3 Practical Baby Shower Gift Ideas New Parents Will Actually Use
Are you invited to a baby shower and don’t know what to bring? Maybe the registry is picked over… or maybe there isn’t one at all. Either way, you want a thoughtful, useful gift that new parents will truly appreciate.
Instead of another newborn onesie that gets worn once (if at all), try one of these themed baby shower gift bundles. They’re practical, unique, and easy to customize — plus they can grow with baby beyond the newborn stage.
1. Bathtime Bliss Bundle 🛁
Every parent will tell you — babies may be tiny, but bath time takes a surprising amount of gear! This theme is fun to build and guarantees daily use.
What to include:
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Baby bathtub (or a smaller sink insert for the early months)
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Soft baby washcloths & hooded towels
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Tub toys for when baby is a little older (the ABC letters are my favourite)
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Swim diapers & a baby UV swimsuit (a must for pool or beach days)
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A “safety essentials” kit: baby nail clippers/files, soft-bristle baby brush, and a nasal aspirator (AKA the snot sucker - the glamorous but oh-so-necessary tool every parent swears by!)
👉 Pro tip: Roll up the towels, tuck the small items inside the tub, and wrap it all in clear cellophane with a bow — it looks impressive and gift-ready.
2. Cottage & Vacation Vibes 🌞🏖️
If the parents are cottagers, boaters, or beach-lovers, this theme will be a hit. Sun protection and water safety are two things new parents can’t get enough of once baby arrives.
What to include:
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UPF 50+ Sun Safe On The Lake Easy Peasy full-coverage baby swimsuit - my personal favourite, designed and made in Canada for my own babies (protects baby’s delicate skin without messy sunscreen - which isn't recommended for babies under 6 months anyways)
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Wide-brimmed baby sunhat
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Baby-sized lifejacket (Salus is my favourite, also made in Canada)
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Baby sunglasses (yes, they exist — and they’re adorable!)
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Beach towel or picnic blanket
👉 Why this gift works: It’s not just cute — it’s practical. Parents can relax knowing baby is covered and comfortable whether they’re at the lake, pool, or cottage dock.
3. Day-to-Night Essentials 🌙☀️
This bundle takes parents through a full day with their little one — from morning walks to bedtime snuggles.
Daytime items:
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UPF 50+ baby sun suit (shop here)
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Wide-brimmed hat
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Stroller bug net (a lifesaver in summer!)
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Baby sunnies
Nighttime items:
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Cozy sleeper and/or sleep sack
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Soft baby blanket
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Bedtime board book (a classic like Goodnight Moon always delights)
👉 Why this gift works: It covers the basics of both outdoor adventures and bedtime routines, two of the biggest parts of life with a new baby.
The Best Part: You Can Size It Up 👏
Newborns grow fast. Instead of buying everything in 0-3 months, consider getting a size up (6-12 months or 12-18 months). Parents will be so thankful when baby hits their next growth spurt and they already have essentials on hand.
Bonus Idea: Make It a Group Gift 🎁
Want to go bigger? Pool your budget with a few friends and build an extra-special bundle. It’s a fun way to make sure the parents feel supported and spoiled.
✨ Whether you go with bath time, vacation-ready, or day-to-night essentials, these themed bundles are practical, thoughtful, and guaranteed to stand out at the baby shower.
If you love the vacation or day-to-night theme, don’t forget to check out our Sun Safe On The Lake UPF 50+ baby swimsuits — made in Canada, designed by a mom, and perfect for gifting. They’re practical, adorable, and help protect baby’s skin without the constant re-application of sunscreen.