Baby showers are the holy grail of receiving gifts and a great way to celebrate the mommy-to-be. Friends and family get an opportunity to shower the expectant mom with a variety of presents for the new baby. Baby showers also allow the expecting mother to have a better view of what essentials she will need after she goes through all the gifts.
Money gifts are usually common with busy guests who may not find time to shop for baby gifts. There are advantages to giving out money instead of gifts, though many consider it a less thoughtful alternative. If you are one of those guests do not feel bad. Giving money as a baby shower gift is one of the best ways to help the mommy-to-be get exactly what she wants and needs for her little bundle of joy!
As a mother of three, I’ve had experiences where my guests hand me money instead of an actual baby gift at my baby shower. I don’t take it personal, I have a huge understanding that if they hand me money it’s not because they were being careless, they were being thoughtful enough in handing me a gift even if it was just money. I also love receiving $$$ money as a gift so that I can buy what I still need after receiving all the gifts!
Most people are clueless when it comes to how much they should spend on a baby shower present. The average person spends between $30 to $50 on a baby shower gift, but the amount of money you give at a baby shower should be based on your relationship with the expectant mother and your own budget (mostly). You shouldn’t break the bank trying to come up with an over-the-top gift for the baby shower, but you also don’t want to look like you didn’t put any thought into your present…
Although you have the freedom to give cash as a useful gift to the mother-to-be, giving out cash may not be received well (sometimes, depending on the situation). It is always proper to ask the host if it is okay for you to give some money instead of baby presents.
Deciding on How Much to Spend
When deciding on how much to spend on baby shower gifts, cash gifts, or gift cards, there are no set rules that you can use to determine the amount of money to give at a baby shower. The amount you give will significantly depend on your relationship with the mom-to-be and your own budget. However, your spending can be in the range of $20 to $100 or more.
The number of funds available to you will also determine the cash gifts you will give at the baby shower.
If you are on a tight budget, you can still give a useful and thoughtful gift without emptying your bank account. If you have some extra money to spare on the baby shower, you can be more generous with your cash gifts.
Some of the factors that affect how much money you should spend on a baby shower include:
Co-workers and distant friends
If you are attending a baby shower for a co-worker or a distant friend whom you don’t enjoy a close relationship with, then you can spend less than $25. This amount can be spent on a baby present, cash gift, or gift card. In case you are on a budget, then you can spend $15 on a gift. Lower than this is considered inappropriate.
Friend or a relative
Friends and relatives are the ones who mostly celebrate baby showers. You will fall under this category in most of the baby showers you are going to attend. For a friend or relative, you should budget to spend anything in the range of $30 to $50.
Bestfriend and close relatives
When it comes to a close friend or family with whom you have shared a lot in life, then your spending should be higher. You should plan on gifting anything in the range of $60 to $100. If you are spending on a gift, then whatever you choose should be unique and expensive.
The close relationship you enjoy should be complemented with a special thoughtful gift that will make the mother feel very special. The right gift communicates the message that you value your friendship and that you will support her throughout the motherhood journey.
Baby shower group cash gift
Group gifts are a good idea that will enable close friends to pool resources to purchase an otherwise costly gift for the mother-to-be. The appropriate baby shower group cash gifts should not be less than $100. If you prefer group gifts, ensure you organize a planning meeting with other contributing members to come up with a budget and the gift choice.
Once you have collected enough funds, decide on whether to go for a particular baby gift, cash gift, or gift card to the mother-to-be. If you are opting for a gift card, have everyone sign the card so that the mom can appreciate each contributing member. The same case should apply to baby shower group gifts and cash.
You can follow the guide above if you do not know how much money to give at a baby shower. It’s helpful and a great way to start brainstorming.
In my opinion, giving money as a gift doesn’t necessarily have to go by how well you know the mother. It goes by how much you want to give and can afford. In a great positive way. There are other simple ways to properly give money as a gift for a baby shower.
- Money in an Envelope
- Baby Shower Card
- Gift Card
- Personalized Money Clip
- Baby Shower Book
These are only a few examples, but they are all great ways to give money as a gift without making it too obvious. When giving money as a gift, you can also consider some of these creative ideas: Hiding the money in a copy of a book, giving a “coupon” for a future babysitting service, or creating a money tree.
Money in an Envelope
The most common and simplest way to give money as a gift is to put the cash in an envelope. You can write a personalized note on the card and place it inside the envelope. This is a great way to give money as a gift without making it too obvious.
Baby Shower Card
Baby shower cards are an easy and cute way to give money as a gift. You can purchase a card that has a slot where you can insert cash. This is a great option if you want to give money but don’t want it to look like you did.
Gift Cards
Another way to give money as a gift for a baby shower is to purchase a gift card. If you want to avoid embarrassing the host or mother-to-be with a hand full of money, consider giving a gift card. Gift cards show that you care and want the parents to use the money on something they need. Gift cards can be for anything related to babies, such as clothes, diapers, or a day at the spa for the exhausted mother-to-be. You should ask the host or mother to provide you with their preferred store to aid in facilitating a useful gift card. A study reveals that most moms prefer gift cards instead of cash gifts.
Other gift options
There are other alternatives to giving money at a baby shower. You should consider buying practical gifts that will be put to use immediately when the baby is born. If you have to choose between diapers and toys, then go for diapers. The mother will need an endless supply of diapers once the baby is born.
Other specific gifts you can pick include pacifiers and baby bottles. Buying such gifts will significantly help the parents meet the baby’s budget. Everyday items will also come in handy to enable the parents to take proper care of the young one from the first day they are born.
Here’s a helpful list of immediate items put to use after the baby is born.
- Diapers
- Wipes (prefer unscented)
- Bibs
- Onesies
- Socks
- Hats
- Receiving blankets
- Bottles
- Pacifiers
- Nose suction bulb or tube
- Unscented shampoo and body wash
- Bath towels
- Bath chairs
- Diaper rash cream
- Diaper bag
Hopefully, this list helps you determine what to get for the mommy-to-be!
How to Spend Money on an Appropriate Baby Shower Present
Buy from a Registry
You need to start your search for the best baby shower gift by finding out if a registry exists. A registry is a wish list written by the parents-to-be. The registry will give you the information on what the couple needs, their tastes, colors, or sizes. The registry will significantly help you in purchasing the right baby shower gift. It will also give you a hint on how to find a unique gift that will meet the needs of the baby.
Determine the Gender of the Baby
Before you settle on a specific gift, it is essential to find out the gender of the baby first. Some gifs are designed for a particular gender. Getting it all mixed up won’t meet the desires of the parents or the baby. For example, kittens and butterfly gifts are suitable for a little girl. And fire trucks and footballs are designed for boys more than girls. Besides, some colors suit a particular gender more than the other.
Sometimes you are invited to baby showers, and the gender of the baby has not been revealed yet. If the parents don’t know the gender of the baby, then it is advisable to go for baby gear products that feature gender-neutral colors and patterns.
Buy a Gift that Fits the Season
You should also take into consideration the specific time the baby will be born. Babies born in summer will need different gifts as compared to the gifts given to the babies born in winter. Winter is cold for babies, and it would help if you buy them warm and snuggly clothes and accessories to keep them warm through the season.
On the other hand, babies born in summer will need lighter clothes and sun hats. You should also buy larger sizes of the clothing to enable the baby to wear them for the entire season. If you are buying clothing as gifts, then pick an extra size that a baby can wear for between six and one year. Babies grow fast, and it is not wise to buy a well-fitting size of clothing.
Don’t Buy One Size
In most cases, parents receive several clothes as baby shower gifts. However, most of this clothing will be useless a few months down the line. What most guests fail to appreciate is the fact that babies grow out of their infant clothes very fast. Each month, the baby will need new clothes.
It is recommended that if you are buying several items of clothing as gifts, you need to purchase different sizes. Don’t buy all the clothes in one size. For example, buy one size for January, then a bigger size for the subsequent month. This way, your gifts will not only be relevant for a long time but will also save the parents a lot of costs in purchasing new clothes each month.
Think Outside the Box
You should think out of the box when choosing a baby shower gift. You don’t necessarily have to bring what every other guest is bringing. Go for unique gifts that will give a great impression. Your gift should also provide the parents with an opportunity to share their special moments with their baby. A unique gift can be a baby book or Shadow box to keep precious and special moments all in one area.
FAQs
What is baby shower gift etiquette?
Baby shower gift etiquette is simply following the basic rules of gifting. You should give a present that is useful, thoughtful, and within your budget. You shouldn’t go for the most expensive gift or the cheapest one. The best baby shower gifts are usually items from the registry list.
Can you give cash for a baby shower?
Yes, it is appropriate to give cash as a baby shower gift. You can either hand over the cash to the parents-to-be or put it in a card.
How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
The average amount spent on a baby shower gift is $50. However, you can spend more or less depending on your budget.
What is the most popular baby shower gift?
The most popular baby shower gifts include clothes, toys, and books. However, you can mix and match gifts. You can get a variety of gifts within your budget and make a gift basket.
What should you not bring to a baby shower gift?
You should avoid bringing items that the parents may not need or want. For example, don’t bring clothes that are too small or too big for the baby. It is also best to avoid bringing used items as gifts.
What do you say when giving a baby shower gift?
When giving a baby shower gift, you can simply say “congratulations on the new arrival” or “best wishes for a happy and healthy baby.” You can also include a personal note with your gift. Writing a personal note makes the parents acknowledge a sense of you being sincere.
Is it OK to not bring a gift to a baby?
If you are unable to bring a gift to a baby shower, it is perfectly acceptable. You can apologize to the parents and explain your situation. The parents will understand.
The amount of money you spend on baby showers will depend on many factors. The guide we have provided today will help you come up with an appropriate budget for your baby shower gifts, cash gifts, gift cards.
There are many items that you can get as a baby shower gift, but it is essential to make sure that the gift you select is both useful and unique. With this guide, you will be able to decide how much money you should give at a baby shower, and it will also help you think of other alternative gifts other then money for the parents and their new bundle of joy.
Good luck!