BABY showers have been ubiquitous across the pond for decades, but it’s only in recent years that the popular US pre-baby party has become a rite of passage for parents-to-be in the UK.
A baby shower is an opportunity for expecting parents to get together with their friends, and it’s also a time when they receive gifts for their baby-to-be.
Cheap baby shower gifts can be just as thoughtful and practical as the expensive ones, so we’ve found a fabulous selection for £20 and under.
Baby showers are special occasions to get together and celebrate mum-to-be’s impending arrival.
It’s an opportunity to play games (the dirty nappy filled with different chocolates is a particular favourite), enjoy nibbles and drinks and see the friends new parents might not get to see as often when the baby arrives.
A baby shower is also a time to give mums-to-be their first baby gift (note: if you give a newborn gift at a baby shower, don’t feel compelled to give another one once baby is born).
Also, there’s no need to spend a fortune on a baby shower gift: there are plenty of cheap options at under £10 or £20.
We think the best baby shower gifts fall into a few different categories: they can be ultra-practical, sentimental, fun for baby or relaxing and enjoyable for mums.
A favourite item that got you through the early days of parenthood is also very useful.
We’ve compiled a few ideas of cheap baby shower gifts under £21 – happy shopping.
New babies can never have enough bodysuits – they wear them under everything those first couple of years and we’ve found them to be useful whether they have no sleeves, short sleeves or long sleeves.
The trick with making this gift a success is to buy mum a couple of different sizes so they can last baby a while. Newborn clothes are quickly grown out of.
This blanket records baby’s milestones, plus it can be personalised.
Of course, it can also be used as a blanket in baby’s cot or to lay on the carpet for the baby to have a little mat to lie on or practice tummy time.
A wooden bird and ring teether can be added but they do cost extra.
A nappy cake is a popular gift on the other side of the pond and you don’t need to buy one – you can make your own with nappies, a muslin and a soft toy topper.
If you can’t be bothered with the DIY, this version from Amazon includes nine Pampers nappies (size 2), a muslin square, newborn socks and a stuffed giraffe.
And trust us, nappies are the most-used present new parents can receive, so they will be appreciated.
New parents will find that muslins can be used for anything and everything: smaller ones clean up spills and spit-up (they also work as on-the-go bibs), while larger ones can be swaddles, light blankets and even nursing covers.
They also turn into comfort snugglies for older babies to cuddle at night.
An adorable book that’s a personal favourite of yours or a beloved classic won’t go amiss at a baby shower; it’ll make for a gift that shouldn’t set you back more than a tenner.
If you’re stumped for what to buy, we’d suggest Allan and Janet Ahlberg’s Baby’s Catalogue board book, which has cute illustrations of babies and parents doing all kinds of every day (and silly) things that babies do and delights babies as they get older.
A lovely-smelling baby bath set (for mums or babies) will always be appreciated.
Burt’s Bees products are renowned for being gentle enough for even the most sensitive baby skin, and this set with lotion, nappy cream, shower gel, oil and soap – in travel-friendly sizes – is an ideal first toiletry set for newborns.
You can get the little one a useful toy without spending a fortune – enter the cheap and cheerful baby gym.
A baby gym is a great first mat for babies, where they can practise tummy time and play with dangling toys to stimulate their visual development and help with their grasping ability.
Until the baby arrives, it can be tricky to know what to buy new mums: will they be nursing or bottle-feeding? Carrying babies or just using a pushchair?
One useful gift we’ve appreciated is a gorgeous reusable water bottle. Perfect for keeping them hydrated (especially if breastfeeding), Chilly’s bottles will quickly become an on-the-go and bedside table essential.
Because when a baby moves into your room, all glasses move out (or break, or spill).
Parenting is dreamy, yes, but it’s also really hard work. Which is why sometimes the best presents are the ones to make new parents laugh.
And if you can’t give baby a moustache now, when can you? Bonus: this dummy is made from non-toxic silicone, so baby will actually be able to use it beyond the obligatory Instagram photo op.
After nine booze-free months, a bottle of fizz is just what a new mum wants. Cheers!
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Enjoyed our roundup of cheap baby shower gifts? For more affordable baby items, check out our selection of cheap baby stuff, here.
