How to Win the Baby Shower (A Roundup)

I know, I know, of course a baby shower isn’t a competition.  Of course.  Mostly.  Sure.

Anyway.

I have a tried and true shopping method for showers of all kinds – one thing off the registry (because people want things off the registry, obviously) and one thing unexpected and fun (because choosing gifts for people is fun, and sometimes people don’t know about some great things, and, ya know, surprises!  Wheee!)  Today, for your perusing pleasure, I have a quick round up of nine items that probably won’t be on your girlfriend’s registry, but probably will be well received, happily given, and well-loved.

Without further ado:

1) Columbia Sportswear’s Fleece Baby jackets.  These are, quite frankly, the most clever and useful jackets on the market.  The hoods are deep and stay on like you wouldn’t believe, the sleeves are long enough to be worn well past the advertised size, the fleece is warm enough that I never worry about the cold, but breathes well enough that she doesn’t overheat, they fit snuggly to the body, which makes it much easier to get her in and out of carriers or strollers or whatever – incredibly practical, cute colors, we love them.  Good, good, good.

2) Nursing necklaces!  Whether she breastfeeds, bottle feeds, or babywears, those little hands will be looking for things to grab.  These necklaces from KangarooCare on Etsy are customizable, gorgeous quality, and super cute in person.  Ours keeps Fabes occupied while I wrap her on my back and gives her something safe to gnaw on that isn’t, well, me.

3) Trumpette Socks.  Cute, fun, and they actually stay on baby feet, which makes them better than all of the other baby socks.  Win, win, win.

4) Sweet handmade jersey headbands  – this one is from Etsy’s MamaOwlShop – are such a lovely, modern twist on traditional baby girl bows and giant flowers.  I love that they are soft and cozy, and less likely to leave weird dents in new heads if slept on.  My goal for the spring is to convince my daughter to keep one on her head for more than five minutes.  Wish me luck.

5) Alphabet Animal Flash Cards by Lisa DeJohn.  We received these as a gift at Fable’s shower, and they are adorable – frame-worthy adorable – and sturdy and creative and Fabes loves sorting, stacking, and flinging them around.  These are art.  They are also fun.  It’s the best of all things.

6) Speaking of art, I’m obsessed with the fact that artist Scott Erickson’s work is now available in onesie form.  Instant hipster baby status achieved.  We endeavor to collect them all.  Because they are all completely amazing.

7) Wacky duckies!  These ducks from Boon are adorable, but what makes them fantastic is their lack of holes – no way for water to get all up in these ducks, which inevitably leads to mold and gunk and stink and ick.  Zany, colorful, mold-and-ick free duckies for everybody!  Don’t they just make you smile?

8) Babylegs – the most useful and adorable baby accessory ever.  They have tons of adorable styles for girls AND boys, and these little leggings are genius for keeping socks and shoes on tiny feet and bridging that troublesome ankle gap between pants and socks on cold days.  They also make traveling with tinies easy – these and a onesie and you’re good to go with easy access for changes.  We use ours as suck pads on carriers or to insulate leaky bottles in a pinch – we love them.  Plus, um, so cute.

9) Feeling splurgy?  Whether they have registered for other carriers or not, a Sakura Bloom sling is a lovely addition to a new mama’s wardrobe.  A lot of baby carriers are clunky and industrial-looking – ring slings are wonderful for any event, or heck, any day when you just want to feel pretty.  They’re also shockingly useful – you can use a ring sling with a newborn and continue to use it well into toddlerhood.  Simple, useful, lovely – a wonderful way to spoil a close friend or relative.

What are your favorite off-registry baby gifts to give?  What items have you found to be the most fun and useful?  Let us know below!

Full Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.  None of the companies mentioned here have solicited our opinions, contacted us in any way, or sent us free stuff.  Though I wouldn’t mind if they did.  Obviously.  🙂