What do you buy as a gift for a baby shower?

[Immunetypegoblin]

Friends are having their first baby and have asked another friend to arrange a baby shower for them, which she has dutifully done. I'd like to get a gift for the parents ahead of the event, rather than something for the baby; baby will of course get a gift once it is here.

Any suggestions on good gifts for the parents to be? I did consider a set of beer from their favourite brewery (alcoholic for him, non-alcoholic for her) but am not sure if that will be viewed as a crime against baby shower decorum

That sounds like a sweet gift! Anything will be appreciated if they're decent people.

At my shower a friend bought me pamper things, to enjoy some time on my own before the baby arrived. Some alcohol free wine, nice bath stuff, face masks etc. which was really sweet.

I wouldn't sweat about this, in the States baby showers often come with a registry for specific items, but here in the UK (where I'm assuming you're from too!) it's really more about getting together to celebrate before the baby arrives and less of a gift grab.

I'd agree with buying a gift for her, especially if you'd feel obliged to buy for the baby again once he/she is born.

I've been to baby showers where I've took a large Baby Powder Yankee candle/some nice pamper products for Mum/a Joma bracelet for Mum. I've never spent too much.

Have never bought for the Dad as he's never been there and it's only been a little 'treat' really.

In this party the dad was the one who asked for the baby shower so he'll definitely be there I am indeed in the UK!

@Immunetypegoblin

In this party the dad was the one who asked for the baby shower so he'll definitely be there I am indeed in the UK!

That’s lovely, our shower was a joint thing too for both of us and male and female friends. Never saw the point in it being segregated!

Are they first time parents?

Trying to think what my DH would have found useful. If you want to go down the useful rather than luxurious route we both found the book Your Baby Week by Week’ incredibly helpful. We were reading it while being induced! Talks you through what to expect each week in terms of baby care and how things are for you as parents. The odd bit was a bit sexist I thought and presumed that mum was the primary carer, and a couple of bits had unsafe advice in (for example leaving a toy in the cot under a year old for them to play with when they wake up) but on the whole 99% of it was fantastic. But nice alcohol is probably more fun!

Any friends of mine who have babies will get one of these! fravita.com/products/fravita-nightlight

I bought a couple for myself and they're so useful - bright enough that you can see but not so bright that you blind yourself/disturb your partner when it's 3am and you need to see if the baby needs a nappy change. Then when baby is older and in their own room they're a good night light.

They're expensive but high quality. Might be possible to find similar for cheaper.