{"id":15678,"date":"2026-05-03T18:03:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T18:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petitmaxou.com\/?p=15678"},"modified":"2026-05-11T08:38:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T08:38:05","slug":"baby-shower-gift-ideas-15-original-ideas-to-make-it-special","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petitmaxou.com\/en\/blog\/idees-cadeaux-baby-shower-15-idees-originales-pour-marquer-le-coup\/","title":{"rendered":"Baby shower gift ideas: 15 original ideas to mark the occasion"},"content":{"rendered":"

There baby shower<\/strong> 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?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between the predictable classics, gifts that are too similar to those given at the birth, and those infamous \u00abgroup gifts\u00bb cobbled together at the last minute, it\u2019s easy to get it wrong. At PetitMaxou, we\u2019ve put together this guide to help you choose a gift that really touches the heart \u2014 whether it\u2019s for the mum-to-be, the baby-to-be, or both. Here are some ideas that make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What exactly is a baby shower?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before choosing a gift, let's understand what a baby shower is \u2014 its customs, timing and specifics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origin and principle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The baby shower (literally \u00abbaby rain\u00bb) 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike other traditions, a baby shower is not formal. No strict dress codes, no mandatory ceremonial \u2014 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is the best time to organise a baby shower?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The baby shower generally takes place between the the 7th and 8th months of pregnancy<\/strong> \u2014 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 (\u00absip and see\u00bb), for cultural or superstitious reasons. Both options are completely valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is a theme systematically required?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 not so much the gifts, which remain personal choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What gift to give at a baby shower?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three possible gift categories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Baby gift<\/strong> \u2014 The most traditional option: something useful for the baby once it\u2019s born (clothes, toys, nursery d\u00e9cor, accessories). This is the option that naturally carries on the tradition of the American baby shower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gift for the mum-to-be<\/strong> \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joint gift (mum + baby)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our recommendation: for very close friends and family, mix all three families. For others, a single well-chosen piece is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 original baby shower gift ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Baby gifts: practical and durable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. The personalised night light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most memorable gifts you can give. A personalised night light<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To go further, check out our article Personalised baby night light: the newborn gift that lasts all through childhood<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The personalised birth poster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

L\u2019birth print<\/strong> 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 \u2014 but you can give a gift card or a symbolic voucher at the baby shower, to be activated on the big day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. A set of silicone bibs with a pocket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Super-useful gift that will slowly come out of the cupboard from the start of weaning (4-6 months). The bavoirs silicone pouch<\/strong> They catch anything that falls, can be cleaned in seconds in the dishwasher, and last for several years. Give a set of 3\u20134 designs \u2014 far more useful than yet another navy blue bodysuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A wooden mobile for the cot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The wooden mobiles<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. A box set of organic cotton vests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can never have too many bodysuits \u2014 except when they\u2019re made from certified organic cotton. One set of 4-6 GOTS organic cotton bodysuits<\/strong> 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 \u2014 the newborn size is only used for a few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gifts for the mum-to-be: celebrating the woman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

6. A pregnancy wellness box<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. A prenatal massage session<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. A \u00abmy pregnancy month by month\u00bb photo book\u00bb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 you will be the first to write a note in what will become a precious keepsake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hamper of gourmet goodies for the first few weeks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 and much more appreciated than a 30th baby romper. Bonus: include a note with your number and a concrete offer (\u00abI\u2019ll bring you a hot meal this week\u00bb).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. A post-natal beauty kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gifts for both mum and baby<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

11. A bamboo towelling bath cape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perfect gift to celebrate bath time \u2014 which becomes a shared ritual between mum and baby. The bamboo towelling hooded bath towel<\/strong> absorbs three times more than standard cotton, is naturally antibacterial, and stays soft after every wash. Choose a 90\u00d790 cm size suitable for use up to 12-18 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

View our guide Baby bath towel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. A quality ergonomic baby carrier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A gift that serves mum and baby simultaneously. The ergonomic baby carrier<\/strong> allows you to keep baby close while having your hands free \u2014 essential for the first few months. If the budget is high, chip in together for this gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kangaroo t-shirt is a modern variant particularly suited to the early months \u2014 see our dedicated article on the baby carrier kangaroo t-shirt<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. A birth memory book<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

More than a gift, a family keepsake. The memory book<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. A photographer's gift box: maternity or newborn session<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Original gift: think about the dad too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

15. A \u00abdaddy ready\u00bb box\u00bb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The great absentee of the baby shower: the mum-to-be's partner. A box designed for him (humorous book about fatherhood, \u00abnew daddy\u00bb T-shirt, useful accessories for his role as primary caregiver during the first few weeks, bottle of wine to celebrate) goes down a storm \u2014 and makes a change from the 100th box for mum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby shower gift: to give before or after the birth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sensitive subject: should you give a gift that will be useful before<\/em> birth, or wait until the baby is born to give something for their use?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u00abduring the baby shower\u00bb argument\u00bb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u00abafter birth\u00bb argument\u00bb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The compromise: the gift voucher\u00ab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are hesitating, give a gift card<\/strong> or a novelty voucher<\/strong> (e.g. \u00abgood for a personalised hooded baby towel for the birth\u00bb). You make the gesture during the party, but the final product is ordered after the birth with the real details (first name, date, size).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much to spend on a baby shower gift?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It all depends on your relationship with the mother-to-be and your budget. Here are the usual ranges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n