By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies.
Privacy Policy
Log in
The Best Baby Shower Gifts That Go Beyond the Registry
The Best Baby Shower Gifts That Go Beyond the Registry

The Best Baby Shower Gifts That Go Beyond the Registry

Let new parents know you’ve got their needs in mind with these thoughtful gifts.

author-Latifah Miles
By Latifah Miles and Amylia Ryan
Fact Checked by Briana Engelbrecht
Updated On
Updated On
Our editors independently test and curate products. If you make a purchase via our links we may earn a commission.

In This Article

Postpartum Recovery
Practical Baby Essentials
Just-for-Them Gifts
Support Beyond the Registry

Parents-to-be spend a lot of time researching and building their baby registry to ensure they get the exact gifts they want, and we encourage gift givers to use it. But if you do want to go off-registry, it’s important to approach it thoughtfully, buying them gifts that they’ll actually use and need. Also, check out the items they’ve registered for that have gone unpurchased as the baby shower date approaches, like postpartum care items. Although they aren’t items that come to mind when you think of a baby registry, they're important, useful and will be a welcome gift. 

If you’re unsure how an off-registry gift will be received, we recommend pairing it with something they’ve already requested so it feels like a considerate bonus.

When we surveyed Babylist parents for our Most Loved Baby Products of 2025 guide, they also shared the items they wished they had more of when they welcomed their baby (ahem, perfect off-registry gift ideas). Along with real parent suggestions and our favorite baby shower gifts that may not be on the registry, we’ve rounded up a list of useful ideas that’ll be well-received.

Postpartum Recovery

Whether they have a C-section or a vaginal birth, they’ll appreciate any gift that aids in healing and boosts their comfort level. You can gift anything in this category, especially if you’re gifting something you have first-hand experience with. A few things to keep in mind: everyone’s birthing experience is different, so focus on versatile products rather than niche items with limited use. Also, it can be a bit awkward to hand over a gift bag of adult diapers or postpartum pads at a baby shower, but don’t worry, they’ll thank you later.

Practical Baby Essentials

Aside from the baby gear, the first year of parenthood will be marked by an endless stream of diapers, wipes, burp cloths and other essentials. While these may seem a little boring when it comes to gifting, when surveyed, Babylist users said they’d love to receive useful, practical items for baby. You can use their registry to help you choose the brands that align with their style or to find out specifics (like the type of bottles they use for extra nipples). You can also buy them a few extras of the smaller, replenishable items they’ve already registered for and will eventually run out of (like diaper pail bags).

Just-for-Them Gifts

Becoming a parent is worth celebrating and a thoughtful gift is the perfect way to do it. You can choose a gift that fits their new role or something that’ll make them feel like themselves. Here are some gifts we love.

Support Beyond the Registry

Not all gifts come in wrapping paper. These off-registry ideas can ease the load and show your support in a meaningful way.

  • An Extra Helping Hand: Let’s be real, cooking and cleaning can be overwhelming with a newborn. Gift givers can offer to help with these Help and Favor cards, from cooking and cleaning to dog walking and babysitting. While this gift may not have much in the way of presentation at a baby shower, it’s pretty safe to say it’ll be appreciated just as much as (if not more than) any other gift.

  • Offering Cash Towards Expensive Gear: We always encourage Babylist parents to add the items they really want to their registry, even if it’s a pricey stroller or car seat. To help lighten the financial strain that comes with prepping for a baby, you can offer cash gifts (which they can register for) that can be used towards an item of their choosing. 

  • Gift a Subscription: Automate a piece of the new parents’ lives by gifting them a helpful subscription. You can subscribe to almost anything like diaper deliveries, meal services or to home cleaning for a year.

Stay Up-to-Date with Babylist