18 Baby Shower Return Gift Ideas For Guests
Being pregnant is an absolute rollercoaster, isn’t it?
The glow, the cravings, the sheer joy of growing a tiny human inside you… but then comes the baby shower.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved celebrating with my friends and family, but the stress of picking out the perfect return gifts for my guests?
Let’s just say it took a bit of the shine off the whole thing.
You see, I’m not one for generic trinkets that end up gathering dust in a drawer.
I wanted something thoughtful, something my guests would actually enjoy and use.
But with so many options out there, and Pinterest boards overflowing with ideas, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of choices.
If you’re a mom-to-be feeling the same way, fear not!
I’ve done the hard work for you.
After scouring the internet, consulting with friends, and putting my own spin on things, I’ve curated a list of some amazing baby shower return gift ideas that are both unique and practical.
So sit back, relax, and let me take the stress out of your baby shower planning.
Best Baby Shower Return Gift Ideas For Guests
1. Customized Candles
The sweet scent of lavender and chamomile… or maybe the invigorating aroma of coffee and burnt toast (hey, no judgment).
Customized candles aren’t just a thoughtful gift; they’re a hilarious nod to the sleep deprivation all new parents inevitably face.
Imagine your guests returning home, lighting their “Baby Brain Fog” or “Team No Sleep” candle, and bursting into laughter as they realize you’ve perfectly captured the essence of their new reality.
You can even get creative with scents:
- “Diaper Explosion”: A delicate blend of baby powder and, well, something a little less delicate.
- “Rock-a-Bye Baby”: Guaranteed to knock out anyone who smells it for a solid 12 hours.
- “Spit Up Surprise”: It’s more pleasant than it sounds, we promise.
2. Mini Succulent Plants
Forget about flowers that wilt and die (kind of like your social life for the next few months).
Give your guests mini succulent plants, the perfect metaphor for thriving on minimal attention. These hardy little guys can survive anything, just like a parent chasing a toddler on two hours of sleep.
Plus, every time your friends water their succulents, they’ll think of you and your little bundle of joy… and maybe even develop a newfound appreciation for how difficult it is to keep something alive besides themselves.
3. Personalized Coffee Mugs
The only thing getting most new parents through the day is a steady stream of caffeine.
Why not give your guests a personalized coffee mug that commemorates this fact?
Ideas for slogans that you can add:
- “Fueled by Caffeine and Baby Snuggles”
- “I Run on Coffee and Chaos”
- “Mama Bear Needs Her Coffee”
Imagine your friends sipping their morning brew from a mug that perfectly sums up their existence.
It’s practical, humorous, and a constant reminder that they’re not alone in their caffeine-fueled journey through parenthood.
Bonus Tip: Include a little card with your gift that says something like:
“Thanks for showering us (and the baby!) with love. Now go home and get some sleep… or not, because you’re probably never sleeping again. Just kidding… kind of.“
4. Handmade Soap Bars
Okay, I know soap isn’t the most glamorous gift, but hear me out!
These aren’t your average drugstore bars.
We’re talking artisanal, hand-crafted soap, maybe even shaped like little duckies or baby bottles (cuteness overload!).
Think of it as giving the gift of hygiene with a side of humor.
Plus, every time your guests lather up, they’ll get a whiff of lavender, chamomile, or whatever calming scent you choose.
It’s like aromatherapy for the soul (and a gentle reminder that you’re so “soap-y” they came to your shower).
Bonus points if you wrap them in adorable baby-themed paper with a tag that says something like, “Thanks for showering us with love!“
5. Scented Bath Bombs
Okay, okay, we’re leaning into the puns here, but bath bombs are seriously a lifesaver.
After a long day of diaper changes and feedings, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a warm bath with a fizzy, fragrant bomb. And your guests will definitely appreciate the chance to unwind and de-stress.
You can even get creative with the scents and colors – think baby powder, cotton candy, or even a “mocktail” theme with fruity scents.
Just make sure to include a little note that says something like, “Thanks for coming to our shower, now go take a load off!”
6. Baby-themed Cookie Cutters
This one is for the bakers and foodies in your life! A set of baby-themed cookie cutters (onesies, rattles, tiny feet, you name it!) is not only adorable but also practical.
Your guests can use them to whip up a batch of cookies for their own little ones or to host a baby-themed party of their own.
Plus, it’s a fun way to keep the celebration going even after the shower is over. You can even include a simple sugar cookie recipe with the cutters to make it a complete gift.
7. Custom Keychains
We have all gotten those generic, forgettable party favors that end up in the junk drawer faster than you can say “diaper rash.”
But custom keychains?
Oh, honey, that’s a whole different ballgame.
Imagine your guests fishing their keys out of their purse or pocket and BAM – there it is, a tiny reminder of that adorable baby shower and the laughter-filled shenanigans that ensued.
Maybe it’s a keychain with the baby’s ultrasound picture, a funny quote about sleepless nights, or a miniature rubber ducky wearing a teeny-tiny party hat.
The possibilities are endless, my babes, and that’s the beauty of it.
You can get as creative as you want, and trust me, your guests will appreciate the personal touch.
Plus, every time they use their keys, they’ll think of you and your little bundle of joy.
That’s what I call a win-win situation!
8. Photo Frames
Hold on to your hats, folks, because we’re about to get a little sentimental.
There’s nothing quite like flipping through a photo album filled with memories of your loved ones, right?
So why not give your guests a head start on their own baby shower scrapbook with a personalized photo frame?
Picture a beautifully crafted frame with the baby’s name, birth date, or a sweet message etched on it.
Your guests can then fill it with their favorite snaps from the shower – the cake cutting, the gift opening, the hilarious diaper-changing relay race (hey, it could happen!).
Every time they look at that photo frame, they’ll be transported back to that special day and the joy they shared with you.
9. Handcrafted Coasters
Babies are messy little creatures.
But who says you can’t add a touch of whimsy and practicality to the chaos?
Enter: handcrafted coasters.
Not only do these little gems protect your furniture from those inevitable spills and stains, but they also add a touch of personality to your home decor.
Whether you opt for coasters made from wood, ceramic, or even recycled materials, there’s no denying their charm.
Imagine your guests sipping their coffee or tea on a coaster adorned with a cute baby animal, a funny quote about parenthood, or even a mini fingerprint of the guest of honor.
Plus, every time they use their coaster, they’ll think of you and the adorable little one who inspired it all.
That’s a pretty sweet deal, if you ask me.
10. Aromatherapy Diffusers
It’s 3 AM.
Your little bundle of joy has decided that sleep is for the weak.
You haven’t showered in days, and your caffeine intake could fuel a small rocket.
But then, you stumble into the living room, and the calming scent of lavender from your new diffuser washes over you. Suddenly, the world doesn’t seem so terrible.
Maybe, just maybe, you can survive this parenting thing.
That’s the power of aromatherapy, folks!
These diffusers aren’t just a pretty decoration; they’re a lifesaver.
Give your guests the gift of serenity with a cute diffuser and a few essential oils.
Not only will it make their homes smell heavenly, but it might just save their sanity (or at least postpone the breakdown for a few hours).
Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of being a fancy spa owner, even if it’s just in their own living room?
11. Personalized Tote Bags
Honestly, once that baby arrives, your fashion choices go out the window faster than a toddler escaping bath time.
Say goodbye to stylish handbags and hello to the bottomless pit of baby gear that is the diaper bag.
But who says a diaper bag can’t be cute?
Enter the personalized tote bag.
It’s practical, stylish, and perfect for hauling around everything from diapers and wipes to emergency snacks and that one toy that always stops the tantrums.
Personalize it with the baby’s name or a funny quote like “I run on caffeine and baby snuggles.”
Your guests will appreciate the practicality and the fact that you didn’t just give them another onesie they’ll never use.
12. Gourmet Chocolate Boxes
There will be days (or nights, rather) when all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a giant box of chocolates and binge-watch questionable reality TV.
Why not give your guests a head start on their chocolate stash?
A gourmet chocolate box is the perfect pick-me-up for those early morning feedings or late-night diaper changes.
Choose a variety of flavors to cater to everyone’s tastes, and don’t forget to include a few extra dark chocolate squares for those “I need this to survive” moments.
After all, chocolate is basically one’s best friend, right?
Bonus Tip: Pair the chocolate with a funny card that says something like “Congrats on the new baby! Now go eat your feelings.”
They’ll laugh, they’ll cry (from sleep deprivation), and they’ll definitely thank you.
13. Herbal Tea Assortments
Once that little bundle of joy arrives, “sleeping in” becomes a nostalgic tale whispered among parents like some ancient legend.
That’s why gifting your baby shower guests an assortment of calming herbal teas is not just thoughtful, it’s downright strategic.
We’re talking chamomile for those 3 a.m. feedings, peppermint for when the baby spits up on your only clean shirt, and lavender for… well, lavender for when you realize you haven’t showered in three days.
It’s basically a “zen in a mug” starter kit, perfectly sized for one-handed sipping while rocking a colicky infant.
Bonus points if you include a tag that says, “May your tea be strong and your nights be short.”
14. Baby Footprint Kits
Baby footprints are ridiculously cute.
But have you ever tried to capture those tiny toes without ending up with ink on the walls, the dog, and your favorite shirt?
Yeah, it’s not pretty.
That’s where these genius kits come in.
They provide everything needed to create a perfect imprint without turning your living room into a Jackson Pollock painting.
Your guests will get a keepsake that’s both adorable and a reminder that they don’t have to deal with the cleanup.
15. Infused Olive Oils
Forget those dusty bottles of flavored olive oil from your grandma’s pantry!
We’re talking artisanal, baby.
Imagine tiny bottles filled with olive oil infused with rosemary and garlic (perfect for dipping bread while you’re up at 2 AM with the little one).
Or maybe a citrus-infused oil that screams “sunshine” even when you haven’t showered in three days.
The beauty of this gift?
It’s both practical (hello, easy weeknight dinners) and a little luxurious for your guests.
Plus, it’s a subtle way of saying, “Yes, I’m still a gourmet despite the fact that my vocabulary now mainly consists of ‘goo goo’ and ‘ga ga’.”
16. Decorative Fridge Magnets
Who says fridge magnets have to be cheesy?
We’re talking mini works of art here!
Think adorable animal shapes, quirky quotes about parenthood (“Spit happens”), or even custom designs featuring the baby’s name or initials (but, like, tasteful, not those ones that blink and sing).
These little guys are more than just decor; they’re a lifeline.
A reminder that there’s still a world outside of daily quarrels and constant stress.
A tiny spark of joy when your guests open the fridge for the fifth time in an hour (because, let’s face it, even they would often forget what they were looking for).
Pro tip: Get a variety of designs so your guests can pick their favorites. It’s like a miniature art gallery for your fridge!
17. Travel-sized Hand Lotions
These tiny bottles of moisturization are like superheroes, swooping in to combat dryness and restore softness to your weary hands.
They’re perfect for on-the-go nose blows, ensuring that your guests’ hands stay smooth and supple even after tackling the messiest situations.
Plus, they come in a variety of delightful scents, so you can choose the one that best suits the mood (lavender for calming, citrus for invigorating, etc.).
It’s a small but practical gift that shows your guests you understand the challenges of parenthood and want to make their lives a little easier.
18. Homemade Jams or Honey
Who doesn’t love a jar of homemade goodness?
It’s like receiving a warm hug from your taste buds.
Imagine your guests savoring a spoonful of homemade jam on their morning toast, reminiscing about the fun-filled baby shower and the anticipation of the little one’s arrival.
Not only are homemade jams and honey delicious, but they also offer a touch of personalization and thoughtfulness.
It’s a way of saying, “Hey, I care about you, and I want you to enjoy a little sweetness in your life.”
Plus, it’s a subtle hint that your guests should start practicing their baby-holding skills because soon they’ll be juggling a little bundle of joy and a spoon full of sticky jam.
As we wrap up our journey through these baby shower return gifts, remember that the perfect present isn’t about the price tag, but the thoughtfulness and joy it brings.
Whether it’s a practical item, a sentimental keepsake, or a delicious treat, your guests will appreciate the gesture and the love you’ve put into celebrating your little one’s arrival.
So, choose the gifts that resonate with you and your guests, and let the shower of appreciation begin!
