You've been invited! Baby showers are exciting celebrations of new life, but If you aren't a parent yourself and aren't sure what having a newborn baby looks like, shopping for gifts appears like an impossible task. If the parents-to-be don’t have a registry, you might not know where to begin. 

For starters, ask yourself some helpful questions to steer you in the right direction, like how far along is the mom-to-be in her pregnancy, do you know the gender of the baby and does she already have children? 

How far along is the mom-to-be?

If she is in her first or second trimester, consider gifting something she can use throughout her pregnancy, like a pregnancy journal, natural coconut oil for her tummy or a pregnancy milestone card set. Or make her feel special by bringing her a #Momlife bottle, to commemorate her new incredible role as a mom! 

For a future mom's third trimester, it might be better to think about gifts that can help her after birth, like an adorable pacifier clip or this innovative Neckerchew bib with an attached teether, to spare her picking it off the floor every two minutes. If you want to gift her something that is specifically for the mom, something like a belly casting kit is a great way to go and is a keepsake she will cherish for a long time.

Is this her first baby?

Bringing something she might not have considered is ideal if this is her first time being pregnant, like a sleep baby soother toy. Soothers make bedtime easier on the parents by doing some of the work for them to give them some more precious hours of sleep. Every baby is unique and has different sleeping needs. This award-winning soother from Sweet Dreamers has five distinct soothing sounds, from the sound of a mother’s heartbeat to the sound of vacuuming (yes, really!), along with a cry sensor and a warm soft light, which reminds them of the time they spent in the womb.

If this isn’t her first pregnancy, she probably already has all the essentials: buying new toys or clothes might not be what the mom and baby need. In this case, opt for something that is meant specifically for the new baby, like a footprint keepsake, a baby book or a monthly milestone blanket that will make the baby's growth milestones even more beautiful and easier to share to loved ones. 

How much are you looking to spend?

Shopping on a budget, but still want to keep it thoughtful and personal? A Clean-Touch Ink Pad is sweet and sentimental, and she can always remember how cute and tiny her baby’s hands or feet really were.

If you’re looking to spend more, a high-quality diaper pail is truly invaluable - just make sure they don’t already have one first! Choosing a diaper pail that doesn’t use special bags is the smartest way to go, so the new parents don’t need to add that to their never ending shopping list.

When in doubt, keep it practical

For a gift that both the mom and the baby can benefit from, look no further than the Kokoso Baby Newborn Essentials Kit. It’s the one gift that can truly be recommended to anyone and be used by the entire family. The Coconut Oil has a variety of uses and is even safe if the baby puts it in their mouth, so it can be used to soothe mom’s sore nipples or rashes on the baby’s skin. The kit also includes a super soft Konjac sponge for bathing and the Fragrance-Free Gentle Hair & Body Wash, which is perfect as a baby's first body wash and shampoo.

Baby shower gifts for the nursery

If the parents are starting to furnish the nursery, an adorable silicone night light is a must. It will emit a soft, gentle light when breastfeeding or changing the baby during the night. Because they are soft and made of silicone, they are safe for the baby to play with later on!

And finally, if you’re looking for the cutest baby shower gift award, this is the one. Giving a baby’s first toy can be an incredibly emotional gift, and many adults still keep theirs as a sentimental item they’re attached to. So when it comes to soft toys, you only need one: the Miffy Plush. When buying toys, be mindful that they need to be safe for newborns, like this plush - besides, no one is indifferent to Miffy’s cuteness and charm.