How Much to Spend on a Baby Shower Gift in 2025

While the parents-to-be are the ones who build their baby registry, it’s the guests who decide what ultimately makes it to the gift table. According to a report from Babylist, the average value of a baby gift is around $130.

But it’s up to you to decide how much you’ll spend, as the guest. It depends on your budget and your relationship with the future parents.

A grandparent may go all-out and splurge on high-ticket items, while a work acquaintance will likely choose a lower-cost item. If you’re wondering how much to spend on a baby shower gift, keep reading for our breakdown of baby shower gifts and their price tags.

The Data-Backed Checklist to Help You Decide

Many gift-givers shop based on their priority – whether practicality or sentimentality. According to Babylist’s survey, 44% wanted to give a practical gift, while 14% of gift-givers decided on something personal and thoughtful. This also depends on the relationship between the gifter and the expecting parents.

It’s important to decide on a budget and choose a gift that falls within that price category. More than a quarter of gift-givers make budget considerations when choosing a gift. About 28% will set a budget, while only 8% purchase from the registry without thinking about their wallets.

Baby Shower Gifts with Price Ranges

• $500 and up
• $200-$500 
• $100-$200
• $50-$100
• $20-$50

How Much Should I Spend on a Friend’s Baby Shower Gift?

This is the big question. If you’re attending a baby shower, bringing a gift is customary.

It’s difficult to decide how much to spend, though. How do you know what is appropriate to spend? What is the average amount? Here are some things to consider:

• How close is the friend? Typically, if it’s a close friend, you’ll spend more than if the parent-to-be is an acquaintance. If you’ve known this person for many years, they may expect a bigger present. However, some other things matter, too.
• Is this their first or second baby? If your friend is having their first child, they’ll need all kinds of things for the newborn, so they might appreciate a more expensive present. However, suppose it’s their second baby. In that case, they’ll probably already have a lot of the big-ticket items like a stroller and a crib.
• Do they have a registry? A registry is beneficial because it tells you exactly what the parents-to-be need. If the new parents don’t have one, you can assume they aren’t too concerned about getting big presents. But if they do have a registry, definitely get something from the list.
• What does the mom-to-be need most? Think about what your friend already has and what she still needs. Typically, big-ticket items like high chairs are essential and everyday things like diapers, bibs, and bottles are also appreciated.
• How much can you afford? Your friend won’t want you to skip the electric bill to get her a gift. When selecting a present, remember that picking up something small is perfectly fine if you don’t have much extra money, even if the parent-to-be is a close friend. If you can afford it, by all means, buy something expensive from the registry, but, if not, don’t sweat it. What matters more than the present is your presence for the new parents at their baby shower. You were invited to the party to share their happiness, not because they wanted a gift.

$500 and Up

This is the highest price range for a baby shower gift. These gifts are usually purchased by close friends and family who can splurge. Group gifting is also an excellent option for this category, as it allows loved ones to buy bigger-ticket items without footing the entire gift cost. Make sure to prioritize gifts on the mom-to-be’s registry over other options.

Gifts in the $500 and up price range can include a convertible car seat and stroller set. Convertible car seats adjust, growing with the baby, allowing parents to use them for several years before upgrading to a larger option or booster seat. Strollers are also used for many years, from infancy to toddler years. Sets, including a car seat and stroller combo, can cost $500 or more.

Another option in this category is nursery furniture. A crib, nursing chair, dresser, and changing table are staples for many nurseries. These pieces sometimes come in a set or carry a hefty price tag, depending on the style and manufacturer.

Other high-ticket items include high-tech smart baby monitors and diaper subscription services, depending on the subscription length.

$200-$500

The second-highest category falls within the $200 – $500 price range. Again, those closest to the parents-to-be may choose gifts in this category. Check the expecting parents’ baby registry for items at this price point. This might include an infant car seat, essential for getting the baby home from the hospital, and any other car travel. A baby swing or bouncer also falls within this price range and is a great way to soothe or keep baby entertained.

Also in this category are baby bedding sets with adorable patterns and higher thread counts. While parents will only need a crib sheet initially, a matching baby blanket will be useful later in life. Useful around the six-month stage is a high chair that allows the baby to sit at the table with their parents as they taste their first foods.

$100-$200

This is the most popular price range for family and close friends shopping from a baby registry. In this category, baby bottle warmers are perfect for late-night feedings and baby video monitors to keep an eye on the little one.

A portable travel baby crib is a wonderful addition for parents who take frequent vacations or simply want to have the baby sleep in their room for the first few months. Baby carries or slings keep parents’ hands-free while carrying the baby along with them as they take a walk or shop for groceries. No matter what you select, look at the parents’ baby registry first to see what they need.

$50-$100

Popular among friends or those with a tighter budget are gifts within the $50 – $100 range. Take a peek at the mom-to-be’s baby registry. You’ll find gifts, including baby swaddle blankets to keep Baby cozy at night and bath toys that provide entertainment in the tub. In this price range, you might also purchase baby food storage containers, which are great for keeping food fresh while the little one is trying new flavors for the first time.

A baby bottle set with bottles in small and large sizes allows parents to easily switch to bigger feeding portions as the baby gets bigger.

$20-$50

If you don’t know the mom particularly well, or if you have a smaller budget, don’t worry. There are still plenty of options with lower price tags. The mom-to-be will likely have lots of items on her registry for less than $50. Gifts in this price range also work well for gift-givers who purchased a larger item but want to throw in something a little extra.

In this category, you might find a set of pacifiers to soothe a fussy baby or a bathrobe to keep the sweet little one warm and cozy after a bath. Soft baby toys are popular during the early months, and a baby sleep sack keeps even the wiggliest baby secure at bedtime.

Gift a baby book set to help the expecting parents start a library and share many bonding moments with their son or daughter as they read together. A baby milestone blanket is a thoughtful gift that serves as a cute backdrop as parents capture photos of their little one each month.

Also Read: Hand-Me-Down Gifts for A baby Shower? Yes, it’s a Thing!