Looking to spoil a mama-to-be with a unique or practical baby shower gift? After having my own baby showers and compiling the opinions of over 70 other mothers, these are the most forgotten baby shower gifts that we actually want and need.
A white noise machine, baby carrier, and Target gift card are typically a given. But a postpartum recovery kit, baby medicine cabinet restock, and baby-proofing items?
That’s what we’re hurrying to buy after the baby shower is over. Without further ado, here are 20 of the most forgotten baby shower gift ideas.
Note: First and foremost, ALWAYS consult the mom-to-be's baby registry first. She likely spent a lot of time and effort into researching every product she added. It can be frustrating when friends and family buy different brands or variations because they think it's "better" than what she chose. OK, let's get on with it!

But First: What NOT to Get
There’s one item that moms everywhere say they don’t want or need: baby blankets.
For whatever reason, they’re one of the most-gifted items at a baby shower, and we don’t use them! Babies can’t sleep with blankets in the crib (other than with swaddling blankets).
So unless they’re handmade or have sentimental value, there’s just no reason to gift them.
Many of us end up with a huge pile of baby blankets that never get used. So skip the baby blanket and opt for items from the mom’s registry or from this list of most forgotten baby shower ideas.
1. Postpartum Gift Basket
After compiling the responses from 70+ postpartum mothers, the No. 1 most-requested and appreciated baby shower gift is a postpartum gift basket. I’m talking about all the little self-care items we need when we get home from the hospital.
I compiled a list of all the individual items moms mentioned, with the first four being recommended the most:
- High-waisted, postpartum underwear
- Nipple cream (Earth Mama nipple butter was specifically recommended)
- Large pads
- Peri bottle (FridaMom was specifically recommended)
- Breast cleaning wipes
- Epsom salts
- Heating pad
- Hot/cold breast packs
- Laxatives
- Lip balm
- Nipple massager
- Nursing pads
- Perineal spray
- Ponytails
- Slipper socks
- Tylenol
- Witch hazel
You can knock out a lot of these items with the Frida Mom Labor, Delivery, & Postpartum Kit.

It includes a peri bottle, 4 pairs of underwear, 4 instant ice maxi padsicles, witch hazel pad liners (24ct pack), perineal healing foam, a toiletry bag, and a caddy.
2. Cash or Amazon Gift Card
The second most requested baby shower gift idea is either cash or an Amazon gift card.

I personally think it’s kind of awkward to give cash, but an Amazon gift card is ideal, particularly if the mom had an Amazon baby registry.
She can use her completion bonus to buy any items left over or things she forgot to put on her registry. Plus, she won’t have to worry abut returning anything since she can buy exactly what she needs as her due date approaches.
3. Baby Essentials & Medicine Kit
After postpartum supplies and gift cards, moms most appreciate a little gift basket or kit with those “unsexy” but practical baby items.
Things like:
- NoseFrida
- Diaper cream (Aquaphor is the BEST)
- Diaper cream spatula/Bum brush
- Boogie Wipes
- Baby nail clippers
- Baby qtips
- Windi the Gaspasser (a hollow tube that safely, naturally, & instantly relieves gas and calms colic)
- Burp cloths
- Cradle cap scrubbers
- Stroller caddy
- Baby Tylenol
- Nappy rash cream
Again, the brand Frida Baby is amazing for this as they created a 10-piece baby kit that knocks out a lot of items from this list.

I also really like this Little Remedies Essentials Kit, which is more focused on actual medicine:

4. Handmade Items
The next most talked about baby shower item is anything handmade.
It could be a burp cloth, swaddle, stuffed animal, onesie, tote bag, diaper clutch, nursery decor, baby booties, baby bow, or scrapbook.
You can always visit Etsy for handmade items, but if you have any skills, something you make will probably bring that new mom to tears.



Here are a few blog posts from other bloggers with tons of adorable, DIY ideas:
- Homemade Baby Gifts to Make
- 15 Handmade Baby Gifts to Sew
- 28 Perfect DIY Baby Shower Gifts to Make Yourself
5. Magnetic Onesies
Magnetic onesies are my go-to baby shower gift idea. They’re forgotten because I don’t think many people know they exist!
Magnetic Me onesies ditch the god-awful snaps and buttons for magnets – there’s a reason these got a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award.
Just line up the sides of the onesie, and they will automatically come together. Those middle-of-the-night diaper changes were transformed after I found these.


A bonus? The material on these is super stretchy, so one size will last quite some time. My 18-month-old baby got away with wearing his 6-9-month Magnetic Me onesie – that’s how stretchy they are.
In my opinion, these are the ultimate, perfect baby shower gift.
6. Larger-Sized Baby Clothes
Newborn and 0-3-month baby clothes are usually given in droves, but once that baby starts growing? We new parents are rushing to buy bigger clothes.
My own daughter was born just under 9 pounds and wore newborn clothes for approximately 10 days. She flew through 0-3 months and was firmly in 6-9 months by her 3rd month.
Even though it seems odd to gift clothes as large as 12-18 months, or even 18-24 months, it is so appreciated.
The magnetic onesies have a sweet spot in those early months of midnight diaper changes. But for after the 1-year mark, I highly recommend Little Sleepies, which are another mom favorite.
The zippered collection is their most popular line, and for good reason.

They’re buttery soft and the material is so forgiving that it can fit your child through several sizes. The zipper is also worlds better than buttons or snaps!
7. Baby Silverware and Dishes
When you think of a baby shower, you think of a newborn, but within a few months, that new baby will be a few months old and ready to start enjoying some baby food.
The brand ezpz has some incredible supplies for 4+ months; they focus heavily on child development.
Other brands make products that are actually harmful to a child’s development because they know people will buy them. I love that ezpz totally rejects that and ensures their product designs are made with proper development in mind.
The First Foods Set is a great example of that, and it includes a tiny cup, tiny spoon, and tiny bowl.

Another mom favorite is the NumNum pre-spoon, which helps babies feed themselves a lot sooner than they could with a typical spoon.

8. Nursing Bras
If you’re a close friend, be the person who tackles the nursing bras. You’ll likely know if she plans to breastfeed, and if she does, a good nursing-friendly bra is an essential item to have.
I personally liked this budget-friendly 3-pack from Amazon, and I’m not alone as it has over 40,000 reviews and 4.5 stars.

The Kindred Bravely nursing bras are also very comfortable and cute, and they’re constantly coming out with new, mom-approved designs. We gotta have that easy access!

9. Nursing and Pumping Accessories
Oftentimes, when I visit a friend or family member’s baby registry, people have gotten the fun stuff like cute onesies and baby rattles, but have left behind ALL of the breastfeeding and pumping items.
And I get it! There’s nothing inherently exciting about nursing pads and breastmilk storage solutions. But this is the stuff new moms will be ordering from Amazon in those first few weeks and months.
A few of my absolute favorite breastfeeding accessories were:

- Nursing cart: my lactation consultant suggested having a nursing cart that included breastfeeding and newborn care essentials, like a water bottle, snacks, a nightlight, wipes, a Haakaa, etc. I LOVED this!

- Sterilizing bags for bottles and pump parts: I constantly used these steam bags from Medela. It’s the easiest, fastest way to sterilize bottles and pump parts. This would be an amazing, practical baby shower gift.
- Freezer organizer for breast milk storage bags: this milk freezing system makes breastmilk storage so much easier. Lay your bag on the flat top until it’s frozen; then, add it to the stack. The system encourages first-in-first-out to make sure the oldest milk gets used first. It’s one of those nice-to-have items that a new mom might not splurge on but would really appreciate.

10. Larger Diaper Sizes
In the same vein as larger-sized baby clothes, I’d say larger-sized diapers are also one of the most-forgotten baby shower items.
Note: I’d strongly advise against gifting newborn-sized diapers. The hospital provides a decent amount of them, and the mom-to-be may only use one box before sizing up. For reference, newborn-sized diapers fit up to about 10 pounds. Some babies come out fitting comfortably in a Size 1!
Here’s a quick guide to show, on average, how many boxes of diapers a mom will need in each size:
- Newborn: 0-2 boxes
- Size 1: 3-4 boxes
- Size 2: 4 boxes
- Size 3: 7 boxes
- Size 4: 3-4 boxes
- Sizes 5 and 6: depends on the size of the child and when potty training begins – I’d skip sizes this big in terms of baby shower gifting.
Related: How Many Baby Wipes Do I Need per Day, Month, & Year?
As you can see, sizes 2 and 3 are perfect for baby shower gifting!
I’ve tried a ton of diaper brands and my favorite, hands-down, is Coterie (not sponsored).
They’re incredibly soft, insanely absorbent (like fits 3 water bottles absorbent), use really high-quality materials, and come conveniently packaged.

That new mama may be unable to splurge on higher-quality diapers, so Coterie diapers would be a real treat.
Sidenote: throw in a tub of this Aquaphor healing ointment – it is the best diaper rash cream on the planet!
Related: Diaper Genie vs Ubbi Pail: We Tested Both
11. Organization Items
I quickly learned that having a baby came with a lot of stuff, and I needed to develop some kind of organizational system to keep it all contained.
I think the following items would make incredible baby shower gifts:





- Baby hangars – these are super small and are perfect for keeping the closet looking consistent and organized
- Baskets – baskets are perfect for storing toys, blankets and swaddles, and just those odds and ends that need a home. Plus, you can use this as your “gift bag” at the baby shower.
- Clothing storage bags for storing clothes as baby grows out of them
- Bath toy organizer for bath time toys and items
- Baby clothing size dividers to keep the closet even MORE organized and manageable
12. Stuff for Mom
When I gave birth, all attention was on the baby. And I get it. But I also just had my abs ripped apart, my hormones are all out of whack, and my body looked and felt completely foreign.
Show that mama that you see her by adding in a little something for her.
Here are a few ideas:
- Prenatal massage gift card: prepare that mom-to-be with some major relaxation. When all the attention is on the baby, she will probably get teary-eyed that you took the time to think of her.
- Perelel postpartum supplements: Perelel makes the highest quality prenatal supplements on the market (in my opinion), and their postnatal packs are just as amazing. They were formulated by a team of leading OB/GYNs, and the pack includes a postnatal multivitamin, Omega DHA + EPA, beauty blend, and anti-stress blend. You can get 20% off with code MAMA20.

- Bath bombs: This bath bomb set from Kohler includes 6 bath bombs (Recharge, Focus, Breathe, Sleep, Relax, Shield), and each scent features natural botanicals and is enhanced with shea butter, coconut oil, and kaolin clay. It’s the perfect gift to show that mom-to-be that she’s loved!

- Boobie Bar lactation bars: lactation bars include ingredients that help with increasing milk supply, such as whole grain oats, turmeric, moringa, flaxseed, and cinnamon. Just be mindful of giving these somewhat close to the due date so they don’t go past expiration.

13. Baby Proofing & Safety Items
Another very un-sexy category typically neglected on baby registries is safety items. Think of things like outlet plug covers, sharp corner guards, and cabinet locks.



These don’t come into play until the baby is more mobile, but it happens in no time.
Safety items are like the stocking stuffers of a baby shower – throw in a pack of plug protectors for $5 to your existing gift bag. It will definitely come in handy.
Another random item is a back seat mirror for the car. I completely forgot about this with my first until I got in the car and freaked out over not being able to see my newborn.
14. A Killer Diaper Bag
The Huhu diaper backpack is by far the best diaper bag I’ve ever used. You can use code MAMA15 for 15% off.

It has all the features needed to stay organized and access items quickly. The material is highly durable, similar to seatbelt fabric, and the zippers and closures are top-notch.
The water bottle pouches are great, and the two zippered pouches inside provide quick access to essentials like diapers and wipes.

We take it everywhere – to doctor’s appointments, on vacations, and to the park – and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. This is probably the best gift for first-time moms as it’ll be a staple throughout their entire early motherhood journey.
Read More: 10 Best Bags, Purses, & Totes for Moms
15. Bath Kneeler
A bath kneeler is a fantastic, inexpensive luxury that no one ever remembers!

I’m a big fan of the Gorilla Grip design as it’s thick, multi-purpose, and water-resistant. It also comes in a bunch of different colors.
Save that new mama’s knees!
16. Meal Delivery Service
As a new mom, I cherished every much-needed break from cooking. Any kind of meal prep you can orchestrate or order for a new mom is a great baby shower gift.
You can always do a gift certificate to food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or HelloFresh.
HelloFresh and other similar meal delivery services are great, but they still require you to cook, so honestly, I’d probably prefer a gift card to Uber Eats or DoorDash.
17. Personalized Night Light
One of the more unique baby shower gift ideas I’ve come across is a personalized night light.

It’s something I’d never splurge on as an expecting mom since my whole budget was reserved for essentials like diapers, wipes, and breastmilk storage bags.
But these are absolutely adorable, and they’d be so helpful for a little bit of light during those middle-of-the-night wakeups.
It’s also a sweet gift that can grow with the baby.
18. Crib Mattress
A high-quality crib mattress is definitely a splurge, but if you have it in your budget, it’s an item that mom-to-be will deeply appreciate.

I did a really deep dive on the viral Newton baby mattress, and it is hands-down the best crib mattress on the market. We’ve had several brands, and it knocks them out of the park.
It’s a 100% breathable and washable mattress. It has a Wovenaire Core, which literally looks like ramen noodles. But it’s made of 90% air and 10% food-grade polymer, which provides Breathe-Thru technology.

Babies can sleep on their stomach with their face buried in the mattress and they will be able to breathe, reducing the risk of suffocation.
Read the Full Review: My Honest Opinion: Is the Newton Baby Crib Mattress Worth It?
19. Breastfeeding Pillow
One item that came up several times when I reviewed responses from 70+ new moms was a breastfeeding pillow!

There are several amazing brands out there, so first check her registry to see if she has a preference. If not, here are some good ones:
- Boppy: this was my personal favorite nursing pillow, though it doesn’t have any back support.
- My Brest Friend: I also had this nursing pillow, and the support is fantastic, but it takes a little more time to set up, which is why I used the Boppy more. But for moms with any back troubles, this is ideal.
- Dock a Tot La Maman Wedge: another mom swore by this nursing pillow, though it’s pricey and I’ve never personally tried it.
20. Baby Book
Last but not least is a baby book!
I occasionally pull out my own baby book to see things from my mother’s perspective. It’s a gift that’ll last a lifetime, and oftentimes, it gets passed from generation to generation.
The Story of You by Artifact Uprising is a standout baby book with plenty of room for journaling and lots of adorable prompts. You can get a quick look at this unique baby book in my TikTok video:
Conclusion
There you have it – 20 baby shower gift ideas I feel are the most forgotten. These baby and new mom items are so practical and needed, and honestly, I think they make the best baby shower gifts.
I am 100% that person who will buy a boring gift if I know it’s needed instead of a fun gift that may never be used. If that’s you, I hope you find inspiration in this practical baby shower gift guide.
Before you go, leave a comment below: what do you think is the most forgotten baby shower gift?
Related Reading: 26 Things We Didn’t Get at Our Baby Shower But Ended Up Buying
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