What’s an appropriate baby shower gift?

Posted by The_Sown_Rose@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 17 comments

My friend is having a baby, and we’re having a little baby shower for her. I have zero experience of babies/children, and I’ve never been to a baby shower before. I’d quite like to gift a children’s encyclopaedia, I’m known as the ‘random fact’ person in the group and I thought it’s a useful gift with a nice connection to me. However, it’ll be years before the kid will be able use it. Would this be an appropriate gift and if not, what could I get?

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17 Comments

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2023mustgo@reddit

Your idea is lovely, or if you prefer to wait until after the baby has safely arrived to give your gift as is traditional in the UK, you can do that too, don't feel pressured by the invitation to the gift grab party.

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Pavlover2022@reddit

Voucher for Cook (frozen ready meals)

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Intelligent_Bar_710@reddit

This 100000% I buy a £50 Cook voucher for friends when they have a baby. Every one of them has said it’s the best present they got.

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mrsfadedglory@reddit

We just had a baby. We didn’t have a baby shower but the best gifts we’ve received are vouchers for takeaway, a hamper of snacks and nice coffee, baby books suitable for young babies (high contrast picture books are great), vouchers for a nice baby shop or John Lewis so we can buy clothes as we need them. Otherwise, you could ask the parents if there’s anything specific they want or need. If you buy something, it’s also great to put in the gift receipt in case of duplicate gifts

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mrsfadedglory@reddit

If you want to stay the ‘random facts’ person, we also hit a great, brightly coloured ABC book (‘a is for apple’ etc)

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Pavlover2022@reddit

One of the expensive Braun in ear thermometers from Boots . You might feel a bit weird gifting such a practical item, and it doesn't have the awww cute factor when the mum opens it, but I guarantee it'll be the most and longest used baby thing she'll receive. Hell we still rely on ours and we are years and years into parenting! I always gift them now for first time parent as they're a bit of a splurge item that parents wouldn't necessary spring for themselves, and more often than not I get a genuine and sincere appreciative message (on top of the polite initial thanks) after baby is born and it's used for the first time

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DowagerCountess91@reddit

I recently went to my friends baby shower. I bought various items from the little white company including something for my friend and had them gift wrap it. But I spent around £120. Not sure how much you're looking to spend otherwise I'd recommend them or maybe something from mamas and papas

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633597@reddit

No more americanisms please

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longwait444@reddit

I really have to remind myself in threads like this that while a lot of people on UK Reddit are in their 20s or 30s and love dark alternative UK comedy, posting "that sketch from Chris Morris' wonderfully dark sketch show Jam isn't always going to go down well.... That aside, genuine answer - a cute little baby outfit. Not a babygrow but like a "going out" outfit. Can get some great stuff from any supermarket with a clothing section. Was my then girlfriend who suggested it when I had a similar quandary when a mate had his first kid. Went down a storm so now it's my go to. Cheap but very very practical. Kids grow so fast any parent goes through clothes like a loaf of bread so it's a real help to them, plus buying a similar outfit for an adult would seem way over the top and you'd fuck it up in second guessing their style tastes. Not the case for a small kid. They're happy with anything.

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JarJarBinksSucks@reddit

Deportation papers

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chonkyclouds@reddit

I picked up crochet during lockdown, so now baby showers are a breeze. Crochet a baby blanket and job's a good 'un. 😄 I did that recently for my cousin. My mum just gave her money. Boring gift, but certainly will be a useful one. Can also give gift vouchers if you don't go with straight cash, could be anything including gift vouchers for takeaways and things that will make the parent's life easier.

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socratesrules@reddit

Being a pragmatist, I gave my brother and his wife a case of diapers. They weirded out at first, then the baby came along and they were very grateful!

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Big_Mac_Is_Red@reddit

Nappies are a risk. Not all nappies are a good fit for all babies and it can be a hassle in itself just finding the right nappy for each baby. So many options. If they're dead set on one brand then it's not a bad idea.

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Big_Mac_Is_Red@reddit

You can get the encyclopedia but I'd add a card and some money or a gift card (money is less restrictive). We had everything we needed initially but things always come up. There's always something to buy so extra cash is helpful. Or you can look to get the parents some presents.

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What’s an appropriate baby shower gift?

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17 Comments

2023mustgo@reddit

Pavlover2022@reddit

Intelligent_Bar_710@reddit

mrsfadedglory@reddit

mrsfadedglory@reddit

Pavlover2022@reddit

DowagerCountess91@reddit

633597@reddit

longwait444@reddit

JarJarBinksSucks@reddit

chonkyclouds@reddit

socratesrules@reddit

Big_Mac_Is_Red@reddit

Big_Mac_Is_Red@reddit

Skorpychan@reddit

Sionnach-78@reddit

GlitchingGecko@reddit