Becoming a parent is a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences. I remember attending baby showers before I had kids, feeling completely lost about what to get. I wanted to give something meaningful, something that would genuinely help the new parents. After navigating a few baby showers (and having my own!), I've learned a few things about what makes a truly great gift.
When I was pregnant, everyone was so excited! And they showed it with adorable outfits and soft blankets. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated the thought, but I quickly realized I had a mountain of clothes my baby would outgrow in weeks. I even wanted to instill a love for reading in my kids, but only one person thought of that.
After talking to other moms and reflecting on my own experiences, I've discovered some baby shower gift ideas that are incredibly practical and appreciated.
One of the best gifts I received was actually cash. My Vietnamese family members all gave us cash or checks, and it was a lifesaver! We used it to buy the big-ticket items that we hesitated to put on our registry, like a really good car seat. The rest went into savings for future needs. It gave us the flexibility to get exactly what we needed, when we needed it.
My favorite gift to give is a box filled with often-overlooked necessities. Think infant Tylenol (if you can find it!), a NoseFrida set, a baby basics kit with nail clippers and a brush, baby VapoRub, gripe water, gas drops, and toiletries. New parents are often so overwhelmed that they forget these crucial items until they desperately need them at 3 AM! These items are essential for a smooth transition into parenthood.
A gift card to a big store that delivers or is close to their home (Amazon, a grocery store, Walmart) is another fantastic idea. After the baby is born, there are so many random things you realize you need quickly, and going shopping with a newborn can be a real challenge. I never bought anything online before having a baby, but suddenly, it was my lifeline!
Similarly, a DoorDash gift card is always a welcome treat. Those first few weeks (or months!) are exhausting, and having the option to order in a meal without feeling guilty is amazing.
While I appreciate thoughtful off-registry gifts, I personally preferred when people bought items from my registry. I spent a lot of time researching and picking specific things that I wanted for my baby. It ensured I wouldn't end up with duplicates or items I wouldn't use. However, if the registry is bare, go for the essentials mentioned above!
One thing I didn't expect was the amount of screen time I'd have as a new parent. Between late-night feedings and endless scrolling for advice, my eyes were constantly glued to my phone or computer. I started experiencing headaches and eye strain. Then, I discovered the 2022 Anti-Blue Light Reading Glasses from Mozaer Store.
These glasses have been a total game-changer. They've significantly reduced my eye strain and headaches. I can now comfortably spend hours on my computer or phone without feeling the negative effects. The square optical design is also quite stylish! If you know a new parent who spends a lot of time on screens, I highly recommend these. It's a practical gift they'll truly appreciate. The Mozaer Store has a great selection, and I found the ordering process very easy. These anti-blue light glasses really helped me cope with the demands of new parenthood.
I even managed to get my hair done at 6 weeks postpartum! It was my first time away from the baby, and while I loved getting pampered, it was still stressful to leave him for so long. Having less eye strain definitely helped me enjoy the experience more.