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5 July 2026
The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
There baby shower has established itself in France in recent years as the essential baby shower. Imported from the United States, it celebrates the mum-to-be and the upcoming arrival of the baby in a joyful, intimate and tender atmosphere. But one question invariably comes up: what gift to give at a baby shower?
Between the predictable classics, gifts that are too similar to those given at the birth, and those infamous «group gifts» cobbled together at the last minute, it’s easy to get it wrong. At PetitMaxou, we’ve put together this guide to help you choose a gift that really touches the heart — whether it’s for the mum-to-be, the baby-to-be, or both. Here are some ideas that make all the difference.
Before choosing a gift, let's understand what a baby shower is — its customs, timing and specifics.
The baby shower (literally «baby rain») finds its origins in the United States in the 1950s. The idea is to celebrate the mum-to-be before the birth, give her useful gifts for the baby, and mark this important transition with a moment of closeness with her loved ones. It is a tradition that spread to France from the 2000s-2010s and today reaches a large proportion of young mums.
Unlike other traditions, a baby shower is not formal. No strict dress codes, no mandatory ceremonial — it is above all a moment of shared joy, organised by a close friend or a family member (often the sister, best friend or mother-to-be's mum).
The baby shower generally takes place between the the 7th and 8th months of pregnancy — late enough for everyone to be reassured, but before the intense fatigue of the final weeks. Some families prefer to organise it after the birth («sip and see»), for cultural or superstitious reasons. Both options are completely valid.
No. While many baby showers are organised around a theme (boho, Scandinavian, jungle, stars, etc.), a simple and warm baby shower works just as well. The theme mainly guides the decor and the atmosphere — not so much the gifts, which remain personal choices.
The big question. The answer depends on several factors: your relationship with the mum-to-be, your budget, and the theme you want to give the gift.
Baby gift — The most traditional option: something useful for the baby once it’s born (clothes, toys, nursery décor, accessories). This is the option that naturally carries on the tradition of the American baby shower.
Gift for the mum-to-be — More modern, particularly popular in France: a gift that celebrates the woman and mum-to-be, not just the baby. Skincare, massage session, hamper of treats, pregnancy book.
Joint gift (mum + baby) The ideal compromise: a gift that will be useful to both. A hooded baby towel for carrying baby after bath time, a baby wrap that creates a bond, a personalised set with products for both of them.
Our recommendation: for very close friends and family, mix all three families. For others, a single well-chosen piece is enough.
One of the most memorable gifts you can give. A personalised night light with the baby's first name engraved, it combines usefulness (a soft light from the very first nights) and emotion (the illuminated first name that accompanies childhood). If the mum-to-be has already chosen the first name and is happy to share it, it's a gift that always touches the heart.
To go further, check out our article Personalised baby night light: the newborn gift that lasts all through childhood.
L’birth print with first name, date, time, length and weight is a keepsake that hangs on the wall and is kept for decades. Of course, you will have to wait for the birth to finalise it — but you can give a gift card or a symbolic voucher at the baby shower, to be activated on the big day.
Super-useful gift that will slowly come out of the cupboard from the start of weaning (4-6 months). The bavoirs silicone pouch They catch anything that falls, can be cleaned in seconds in the dishwasher, and last for several years. Give a set of 3–4 designs — far more useful than yet another navy blue bodysuit.
The wooden mobiles With their poetic designs (stars, clouds, stylised animals), these mobiles are a sustainable and attractive alternative to plastic musical mobiles. They create a soothing focal point above the cot and become a decorative item that can be kept even after the baby has grown up.
You can never have too many bodysuits — except when they’re made from certified organic cotton. One set of 4-6 GOTS organic cotton bodysuits with comfortable cuts, in soft and trendy colours (terracotta, sage, beige, mustard), it is offering the best in direct contact with baby's skin. Choose the 1-month or 3-month size — the newborn size is only used for a few weeks.
A well-thought-out box with products adapted to pregnancy: organic stretch mark oil, moisturising belly and bust balm, aromatherapy candle, breastfeeding herbal tea (useful post-birth), relaxing face mask. It's a gift that tells the mum-to-be that we are taking care of her too, not just the baby. Guaranteed success.
Prenatal massage relieves the tensions of the final months (back, legs, shoulders) and offers a precious moment of relaxation. Treat her to a voucher for a specialised salon near the mum-to-be. Make sure the practitioner is trained in pregnancy massage (adapted positions, permitted oils).
A beautiful blank book to be filled in as the pregnancy progresses and through baby's first months. The mum-to-be writes down her emotions, sticks in ultrasound photos, and notes how she is feeling. A few years later, it is a treasure trove of emotions that she can read through with her child. Gift it alongside a lovely pen and a personal dedication — you will be the first to write a note in what will become a precious keepsake.
The first few weeks after giving birth are tough. A lovingly put-together treat hamper (freezer meals, homemade biscuits, comforting teas, dried fruit) will be used up in its entirety — and much more appreciated than a 30th baby romper. Bonus: include a note with your number and a concrete offer («I’ll bring you a hot meal this week»).
Targeted postpartum care: hydrating face mask, perineal care oil, nourishing hand and foot balm, and radiance serum for those too-short nights. The new mum will think of herself during this period when everything is focused on the baby.
Perfect gift to celebrate bath time — which becomes a shared ritual between mum and baby. The bamboo towelling hooded bath towel absorbs three times more than standard cotton, is naturally antibacterial, and stays soft after every wash. Choose a 90×90 cm size suitable for use up to 12-18 months.
View our guide Baby bath towel.
A gift that serves mum and baby simultaneously. The ergonomic baby carrier allows you to keep baby close while having your hands free — essential for the first few months. If the budget is high, chip in together for this gift.
The kangaroo t-shirt is a modern variant particularly suited to the early months — see our dedicated article on the baby carrier kangaroo t-shirt.
More than a gift, a family keepsake. The memory book to be completed by the parents over the months (firsts, milestones, photos, anecdotes) becomes a treasure passed down to subsequent generations. Well kept, it will be the most precious family object in 20 years' time.
Gifting a professional photoshoot (maternity before the birth, or newborn in the first few days) is a gift that creates unique memories. Be sure to check the photographer's availability and geographical area before gifting.
The great absentee of the baby shower: the mum-to-be's partner. A box designed for him (humorous book about fatherhood, «new daddy» T-shirt, useful accessories for his role as primary caregiver during the first few weeks, bottle of wine to celebrate) goes down a storm — and makes a change from the 100th box for mum.
Sensitive subject: should you give a gift that will be useful before birth, or wait until the baby is born to give something for their use?
American custom dictates that at a baby shower, one gives a gift that will be directly useful for the baby once born (clothing, accessories, nursery decor). This is the most traditional option and the one expected in most cases.
Some families prefer not to accumulate baby gifts before the birth (out of superstition, or because they want to wait and see the baby's sex or personality). In this case, choose a gift for the mum-to-be during the baby shower, and give the baby gift after the birth.
If you are hesitating, give a gift card or a novelty voucher (e.g. «good for a personalised hooded baby towel for the birth»). You make the gesture during the party, but the final product is ordered after the birth with the real details (first name, date, size).
It all depends on your relationship with the mother-to-be and your budget. Here are the usual ranges:
It’s not the amount that matters, but the thoughtfulness and quality of the gift. A lovely photo book costing €25 means far more than a bodysuit item priced at €40.
Opt for an emotional and personalised gift: a name night light, a memory book, a professional photo shoot, or a complete wellness set. You can also club together with other loved ones for a more ambitious gift.
Opt for a memorable, high-quality gift: bamboo hooded towel, wooden mobile, silicone bib set, pregnancy wellbeing box. Recommended budget: £40–£80.
Opt for a useful and thoughtful gift: organic cotton baby body suits gift set, postpartum beauty kit, luxury food hamper. Recommended budget: £20–£40.
You can afford a more personal and engaging gift: an ergonomic baby carrier, a newborn photoshoot, a subscription to a monthly box for the first 6-12 months.
A few classic pitfalls that cause a well-intentioned gift to fall flat:
Tastes regarding decor, baby names and clothing style are very personal. Avoid giving a major decorative item (XXL mobile, wall mural, four-poster bed) without having checked the mum-to-be's tastes. The «total surprise» risks ending up at the back of the cupboard.
If the mum-to-be has a baby registry, check it before you buy. Otherwise, discreetly ask the baby shower organiser what’s already been organised — to avoid giving the 8th set of bib or the 4th night light.
Newborn size only lasts 2-4 weeks depending on the baby's weight. Gifting 6 baby grows in newborn size means risking that they are never used. Prefer 1-month or 3-month size.
A baby only needs one comfort toy, and it’s the baby who chooses it (sometimes from a selection, sometimes an unexpected object). Giving a soft toy simply for the sake of having «one more soft toy» rarely leaves a lasting impression.
Avoid skincare products containing strong fragrances, allergens or harsh preservatives. A baby's skin is five times thinner than an adult's. If in doubt, stick to certified organic products with short ingredient lists.
A plastic cube for 3+ years given as a baby shower gift will stay in its packaging for 3 years — which is to say, never. Adapt the gift to the upcoming phase: newborn (0-3 months) or young infant (3-6 months) depending on your preference.
Yes, it is custom. The very principle of the baby shower is to give gifts to the mum-to-be and the coming baby. If you are invited, plan a gift — even a modest one. Attending without a gift is rare and might seem odd to the organiser.
It is increasingly accepted, especially in circles sensitive to eco-responsibility. For the gift to remain touching, choose items in excellent condition, present them carefully (nice wrapping), and explain your approach in a card. Prioritise quality vintage items (wooden mobiles, old books, wooden boxes) that have real value.
Yes, always. Opening gifts is often a central part of the celebration. Opt for careful wrapping (kraft paper + natural ribbon, or reusable fabric like furoshiki). Always include a card with a personal message — that is what touches people the most.
Culturally uncommon in France, money is rather reserved for birthdays and end-of-year celebrations. For a baby shower, it is preferable to give a gift card for a specific retailer (childcare, specialist parenting bookshop) — it is more delicate and more focused on actual needs.
Opt for unisex gifts: neutral colours (terracotta, sage, beige, mustard, off-white), animal or nature motifs, wooden toys, books, skincare accessories. Avoid anything labelled «girl» or «boy» — it puts the mum-to-be on the spot.
There's no need to double everything — some gifts are suitable for two babies (books, mobile, play mat, photography). On the other hand, double up on very personal items (two nightlights with different first names, two birth posters) and clothing (two sleepsuit sets). Pool resources with other loved ones to stay within a reasonable budget.
No. If you are invited to the baby shower and then to the birth (or if you spontaneously give a gift at the birth), make two separate gestures. For the baby shower, prefer a gift focused more on the «mum-to-be» or «preparations». For the birth, give a gift that is directly useful for the baby (clothes, toy, nursery decor).
At PetitMaxou, we select every gift based on a single criterion: would we be happy to give it to a loved one ourselves? Fine materials, elegant design, lasting quality and the option to personalise: our gifts are designed to strike just the right note, without resorting to clichés.
Whether you are looking for a gift for the mum-to-be, for baby, or a joint gift for both, our catalogue offers dozens of original ideas to properly celebrate this unique moment.
Free delivery throughout the European Union, 14-day returns, secure payment via Stripe or PayPal. And if you are also looking for inspiration for the birth itself, check out our complementary guides: unique baby girl gift and Unique baby boy birth gift.
The early years of life are an extraordinary period of discovery, learning and change.
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