How Much to Spend on a Baby Shower Gift in 2023

While the parents-to-be will be the ones to build their baby registry, the guests will decide what will make it to the gift table. According to a report from Babylist, the average cost of a baby gift is around $130.

But it’s up to you, as the guest, to decide how much to spend. It depends on your budget and your relationship with the parents-to-be.

A grandparent might go all-out and splurge on high-ticket items, while a work acquaintance is likely to choose something less expensive. If you’re wondering how much to spend on a baby shower gift, keep reading for our breakdown of baby shower gifts and their price tags.

The Data-Backed Checklist to Help You Make Decisions

Many gift givers shop based on their priorities – practicality or sentimentality. According to the Babylist survey, 44% wanted to give a practical gift, while 14% of gift givers decided on something personal and thoughtful. It also depends on the relationship between the gift giver and the expecting parents.

It’s important to decide on a budget and choose a gift that falls within that price category. More than a quarter of gift givers make budget considerations when choosing a gift. About 28% will set a budget, while only 8% buy from the registry without thinking about their wallets.

Baby Shower Gifts with Price Ranges

How Much Should I Spend on a Friend’s Baby Shower Gift?

This is the big question. If you are attending a baby shower, it is customary to bring a gift.

It’s hard to decide how much to spend. How do you know what to spend? What is the average value? Here are some things to consider:

• How close is the friend? Often, if it’s a close friend, you’ll spend more than if the prospective parent is an acquaintance. If you’ve known this person for years, they can expect a bigger gift. However, some other things are also important.
• Is this their first or second baby? If your friend is giving birth to their first child, she will need all kinds of things for the newborn, so she will like a more expensive gift. However, let’s assume this is their second baby. By then, they probably already have a lot of big-ticket items like strollers and cribs.
• Do they have a registry? A registry is useful because it tells you exactly what parents need. If new parents don’t have one, you can assume they’re not too worried about getting big gifts. But if they have a registry, definitely get something from the list.
• What does a mother-to-be need most? Think about what your friend already has and what she still needs. Typically, big-ticket items like high chairs are valuable and everyday items like diapers, bibs, and bottles are also valued.
• How much can you afford? Your friend won’t want you to skip the electricity bill to get him a gift. When choosing a gift, remember that getting something small is fine if you don’t have a lot of money, even if the parent-to-be is a close friend. If you can afford it, by all means, buy something expensive from the registry, but, if not, don’t sweat it. More important than the present is your presence for the new parents at their baby shower. You were invited to the party to share their happiness, not because they wanted a gift.

$500 and Up

This is the highest price range for a baby shower gift. These gifts are usually bought by close friends and family who can splurge. Group gifting is also a great option for this category, as it allows loved ones to buy bigger tickets without covering the full cost of the gift. Be sure to prioritize mom-to-be registry gifts over other options.

Gifts in the $500 and up price range can include a convertible car seat and stroller set. Convertible car seats adjust, growing with the baby, allowing parents to use them for several years before upgrading to a larger option or booster seat. Strollers are also used for many years, from infancy to the toddler years. Sets, including a car seat and stroller combo, can cost $500 or more.

Another option in this category is nursery furniture. Cribs, nursing chairs, dressers, and changing tables are staples for many nurseries. These pieces sometimes come in a set or carry a hefty price tag, depending on the style and manufacturer.

Other high-ticket items include high-tech smart baby monitors and diaper subscription services, depending on the length of the subscription.

$200-$500

The second highest category is within the $200 – $500 price range. Again, those closest to the parents-to-be can choose gifts in this category. Check the expecting parents’ baby registry for items at this price point. This can include the baby’s car seat, essential for getting the baby home from the hospital, and any other car travel. A baby swing or bouncer also falls into this price range and is a great way to soothe or keep baby entertained.

This category also includes baby bedding sets with beautiful patterns and higher thread count. While parents may only need a crib sheet in the beginning, a matching baby blanket will come in handy later in life. Useful around the six-month stage is a high chair that allows the baby to sit at the table with their parents while they taste their first foods.

$100-$200

This is the most popular price range for shopping family and close friends from a baby registry. In this category, baby bottle warmers are ideal for night feeding and baby video monitors to keep an eye on the little one.

A portable travel baby crib is a great addition for parents who often go on vacation or just want baby to sleep in their room for the first few months. Baby carriers or slings keep parents hands-free while carrying the baby with them while they walk or shop for groceries. Whatever you choose, check the parents’ baby registry first to see what they need.

$50-$100

Popular with friends or those on a tighter budget are gifts in the $50 – $100 range. Take a peek at the mom-to-be’s baby registry. You’ll find gifts, including baby swaddle blankets to keep Baby cozy at night and bath toys that provide entertainment in the tub. In this price range, you can also buy baby food storage containers, which are great for keeping food fresh while the child tries new flavors for the first time.

A baby bottle set with bottles in small and large sizes allows parents to easily transition to larger feeding portions as baby grows.

$20-$50

If you don’t know the mom very well, or if you have a smaller budget, don’t worry. There are still plenty of options with lower price tags. The mom-to-be is likely to have many items on her registry for less than $50. Gifts in this price range are also great for gift givers who have purchased a larger item but want to throw in a little extra.

In this category, you might find a set of pacifiers to soothe a fussy baby or a bathrobe to keep sweet little one warm and cozy after a bath. Soft baby toys are popular in the early months, and a baby sleep sack keeps even the wiggliest baby safe at bedtime.

Gift a baby book set to help expectant parents start a library and share many bonding moments with their child as they read together. A baby milestone blanket is a thoughtful gift that serves as a cute backdrop as parents take pictures of their baby each month.

Also read: Hand-Me-Down Gifts for a Baby Shower? Yes, it’s a Thing!