Baby shower registries aren’t limited to big box stores these days. There are, in fact, tons of websites where you can register for just about anything and often do. In hopes of helping you avoid the all-too-common predicament of owning piles of gear you don’t need, we’ve done our research and come up with 20 of the most creative and useful baby shower gifts you should request from your friends and family. We promise these are the things you’ll appreciate having after your baby’s arrival.
1. Pregnancy pillow. It’s one of those items you may have felt frivolous buying for yourself, but trust us, it’s worth every extra hour of sleep you’ll receive.
2. Gift certificates for a local baby store. Sometimes doing the shopping yourself is the fun part: browsing through a store and marveling at the teeny tiny booties, adorable newborn outfits, and sweet nursery accents.
3. House cleaning service (before or after the baby comes). This is possibly one of the most useful baby shower gifts anyone can give. As a new parent, not only will you crave a clean home, but with a newborn around, you’ll be sleep-deprived and short on time.
4. Contribution to a doula service. If you are dreaming of a doula birth but can’t afford it, this is one way to get the birth you really want.
5. Hiring a photographer for baby pictures. This is a gift you’ll cherish forever.
6. Personalized new mom note cards. When you meet the first nice mom at mom and baby yoga, you’ll be grateful that it’s easy to keep in touch. Swapping numbers in your phones isn’t always so easy when you’re running off with a hungry newborn.
7. A subscription to Tinybeans. As new parents, there’s nothing like a secure and private way to share memories with family and friends. Your Tinybeans+ subscription includes unlimited photo and video uploads, 2TB of storage, and more—plus it’ll get all those eager relatives begging for updates off your back.
8. Paying for someone to give a CPR and infant first aid class. You’ll rest easier knowing you have these skills just in case.
9. Prenatal or postnatal massage. Be specific about the spa and/or masseuse you prefer because you deserve it.
10. Gift certificate for a pedicure. Your feet could use the extra massage right now, and you can’t see your toes for a DIY pedicure anyway.
11. Date night certificate. Do you feel like you’ll never leave the house after the baby? You’ll have extra motivation if you’ve got a free dinner for two and babysitting booked before they arrive.
12. Shower saver kit. This tongue-in-cheek gift gives a nod to the fact that finding time for a shower after baby isn’t always easy, but this clever gift grouping will make it doable: a clear plastic shower curtain, bath accessories for mom, and a bouncy seat for baby.
13. Cloth diaper service or a supply of disposable diapers. If there’s one thing you know your baby will use, it’s diapers!
14. Emergency diaper kit to leave in the car. This clever and ever-useful wet bag should include diapers, wipes, plastic baggies, and a clean change of clothes.
15. Meals for a month. Having someone organize a meal train of family and friends to provide dinners several days a week, or being gifted a meal delivery service for a month is priceless.
16. Favorite children’s books. Start building your baby’s library from day one. Classic children’s books like these will be treasured forever.
17. Uh-oh kit. This is an easy way to ensure you’re stocked with the necessary first aid supplies including a thermometer, gas tablets, teething tablets, baby pain reliever, nail clippers, diaper rash cream, etc.
18. Handmade hats or blankets. If you’ve got relatives or friends who knit, hint that handmade is appreciated.
19. Nursing pillow. If you overlooked this on your registry—don’t. It’s good for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding moms, and these pillows can be a great spot to prop your baby.
