5 Baby Shower Gifts to Avoid (and What to Give Instead)
A baby shower is a celebration of new beginnings, filled with excitement, anticipation, and heartfelt giving. Yet with so many gift options available, it’s easy to choose something that looks sweet in the moment but ends up unused.
The most meaningful gifts are those that combine practicality with beauty, helping both baby and mum in their daily routines. This is why choosing a thoughtfully curated baby shower gift box is such a simple yet impactful way to get gifting right.
Here are five gifts to avoid—and the better alternatives that truly delight.
1. Avoid: Outfits in Tiny Sizes
Newborns grow quickly, often outgrowing the smallest sizes in just a few weeks. A pile of clothes that never get worn is disappointing for both the giver and the new parents.
Give Instead: A gift box that includes a mix of sizes, such as zip sleepsuits with foldover mittens, bodysuits, and baby pants. These are designed for longer wear and everyday use, ensuring they won’t be left behind in the drawer.
2. Avoid: Plush Toys in Bulk
Stuffed animals are adorable but are often gifted in multiples, leaving parents with more than their baby will ever need. Many end up unused or stored away.
Give Instead: Thoughtful extras like silicone toys included in a baby shower gift box. They are safe, soothing, and genuinely useful, making them a far better choice than another teddy bear.
3. Avoid: Blankets That Aren’t Safe for Sleep
Loose blankets can increase risks in the cot and are often discouraged for newborn sleep. While they may look cosy, they don’t always support safe sleeping habits.
Give Instead: A breathable sleepsack or bamboo swaddle from a curated gift box. Both keep baby snug and safe, while the swaddle doubles as a nursing cover, stroller shade, or light blanket.
4. Avoid: Items That Lose Purpose Quickly
Some gifts may seem exciting at first but are used only once or twice before being tucked away, taking up space rather than adding value.
Give Instead: Essentials from a baby shower gift box that grow with baby—like two-piece pyjamas for later months, a cot sheet that soothes delicate skin, or a bamboo pillow with case for added comfort. These are practical pieces designed for everyday life.
5. Avoid: Single-Use Decorative Items
Items chosen purely for decoration may not fit every family’s style or needs. While beautiful, they don’t always provide lasting value.
Give Instead: A gift box from the Classic Collection or Botanical Wonder Collection. Both bring together essentials that are timeless, versatile, and beautifully presented in a keepsake box, complete with a gift card for a personal message.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a baby shower gift is about more than appearance. It’s about offering something that will be cherished and used, day after day. By avoiding items that add clutter and instead choosing a curated baby shower gift box, you’re giving a present that brings real comfort and care to both baby and mum.
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FAQ
Why should I avoid newborn-sized outfits as gifts?
Babies outgrow them quickly, often before they’ve been worn. A mix of sizes from a gift box is far more practical.
Are silicone toys a safe baby shower gift?
Yes. Silicone toys included in gift boxes are designed to be safe, soothing, and useful for little ones.
What makes a baby shower gift box better than buying individual items?
A gift box brings together thoughtfully chosen essentials in one beautifully presented package, ensuring every item will be used and loved.
