Last Updated on February 3, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
Trying to decide how much to spend on a baby shower gift can be a bit of a daunting task.
And, of course, you want to make sure that you get something special, but you also don’t want to blow your budget in the process.
So, to put your mind at ease, we have you covered.
We’ll look at the different factors that can influence your spending on a baby shower gift, and make sure you pick the perfect present that both parents-to-be will love.
Read more so we can guide you with that.
Baby Shower Gifts: How Much Should You Spend?
Gift-giving is one way to express your excitement, love, and joy for the new parent and their new baby [1]. People may wonder what’s the appropriate amount to spend on baby shower gifts because no guideline is set for celebrating the baby on the way.
However, as much as you are excited about shopping for the baby, you should remember that the parents-to-be will buy new things for their newborn. You can spend roughly $50 – $200, but there can be many things to consider.
Read: How Much Should I Spend On A Bridal Shower Gift?
3 Types of Baby Showers
1. Employee/Client/Co-Worker Baby Shower
If you are invited by your co-worker, employee, or client to their baby shower, we recommend getting a small gift from their registry or choosing a simple and small gift for them.
Don’t feel guilty if you spend a little on your employee, client [2], or co-worker’s baby shower gift because chances are they may not be your closest friend. Get something nice but keep the price under control.
You can spend as low as $20 -$100, but of course, you should consider how much the new parents mean to you. But how can you do a virtual baby shower?
2. Friends/Distant Relative Baby Shower
There is always a big chance that most baby showers you will be invited are thrown by your friends or distant relative, so the acceptable range you should spend on a baby gift is around $50 – $100.
If the Mom-to-be prepared a baby registry, you could check out something unique and meaningful.
You can also be creative and put together a gift basket filled with baby gear that can be very useful to the expecting Mom. If you don’t prefer cash, getting them a gift card can also be an ideal gift.
Read: Gift Wrapping Ideas For Baby Shower
3. Close Friend/Family Member’s Baby Shower
Expect that if your close friend or family member is expecting a child, you will always be invited to the shower, so you should be prepared.
If your family is expecting a new member, getting them more expensive gifts is fine, especially for their first child.
Spending $80 – $200 is normal, especially if the Mom-to-be or Dad-to-be is your best friend or close relative. Aside from newborn clothes, you can check out the big-ticket items like car seats or strollers that can be expensive.
The new bundle of joy is worth every penny, so it is greatly appreciated if you get something they will surely use.
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Things To Consider
Relationship With The Expectant Parents
Gift-giving etiquette can be based on your relationship with the expectant parents. It is good to consider it to know your medium if you want to know how much you should spend on a baby shower gift.
“Babies are always more trouble than you thought and more wonderful.”
Charles Osgood, American Television Writer
Checking out how close you are to the new parents can be your first step in defining what gift you should get or how much to spend on it. Are the expecting parents family members, close friends, best friends, co-workers, or neighbors?
Consider the relationship so giving gifts can be much easier. But what do you write on a baby shower card for your co-worker?
First, Second, or Third Baby Shower
New parents can be very excited with their first born so chances are they bought a lot of stuff like baby clothes and toys that they may outgrow.
If the baby shower is for the firstborn, getting stuff like a gift basket can be ideal, but practical gifts are exactly what they need for the second or third.
Close relatives may find it surprising to gift them maid services or meal deliveries, but it can be a perfect present and caring gesture if the new baby is on the way.
It would also be ideal for getting a smaller gift for the newborn and include smaller items for the big brother or big sister.
Read: Food Ideas For A Drive-Thru Baby Shower
Budget
Budget is one of the most important things to consider when searching for a baby shower or gender reveal gift ideas. There is no need to break the bank [3] to let them know you are excited about the baby on the way.
Setting your personal budget is always a good idea because you will know how much money you will be spending when gifting the father and mother-to-be.
In addition, when you get something on sale, never forget to remove the gift receipt because that could be embarrassing.
Read: Outfits To Wear To A Gender Reveal Party
Going Solo or Group Gifts
Group gifts or solo gifts can also be a thing to consider because they can define how much you spend on a baby shower gift.
A gift registry can be your friend when gifting if you go solo, but a big-ticket item can be a perfect gift from the group.
Similar gifts such as strollers, rocking chairs, and car seats can be expensive, but you and your relatives or friends can chip in if you prefer an essential item that can be very useful. You can also throw a Diaper Party for the dads.
FAQS
What is the most useful baby shower gift?
A baby shower gift basket filled with diapers, diaper creams, clothes, toys, wipes, pacifiers, and personal grooming kits can be the most useful gift.
Practical and cheap eco-friendly gifts can be very useful, especially for new parents.
Is it okay to give money as a baby shower gift?
Yes, it is okay to give money as a baby shower gift. If it is challenging for you to decide what items to bring to a baby shower, money comes in very handy.
Cash is a better present because it will help the couple choose what useful things to get for the newborn.
But what are some gender-neutral baby shower themes?
Is it rude to attend a baby shower without bringing a gift?
No, it is not rude to attend a baby shower without bringing a gift.
Some people are grateful that people showed up, and the only issue we think you may find is if you personally will not feel guilty for not bringing one.
What are the rules regarding baby shower gifts?
The general etiquette for baby shower gifts is to give the expecting parents something that is both useful and practical for their new baby.
It is also customary to bring a gift that is within your budget.
Do you need to buy a gift if you’re not going to the baby shower?
No, you do not need to buy a gift if you are not attending the baby shower.
However, you may still wish to send a gift to the expectant parents to show your support and congratulations.
Find out the origin of the term “baby shower” here.
In Summary
Giving people gifts can be a way to show appreciation, excitement, and gratefulness towards a person [4], and a baby shower can be more special with gifts that can be useful and meaningful.
Just remember that when it comes to shower gifts, check your financial limits and the registry so you can bring something that can be very useful. Get presents that you are comfortable giving because it is always the thought that counts.
References:
- https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/rules-of-gift-giving-scn/index.html
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2017/11/30/why-you-must-treat-every-client-as-the-single-most-important-customer/
- https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/banks/articles/3-benefits-of-using-more-than-1-bank/
- https://hbr.org/2010/12/the-real-point-of-gift-giving.html
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