Last Minute Baby Shower Gifts That are Useful
Shopping for the perfect last-minute baby shower gift that the new parents will actually use and adore might seem daunting with all of the lists out there, but I promise you, the key last minute baby shower gifts that I share in this post are not only useful but will help the new parents keep the last bits of their sanity once the baby comes.
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Helpful Last Minute Baby Shower Gifts
There’s an overwhelming amount of items out there to choose from when prepping for a baby. A lot of them are absolute junk. As new parents, they’ll be given a ton of things, but will they fit their needs? Will they work? Will they make their life easier or more complicated?
Since I’ve been through it, I’ve rounded up a short but necessary list of what would’ve helped me during the 4th trimester that I wish I had put on my baby registry. I hope this serves as a helpful resource to you, especially if you’re the one gifting.
Remember, the best baby shower gifts are those that are useful! Let's get to the baby gifts.
Cleaning Service
This is the perfect gift idea for new parents.I felt like I was (still am) always living in a tornado of things. A messy home or explosion on the countertops to contend with after bringing home a baby is chaotic both physically and mentally and for some can trigger anxiety. I know it does for me. If you’re wondering what to give new parents and if you are in a position to do so, offer to pay for 1-3 months of in-home cleaning. I cannot tell you how invaluable this is and can make life with a newborn feel so much more comfortable when you’re not distracted by the burden of cleaning. This is truly the perfect baby shower gift for the parents of a new baby.
If cost is an issue, offer to have a family member come weekly or twice a week to clean up their house. Make a system with the family members and friends to help keep their house cleaned up!
Meal Delivery
I remember coming home with Connor, and the last thing I wanted to do was cook. And yet it’s so important that as a new mom (and dad) that you are well fed. Plus, with the time it takes to meal plan and grocery shop, that just adds more stress, am I right? Here are my two favorite healthy meal delivery options that I have leaned on over the last 2.5 years which would make great gifts not only to new parents but to any busy household.
Sakara - While Sakara is a 100% plant based meal delivery system, I specifically enjoyed their meals for lunchtime as well as their supplement powders to help sustain energy. To this day I use their dark chocolate Metabolism packets in smoothies to help curb sugar cravings, support gut health, ease bloat, and support digestion.
Methodology - I love this meal service, in fact I have used Methodology for a full year and I haven’t really had a bad meal. Their breakfast menu is innovative and Connor specifically loves all their overnight oats, chia pudding, and mushroom egg scrambles with pickles (as do I.) Lunches are good and hearty, but Dinner is where they exceed my expectations. Braised beef stews, seared prawns, coffee encrusted steak with maitake mushrooms, teriyaki braised jackfruit kale salad, to name a few favs. They come already prepared, deliciously seasoned, and beautifully packed in glass jars. All you have to do is heat and serve. For 20% off, use code LAURENCE48
A gift card for any meal delivery service would be life changing for the new parents! Especially the new mom who is breastfeeding around the clock.
If money is an issue, offer to do grocery shopping and meal planning for the new parents for a number of weeks. This is truly an invaluable gift idea for new parents! Going to the grocery store for them will surely take a big burden off of their shoulders and is a great gift.
The Gift of Time
If you are a local friend or neighbor, offer to watch the baby monitor so that the new parents can have a meal to themselves. That is something I wish I had done sooner, which is schedule time for just the two of us. And as tired as new parents may be, it’s important to reconnect with your partner and the more you’re able to do so the better!
After almost three years of being a parent, I can honestly say that I would’ve traded many tangible gifted items for any of these three things. To me, having a clean home, a delicious predictable meal schedule, and quality time as a couple is invaluable and something new parents don’t realize they need until they’re really in the trenches.
Generationally speaking, modern parenting is so much different and harder than we’ve ever imagined. We have more financial strain than anyone before us along with social and lifestyle pressures that compound our anxiety and stress our mental health to oblivion. Check on your friends and family, especially to see how the new parents are doing. I would’ve wanted someone to check on me.
I hope that if you’re in a position to do so, these ideas spark some inspiration and can offer some other ways than going the traditional gift registry route.
If you are looking for classic last minute baby shower gifts that are useful, check out the next two sections!
Unique Last Minute Baby Shower Gifts
The perfect last-minute baby shower gift idea is not only helpful but unique. Something that they didn’t think of on their own. Skip the baby clothes in larger sizes, baby blanket, or diaper cake and go for one of these helpful and unique last minute gifts for expectant parents. Here are some useful and unique baby shower gift ideas that the expectant mom will be eternally grateful for that have a good chance of being the only ones gifted at the baby shower!
Babywearing Jacket
These versatile jackets have built-in panels or extensions that allow parents to wear their baby comfortably, even in cold weather, without the need for an additional baby carrier or wrap.
Custom Baby Name Art
Commission an artist to create a customized piece of art featuring the baby's name or initials. This unique decor item adds a personal and stylish touch to the nursery.
Parenting Classes or Workshops
Enroll the expecting parents in parenting classes or workshops that cover topics like infant CPR, breastfeeding, or baby sign language. This gift provides valuable knowledge and skills.
Time Capsule Kit
Put together a time capsule kit with a box, letter templates, and a journal. Encourage the parents to capture their thoughts and mementos from their baby's first year to be opened on a future milestone.
A Year of Babysitting Coupons
Offer to provide babysitting services for the new parents for a year. This gives them much-needed date nights and moments of relaxation.
Baby Massage Kit
Assemble a kit with organic baby massage oil, a soft massage book, and a gift certificate for a baby massage class. This promotes bonding and relaxation for both baby and parents.
Baby Sign Language Kit
Gift a baby sign language book or kit that helps parents teach their baby sign language from an early age, facilitating communication before verbal skills develop.
Memory Quilt Kit
Provide a kit with fabric squares and fabric markers for the parents to create a memory quilt. Each square can be decorated with milestones, handprints, or special messages to commemorate the baby's first year. Add a personal touch and offer to make it yourself! Offer the makings inside of a new diaper bag for an even more useful gift idea perfect for parents of a newborn baby!
Home Organization Service
Hire a professional home organizer or offer your own services to help the parents declutter and organize their home before the baby arrives. An organized space can reduce stress and make daily routines smoother.
Offer them a handmade gift certificate for this last minute baby shower gift idea and then let them choose who they would like to come over and clean before paying for someone. To keep things budget-friendly, this service could also be provided by close friends or family members!
Baby Keepsake Box
Gift a beautifully crafted keepsake box with compartments for storing precious mementos such as the baby's first lock of hair, a hospital bracelet, and tiny baby shoes.
Custom Nursery Mural
Arrange for a talented artist to paint a customized nursery mural that matches the parents' chosen theme or incorporates elements that are special to them.
New Parent Spa Day
Treat the new parents to a spa day or a couple's massage session to help them relax and unwind before the baby arrives. Ensure the spa offers prenatal and postnatal treatments for the mother.
Offer them a handmade gift certificate and then let them choose where they would like to go before booking it for them.
Postpartum Doula Services
Consider gifting postpartum doula services for a set period after the baby's birth. Postpartum doulas provide practical support, guidance, and assistance with newborn care, helping parents adjust to their new roles.
This is something that you can offer a handmade gift certificate for as a last minute baby shower gift idea and then let them choose their own preferred Doula!
First Aid Kit
This is something not everyone thinks about until they need one. Take the pressure off of the new parents and run by the store on the way to the baby shower to grab this good baby shower gift idea if you don't have much time.
Other Helpful Baby Shower Gifts
The first year with a baby in today’s modern world can be so daunting with so many products out there. Things break. Things don’t have the quality or effectiveness as advertised. Babies grow out of these things so quickly. I get it, it’s a lot and you’re constantly having to replace or upgrade. Here are some great baby shower gift ideas that really helped me the first year and why:
UppaBaby Cruz Stroller
Such a smooth ride. The Uppababy Cruz stroller is used from 3lbs-50lbs and is compact enough yet strong enough to go through different terrains. Plus it’s got a nice sized storage.
UppaBaby Mesa Car Seat
Easy to install in the car, we liked the Uppababy Mesa car seat because it wasn’t cumbersome. Free of toxic fire retardants and foams, that was important to us. Plus, it is compatible with the Uppababy Cruz stroller.
Owlet Baby Monitor
We liked the Owlet because you could use it on mobile over wifi and cellular, anywhere, anytime. It was a quick and easy installation over the crib and could tell you an accurate room temp and sound detection. This would make a great gift.
Guava Lotus Travel Crib x Pack + Play
This was worth the money, especially if your family travels or stays with grandparents. It’s great to take along as a travel crib or pack + play in one.
Dockatot Deluxe
Though a newborn can’t sleep in a Dockatot, it’s a great place to literally dock them and keep them in one safe place. I sure miss those days when I could put Connor down somewhere and he’d still be there!
Frida Baby Nose Aspirator
An odd gift to some, but this Frida Baby nose aspirator is something I recommend to any new parent. Babies can’t blow their nose, so when they have mucus in their nose the most effective way is to suck it all out. This thing is genius and it made me and Connor so happy whenever he had the sniffles.
Frida Baby Nail Buffer
Baby nails are sharp, and they grow fast. Instead of the risk of clipping them, this Frida Baby nail buffer is super effective and 100% pain and risk free. Pro tip, do it when they nap.
