Baby showers for expectant parents and new babies are a long-standing tradition, and it's not hard to see why — they're a great way to get together with friends and family to celebrate the upcoming arrival.
"What's the appropriate amount to spend on a baby shower gift? Do I go low and risk looking cheap, or high and hope the new parents don't already have everything they need?" If you're stumped about what gift to buy for a baby shower, don't worry –this is a question many people struggle with.
Are you attending a baby shower soon and wondering how much to spend on a gift in 2022? The question of how much to spend on a baby shower gift can be tricky, but we've got you covered.
In this post, we'll give you some guidelines for what is appropriate to spend, depending on the occasion and relationship with the parents-to-be. So read on for tips on how much to spend on a baby shower gift in 2022! Spoiler alert: you don't have to break the bank!
Celebrate the new addition to the tribe
There's nothing quite like a baby shower: vibrant décor, tasty food, presents, fun games, and the expectant parents surrounded by their closest friends and family. It's a cherished tradition that has been practiced for centuries, and there's no doubt it's here to stay. But where did this beloved tradition come from?
Though the exact origin of baby showers is unknown, they are thought to have originated in ancient Egypt and Greece. In Egyptian culture, it was customary for women to gather together before the birth of a child to shave the head of the expectant mother and offer prayers for safe delivery.
In Greece, similar ceremonies were held to celebrate the Goddess Artemis, who was the protector of pregnant women and children. Over time, these traditions spread to other cultures and evolved into the baby shower we know today.
Baby showers are a timeless tradition with roots in ancient history. Whether you are planning your own shower or attending one as a guest, take a moment to appreciate this special occasion and all it represents.
Spending guide for a baby shower gift
Like most people, you want the perfect baby shower gift for the parents-to-be, but you're not sure how much to spend. After all, you don't want to go overboard or be too stingy. So, how much is appropriate?
Here's a complete guide to how much you should spend on a baby shower gift.
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How close are you to the parents-to-be?
There's an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. And while that may be true, it definitely takes a village to figure out how much to spend on a baby shower gift in 2022. The money you spend on a baby shower gift should be based on your relationship with the parents-to-be.
If you're close friends with the parents-to-be, you'll probably want to spend more on the gift than if you're just an acquaintance.
- You can spend between $30 and $60 on colleagues and acquaintances.
- Many spend between $60 and $100 on good friends and distant relatives.
- Most people spend $200 or more on close friends and family.
No matter how much you spend, what's most important is that the gift comes from the heart. After all, it’s the thought that counts!
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Don’t break the bank
It's no secret that babies are expensive. From the moment they're born, they start racking up a hefty tab. By the time they're teenagers, we are practically bankrupt! So, it's no surprise that baby showers can be pretty pricey affairs. If you've been invited to a baby shower and are on a tight budget, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to save money without skimping on the gift.
- For starters, try to avoid luxury brands. They may be more expensive, but they're not necessarily better quality. Babies also grow quite fast so you don’t get much bang for your buck!
- Look for clearance sales and take advantage of coupons.
Don’t feel like you have to go all out. A modestly priced gift is perfectly acceptable. So, there you have it! Being on a budget doesn't mean you can't find a great gift for the new arrival.
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Welcome the new addition to the family with some extra effort
One of the best things about attending a baby shower is getting to ooh and aah over all the cute gifts. But if you want to impress the new parents-to-be, why not go the extra mile and give them a personalized gift?
Whether a monogrammed blanket or a hand-painted onesie, a personalized present will surely be cherished long after the baby outgrows it. And who knows? Maybe your thoughtful gift will even become a family heirloom one day. So if you’re looking for a way to stand out, ditch store-bought stuff and give a gift that’s truly one of a kind. Don’t forget to add a thoughtful greeting card and some cool stickers to welcome the little one.
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Would a group gift be appropriate?
Regarding baby showers, there is one burning question on everyone's mind: how much should I spend? Another thing to consider is whether or not a group gift would be appropriate.
In some cases, such as if the shower is thrown by close family or friends, splurging on a big-ticket item may be worth it. However, if the guest list is extensive or you're not particularly close to the parents-to-be, sticking to a smaller individual gift may be the way to go.
No matter what you decide, the most important thing is that the gift comes from the heart.
Welcome the baby with these amazing gift ideas
Like most people, you probably spend more time than you'd like to admit, scrolling through Amazon and looking for that perfect baby shower gift. But who can blame you? With so many options, it can be tough to decide what to get. Now that you know how much to spend on a baby shower gift in 2022, here are some ideas categorized according to your budget.
Gift ideas that cost next to nothing
- Sustainable toys that are made from eco-friendly materials are a wise choice for both parents and children. Bamboo, wool, and cotton are all great options for sustainable toys. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they're also safe for babies to chew on and play with.
- A gift card to a local baby store is always a welcome present; that way, the parents can choose exactly what they need (or want).
- If the mom-to-be is a fan of essential oils, a diffuser necklace would be a great gift. This way, she can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy wherever she goes.
Luxury gift ideas for some added comfort
- A luxurious bathrobe will be perfect for those middle-of-the-night feedings.
- New parents will appreciate being able to take their baby out for walks in style in a top-of-the-line stroller.
- A high-quality and durable baby carrier will let parents keep their hands free while still being able to cuddle their little one close.
- For the ultimate in luxury, why not purchase a designer diaper bag? These bags can easily cost hundreds of dollars, but they're worth it for their style and functionality.
Time to visit Footnotes Paper
While you're busy preparing for the arrival of your little one, don't forget an important detail: baby shower cards! At Footnotes Paper, we have a range of witty, humorous, and heartwarming cards to choose from.
Whether you're looking for something simple and sweet or something that pokes a little fun at the parents-to-be, we've got you covered. And because we know that every baby is special, we offer hundreds of stickers to make your card even more unique.
So before stockpiling diapers and onesies, head to Footnotes Paper for the perfect baby shower card. Your friends and family will be glad you did. Don’t forget to add a personalized message on the blank interior of the card, so the little one cherishes your love one day.
For just $5, you can pick up a beautiful card that celebrates the arrival of a new baby. And if you purchase a bundle of 8 cards, you'll save even more money by getting the complete set for $20.
So why not stock up on baby shower cards today? After all, there's nothing more precious than the arrival of new life into the world.