Once you’ve decided you’re having a baby shower and have picked who to invite, chances are the next thing you’ll think of will be gifts.
Nothing will excite your friends and family more about your special day than being able to buy and then coo over baby show gifts such as tiny baby booties, clothes or toys.
But before you (or your trusted baby shower organiser) send out the baby shower invitations, make a gift wishlist. It will give your guests a great idea of what to look for, and prevent you from unwrapping your tenth Sophie The Giraffe of the day. Here’s our failsafe guide on how to write your perfect baby shower list...
How to write a baby shower gift list
Budget
Probably the most important thing to think about. Consider how much you think your guests are able to spend, and make sure you include a variety of products and prices. That way your friends and family can pick up a pair of socks or a baby monitor, depending on what they can afford.
Make the most of Amazon
Let Amazon do the hard work for you and make yourself an Amazon Baby wishlist. They're free to create and perfect to send to those coming to your baby shower. You can also scoop a free baby gift if you spend at least £20 on eligible baby products.
Road test
It’s worth road-testing the bigger items on your list if you know your mum or auntie has set her heart on buying you something major like a pram/pushchair or cot. Go to an actual shop so you can try out the item before you request it – saving yourself an embarrassing ‘gift receipt’ conversation in the process.
What do you actually want?
Give guests a welcome hint about what you really want and make sure the baby gear you end up unwrapping really suits you by thinking about what you actually need. If you’ve bought three newborn hats already, it might be worth including a ‘no hats please’ point on your list.
Do your research
What do scratch mittens, baby night lights and baby baths have in common? The fact some mums claim they never get used, while others swear by them. Ask around your mum friends to see what they found a godsend and cross off the items you’ll never need, now.
If you're unsure...
The baby shower date has been decided and you’re still no closer to knowing what you should be asking for. But don’t worry that you don’t know what you want. Asking for vouchers (Deliveroo anyone?) is perfect for this situation, and it’s a quick and easy fix for guests who may be unsure of what to get you.
Take a look at MyCrib
While with an Amazon Baby wishlist, you're limited to products sold on Amazon, with MyCrib you can build your wishlist with products from any site you fancy, whether that's Mamas & Papas or John Lewis, for no fee whatsoever. And if you're stuck, MyCrib offers inspiration on what products to add to your wish list.
A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.