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Gender-neutral celebrations are becoming increasingly popular. Often, families throw gender neutral baby showers because they want to be surprised by the baby’s sex assigned at birth, or prefer gender neutral products to avoid stereotypical gender coding. And some are for purely practical reasons — many parents plan on reusing classic and practical baby shower gifts and clothes, toys, and accessories for subsequent children.
Looking for a gender-neutral gift for parents-to-be? Whether it’s a gift card, gender-neutral clothes, accessories, toys, or books, we’ve got you covered.
Bonus: All of these gifts can be safely delivered, in case you are attending a virtual or drive-by shower during COVID.
Parents will appreciate these practical gender-neutral baby shower gift ideas
While it may be tempting to buy only gifts for newborns, babies grow super fast and will need clothes and toys when they’re older, too.
Melissa Aubrie Chan Lee explained how she approached baby shower gifts. “I like getting the practical things: a digital ear thermometer or a portable high chair,” she told Mom.com. The mom of three added, “I guess I like buying things that will have staying power and that would last through multiple kids.”
1. Cash or gift card
It’s not remotely cute, original, or romantic, but many parents find it their favorite gift. Mom of two Evie Koh agrees. “Gift cards from Target are my go-to gift. Cash or gift cards are the best for a new parent because you never know what you need,” she told Mom.com.
2. Diapers and baby wipes
You really can’t go wrong with buying diapers since babies can use around 3,000 disposable diapers in their first year alone. Consider buying larger sized diapers for when the baby is older or packs of baby wipes, and packing them in a unique basket for their nursery. Or, If you know the couple is going the cloth diaper route, consider gifting them with a month of diaper service.
3. Nasal tube aspirator
“Nasal tube aspirators are great because the suction power is controlled by your breath,” Dr. Steph Lee, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, told Mom.com. Popular nasal tube aspirators like the FridaBaby Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator give parents or caregivers a mouthpiece and tube to literally suck the mucus out of the baby’s nose. Gentler on baby noses and easier to clean, these nasal tube aspirators are often preferred to bulb aspirators.
4. Healthcare and grooming kits
“Someone gave me an ‘emergency’ kit that included infant Tylenol, nail clippers, gas relief for infants, and a mini bottle of wine for me,” said Koh. “I always thought that was one of the best.” (While most kits don’t come with a bottle of wine, stores selling these useful "baby emergency kits" might have some in the next aisle!)
5. Swaddles and sleep sacks
Parenting books advise swaddling babies to help them sleep, feel secure, and settle them down and suggest finding products that make swaddling super easy and foolproof. In addition, doctors advise against leaving babies with loose blankets in case of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) so sleep sacks, or mini baby sleeping bags, are also helpful.
“Get all the SwaddleMe and Halo SleepSacks you can gather,” mom of four Jana Seitzer suggested to Mom.com.
Another mother of four Whitney Cornelison had this tip for a useful gift. “Hands down, the Love to Dream Sleep Swaddle," she shared with Mom.com. "It was amazing and helped my kids sleep during naps while the preschooler and toddler were loud, and sleep through the night. It’s my go-to baby shower gift.”
Fun gender neutral baby shower gifts
Practical gifts are useful and appreciated, but sometimes, we just want to give a little joy and fun. Here are some gender neutral baby clothes, toys, and books to check out.
6. Board books
You can never go wrong with books, and studies have shown that even reading to infants is beneficial to their developing brains. Many classic children's books — like everyone's favorite, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” — also come in board book form for durability.
7. Teethers
This could also fall under practical, but many are designed to resemble toys and be multifunctional. Seitzer said, “SkipHop makes a really cool soothing teether and Sophie the giraffe is a classic.”
8. School and team branded apparel and merch
Buy onesies, blankets, hats, or even diaper bags in your (or the parents’) favorite team’s colors and logos. Many stores have the branded apparel for local teams and schools available for purchase.
Not just for babies: Gifts for the parents-to-be
Mom and dad like nice gifts, too. “Babies get so much and not all of it ends up being truly useful,” mom of three Emily Wright told Mom.com. “But the other family members are often overlooked.
9. Self care items
Consider parent self-care stuff like date night supplies, meals or meal gift cards, luxury bath items, jammies/slippers, and gifts for older siblings,” suggested Wright.
10. Hospital gift baskets
“I always put together a ‘Dad kit’ for the fathers. I add in travel toiletries for the hospital, snacks, energy drinks, etc., and maybe a neck pillow,” mother of three boys Roz Romero recommended to Mom.com.
Gladys ZO provides this gift basket of essentials for the mothers. “I love to get a gift for the mom — especially for the hospital — chapstick, a file folder for all the paperwork, hair ties, and snacks.”
