As a Shopping Writer and Mom, These Are the 10 Baby Shower Gifts I’ve Found Are Worth the Splurge

Conventional wisdom may advise parents to fill their registry with affordable selections around $50 or less (and diapers…lots and lots of diapers), but when I attend a baby shower for a close friend or family member, I tend to gift something a more expensive—yet truly useful—item. When I had my daughter, my mother bought me a convertible Graco crib and accompanying mattress, while a close friend bought the Graco 4Ever convertible car seat, which my daughter still uses to this day in booster mode.

Even if it’s not for their actual shower, splurging on a baby gift for a close friend or family member is a lovely way to support them as they get ready to welcome their little one. So, I rounded up 10 fantastic wishlist items (including ones I’ve given and been gifted myself) that expecting parents would love to receive—including the editor-loved Nuna rotating car seat, Uppababy convertible stroller, and Babyletto convertible crib. 

The Ollie Swaddle

I took plenty of prenatal classes when I was pregnant, including several sessions on the importance of swaddling. I never really got the hang of it—my daughter would wriggle out of it just seconds after I thought I’d wrapped her correctly—so I wish I’d had the handy Ollie swaddle, which has various loops that guide you through proper swaddling procedures. One of our Parents editors can’t sing its praises enough, sharing that “The Ollie swaddle is my go-to baby shower gift! Every parent I’ve gifted the swaddle has raved about how quickly their baby falls asleep. 10/10 recommend!”

To buy: The Ollie Swaddle $70; amazon.com

Hatch Rest+ 2 Gen Sleep Machine

Getting little ones to sleep can be a serious undertaking (trust me, I’ve been there). So, anything that helps babies fall asleep faster or stay asleep longer is worth the money in my book. I’m a huge fan of the Hatch Rest+ 2 because it uses Bluetooth so parents can create schedules, switch between white noise sounds, adjust the volume, and even change colors to create a soothing sleep environment.

“This was a game changer for us,” gushed one shopper after sharing how it revolutionized their toddler’s sleeping habits. Also, your giftee’s baby can continue using this even when they graduate to a big kid’s room.

To buy: Hatch Rest+ 2 $90; amazon.com and hatch.co

Uppababy Vista V2 Stroller

This is certainly a splurge, but the Uppababy Vista V2 stroller offers so much longevity that it’s a worthwhile investment. After testing 20 different convertible strollers, our editors even named it our very favorite because of its easy assembly, smooth maneuverability, and comfort for babies and stroller pushes alike. We also appreciate that it comes with a bassinet attachment and can convert into a double stroller with a ride-along board to accommodate up to three kids.

“We use it every day, whether it’s walks around the neighborhood or grocery shopping,” confided one reviewer, who added that the extra-roomy storage basket can double as a cart for small shopping trips. 

To buy: Uppababy Vista V2 Convertible Stroller $1,000; amazon.com

Regalo Baby Hip Seat Carrier

Most traditional carriers position babies forward or parent-facing in the front or back, which is nice for being hands-free. But sometimes, you need to carry your child on your hip. This Regalo Baby Hip Seat Carrier makes the lift a bit easier while taking the strain off your back. Just remember, this is intended for babies with neck and back control (usually around 6 months old).

To buy: Regalo Baby Hip Seat Carrier $35; amazon.com 

Ezpz Mini Self-Feeding Set

While not as pricey as some of our other baby shower picks, this Ezpz feeding set is a useful pick that new and experienced parents will appreciate having around once their baby is old enough to eat solids. The complete place setting for budding eaters includes a plate with a built-in placemat and dividers, a lidded cup with a straw, a fork, and a spoon—all made from BPA-free, food-safe silicone. It’s “super easy to clean and is 100% worth the money,” shared one reviewer. And to take something off the parent’s endless plate (pun intended), it’s dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.

To buy: Ezpz Mini Self-Feeding Set $52 (was $58); amazon.com

Fenaire Large Hollywood Makeup Mirror

Is this for the baby? Nope, not at all. But it’s also nice to remember that parents had personalities, hobbies, and a life before they became parents. Maintaining some of those passions can help you stay grounded when you’re in the parenthood trenches (makeup is one of mine). This mirror is a fun little splurge that reminds someone that it’s okay to take some me-time between diaper changes, endless loads of baby laundry, and feeding schedules. 

I have this mirror and love its three dimmable color modes and that it can play music via the built-in Bluetooth speakers. “It was very easy to set up,” noted one buyer, who added that the lighting is “bright” and “perfect” for makeup applications. In addition to showing the date and time on the digital display, it also has a USB port for charging your devices and an auxiliary port for devices that aren’t Bluetooth-enabled. 

To buy: Fenair Large Hollywood Makeup Mirror $140 with on-site coupon (was $165); amazon.com

Nuna Revv Rotating Convertible Car Seat

Getting babies in and out of car seats is far from enjoyable, especially if they’re sleeping or fussy. While rotating car seats are one of the priciest baby safety items, they’re also the type of product that makes you wonder how you got along without them. The Nuna Revv Rotating Convertible Car Seat was the most comfortable rotating car seat we tested, impressing us with its full 360-degree rotation, meaning it can rotate no matter whether it’s forward- or rear-facing, which isn’t always the case with rotating car seats. 

“Talk about ease of putting our baby into the car!” agreed one shopper. “[My son is] so comfortable in the seat and does not fuss or seem uncomfortable at all.” Plus, intuitive magnetic buckle holders keep the straps out of the way to make getting babies into the seat easier. It’s also made with Greenguard Gold-certified upholstery and features two dishwasher-safe removable cup holders. 

To buy: Nuna Revv Rotating Convertible Car Seat $650; potterybarnkids.com

Babyletto Gelato Convertible 4-in-1 Mini Crib

If you have the means to gift someone a crib, they’ll probably love you forever. Cribs are pricey affairs, but with a convertible model, it’s going to grow with the child. The Babyletto Gelato Convertible 4-in-1 Mini Crib earned a spot on our list of the best editor-tested cribs as a less expensive alternative to the Nestig Cloud mini crib, which is nearly $750. For smaller homes, you can easily shift the Gelato from a mini crib to a mini toddler bed, mini daybed, or twin bed. Choose from two finishes: white and natural wood.

To buy: Babyletto Gelato Convertible 4-in-1 Mini Crib from $225 (was $299); target.com and potterybarnkids.com

Petite Maison Coco Caramel Tulle Dress

From photoshoots to first birthday parties or even christenings, parents hardly need an excuse to dress up their babies in adorable clothes. This floaty ethereal dress is absolutely gorgeous and will, of course, photograph nicely. “This is an incredibly beautiful dress,” exclaimed one shopper. While I have this in the 6T for my fully out-of-the-baby stage daughter, the brand does offer this in sizes as small as 12 months. 

To buy: Petite Maison Coco Caramel Tulle Dress $156; maisonette.com

Ayla & Co Diaper Bag

Diaper bags have come a long way. These days, people prefer sleek versatile designs that don’t scream, “There are diapers inside.” I have this vegan leather diaper bag from Ayla & Co and love that it doubles as a chic crossbody or backpack now that my daughter is older. In addition to ample room for diapers and wipes, the interior has an insulated pouch for bottles, a changing pad, a wet bag for dirty diapers, and stroller straps. The removable, washable inner liner is a nice touch that helps keep this bag clean. 

To buy: Ayla Diaper Bag $178 (was $209); amazon.com

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