How Much Should You Spend on a Baby Shower Gift
Danielle KindschiHow Much Should You Spend on a Baby Shower Gift?
If you have ever found yourself wondering how much people usually spend on a baby shower gift, you are not alone. Baby showers are such a joyful occasion, but gifting can feel a little tricky, especially when the shower is for a coworker, a distant relative, or someone you do not know very well.
Here is the good news. There is not one perfect number. A thoughtful baby shower gift is not about spending the most. It is about choosing something that feels appropriate, useful, and gift ready.
In this guide, we will break down common spending ranges, when it makes sense to spend more or less, and how to choose a gift that feels just right.
If you are also looking for specific gift ideas, you can start with our full guide to the best baby shower gifts.
The short answer is that the right amount depends on your relationship
Most baby shower gifts fall into a few common ranges, but what feels appropriate usually depends on how close you are to the parents to be.
As a general guide:
Coworker or acquaintance: $25 to $60
Friend: $50 to $100
Close friend or family: $75 to $150 or more
Group gift: $25 to $75 per person combined into one larger gift
These are helpful guardrails, not rules. What matters most is choosing something that feels intentional and genuinely useful.
A simple way to decide what to spend
If you are stuck, use this quick checklist.
Are you attending in person or sending a gift from afar?
If you are attending, you may want something that looks beautiful on a gift table. If you are shipping, you will want something that arrives gift ready.
A curated gift that ships beautifully, like a baby bouquet, looks beautiful on a gift table.
Is this a first baby or a sprinkle or second baby?
For a first baby, most gifts are welcome. For a second baby, parents often appreciate practical essentials more than lots of extras. That is why gifts like diaper cakes are such a smart option.
Are you gifting on your own or as part of a group?
Group gifts are a great way to give something meaningful without one person carrying the whole cost. They also work especially well for statement gifts that feel beautiful at the shower.
Baby shower gifts by budget with ideas that feel gift ready
Under $50
This range is perfect for coworker showers, casual gatherings, or when you want to bring something sweet without overthinking it.
The key here is choosing something that still feels complete, not like you grabbed something random last minute.
A few safe approaches:
-Choose one thoughtfully selected essential, like a cozy comfort item or baby book
-Pick a small gift that is already presentable on its own
-Go neutral when you are unsure of the nursery theme
If you are not sure what the parents prefer, browsing gender neutral baby gifts is a great way to choose confidently.
$50 to $75
This is one of the most common baby shower gifting ranges, and it is a sweet spot for choosing something that feels thoughtful and put together.
Great picks here include:
Blanket wrapped baby bouquets, a favorite giftable option at $69 from our baby bouquets collection or
building your own gift by pairing a few smaller items together so it feels personal and intentional
A few easy pairings that work beautifully:
-A cupcake set plus a board book
-A lovey plus a mini bouquet
If you are unsure, here is a simple rule. Start with one main gift and add one small coordinating item. Keeping it cohesive always looks polished.
$75 to $125
If you are shopping for a close friend, sibling, or someone you are especially excited for, this range allows for a gift that feels both beautiful and practical.
This is where gifts that make an impact at the shower really shine, especially if you will be attending in person.
Two go to choices:
A diaper cake, which works as a centerpiece and includes essentials parents truly use
A curated baby gift box, which feels polished, gift ready, and easy to send
These gifts tend to feel finished right out of the box, which is exactly what many gift givers want.
$125 or more
This range is usually reserved for immediate family, best friends, grandparents, or group gifting where several people are contributing.
If you’re shopping in this range, you have a little more room to create a gift that feels truly special. You can go one of two ways. Choose one statement gift that makes an impact, or build a small, thoughtful set that feels personal and beautifully coordinated.
Option 1: Choose one statement gift
If the parents have a registry, it can be a helpful starting point, especially for bigger ticket items. That said, registries often get picked over quickly, and many gift givers still prefer something that feels gift ready and special to open.
Option 2: Build your own gift set
If you want something that feels more personal, start with one main item and add one or two coordinating pieces. It is an easy way to make your gift feel intentional without overcomplicating it.
If you would like to mix and match, you can also use our Build a Gift section to put together a set that fits the family you are shopping for.
When it is completely okay to spend less
There are plenty of times when a lower budget is perfectly appropriate.
It is okay to spend less when:
-It is a workplace shower, especially if many people are contributing
-You were invited as a plus one
-You are budgeting carefully
-It is a sprinkle or second baby
-You are sending a simple gift and a heartfelt note
A beautiful, useful gift in a lower price range can still feel incredibly thoughtful, especially when it is gift ready and cohesive.
What matters more than the price tag
If you want your gift to feel just right, focus on these three things.
Usefulness
The gifts parents appreciate most are the ones they actually use, like diapers, comfort items, and everyday essentials.
Presentation
A gift that looks beautiful on a table or arrives gift ready immediately feels more thoughtful. That is why baby bouquets and curated gift boxes are so popular. They feel special without requiring extra work from you.
Confidence
When you choose a gift that fits the occasion and the relationship, it shows. If you are unsure of the theme, gender neutral gifts are always a safe, classic option.
A quick guide by relationship for when you want an easy answer
Coworker or acquaintance: $25 to $60
Choose something polished and gift ready.
Friend: $50 to $100
This is where gift sets and main gift plus small add on combinations work beautifully.
Close friend or family: $75 to $150 or more
Statement gifts l or curated baby gift boxes are great here.
Group gift: contribute what feels comfortable, often $25 to $75 per person
Combine it into one standout gift for a cohesive, elevated feel.
If you are trying to decide what to spend, do not overthink it. Choose a budget that feels comfortable, then focus on picking something useful, gift ready, and thoughtfully put together. Whether you are gifting $40 or $140, the goal is the same. Celebrate the parents to be with something that feels supportive and easy to give with confidence.
And for a full list of top gift ideas, here is our guide to the best baby shower gifts.
