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Baby showers

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought of

Burp cloths and onesies are typical baby shower gifts, but we've dug a little deeper to find out what the mom-to-be really needs—and might not think to buy herself.

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought of

Photo: Stocksy United

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought of

Disposable diaper delivery subscription

No one can argue with the convenience of the disposable diaper. Make sure the new parents never run out with a disposable diaper delivery subscription, allowing them to worry about one less thing.

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Cloth diaper pickup and delivery service

While cloth diapers are a great idea, they can be difficult to keep up with as a new parent. However, a cloth diaper pickup and delivery service takes the stress away and helps not only mom and dad, but the environment as well.

Read more: Newborn checklist

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Lactation consultant gift certificate

A lot of new mothers struggle with breastfeeding. Be preemptive and take the stress off the new mother with a gift certificate for a lactation consultant to come visit her at home, helping with those challenging first couple days.

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Waterproof sheets

Things get a bit cray when baby comes home. Make the parents-to-be’s lives a little less hectic by going in on a few sets of waterproof sheets or mattress protectors with friends. Layering the crib with waterproof sheet, sheet, waterproof sheet, sheet, waterproof sheet, sheet allows tired parents to simply strip a layer of bedding off as necessary without needing to change everything. Easy peasy. 

Where to buy: Bloom Luxo mattress protector, $55 per set, ellaandelliot.com>

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13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Maid service

Keeping the house tidy is the last thing on your to-do list when you have a new babe. How amazing would it be to have a gift card for housekeeping services? It’ll be a reality if you have friends who are reading this gallery of suggestions. Cleaning services can include simple day-to-day tasks like unloading the dishwasher and sweeping the floor, or can include a deeper cleaning. 

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13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Meal delivery

Lasagna and casseroles for the freezer are still welcome gifts once the sweet babe is home, but gifting your friend with a few meals via a catering service lets her call in a meal when she’s had a crazy day and the baby won’t sleep, won’t stop crying and just wants to be held. 

Read more: 15 easy meals to take to new parents

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought of

Postpartum doula service or home visits

Being a new parent, home alone for the first time, can be really terrifying! Help ease the nervousness with visits from a doula. They’ll help set the new parents up right and make for calm (or at least, calmer) sailing ahead.

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Massage

What’s better than a massage? Getting that massage in your own home. The parents-to-be will love you forever when you present them with a gift card to book their own private, at-home massage. 

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Babysitting coupons

Let the new parents have a night off to catch a movie, go on a date night, or, more realistically, catch up on some sleep. And bonus for you, you get to hang out with the new cutest baby in town. 

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Pedicure certificate

An at-home pedicure certificate is a lovely way to pamper the new mom. It takes the stress out of schlepping baby to a salon too.

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: iStockphoto

Entertainment

When you’re up late at night feeding the baby, you need something to keep you awake. Make passing the time a little more enjoyable with the gift of entertainment. Grab an iTunes gift card to download some fave shows or pick up some much-loved DVDs.

Read more: 10 shows to binge-watch while breastfeeding

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: Apple

Battery charger

You wouldn’t believe all the things in your life that are going to need batteries. From baby swings to white-noise machines, you’ll be so glad your pals picked you up a stash of batteries. Or go for rechargeable batteries and a handy, compact charger. 

Where to buy: Energizer value charger, $23, walmart.ca

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: Walmart

Gifts for later

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new baby, but while the new parents are drowning in baby gear, they often have to start from scratch when it comes to things that a 12- to 18-month-old needs. If there’s no older sibling in the picture, baby plates and utensils, first walking shoes and clothes are always appreciated. 

Where to buy: Oogaa silicone mealtime set, $18, well.ca

13 baby shower gifts you probably never thought ofPhoto: Well.ca

Read more:
18 baby shower recipes
9 things your baby doesn't really need in the first year
8 DIY baby shower favours

This article was originally published on Feb 04, 2017

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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail

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