Baby Shower Gifts

Choose something the parents will use in the first months. Soft cotton muslin cloths or a wipe-clean changing mat are everyday essentials they'll reach for frequently around the clock, and a feeding and pregnancy pillow is a lovely treat for the mum-to-be to support comfort and posture. It's also worth checking the gift list first, if there is one.

Take a gift and a card, unless the host has asked for gifts to be sent to the parents' home. If there's a registry or a group gift, it's best to follow that, and if you're not sure, you can always ask the host or choose a gift card, which needs no wrapping.

There's no fixed amount, though surveys indicate typical spending budgets range between £25 and £50 for most individual guests. Close family and friends often spend a little more or pool funds together, with research showing over 60% of guests preferring group gifting for high-ticket items like a nursing chair or a nursery bundle.

Parents expecting a second child usually have most of the larger items already, so research suggests practical upgrades or replacement essentials are preferred by nearly 90% of second-time parents. A fresh set of muslin cloths, a new changing mat or a treat for the mum can work better than another set of essentials.

Not necessarily. Many parents prefer gender-neutral gifts in soft colours, which keeps things simple if the baby's sex is a surprise. If you do know, and the parents love colour, a blush or soft blue accent is a lovely touch.