There are few pieces of news as exciting as learning that a loved one is expecting a baby. Whether it's a close friend, family member or colleague, the happiness and joy that comes with the news of a pregnancy is undeniable. One of the first things you think about is the gift you would like to give to the parents and the newborn, as a baby shower is probably about to be organized. However, coming up with baby shower gift ideas is never easy. If you're like us, you'll either have too many ideas or none at all.

With so many baby gifts to choose from and parents having no idea what they'd like to receive, it's likely that you'll find yourself drowning in a sea of newborn gifts and not knowing what to buy. You may even have a ton of baby shower gift ideas, but it can be hard to narrow down the options. After all, you don't want to buy something they already have or have no use for. Fortunately, there are baby shower gift ideas that will appeal to every parent.

You can't go wrong with these baby shower gift ideas

Baby blanket

A beautiful muslin blanket (the famous comforter) for baby is one of the best gifts you can give a newborn, as it is an item that all parents must have. There are several options for buying a baby blanket. You can buy a keepsake blanket - they are often personalized and designed to be kept forever - or a blanket swaddling, ideal for making sure the baby is comfortable and cozy at bedtime. A set of matching blankets is also a good idea, as parents tend to store and use several throughout the day.

Ecological toys

Recently, many parents have become much more careful about the types of toys they give their children. As a result, eco-friendly toys and wooden toys, which are more durable, have become more important, while battery-operated plastic toys have received less attention. Many people overlook baby toys as baby shower gifts, under the guise that newborns are too young to play with toys. While this is somewhat true, expectant parents are often inundated with items for a newborn and nothing for a slightly older child. That's why new baby toys are a great gift idea, because you'll probably be one of the few people who thought of something that isn't specifically for a newborn.

Early learning books for baby's library

Everyone wants their child to grow up reading beautiful books about their favorite subjects, whether it's a collection of fairy tales or a book about dinosaurs. Reading to a baby helps develop communication skills, teaches listening skills, and gives them knowledge about the world around them. That's why an addition to a baby's library is always a welcome baby shower gift.

You can choose a classic baby book that everyone knows and loves, or something a little out of the ordinary. There are hundreds and thousands of baby books ideal for a baby's library, so you'll be spoilt for choice.

A gift box of essentials ready to give

If you really want a baby shower gift that the parents will love, get them something for themselves. The purpose of a baby shower is to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a child, but the newborn stage is never easy. Most people go through the first few months of parenthood feeling overwhelmed, stressed and tired. They are unlikely to think about themselves and it's hard to find time to relax. That's why a gift basket of baby essentials or sets for new parents is always welcome. 

Baby clothes

If you're not sure if they're expecting a boy or a girl, opt for gender-neutral baby clothes. This way, they will be useful regardless of the child's gender. If you know what they are expecting, buy clothes that match the parents' personal style. If they wear neutral clothes, they will likely want to do the same for their baby. If they wear a lot of bright, bold colors themselves, it's likely they'll dress their baby in bright, bold colors as well.

It is also a good idea to buy baby clothes in a larger size. Many people offer clothes for newborns and children 0-3 months, leaving parents with very few clothes for children 3-6 months. However, if you do opt for a larger size, think about the season in which the clothes will be worn. A baby born in February will be four months old in June, so he or she won't need winter clothes in sizes 3-6 months.

How to choose the best gift for a baby shower

When choosing a baby shower gift, think about the person or people you are giving it to. Don't just pick the first gift you see, take the time to think about the person you're giving the gift to and what kind of gift they want. You can even go so far as to ask what they already have and if there is anything they desperately need. What one person may like as a baby shower gift, another may not.

For example, some parents want to keep things minimal, with a limited number of toys in the home. So they are unlikely to want a big toy that takes up a lot of space or something too extravagant. On the other hand, other parents want their children to have as many toys as possible and will welcome large baby toys with open arms. Similarly, some parents can be extremely specific about what they want their newborn to wear. As a result, baby clothes may not be the right gift for everyone.

Of course, there is no need to stress or worry about choosing a baby shower gift. The purpose of a baby shower is to celebrate the new arrival and rejoice in his or her arrival, not to overdo the gift-giving and worry about what to buy. Whatever you choose will be appreciated, used and valued.