How Much to Spend on Baby Shower Gift in 2023 – A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by Avi Steen

Ah, the baby shower – a time to celebrate the arrival of a little bundle of joy and shower the parents-to-be with love, support, and, of course, gifts. But how much to spend on baby shower gift?

Worry not, because we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to finding the perfect present without breaking the bank or overreaching your budget.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on Baby Shower Gift Spending

Several factors influence the decision of how much to spend on a baby shower gift. Your relationship with the expecting parents plays a role, as does your personal budget and the type of baby shower event. Taking these elements into account can guide you toward a perfect gift that’s affordable and meaningful for the new parents.

Relationship with the Expecting Parents

The nature of your relationship with the parents-to-be might influence the perceived value of the baby shower gift and the amount you choose to spend.

For instance, if you’re a close friend or family member, splurging on a pricier gift might be appropriate. On the other hand, if you’re a coworker or acquaintance, a more modest gift may be perfectly acceptable.

Of course, it’s not all about price.

A thoughtful gift that demonstrates your love and support can mean more than an expensive, impersonal item.

And if the baby shower is for a first child, a gift basket with a mix of practical and sentimental items might be just the ticket. For second or third children, practical gifts that cater to the whole family are a considerate choice.

Personal Budget Constraints

When selecting a baby shower gift, your budget plays a significant role.

Thoughtful, personalized gifts often carry more value than expensive ones. To figure out an appropriate amount to spend, consider your own financial situation and set a budget that feels comfortable for you.

You can also get creative with your gift ideas to make the most of your budget.

For instance, you could make something yourself, like a quilt or a scrapbook, which adds a personal touch without a high price tag.

Or, consider pooling resources with others to contribute to a group gift, allowing you to give a more substantial present while still sticking to your budget.

Type of Baby Shower Event

The nature of the baby shower event may also affect your gift spending. If the baby shower is held at a fancy country club or upscale restaurant, guests might feel inclined to spend more on their gifts.

On the other hand, if the event is more casual or budget-friendly, guests may feel more comfortable spending less.

When considering the type of baby shower event, remember that the most important thing is to show your support for the mom-to-be and provide something useful and appreciated.

If you’re unsure about how much to spend, opt for a practical gift like baby clothes or diapers, or choose a personalized item that will be cherished for years to come.

Baby Shower Gift Registry: A Helpful Guide

Using a baby registry can be a helpful guide in selecting the perfect baby shower gift without burning your pockets. Registries are full of items expecting parents actually want (and need).

Registries can help you determine an acceptable spending amount during the baby shower. We’ll examine the benefits of using a registry and discuss what to do if one isn’t available.

Benefits of Using a Registry

A primary advantage of using a baby shower gift registry is its ability to help guarantee that the parents-to-be receive necessary and desired items. A registry can also assist you in determining an appropriate spending amount.

They take the guesswork out of selecting a gift.

Another advantage is that registries often feature a variety of price ranges. This makes it easy for you to find gifts that fit within your budget.

This also allows you to contribute to the needs of the new parents without overextending yourself financially.

What If There’s No Registry?

If there’s no registry to guide your gift selection, consider the parents’ preferences and needs when choosing a gift. Opt for practical items, such as:

• baby clothes
• diapers
• feeding bottles
• baby blankets
• baby bath essentials

Or you can choose a personalized gift like a custom blanket or photo album.

You can also think about the parents’ lifestyle and interests when selecting a gift. For example, if they’re avid readers, consider a collection of baby books.

If they’re environmentally conscious, choose eco-friendly products. Ultimately, the thought and effort put into the gift will be more meaningful than the price tag.

Creative and Budget-Friendly Baby Shower Gift Ideas

If you’re looking to stretch your baby shower gift budget, consider some creative and budget-friendly gift ideas.

DIY gifts, group gifts, and themed gift baskets can all be affordable options that still make a big impact. We’ll examine these ideas more closely.

DIY Gifts

Handmade baby shower gifts can be a thoughtful and budget-friendly option. I personally still have my hand-made baby quilt from when I was a baby and was able to pass it down to my own children.

Knitting or crocheting clothing, creating a personalized scrapbook, or even sewing a unique baby blanket can all be meaningful gifts that won’t cost a fortune.

In addition to being cost-effective, DIY gifts also allow you to put your personal touch on the present, making it even more special to the expecting parents.

Plus, creating a handmade gift can be a fun and rewarding project for you as well.

Group Gifts

Group gifts are another budget-friendly option. If you have a group of friends who are also attending, you can pool your money and purchase a more expensive item from the registry or a larger, more meaningful gift.

This is a common solution in work settings, as coworkers can contribute to a group gift that will make a lasting impression on the expecting parents.

Additionally, combining resources for a group gift can allow you to contribute to a bigger-ticket item that the parents-to-be might not be able to afford themselves, such as a crib or stroller. This can be a practical and appreciated gesture that provides long-lasting value.

Themed Gift Baskets

Themed gift baskets are an excellent way to give a collection of smaller, affordable items for both the baby and the parents, making them a perfect baby gift and a great baby shower gift.

You can create a basket filled with baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and baby care products or focus on a specific theme, such as bath time, bedtime, or mealtime.

To make the gift basket even more special, consider adding personalized elements, like a custom onesie or a monogrammed baby blanket.

This will show the expecting parents that you put thought and care into selecting items that cater to their specific needs and preferences.

Spending Guidelines Based on Relationship

Having discussed various gift options and factors, we’ll now provide some spending guidelines, which vary based on your relationship with the parents-to-be.

These guidelines can help you determine an appropriate gift amount, ensuring you give a meaningful and well-received present.

Close Family Members and Friends

For close family members and friends, it’s generally suggested to spend between $50 and $200 on a baby shower gift.

This range allows you to focus on sentimental value or even contribute to a big-ticket item that the parents-to-be might need, such as a highchair or baby swing.

Keep in mind that the most important aspect of gift-giving is the thought and effort you put into selecting the perfect present.

Whether you choose a practical gift, a personalized item, or a unique keepsake, the expecting parents will appreciate your love and support.

Friends and Distant Relatives

For friends and distant relatives, a suggested spending range is $40 to $100 on a baby shower gift.

In this case, you can choose to purchase items from the registry, opt for a personal gift, or even pool resources with others for a group gift.

Including a gift receipt with your present is a thoughtful touch, allowing the parents-to-be to exchange the item if needed. This ensures they receive the items they truly need and want for their new arrival.

Coworkers and Acquaintances

For coworkers and acquaintances, a recommended spending range is $10 to $50 on a baby shower gift.

Group gifts are a common option in work settings, allowing colleagues to contribute to a more substantial present while still sticking to their own budgets.

Alternatively, you can choose an average baby shower gift, such as baby clothes or a diaper cake, that will still be appreciated by the expecting parents at your friend’s baby shower gift.

Gift Etiquette: Cash, Gift Cards, and Other Monetary Gifts

For cash, gift cards, and other monetary gifts, it’s vital to take into account the recipient’s preferences and present your gift in a thoughtful manner.

For example, you can include a heartfelt note or card expressing your well-wishes or purchase a decorative gift card holder.

In terms of spending, decide how much to give by aiming for an amount that’s the same as or more than the cost of an item on the registry. This ensures that your monetary gift is both practical and appreciated by the new parents when purchasing essentials for their baby, especially when they want to spend wisely.

Thoughtful Gifts Beyond the Registry

Although registries provide a useful guide, gifts that deviate from the registry, if thoughtfully chosen, can leave a lasting impression on the expecting parents.

As a mom, I always include some type of manual breast pump, like a Haakaa, even if it’s not on the registry. Some other unique and personalized items that can be a wonderful way to express your love and support include:

• Handmade baby blankets or clothing
• Customized baby books or photo albums
• Personalized nursery decor
• Keepsake jewelry or engraved items
• Gift certificates for professional photography sessions or baby classes

These friends and family gifts often hold more sentimental value than their price tag and can be cherished for years to come.

Consider items like hand-knit clothing, custom photo albums, or even a subscription to a baby magazine as thoughtful gifts that the parents-to-be may not have thought to include on their registry.

Wrapping Up

Finding the perfect baby shower gift doesn’t have to be hard or break the bank.

By considering factors like your relationship with the expecting parents, your personal budget, and the type of baby shower event, you can choose a thoughtful and meaningful present that fits within your means.

Whether you opt for a registry item, a DIY gift, a group gift, or a unique and personalized present, the most important aspect is the love and support you offer the new parents during this exciting time in their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to give money as a baby shower gift?

Cash gifts for baby showers are an acceptable and often welcomed option. Parents appreciate the help with transitioning into parenthood, and it’s a thoughtful way to avoid getting something they already have.

What to bring to a baby shower if you already sent a gift?

Bringing a book instead of a card or a package of diapers will be a great addition to any baby shower, even if you already sent a gift.

Do you wrap baby shower gifts?

Yes, you should wrap baby shower gifts unless the gift is too large.

How much should I spend on a baby shower gift?

For a baby shower gift, close friends and family members typically spend between $50-$200, while coworkers and acquaintances usually opt for gifts in the range of $10-$50.

What if there’s no baby shower registry?

No problem if there’s no baby shower registry! Consider the parents’ needs and opt for practical items or personalized gifts like blankets or diapers.