18 Best Baby Shower Gifts to Buy in 2023

Feb 21, 2024

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Late to the party? Don’t sweat it.

The vast majority of new moms and dads curate a registry—particularly if they're having a baby shower—but that doesn't mean you have to stick to it. Sure, it's nice to get the proud parents-to-be something you know they really want, but other times you might be late to the party, discovering that nearly all the "better" options on the list have already been claimed. Or maybe you'd really rather get something specifically for Mom—something she might have been too bashful to formally request from baby shower guests.

Whatever the reason you decide to venture off-registry, there are plenty of great baby gifts waiting to be plucked up and wrapped in honor of that precious bundle of joy. For practical shoppers, there are useful items like first-aid kits and nursing helpers; there are also unique items—a compendium of classic nursery rhymes and the most adorable bib you ever did see—for those on the hunt for something (almost) nobody at the shower has ever seen before.

To find our top picks, our editors tapped real moms—including moms of four-plus toddlers—to find out what they received (and loved) for their own baby showers. We also scoured top retailers for the most highly rated and well-reviewed baby products out there.

Sometimes the invitation asks guests to bring a book for baby's library, and this is a unique pick that's not going to be another dupe of The Little Blue Truck. The decorative hardcover book features all the classic nursery rhymes. It's sure to be a treasured family keepsake for years to come.

Seasoned parents who have received countless stuffed animals over the years know that Jellycat offers the softest, cutest of the bunch. This rattle by the beloved brand is perfect for the littlest set—it's easy to grab and shake, plus looks adorable hanging out in their stroller or car seat.

Moms we polled said this seat is—hands down—one of the best baby items they received at their own showers. It doesn't have any fancy motor; a simple tap of the foot gives baby a light bounce that'll help keep them content for hours on end. It also folds flat, so it can be tucked right under the sofa—and out of eyesight—when not in use.

An electric breast pump is a must for moms who plan to go back to work, but this handy little gadget is a great supplement that will help untether them from the pump and stock their freezer supply. The concept is simple: It suctions onto the breast to draw milk out naturally. Moms we spoke to say they popped it onto whatever breast they weren't feeding baby from to collect letdown milk. One mom saved over 100 ounces of liquid gold that way!

It's no secret babies rely on their parents for, well, everything. And this kit will help prepare new parents for whatever comes their way: fevers, snot-filled noses, sharp fingernails, trapped gas, irritated gums, and more.

There's nothing more aww-inducing than a pint-size version of an adult favorite—like these famed wool sneakers. Parents love how easy they are to slip on, thanks to elastic laces. Not to mention, they come in an array of adorable color schemes.

There are tons of swaddles and sleep sacks out there, but if you really want to treat the new parents-to-be, this merino wool option is the cream of the crop. It's ultra breathable and naturally temperature-regulating, so baby will stay comfortable no matter the season. And, even though it doesn't restrict the arms, some babies actually prefer this freedom, leading to more sleep for both baby and parent.

Uniquely designed with a groundbreaking convertible seat, this carrier adapts with the child's growth, offering them the necessary support from the newborn stage through the toddler years. The seat folds inward for a newborn-ready configuration and expands as the child grows, ensuring their hips and legs are ergonomically supported.

The Lovevery Play Gym is everyone's go-to, so our advice is to avoid a duplicate by giving the parents-to-be the brand's block set instead. Sure, baby won't really gravitate toward it until a little later, but it's a vibrant set that features multiple ways to play. There's even a little guide book to show parents exactly how to keep their kiddos engaged. It's a baby shower present the family will use for years to come.

Pretty much everyone knows about the other lovey-pacifier combo, but this version by Dr. Brown is a sleeper the parents-to-be need to have on their radar. For starters, it can hold either a pacifier or a teether. And just like the OG, it keeps the goods off the dirty floor. But here's where this one stands out: Since the pacifier or teether isn't sewn on, they can easily wash both when needed.

Everyone knows sleep is a precious commodity, and this sound machine can help the whole family get a little bit more of it. The white noise machine, which doubles as a night light for the nursery, features a compatible app parents can control via their smartphone to drown out ambient noise with the click of a button—no need to venture into the baby's room and disrupt them.

Pricey, yes, but this is a gift you'll want to go in on with some other friends and family to make the new parents' lives infinitely easier. Because this convertible car seat rotates to the side, they won't have to reach into their vehicle at an awkward angle. They can simply turn the seat, buckle baby, and spin it back to the correct-facing position.

Sometimes babies are finicky about bottles—and that can leave new parents feeling exasperated and desperate about how to get their little one to take anything but the breast. This set of five of the most popular bottles can help take the pressure off, since it gives Mom or Dad the chance to experiment until they find just the right thing.

Aden + Anais is known for soft muslin products. From onesies to burp clothes to blankets, the brand makes it all. But new moms say the most useful of the bunch is the swaddle set. These spacious cuts of cloth are suitable for multiple tasks, including swaddling, covering up while nursing, burping, and draping over the stroller to block the sun while baby snoozes. And they're pretty darn cute, to boot.

Bumps and bruises are inevitable down the line, so make sure the new parents are prepared for whatever comes their way with this unique first-aid kit. The bandages are the highlight—they're colorful and fun—but the set also comes with all kinds of ointments and cleansing cloths to help parents dress any wounds.

Nothing gives you dry mouth quite like shh'ing baby for hours on end, but this little gadget takes the onus off the parents. It expertly mimics the noise for them, so all they have to do is prop it up next to the crib while baby falls into a deep sleep.

Bella Tunno makes some of the cutest baby products around—like this cheeky bib, for example. But it's not all about the adorable factor. This silicone bib features a swooped bottom that catches stray food, minimizing the crumbs parents have to clean up after new (and very messy) eaters.

Want to treat Mom to something special? Consider this elevated diaper bag. The soft-sided backpack keeps her hands free but has plenty of room to carry all the family's essentials. There are tons of pockets, plus extras like a mini changing mat and extra pouches for wipes and the like. Did we mention the whole thing is neoprene—a material that's exceptionally easy to clean? Perfect, because all new moms encounter spills from time to time.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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