How much to spend on a Baby Shower Gift?

A baby is an exciting arrival not only for the parents but for the whole family and their friends. A baby shower is a traditional way to help shower the baby and the new parents with the things they will need for their new addition. There are many different ways to have a baby shower. And the gift ideas are endless. But there are some expectations about how much to spend on a baby shower gift.

These etiquette guidelines are based on your relationship with the parents, what fits your personal budget and financial situation, and whether it’s a first baby or a second or subsequent child. Because parents will have little of what they need for the first baby gifts are traditionally more expensive. Although showers for a second or more children are less popular, the gifts are usually less expensive because they will have the basics from the first.

Baby Shower Gifts from Grandparents

The new baby’s grandparents are traditionally some of the most excited about a new birth. They will be the parents of the parents, and as such, they are the closest related family and as such are expected to contribute a greater gift than others. Etiquette states that they will probably choose a gift around $100 for the new baby. Grandparents are also known to traditionally pass on items from their own children that have sentimental value or family heirlooms. These items may have the most sentimental value to parents and will be well cared for.

Others suggest that it is because the grandparents are involved in helping to care for and raise the baby. They may spend less on a gift but they pay for it with their time. Grandparents are often approached for support, questions, suggestions, and even babysitting. Often the most trusted people, knowing that a baby is safe with their grandparents can ease a parent’s anxiety about going out without them.

Baby Shower Gifts from Aunts and Uncles

Aunts and uncles of the new baby are often expected to brag and spoil their new niece or nephew. Many etiquette guides suggest that a gift over $100 is normal. And siblings can come together to pool their resources for a bigger ticket item like a car seat or even a crib.

The parents’ aunt, who will be the great aunt or great uncle to the new baby will cost less than the siblings. Throwing in around $50 seems to be the consensus etiquette for a baby shower gift. In the immediate family, these family members can act as an additional set of grandparents. While in others they will stay further away. The amount of time they spend with the parents and how active they are in the baby’s life can affect how much they spend on a gift and how personal that gift is.

Baby Shower Gifts from Siblings

In cases where older siblings are working and able to contribute to their parents’ new child, they may want to spoil their new sibling. Young adults will provide what is comfortable for them. And this could mean spoiling them with new toys or books, or it could be in the form of babysitting and babysitting. With the wide range of incomes, ages, and abilities of the new baby’s siblings, there is no predictable cost to how much a baby shower gift will cost. With this lack of hope, even giving away things they have that are sentimental is a good strategy.

Baby Shower Gifts from Best Friends

If a close friend is having a baby shower and you’re wondering how much to spend on a baby shower gift, there’s a simple answer. Close friends are often in a similar financial situation to the expecting couple, and $50-$100 is a generous gift for something that will be dearly loved. Choose something that has extra meaning or that you think suits them. These items can become the coveted possessions of a growing child. Or a reminder to parents that they have a strong support group.

Baby Shower Gifts for Coworkers

When invited to a baby shower for a friend at work, you can spend less than you would for your own family or close friends. Even $25 can be a fitting gift from the registry and will be appreciated by new parents. If you are close friends at work, or you consider yourself close outside of work as well, you can spend a little more, but find something meaningful.

Choosing a Gift from the Registry

It is polite and even expected to choose a gift from the registry. Most registries will have a range of items covering a wide price range. These include small gifts that can be put together to make baskets, some midrange priced items like outfits or snowsuits, and they’ll have higher priced items like highchairs and strollers. When choosing a gift from the registry, start with a price point that you are comfortable with and that you can afford without stressing your own finances. The point of the shower is to shower the baby with gifts. And help make sure they have everything they need. However, parents do not want or expect their loved ones to expand themselves. If you cannot find a suitable registry gift, it is acceptable to purchase items not listed.

When heading out to the registry to pick out a gift, look for one that new parents often don’t think about. Maybe you found something very important in your life after the birth of your child, or your friend or family is thinking about something new that they consider a must have. If you can afford it, buy this item but include a smaller item on the list. For example, if you hear of a baby bath that is versatile, safe, and easy to use, but they don’t have a baby bath on their list, wrapping it with facecloths or towels that are on the list will ensure a gift that is within the expected etiquette for what to buy or how much to spend on a baby shower gift.

DIY Baby Shower Gifts

It can be a good idea to do something special. And just because they aren’t on the registry doesn’t mean they aren’t wanted. Gifts handmade with love can become treasured family heirlooms. Some believe that etiquette requires at least one small item from the registry, which can be included in a hand made item. Knitted or crocheted blankets are traditional baby shower gifts. Alternatively, a few small gifts from the registry can be added to a gift basket. Include a few homemade items to create something any parent will love.

Top ideas for handmade or DIY gifts include knitwear such as hats, booties, gloves, and sweaters. Stitched blankets or bed sheets, car seat covers, and stuffed animals are well received. Plus, they’re often better quality than store-bought ones. Scrapbooks that are personalized and created to record the first years of a child’s life can provide parents with an easy way to mark each milestone and build memories.

Should I Bring a Gift to the Second Baby Shower?

Second baby showers are less common. But they are gaining traction for those with a large gap between their first and second child. Or even between the second and third. Usually they have already passed their items and start again. If the second baby is a girl and they had a boy first, or the second baby is a boy and they had a girl first, the second shower can be done for some extras for the baby. In these situations, people are expected to spend less, and focus on smaller ticket items. Shoes, clothing, hats, blankets, and similar items are appropriate. It is always safe to provide diapers and related items. Like any new mom it will be nice to have extra baby wipes when they mysteriously run out in the middle of the night.

How much to spend on a Baby Shower gift – final note

When considering how much to spend on a baby shower gift, consider how close you are to the parents. Plus how involved you will be in the child’s life, and what you are comfortable with. Close friends and family usually spend more than people from work or distant family. Many cultures will have their own expectations regarding a baby shower gift, and these should be deferred if necessary.