A baby shower is a significant milestone because it is the first time that people important to the would-be mother gather and celebrate the coming of a new blessing. It could be a family member, relative, or friend. But when you are invited, it is always a thrill. More than the giving of gifts, it offers you an opportunity to share in the joy and give your commitment to be a part of the child’s life.
The Toys and Baby segment in Australia, which include baby shower gifts, is projected to hit AUD$1.2 billion in 2020. The industry itself has performed consistently, showing an average compound annual growth rate of six per cent. By 2024, the market is expected to reach AUD$1.6 billion as the user penetration will reach 17.4 per cent from 13 per cent in 2020.
How Much is Your Budget?
For the rich and famous, money is no object. They could spend as much as they want and not bat an eye. However, for the average person, it is not recommended to blow your budget for the gift because your role in the child’s life is not going to be a one-time deal.
So, here is your guide on how much to have as a budget for baby shower gifts.
- If it is a distant friend or a coworker, it is just right to spend about $20-$30 on the gift. But if you can find a cute gift for under $20, do not worry about people thinking about you being a cheapskate. It is perfectly acceptable considering your relationship to the mother.
- If you are invited to the baby shower of a relative or friend, then you can raise your budget from $30 to $60. You can do a lot with that budget, and you do not even have to go to the store to pick up an item. Online baby shops offer unparalleled convenience as you can pick and drag products to the cart in the comforts of your home.
- If you are looking for baby shower gifts for a family member or a close friend, then you can budget more than $100. It allows you to pick something special for the baby. It also means that you should put more effort into the selection process, especially since you have a close relationship with the mother and are familiar with what they want.
Another way to go about your gifts is to pool your resources for a more expensive item that the mother could really use, especially if she cannot afford it. For example, prams and strollers typically go for hundreds of dollars, or even over $1,000. If you cannot afford that on your own, you can secretly join forces with your other friends and family members and pick something the mother would truly appreciate.
It is easier to find baby shower gifts if you are already a parent yourself because you can base your choice on your experience when you are just starting out. If you have no kids of your own, you can solicit suggestions from others, or you can just buy an item online. However, make sure to order earlier to account for emergencies and make sure the products will arrive ahead of the baby shower.