These Are The Best Baby Shower Presents for New Parents

You’re either one of two people: those who like to shop for baby shower gifts, and those who would rather do anything but. Whether you find it fun or daunting is moot; new moms and dads need stuff. But what? How can you make your gift something they’ll appreciate and actually use?
Obviously stick to the baby registry but if you happen to stray away from it, and are looking for something unique and special, that’s OK too. Here are some ideas that will steer you in the right direction and have them thanking you.

Man and woman looking at stroller in store

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Gift cards

Sometimes moms- and dads-to-be just want to pick out stuff themselves so a gift card from the store their registry is in will work in a pinch. It's also great to use for things as needed (ahem, diapers and wipes) or to go towards one of the bigger-ticket items that went unchecked at the shower.

Man pushing shopping cart filled with diapers

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Diapers

While we're on the topic, there are never enough diapers. So if you want the eternal gratitude of new parents, a month of cloth diaper service or diapers in various sizes will do just that.

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Photo session

All you have to do is go on a local mom board on Facebook to know that family and new baby portraits are a big deal. Why not treat the new parents to a session with a photographer or at a local studio? It doesn't have to be the same as the one they used when they announced their pregnancy, but it can't hurt.

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Self-care

Pampers isn't just a diaper brand; sometimes a mom needs to do that for herself as well. But at a time when it's the last thing she'll be thinking of, do the thinking for her — by making her an appointment for a massage or pedicure. Or both.

Man and woman holding hands during dinner date

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Date night

With baby taking up about 110 per cent of their time and energy, it's easy for them to lose themselves. But a night out for just the two of them — as a couple, NOT as parents — is just what the doctor ordered. Dinner for two at their favourite restaurant and someone they trust completely to take care of the babe can save a marriage, not to mention their sanity.

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House-cleaning

Whether it's a one-time, floor-to-ceiling, top floor-to-basement professional cleaning or regular service for a certain amount of time, it will not only give mom a small break but give her that much-needed help so when she looks around she doesn't want to scream into a pillow.

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Pregnancy pillow

Speaking of pillows, a good pregnancy one not only makes that the last few weeks of any pregnancy that much more bearable but it's great for feedings after baby is born.

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Backup baby bag

Moms usually have their go-to diaper bag complete with anything and everything. But sometimes a smaller back-up is needed with just the basics. It can be left in a car ... just in case.

RELATED: Here are some inappropriate baby shower gifts, if you're that kind of person (you know who you are).

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Boo-boo fixers

It's the last thing any new mom or dad want to think of but with kids, anything can happen. Create an emergency basket stocked with a thermometer, infant acetaminophen, diaper rash cream, meds to relieve gas, petroleum jelly, a tin of ready-made formula, a bottle of electrolyte solution a teething ring, nail clippers, medicine dropper and nasal aspirator — all the goodies that can go under the bathroom sink until something's needed. And something will be needed.

Mom putting on lipstick while holding baby

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Bathroom buddy

Baby duty leaves almost zero time for mom to take care of herself; eating, peeing and taking a shower can sometimes be forgotten — unless baby joins her (which is usually the case). It can be hard to leave the baby for those crucial trips to the bathroom, so let her know she doesn't have to. A vibrating bouncy seat for baby and a clear shower curtain for Mom to never have to her eyes off baby — and vice versa — is a win-win.

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Baby monitor

New parents are constantly up checking on the baby so a baby movement monitor or a monitor app allows them to get some sleep since they know they'd be alerted to any potential problems.

Excited baby next to bookshelf holding a book

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Books

Instead of adorable outfits that a baby will grow out of super-fast, books — from parenting to medical to baby and children's — will give parents peace of mind and help a child's imagination and knowledge flourish.

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Clothes in bigger sizes

Newborn clothing is adorable — but new parents need more than 0-6 months. Clothes from 0 to 3T is great and gives Mom and Dad options for their little one as he/she grows.

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Convertible crib

A convertible crib that can transform to a daybed and/or toddler bed might be the greatest invention ever.

RELATED: Clever ways to raise a baby on a budget.

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Playpen

A playpen is perfect for babies who travel or stay at the grandparents' house often. But it's also great for putting down the baby while new moms and dads whose arms need a break or when they need to tend to household chores.

Baby on tummy playing with ball on activity mat

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Activity mat

They're right for play time, tummy time and give mommy a break time. Maybe to read these hilarious tweets she can now relate to?

Diaper bag monogrammed with the letter R

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Something monogrammed

Personalizing a baby blanket or diaper bag with the baby's name adds that special touch.

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Ready-to-heat meals

Have a sign-up sheet at the shower and get volunteers to sign up for days they can make dinner. Or ideally, get the list going ahead of time and present it to her at the shower. Not having to worry about cooking yet being able to eat fresh meals is such an appreciated gesture. It's also a way for family and close friends to visit after baby is born.

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Comfy robe

Mom might be hanging out at home a lot more than usual, but that doesn't mean she has to look like a slob. A luxe robe works if she's nursing and make sure it has pockets to stash little things like burp cloths or teething toys.