If you need to find the perfect baby shower gift, why not make it at home? Making your own gift is easy, budget-friendly, and fun!
I have creative DIY baby shower gifts that any parent would be happy to receive.
Handmade gifts are so exciting to give! I find that making something with your hands is one of the very best ways to show someone that you care.
And what better occasion to show your love than at the celebration of a new baby?
In this post, I’ve compiled 17 of the best DIY baby shower gifts for you to make right from home.
I’ve also included links to step-by-step instructions for these creative DIYs, free patterns, and some signs of both good and bad baby gifts.
Each one of these DIY baby shower gifts is something that any new parent would love! They are all unisex, so you can make and gift them with ease.
Plus, these ideas are super budget-friendly because you’re making them at home. No matter your budget, you’ll be able to give the perfect gift.
Craft one of these ideas for a gift that will actually be used, appreciated, and kept long-term. Get ready to dive deep into the world of DIY baby shower gifts!
Signs Of Good DIY Baby Shower Gifts
Though there is no perfect baby shower gift, I think a great present often has at least one of these qualities:
- Practicality – You want to give new parents gifts that will actually be useful! Make sure yours is ultra-practical for a guaranteed win; ideas as simple as diapers or baby sunscreen will be highly appreciated.
- Longevity – Good gifts have staying power. Try to pick something that parents and babies will use again and again for years to come.
- Sentimentality – A bit of thoughtful sentiment will always push your gift idea over the edge. Bring a DIY gift that is full of thought and care to your next baby shower.
What Not To Bring To A Baby Shower
So what should we avoid bringing to a baby shower? There are a few faux pas when it comes to baby shower gifts.
Remember: These are just guidelines, not hard and fast rules. You know your friends and family best and what they’d be happy to receive!
Some examples of items to avoid include:
- Any clothes bigger than 1 year – Storing extra baby clothes isn’t always feasible! If you want to gift something that the baby will grow into, cap yourself at the 1-year mark.
- Used items – Some people love to receive used/repurposed goods; others can get really offended by the concept. No matter your stance, play it safe and bring your items new.
- Seasonal items – Seasonal items are so tempting and sweet, but they aren’t all that practical. Bring items that babies can use all year (and year after year!).
- Things not on the registry – Parents often spend a lot of time and effort on their registries. If they don’t request additional onesies, don’t bring them!
- Alcohol – Avoid gifting alcohol, even if the mom has already given birth. Whether they’re breastfeeding or just abstaining, it’s best to choose something else unless you know it’s a gift they will appreciate.
17+ DIY Baby Shower Gifts
Ready for some great do-it-yourself ideas?
Here are 17 creative DIY baby shower gift ideas that parents will love receiving (+ links to step-by-step instructions to make them at home!).
1. Collared baby bib
If you want a sweet way to celebrate a new little boy or girl, you can’t go wrong with these adorable collared baby bibs.
Mix and match cotton and terry cloth fabrics in the colors and patterns of your choosing. Simply follow the free pattern provided to make this gorgeous DIY baby shower gift!
As far as baby gear goes, a bib is standard for all little ones.
You can find instructions to make your own collared bib here.
2. Crinkly fabric square
Want a unique DIY gift? This crinkly fabric square is ultra-stimulating and will keep little babies entertained for hours!
With just a few simple materials like cardstock, crinkle paper, and fabric, you can whip up this DIY gift in no time.
This simple pattern is easy and takes just minutes to sew using a sewing machine. If you don’t have access to one, hand sewing is also an option.
Discover how to create a crinkly fabric square here.
3. Pastel tie-dye onesie
Onesies are not only common baby shower gifts but also well-loved ones!
You can truly never have enough baby onesies. When you have a new baby, messes are frequent, and there is also an extreme lack of time for laundry.
Get creative with your onesie offering with these pastel tie-dye onesies; they’re hand-dyed and great for any baby boy or girl. You can customize your color palette for a whole range of beautiful designs!
Make these colorful pastel tie-dye onesies with full instructions here.
4. Baby blanket lollipops
Baby blankets make the perfect gift for a baby shower – they’re warm, cozy, and totally practical.
For a unique, cute idea, try displaying your baby blankets into these DIY lollipops! This gift idea is one-of-a-kind and inexpensive to put together.
Best of all, the receiving parents will have a huge smile on their faces when they open up their gift!
Gift these super creative baby blanket lollipops with instructions here.
5. Diaper cake
Diaper cakes are a baby shower staple; they’re kind of a silly tradition, but they’re also fun and, in the end, practical (diapers are a must!).
You can create diaper cakes in any shape or size your heart desires. Create a festive diaper wreath, a diaper animal, or even a diaper cactus!
Desert Chica has an entire tutorial on how to make this cactus diaper cake a reality.
I find that even parents that use cloth diapers appreciate having a few disposable ones as a backup, especially on those long road trips or vacations to an amusement park.
Find the tutorial on how to make this unique diaper cake here.
6. DIY baby’s first library
Books are precious gifts that have the potential to last a lifetime.
I love giving books as baby gifts because they’re for both the parents and the children. They provide an opportunity for parents to bond with their children and share with them the magic of reading.
For one of the best baby shower gifts, put together a little DIY baby’s first library. This can include some early childhood development books, timeless classics, and maybe even your favorite read from when you were a child.
This DIY baby book collection doesn’t have to be extensive – just a couple of books wrapped together with a satin ribbon will make a stunning gesture.
Explore some of the very best baby books to gift here.
If you need more baby book inspiration, I have an entire post on the 15 best new baby books to read and bond with your newborn: 15 Best New Baby Books to Read and Bond with Your Newborn.
7. Crochet critter
Plush toys are super cozy and well-meant gifts, but parents tend to accumulate a ton of them. If you want to pass along a furry friend, make sure your gift is unique!
Try making a DIY crocheted animal for a sweet idea with a personal touch. You can find tons of free patterns online to create the animal of your choice.
This is a useful baby shower gift as well as being very creative.
Want to make your own crochet animal? Get instructions to make a sweet koala or alpaca here.
8. Cricut-made onesies
Make a beautiful baby shower gift with the little help of a Cricut machine. If you have access to a Cricut, you can print your very own custom decals for cute onesie designs.
These custom onesies will make an excellent keepsake for both the parents and the baby! Get creative with your decals or find premade options online.
A new mama will often turn these customized onesies into precious keepsakes because they hold loving memories of their baby’s first years of life.
Learn how to make custom Cricut onesies and get decal options here.
9. Baby name sign
This baby name sign is a classic nursery decor item with a little bit of a personal touch.
You can choose to create the entire baby’s name or their first initial – whichever option you think the new parents would prefer!
If you don’t know the little one’s name yet, You can choose the first letter of their last name or spell out a fun word like “create,” “imagine,” or “dream.”
Get the low-down on how to create this DIY baby name sign here.
I feel like letters are a great idea because they can take it with them as they grow. My nephews still have their letters now even in high school and will probably take them with them when they move out and start their own families.
10. New baby gift basket
Put together a DIY baby shower gift basket filled with baby essentials that parents will love.
You can fill your gift basket (or diaper bag!) with whatever baby items you’re drawn to. Some good examples include:
- Pacifier clips
- Bibs
- Gift cards
- Diapers
- Baby bath products
- Swaddles
- Teethers
Find more new baby gift basket inspiration here.
11. Burp cloths
Burp cloths make for a great gift for any new arrival. Give a set of 3 for the sweet bundle of joy!
You can make these DIY baby shower gifts with just two materials, terry cloth and baby-soft flannel.
Choose whichever colors strike your fancy, whether that be sweet pastels or bright colors – you know the new parents best!
Find instructions on how to make DIY burp cloths here.
12. DIY growth chart
This DIY growth chart is one of the most creative ideas on this list. If you’re worried about running into repeat gifts at the baby shower, this one is a super safe bet!
I love this DIY gift idea because it looks a lot more complicated than it is; you can create it in just a few easy steps.
Want to gift this DIY grow chart? Get step-by-step instructions here.
13. Sweet treat
A sweet treat is a creative way to show new parents you’re thinking about them (and that they deserve a little something extra during this exciting yet stressful time).
Bring some delicious Starbucks copycat cake pops to the party. Make sure to wrap them up, so guests know to keep their paws off! These treats are just for the expecting parents.
You can make these sweet vanilla cake pops using this recipe.
14. Pre-planned meals
Some pre-planned meals are a great way to help new parents out during a busy time.
Prep some easy-to-make “dump-dinner” meals for the perfect baby shower gift.
You can find dump-dinner meal inspiration here.
15. Pregnancy care package
A pregnancy care package is a wonderful way to show a mom-to-be some extra love.
This handmade gift should be filled with pampering materials and other great goodies.
Ready to make up a pregnancy care package? Get the instructions here.
16. Nursery art print
One of the best things you gift to anyone is a piece of handmade art; a newborn baby included!
You can easily make your own art prints to hang in the little one’s nursery (just make sure you’re familiar with the chosen color palette!).
Find steps to make a Dumbo nursery art print here.
17. New mom survival kit
No one ever said parenting is easy, but you don’t truly understand this until you’ve had a child of your own.
Gift a little bit of sentimental care with a mommy survival kit. Include kind offerings like fuzzy socks, a scented candle, Advil, hand lotion, and plenty of reading material.
I think this might be the best baby shower gift on this list because it really shows mom the love!
Create the perfect new mom survival kit with these steps.
You Can’t Go Wrong With a Thoughtful DIY Baby Shower Gift
If you’re having trouble choosing a DIY baby shower gift, don’t worry! Every one of these great ideas is a winner, so you really can’t go wrong.
I hope you found the perfect inspiration you need to make gorgeous DIY baby shower gifts anytime you need them. Get excited to celebrate new life with any one of these beautiful, handmade gifts; the new parents are going to love it!
More Baby Content From WhatMommyDoes
Need some more baby content? Dig into these posts on baby shower ideas, new baby congratulations, and more!
- 50+ Baby Shower Themes for Girls: From Adorable to Unique
- New Baby Congratulations – Pretty Cards to Send + Cute Messages to Write
- 7 Thoughtful Non-Baby Gifts for New Moms
- Heartfelt Messages You Can Write in a Baby Shower Card
- 30+ Baby Craft Ideas to Make & Sell
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