Inexpensive Themed Gift Ideas for Baby Showers

There are many things parents need to take care of a new baby. Fortunately, there are many gifts for less than $20 that are easily found. As a fairly new mom myself, I am familiar with many great shower gifts for less than $20.

I generally like to give small baby shower gifts in groups that are a part of a theme. It makes it appear as thought you have spent a lot of time pulling together the gift, and seems creative. These are some gifts, all for less than $20, that I have given at baby showers. I have grouped these items, and you can choose one or a few from each category and present a themed gift.

BATH ITEMS:
Purchase an inexpensive basket and fill it with bath items. Rubber duckies, bubble bath, bath mitts, washcloths, or hooded towels are all good bets.

ITEMS FOR TRAVEL:
If your mommy friend travels, a little toiletries bag is a great idea. Fill it with disposable bibs, small toiletry samples, a little rubber ducky, disposable washcloths, some Tylenol, or any other thing you think a mom might need on the road when traveling with baby.

ITEMS FOR FEEDING BABY:
Sippy cups, bibs, disposable spoons, mesh feeders, and bowls are all great ideas. A cloth high chair cover, disposable bibs and placemats are all great to have while trying to eat out with your little one.

ITEMS FOR SICK BABY:
Babies get sick sometimes, and having medicines on hand is very nice. Infant Tylenol (be aware, babies cannot take ibuprofen until after 6 months old), gas drops, ora-gel, a baby thermometer, baby Vicks, bulb syringe and nasal saline spray are all must-haves for parents to have on hand. Each of these costs only a few dollars, and collectively make a very nice gift.

ITEMS FOR DIAPER CHANGES:
A package of diapers along with a tube of Butt Paste, a tub of wipes, and some baby powder is a great gift idea. Include a small toy like a rattle to distract babies during changes. Wrap it all up in a big disposable diaper. Make sure to purchase diapers that are size 1 or 2. Most parents do not use newborn diapers (or even size 1 sometimes) for very long, and can always use some of the bigger sizes.

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT:
If you know your mommy friend will be breastfeeding, this is a great idea because hardly anyone else thinks of it. Lansinoh brand lanolin ointment will be her best friend. A tube of it along with a box of breast pads, a cool/warm pack, some Mother's Milk tea, and a book (The Motherly Art of Breastfeeding is great) makes a thoughtful gift.

MISCELLANEOUS GIFTS UNDER $20:
Subscription to a parenting magazine
Cloth shopping cart cover
Gift cards
Picture frames
Blankets