Have a baby shower on the calendar this Fall? Want to add an original, yet useful gift to the new parents’ present?
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I asked a group of moms: “What was the best baby shower gift you remember getting that you did NOT register for?”
They came up with some great answers! Here’s what the Mom’s are saying:
1. The Wubbanub
I’m putting this one first, because not only did one of the moms in the group I asked mention it – but this was given to me for our son and it was the BEST.GIFT.EVER!
It doesn’t get lost like the other ones.
Babies can find it on their own when they lose it at night because of how big it is.
It doesn’t fall out of the crib that often – again because of the size.
And, “baby ducky”, is my son’s favorite toy, object of comfort in the whole world! He is four and even though we have removed the pacifier from it, he still sleeps with “baby ducky” every night!
“Baby Ducky” was not on our registry. Matt’s aunt bought it for us. I am still so grateful to Aunt Suzanne!
2. Baby food bowls and spoons
This too is on the top of the list because it was another gift I did not think to register for, but was grateful I received. Another mom said the same.
We still use these bowls, and sometime even the spoons!
3. FridaBaby Nasal Aspirator
This was a very popular answer. I had never even heard of it! Apparently this is an awesome gift! Check it out – it’s a best seller on Amazon, and included as an Amazon Prime purchase!
4. Child Go-Pod
This one another suggestion from a mom that I had never seen – but instantly know why it’s awesome! How often a mom brings her baby to a house that is not “baby-proof”. This is so perfect to have in the car and it folds up so compactly! The big ones we all register for are not fitting out the door or in the car without taking them completely apart! Great gift!
5. Aden and Anais Blankets
Apparently these blankets are worth the investment. Great for swaddling, light weight, and tend to be used for everything – up until baby is 3!
6. Baby’s First Christmas Ornament
This is another gift we were given and someone else mentioned. It’s so awesome comparing how much bigger his hand is every year when we hang it up! There are other options for Baby’s First Christmas ornaments on Amazon too – my favorites are the Hallmark Ornament (we got this for our son in 2013 – it was a Rocking Horse) the shoe one this year is also adorable! And the Lenox Rudolph is also really cute!
7. Zipper Sheets
It’s like someone is giving you sleep as a gift. This is the best invention ever. When you are already sleep deprived – and baby wet through her diaper. Oh my goodness – quick and easy. And honestly, changing crib sheets should be counted as going to the gym. Genius invention. Although the link above would be ideal, if they are not in your budget, here is a more affordable buy: QuickZip Crib Extra
8. Bath Books
Some moms mentioned books. I added the bath books. I never used them in the bath – but my son just LOVED holding them, looking at them and, yes, chewing on them. I would have never thought to register for these books, but I was so grateful we were given some. Any other book in his teething days couldn’t have been played with as much. He would love those books all day long and that was fine with me! Here are a few cute ones available on Amazon:
Sassy Book Set; Sassy First Sounds Book Set and Sesame Street Elmo’s World Books
9. Canvas/Fabric Storage Bin filled with STUFF
These bins are GREAT! I kept diapers in them. I use them for shoes. Another mom said she got one and now puts her daughters legos in it. Here are some of the moms suggestions to put in the bin for an awesome gift:
- Little Remedies Kit
- American Red Cross Healthcare Kit
- Gift Certificate for Mom to get a massage, or a pedicure and manicure (this was a very popular answer!!)
- Photographer/Photo Club gift card – many photographers sell “baby’s first year” packages and moms LOVE this gift!
- Happiest Baby on the Block book
- Bath Rinser
- Lil’ Prayer Buddy
10. Hire a Cleaning Lady/Man or Service
A few of the moms said they had this given to them and they couldn’t have been more grateful! I gotta say – THAT is an awesome gift!
Now see Volume 2!!!! 10 MORE Baby Shower Gifts Not on Her Registry (that should be)!
What would you add to the list? Please share!
A “chewbeads” or similar necklace for the mama! So often moms have to give up jewelry because their babies are always tugging or chewing on it. Baby-safe jewelry is a great gift. 🙂
Oh, that Child Go-Pod! I could’ve used that 4 years ago when we took our baby who wanted to go-go-go camping!
Great list! I can’t think of anything to add. – you covered it all!
Thank you Ginny!
This is a great list. We’ve gone to 4 weddings over the last year, and have one more coming. I’ll bet there’ll be a baby shower in the near future and this list has given me some great ideas. I love the Go Pod and the tub books. All 7 of my kiddos loved their tub books for chewing on, and like you, we never kept them in the bathroom.
I am so new to this go-pod! Guess families should really be putting it on their registries!
I love 9 & 10! What a lifesaver for a new mom, especially the extra help. Thanks for sharing!
We have the Go Pod – it’s so great when you’re at that point in development! We’ve also packed a diaper caddy full of changing supplies and things that are just good to have on hand when you have an infant so you can bring it all with you instead of trekking back to the nursery every half hour 🙂
So true! Amazing how such a tiny person has so much stuff 🙂
This is a great list! One of my go-to gifts Aden hooded bath towels – we use them until they wear out, and I’m all about the gifts that keep on giving! And, someone gave us baby hangers, which have been awesome… my son’s clothes (now almost five years later) still fit on the hangers.
I’d love to be able to afford a gift of a maid cleaning service for a couple months…!
It would be a great gift to receive too, right!!?
Great list of ideas! I would add my friend,Brita’s, baby bouquets! Beautiful and practical! More on my blog post here. Just scroll down post toward bottom and you’ll see photos and information! https://www.asliceofsmithlife.com/2017/01/the-feast-of-epiphany-and-baptism-of.html?m=1
This is a great list! I would also add my friend, Brita’s, baby bouquets! Beautiful and practical! You can see photos and information on my blog post here. Just scroll toward bottom of post: https://www.asliceofsmithlife.com/2017/01/the-feast-of-epiphany-and-baptism-of.html?m=1
I’m a minimalist when it comes to baby gear, but I liked the Boppy pillow (good for nursing support and sitting baby up with) and the activity gym (hangs toys over a baby lying on its back). If baby will be cloth diapered a month’s supply of eco-friendly disposables is nice while you are getting used to things.