15 Cheap Baby Shower Gifts New Parents Must Have

Welcoming a new baby into the world is magical, but it’s also expensive. If you’ve got a baby shower coming up, you don’t have to spend big bucks to give a thoughtful gift.
This list of cheap baby shower gifts is packed with goodies that new parents will actually use and appreciate. From clever DIYs to budget-friendly must-haves, these cheap baby shower gifts prove that meaningful doesn’t have to mean expensive.
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15 Top Affordable Baby Shower Gift Ideas
Take a peek at the parents-to-be’s gift registry for helpful guidance. They may have specific brands or versions of these items they’re hoping for.
1. Book Bundle for Baby’s Library
Pick out a few affordable board books to start baby’s bookshelf. Add a handwritten note inside the front cover for an extra personal touch.
2. Pacifier & Clip Combo Set
Pacifiers are a lifesaver, and a parent knows you can never have too many! Plus, with a cute clip, they won’t get lost. These sets come in various colors and patterns and typically cost under $10.
3. Teether Toys
These must-have items soothe sore gums during teething, promote sensory development, and are easy to toss in a diaper bag. Plus, they are all under $10.
- Nuby IcyBite donut and ice cream teether ring
- Mombella teether elephant that comes with a clip attachment
- Bright Starts easy-grab teether toys
- Itzy Ritzy strawberry or banana teether with handles and textured surfaces
- Baby Elefun pain relief smart teether toy ring
4. Diaper Caddy Organizer
Every new parent needs one! A portable diaper caddy makes late-night changes easier and keeps all the essentials in one spot. Fill it with wipes and diapers for an easy DIY gift basket.
5. Parent Survival Kit (Mini Edition)
Think coffee gift card, dry shampoo, gum, and chocolate. Wrap it all up in a small bag or pouch with a cute tag like “Mom & Dad’s Emergency Kit.”
6. Personalized Name Sign
You can DIY or order a wooden letter or nursery sign with the baby’s name or first initial (if you know it in advance). It’s a unique baby shower gift that doubles as decor.
7. Muslin Burp Cloths
Muslin burp cloths are one of those baby shower gifts new parents will always thank you for. You truly can’t have too many! They’re soft, gentle on baby’s skin, super absorbent, and perfect for spit-ups, drool, feedings, and even emergency clean-ups.
8. Homemade Baby Coupons
Make a booklet offering free babysitting hours, a homemade meal delivery, or a laundry folding session. It’s free to make, but worth gold to a tired new parent.
9. Bath Time Gift Set
Fill a small bag with baby shampoo, washcloths, a bath toy, and a hooded towel. It’s a baby shower basket idea that’s both adorable and affordable.
Pro Tip: Attending multiple baby showers? Save money by buying baby supplies in bulk (i.e., washcloths or diapers) and splitting them into thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts for each shower.
10. New Mommy Kit
Support a new mom’s breastfeeding journey. Fill a small basket or pouch with a few items like:
- Trail mix and snack bars
- A water bottle
- Lactation cookies
- Cooling gel pads
- Hair clips or ties
- Nipple cream
- Lip balm
- Encouragement cards
- Magazines or a new book
It’s an easy, affordable gift that shows you care about her well-being and energy during those around-the-clock feedings.
Related: 20 Memorable Things to Do on Mother’s Day
11. Travel Wipe Dispenser
Perfect for diaper bags, these compact, refillable wipe holders make on-the-go changes easier. Stylish and affordable, they’re a parent favorite.
12. Handmade Gift Ideas
If you are crafty and want to put a thoughtful touch on your baby shower gift, try a budget-friendly handmade idea.
- DIY Baby Blanket: Sew or knit a soft, cozy blanket using fleece, flannel, or yarn. You can personalize it with the baby’s name or fun prints.
- Homemade Burp Cloths: Use absorbent fabrics like cotton and terry cloth to create custom burp cloths. They’re easy to make in batches and very useful!
- Diaper Cake: Create a cute “cake” using rolled diapers, ribbon, and small baby items like pacifiers or socks. It’s both decorative and practical.
- Personalized Onesies: Use iron-on decals, fabric markers, or tie-dye to decorate plain white onesies with fun designs or quotes.
- Mama Care Kit: Fill a small jar or pouch with self-care items like homemade sugar scrub, lip balm, tea bags, and an encouraging note.
13. Doordash Gift Card
Make the new parents’ life a bit easier with a versatile gift card they can use for restaurants, groceries, and more. For a personalized touch, consider giving a small gift card to go towards a meal at their favorite restaurant.
14. group Contribution Gift
Gather a few friends or family members to chip in for a larger baby item like a stroller, diaper bag, or baby monitor from the new parents’ registry. Everyone contributes a small amount, making it budget-friendly for each person while still providing the parents-to-be with a high-quality, much-needed gift.
15. Don’t Forget The Diapers!
You can never go wrong with gifting diapers. They’re a baby shower staple for a reason. Many store-brand options are both budget-friendly and trusted by experienced parents.
Pro tip: Buy a larger size (like size 3 or 4) when gifting diapers. Babies grow fast, and parents often have excess newborn or size 1 diapers, making larger sizes more practical and long-lasting.
More Ways To Save On Gifts
- Adorable & Affordable Mother’s Day Gifts
- Useful & Budget-Friendly Father’s Day Gifts
- Cheap Birthday Gift Ideas
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