom-to-be

A little reminder: the baby shower also celebrates the person currently growing a human. So among the gifts for the baby, remember the mom-to-be with a few thoughtful treats chosen just for her. A little chance to pause before the baby arrives.

6. A prenatal massage

A few weeks before the baby arrives, giving the mom-to-be a chance to relax can be especially welcome. Just choose a spa that offers a massage specifically adapted for pregnancy and let her decide when she'd like to enjoy it.

7. A meaningful piece of jewelry

A charm, a delicate bracelet, or a pendant chosen to mark this new chapter can become a keepsake far more personal than a gift tied directly to the baby's needs. There's no need to engrave “Mom” on it: a symbol, an initial, or a stone chosen with care is enough.

8. A maternity photo session

A session with a photographer lets them capture this time that goes by so quickly. The mom-to-be can have the photos taken on her own, with her partner, or with the whole family if there's already a soon-to-be big brother or sister.

9. A helping hand for new parents

Instead of one more thing, why not give them something that will actually save them time after the birth? A voucher for 5 delivered meals, a few hours of babysitting or even help with the grocery shopping… They're not the first gifts you might think of for a baby shower, but new parents will probably be delighted to have them when they need them.

10. A kit for coming home from the hospital

Put together a little selection just for her: cozy socks, a sleep mask, hand cream, treats, a pregnancy-safe herbal tea, a book, or a magazine…

The idea is simple: nothing in this box is for the baby.

And if you're looking for more ideas for this time, take a look at our article “What gift should you bring a new mom in the hospital?” 

Personalized gifts to treasure as keepsakes

A baby shower also marks a special time: the final weeks before the family grows. So some gifts are less about being “useful” than about preserving a memory of this moment.

11. A keepsake box

First ultrasound, hospital bracelet, birth announcement, first lock of hair… a lovely box lets you gather all those little keepsakes you don't want to lose over the years.

You can even start filling it with a note written for the baby during the baby shower.

12. A baby handprint or footprint kit for after the birth

A tiny hand or little foot: give the parents-to-be a handprint and footprint kit they can use once the baby arrives.

Frame it or keep it safe, and they'll have a record of those first weeks… and a reminder, a few years later, of just how small the baby was.

13. A personalized print

Name, birth date to add later, a little message, or an illustration: a personalized print is right at home in the baby's room. You can choose one that matches the room's style or colors, or a theme the parents-to-be love. 

Once the baby arrives, all that's left is to add the final details before hanging it on the wall. A lovely keepsake from those very first days that can stay in their room for years.

14. Letters to open later

Here's an idea that costs almost nothing but could become one of the most personal gifts. During the baby shower, each guest writes a little note for the child to open on their first birthday, at 10, at 18… The letters are then collected in a box to keep.

15. A gift embroidered with the baby's name

Bag, toiletry bag, bath linens, beach towel, sweatshirt or accessory : embroidery can turn an everyday item into a personal keepsake. It's also a chance to discover Petit Picotin's personalized baby gifts if you're looking for something made especially for the baby.

Gifts that are truly useful in the first few months

You can also give something that saves the parents another purchase a few weeks down the road. The secret: think beyond the birth.

16. A versatile blanket

For stroller rides, quiet moments at home, or trips out, a blanket can accompany the baby on their first outings. Choose one that's soft and comfortable, in a color that suits the parents-to-be's style.

17. A diaper bag

Outings with a baby quickly call for the kind of planning you'd need for a small move. Diapers, spare clothes, food, a cuddly toy… you'll need a way to carry it all. A diaper bag makes a great group gift when several guests want to chip in. And to help the parents-to-be pack it without forgetting anything, our article “What to Pack in a Diaper Bag: The Complete Checklist” will come in handy.

18. A portable changing mat

It's exactly the sort of thing you might not think of before having a baby… and appreciate from the very first outing. A travel changing mat slips into a bag and lets you set up a changing space almost anywhere.

19. A voucher for a few hours of peace and quiet

This one won't fit in a box, but it could be especially welcome after the birth. Cooking a meal, picking up groceries, watching an older child, walking the dog, or simply keeping them company: write your offer on a lovely card the parents can “redeem” whenever they need it.

20. A group fund for a gift chosen by the parents

When several loved ones chip in, a group fund can pay for a bigger purchase: a stroller, car seat, furniture, baby carrier, or any other gear the parents-to-be have actually chosen.

Less of a surprise when they unwrap it? Maybe. But there's much less risk of giving them a fourth bottle warmer.

The little extra that makes all the difference

Whatever gift you choose, tuck in a little note for the parents-to-be. An anecdote, a few words for the baby, or simply a shared memory: it's often this thoughtful touch that stays with them the longest.

And if you're still undecided, explore all our personalized baby gift ideas and Petit Picotin's baby collection.

The things your little ones say

“Mom, when I was in your tummy, did I have a room?”
– Titouan, age 4

“Dad, why do you have hair on your legs but not on your head?”
– Capucine, age 5

“Mom, when you drink water, does the baby take a bath?”
– Camille, age 3