The Ultimate Baby Shower Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds They’ll Use Every Day
gifts that keep on giving
By Victoria Lewis | 21st July 2026So, someone in your life has recently announced they are expecting. After the immediate excitement and congratulations, it dawns on you that choosing an ever-so-elusive baby shower gift is in your future. What is appropriate? How much should I spend? How do I know what expecting parents actually need? Not to worry, we are here to help answer all your burning questions with our comprehensive baby shower gift guide.
A baby shower gift is like one for any other occasion. It should be thoughtfully selected, tailored to the recipient, and above all, something they will actually use. As the list of needs and wants for new parents is ever-growing, we have curated the ultimate guide to mastering the art of the perfect baby shower gift.
Be it adorable baby clothing, high-value hospital bag essentials, or key nursery items designed to be used each and every day, we’ve found the playful and practical baby gifts that any new parent will appreciate. Whether you’re a new friend, an immediate family member, a co-worker, or a grandparent-to-be, the perfect baby shower gift is waiting for you below. But first, let’s answer all your frequently asked questions about baby shower gift giving to get you started.
What is an appropriate baby shower gift?
Though there is no hard-and-fast rule, our top tip is to think about your connection to the parents. Consider your relationship with the family and what you and the parent-to-be often bond over. If you’re the fashionista of the friend group, get those adorable baby coveralls you saw at Kmart, or if you always talk about your latest read at the office, a baby book might be the way to go. It’s also good to consider that for a first child, a sentimental baby shower gift might be more common, while for a so-called “sprinkle” shower for a second or third child, parents are more likely to need refreshed basics.
What baby shower gifts do parents actually use?
Now that’s where this article comes into play: a thorough selection of gifts handpicked with both bub and parents in mind, carefully put into three categories: practical, playful, and sentimental. Happy shopping!
Practical baby shower gifts:
Baby feeding essentials
Babies feed up to 12 times a day depending on their age, so feeding essentials and accessories are a great place to start this baby shower gift guide. Not only is feeding such a high-frequency activity, but it’s one that changes drastically throughout those first few months and years. So why not equip parents-to-be with tools that make the process easier at every stage? Kmart’s diverse range of baby feeding essentials includes everything from bottle warmers and breast pumps to high chairs and sippy cups.
Choose something like this messy mat for an easy way to manage inevitable spills, or opt for a thoughtful recipe book like the Baby Food Bible, featuring over 100 nutritionist-approved recipes to simplify the process of introducing bub to solids. These newborn necessities can go a long way in the everyday routine and are thoughtful yet practical gifts all parents will love.
A baby wrap or swaddle
Any mother will tell you, a baby blanket, wrap, or swaddle is an absolute must for a little one. Used to improve a baby’s sleep, as a nursing cover-up for breastfeeding on the go, or as sun protection when draped over a pram, as even my mum will tell you, “you use them for absolutely everything.” A gift that will truly stand the test of time, the other great thing is this: even if the parents receive double-ups in the baby wrap department, you really can never have too many, so this gift is a surefire win every time.
When choosing a baby blanket or bedding, go for a breathable fabric like cotton to keep them comfy, and you can’t go wrong with a vibrant pattern like these on-trend floral wraps from Kmart.
A little something for the nursery
Save the parents the task of furnishing their nursery from top to bottom and pitch in with a furniture piece they’ll be eternally grateful for. There’s so much freedom when it comes to gifting in this category, so you can opt for something as simple as a fun storage solution or contribute towards one of the nursery’s biggest essentials, like the baby cot itself.
For stylish nursery furniture that combines on-trend aesthetics with refreshingly low prices, Kmart’s nursery furniture collection is truly where it’s at. I personally love the creativity of this triangular clothes rack and animal-themed basket, each adding a sense of fun to everyday items.
Baby-proofing essentials
A slightly less glamorous gift, but possibly the most important, is baby-proofing essentials. This Kmart Safety Combo Pack is the ultimate safety-first gift, helping keep curious little hands out of drawers and cabinets and covering sharp corners around the house. Any expecting family will deeply appreciate this practical gift, as it’s often something that falls by the wayside when prepping newborn nesting essentials.
Or, for something a little more substantial, opt for a high-tech baby monitor with video capability. This gives parents peace of mind by allowing them to check in on bub any time, day or night.
Baby soothers
This is the baby shower present that the parents will still be thanking you for in years to come. Giving the gift of fewer sleepless nights for mum or dad, a baby soothing device or accessory is not only a thoughtful baby shower gift, but also shows you care just as much about the parents’ wellbeing as the baby’s. Home to every kind of baby soother under the sun, Kmart has everything from the famed Tommee Tippee teats and bottles to white noise machines that double as night lights.
After something smaller? You could also add a dummy or teether to your existing gift, as a simple but meaningful gesture that’s sure to be appreciated by those expecting.
The basics (in larger sizes)
It is no secret that kids can grow in the blink of an eye. In the early days, when this growth can occur quite literally overnight, think of gifting clothing in larger sizes of six to 12 months to accommodate the baby as they develop.
And one baby clothing item that all parents can attest will never go out of style? The good old-fashioned baby onesie. So, when considering a practical gift for your next baby shower, go for some baby onesies in a variety of sizes, starting at size 00000 and going all the way through to size 2. This will make sure the expecting parents are never short on sizes or styles when dressing their little one as they grow and develop.
Not sure where to start? Kmart has the baby basics covered for every age, all at famously low prices, so you can stock up the parents-to-be with a multipack (or two).
Playful baby shower gifts:
Playtime toys and accessories
Toys and playtime accessories are baby shower gifts that you will have just as much fun choosing as the baby will have using them. If you’re going all-in on the baby shower gift, opt for larger pieces like a rocker or walker that encourage safe play while keeping their little one occupied.
As for smaller pieces, try to find tactile newborn and baby toys like an activity cube that helps to develop their fine motor skills in the most exciting way. Whatever you’ve decided to spend on the gift, Kmart’s imaginative collection of toys, rockers, walkers, bouncers, and swings means your gift is guaranteed to inspire a tiny mind at great value.
Summer starter pack
Any Aussie baby is destined for a life in the sun, sea, and surf, so get them started with a few summertime essentials that can accompany them on future family holidays at the beach. When thinking of pieces fit for some fun in the sun, go for a patterned baby swimsuit, add a hooded towel, and top it off with a sunhat for some extra cover (and there is nothing more darling than the gingham cherry print on this Kmart bucket hat).
Bathtime play
Make bathtime easier and more fun for both baby and mum with waterproof toys or baby bath accessories that turn the tub into a magical world of make-believe. While bath toys are often overlooked in the sea of baby shower gifts, they’re responsible for some of childhood’s most treasured memories (ah, take me back!). So, we suggest thinking outside the box and opting for a bath play set, or a fun bathmat (this one even has a built-in heat indicator that can tell you if the water is the right temperature for the little one).
The cute stuff
Possibly the most fun baby shower gift to pick out, every baby deserves an overflowing closet full of tiny everyday outfits. There is simply nothing cuter than a ‘mini-me’ look, so search for what’s trending in adult fashion and replicate it for the little one.
Right now, we are loving feminine cottage-core styles, tonal ensembles, and wide-leg denim, which are all that much cuter in kids’ sizes. And, of course, with an in-house design team, Kmart’s baby clothing department is delivering on all fronts. Seriously, where can I get a pair of those Frill Hem Pants in my size?
Sentimental baby shower gifts:
Post-partum care for mum
Through morning sickness, endless doctor appointments, and of course, labour itself, mum goes through a lot in pregnancy and beyond, so don’t forget about her when settling on a baby shower gift. Think of small self-care items she can use even with a newborn in the house.
Our picks are a sleep set to take the edge off the restless nights ahead, a beauty voucher she can spend the way she needs, or (a personal favourite of mine) Kmart’s miracle worker, better known as their Massage Pillow for shoulders, back, and feet (she’ll thank us later). Putting a little something for mum in with the baby shower gift is an instant way to let her feel seen during this incredible time of change in her life, and she’ll absolutely love you for it.
Nostalgic reading
This one is the best of all worlds. An old-school kids’ book provides not only valuable stimulation for the child (or distraction so the adults can get some peace and quiet), but will also take the parents back to their own childhoods as they pass on these cherished memories to their little one. Equal parts practical and sentimental, and guaranteed to be loved for a lifetime, choose one of these classics from Kmart’s extensive children’s book offering.
A thoughtful gift set
Take the guesswork out of the baby shower gift and give them a heartfelt gift set with all the essentials. One way to ensure your present stands out from the crowd is to create your own baby shower gift box by filling a nappy caddy with anything a new parent might need on the go. We are talking nappies, baby wipes, rattle toys, and rash cream, plus anything else that adds that personal touch to the gift.
Alternatively, Kmart has done the heavy lifting for you with their Sleep Time and Essentials gift sets that say, “I care,” each packaged up beautifully and ready to present to the parents-to-be, no wrapping required. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute baby shower gift you can grab on the way, or are after something that looks amazing with little to no effort, Kmart’s gifts for new mums are the perfect pick.
How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
The jury is still out on this one, but generally, an appropriate amount to spend on a baby shower gift is between $30 and $150. But this all depends on a few factors, like how close your relationship is to the parents and whether you are attending a baby shower in person or offering some well-wishes from afar.
If you are an immediate family member or long-term friend of the expecting parents, it can be more common to purchase a bigger gift. Whereas if you’re a co-worker or a friendly acquaintance, a smaller baby shower gift acts as the perfect token of your goodwill. Another idea is to combine forces and purchase a larger group gift, which is a wonderful option, especially when you’re part of a friendship group or circle of colleagues.
But at the end of the day, what you choose to spend is completely up to you, and (especially in this economic climate) it’s not always about the dollar amount of the gift itself, but the thoughtfulness behind it. That’s why our baby shower gift guide goes the extra mile with meaningful present ideas that any parents-to-be will no doubt love and appreciate.
Is it better to go practical or sentimental?
There is a case for both practical and sentimental baby shower gifts, but the general rule of thumb is that it depends on your relationship with the parents. If you aren’t as close to the parents, the safest option is to choose something more practical (and more fail-safe), like essential clothing, feeding accessories, furniture, and beyond. There is, however, always a way to combine the practical with the playful, like a nostalgic book or a printed baby onesie.
The secret to nailing the baby shower gift
After all is said and done, the true secret to baby shower gift-giving lies in the heart behind it. When you think about practicality, longevity, and your connection to the parents, you truly can’t go wrong. If you’re still looking for inspiration, it’s a good thing Kmart is a baby gift haven. With everything for baby covered under one roof, explore Kmart’s great-value collection online or in-store that’s sure to tick every box for your next baby shower gift, and then some.
Imagery: Dupe Photos @ebony-forsyth / Death to Stock (Daniel_Farò)
This article is sponsored by Kmart and proudly endorsed by style. We only promote brands and companies that we love and think our readers will love too!
