35 Baby Shower Hostess Gift Ideas for Every Budget

Inside: Your friends and family are throwing you a baby shower! Thank them with one of these baby shower hostess gift ideas. There are a wide range of options for every budget with mostly clutter-free gifts

So, you’re having a baby…shower! It’s one of the most fun and memorable parts of pregnancy.

But one day, you’re deep in the weeds of making lists and checking registries, and in the middle of all the excitement, it hits you: What do I do for the hostess?

After all, your friend or relative is likely putting considerable work into this baby bash! So you definitely don’t want to skimp on the gratitude.

Is a Baby Shower Hostess Gift Always Appropriate?

I’m honestly not sure if it’s always been a thing to shower-the-showerer. But here are some points that can help you decide:

• Is this a large party or a small, intimate get-together?
• Is there a lot of planning and activities involved?
• Is the host taking on all the costs such as renting a venue, decorating, and purchasing food?
• Would a hostess gift be appreciated, and are they fairly common in your circles?

In general, larger baby shower hostess gifts are more common if the time and money spent is significant, and if the host is not a very close relative.

However, even a small gift can be a sweet thank-you token for your closest friends and family.

35 Baby Shower Hostess Gift Ideas, Big and Small

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In this list, you’ll find a variety of gift ideas with a wide range of price points.

A few are higher-end gifts, while others won’t cost anything but your time and creativity.

Related: 15 Baby Shower Activities That Are NOT Games

1. Restaurant Gift Card

Who doesn’t love a night out? One way to thank your hostess is to simply give her a break in the kitchen.

Gift cards that have a variety of restaurant options are a good idea when you’re not sure of their favorite place to dine.

2. Grocery Gift Card

Since a lot of families have allergies and dietary restrictions – a grocery gift card is a thoughtful option. Or you could give a Costco membership, if they’ve been wanting to try it.

3. Homemade Meal

I have a friend who always makes extra freezer meals to give as gifts. Frozen or fresh, there are few things better than a complete homemade meal.

4. Personalized Tumbler

A special gift for the baby shower hostess could be a Yeti tumbler personalized with “grandma” or “auntie”.

5. Aura Digital Picture Frame

This one is perfect for family members hosting the shower who will be demanding baby pictures soon!

6. Photo Album

For the more “analog” hostess, a nice leather bound picture album will surely be appreciated.

7. Baked Goods

You may or may not have the energy to bake right now. (Unless you’re in nesting mode — yay for you!)

Either homemade or from the bakery, a sourdough loaf, a pie or a batch of cookies always makes a nice hostess gift.

8. Self Care Gift Certificate

Give the gift of a new haircut, a massage or a mani/pedi.

9. E-Reader or E-Reader Accessory

Choosing a specific book to give can be hard. But if your hostess is a reader, they might enjoy a new Kindle.

If she already has one, you could give her a pillow Kindle holder (our new favorite thing!), cover or remote control page turner.

10. Coffee Gift Card

For smaller gatherings or hostesses that might balk at a gift at all – a free coffee from their favorite shop is hard to turn down!

11. Nespresso Machine or Nespresso Pods

I just got a hand-me-down Nespresso Machine, and it’s been life-changing. I rarely go out for coffee anymore.

So if you want to go big and the hostess has been wanting a Nespresso machine, THIS machine would be a coffee lover’s dream. If you have a next level budget, Breville’s Barista Express Espresso Machine is top notch.

If she already has one, her favorite Nespresso pods (I love THESE double espresso pods) would make a great baby shower hostess gift!

12. Fruit & Cheese Basket

These pretty fruit baskets make gifting simple. You could also make your own gourmet basket of dried fruit, nuts and cheeses. (Think: charcuterie board fixings.)

13. Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are all the rage right now – there are so many options, including transportable options like this one!

Pair it with THESE charcuterie board cheat cards. The hostess will love testing them out at her next gathering.

14. Houseplant

Houseplants are practical and inexpensive.

My favorite kind to gift are snake plants as they require very little attention. (Unlike your pending arrival.)

15. Fresh Flowers

A seasonal bouquet is another option. Dress up a grocery store bouquet with a cute vase to save on cost.

Cut flowers are especially great for a hostess who doesn’t have a green thumb.

16. Grandparent Journal

If your mom (or mother-in-law) is hosting the shower, this journal would be a sentimental gift that gives back! These are so fun to read with them, along with their grandkids, as they grow.

17. Gourmet Chocolates

If you have a local chocolate shop, homemade chocolates always make a great gift. Or, try some delicious truffles from Etsy.

18. Soup Mixes

A gift I enjoy giving to friends is an oversized soup mug along with dried soup mixes. 

19. Luxury Socks

Hear me out: these bamboo socks feel so luxurious! (I only buy this type now.) So soft, silky and breathable.

Or you could give Nordic socks if it’s a winter baby shower.

20. Simple Jewelry

I recently purchased inexpensive vintage-inspired jewelry from this small business as a thank-you gift for a friend, and the quality was great!

Amazon also has a variety of dainty necklaces that make lovely gifts.

21. Etsy Gift Card

Giving to a home decor lover? They’ll love picking out something unique on Etsy with an Etsy gift card!

22. Candle Warmer Lamp

I’m seeing these little lamps everywhere lately, and I think they look so classy! I like that they can be used with any kind of jar candle, plus there’s no soot.

23. Factor Gift Card

This meal delivery service is super popular right now. Give the gift of yummy dinners separated into individual portions that they didn’t have to make!

I hear the Miso Salmon is delicious.

24. Blank Journal and Pens

A quality journal has so many uses. Pair it with a set of smooth & pretty pens.

25. Oversized Blanket

For your mom (aka Granny, Nana, Grams…whatever she will be called!), you might think of practical things like extra blankets that are cozy but also can cover her entire bed for layering.

26. Tote Bag

Could she use a new tote bag? Portland Leather has gorgeous, high quality leather totes.

You could tuck a coffee shop gift card inside, along with travel size hand lotions and hand sanitizers and some gum or mints.

27. Hobby Gift Basket

Speaking of hobbies, you could bundle the tools of their trade together in a cute basket.

Things like…

• Scrapbooking supplies
• Knitting supplies
• Gardening supplies, or
• Baking supplies.

28. Movie or Event Tickets

Treat your hostess to a night out at a local movie theater, or find a concert or local event she (and her family) might enjoy.

29. Lunch Date Gift Certificate

Give your hostess the gift of time – with you. Make a certificate for a lunch date together, your treat.

30. Heartfelt Letter

Words are a gift, too. Maybe you’ve known your hostess a long time and you want to reminisce about your relationship and how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to include tissues with this one!

31. Bath & Body Gift Basket

Bundle together handmade lotions and artisan soaps for a homespun gift idea.

32.  Godmother-themed Memento

Is your hostess the baby’s godmother? You could give a special memento to mark this relationship, like a personalized mug that says “(baby’s name) godmother” or a customized trinket dish.

33. Exotic Treats

For the hostess who has everything, edible gifts are a good option, and especially ones you might not see everyday like.

Things like…

• Baclava,
• Marshmallow flowers, or
• Hawaiian honey.

34. Linens

Pretty tea towels, dish cloths or potholders are so practical for a hostess who enjoys cooking.

Or you could get her luxury bedding from Quince.

35. Custom Sweatshirt

For your mom or mother-in-law who has multiple grandchildren, you could include all of their names along with the newest babe on THIS “grandma” sweatshirt.

Shower the Hostess with Gratitude (Thank You Gifts Aren’t Always Necessary)

Most hostesses will not expect a gift. So whatever you choose is simply an extension of your gratitude for their thoughtfulness, time and effort in welcoming your new baby.

With that in mind, don’t stress over the perfect gift! We hope that this list will spark some ideas so you can enjoy your baby shower even more.

Let the memory-making commence!

Read Next: Baby Shower Games That Aren’t Lame (If You Insist Having Games, Make ‘Em Good!)