“A registry list robs a shower of its charm.” That’s Emily Post’s words on the 2025 baby shower gift etiquette. Gifting now is more about meaning rather than money. So, stop stressing out about how much to spend on baby shower gifts!
This guide will help you find the sweet spot between best baby shower gifts and extravagant spending, all in line with etiquette.
Financial & Social Disclaimer
The spending guidelines in this article reflect widely accepted social norms in the United States and current etiquette data for 2025. They are suggestions, not obligations.
Your financial well-being always comes first. A sincere card or a modest, useful gift is far better than going into debt for a social event.
Key Takeaways
- The sweet spot: For most friends and relatives, $50–$100 is the standard range. For coworkers, $20–$30 is appropriate.
- Presence is bigger than presents: If attending requires expensive travel, your presence is the gift. Do not feel obligated to overspend on a registry item.
- Group gifts: The smartest strategy for coworkers or friend groups. Small contributions ($15–$20) can become one impressive, high-quality gift.
- The “sprinkle” rule: Baby shower gifts for a second baby are typically smaller, more practical, and less expensive than those for a first child.
The Golden Rules of Gifting Budget
Wondering how much to spend on baby shower gifts? When setting a budget for a baby shower, the most important rule is to give what you can comfortably afford. It’s not what you think is expected.
Unlike weddings, baby showers do not follow a “cover your plate” norm. The value of your gift should reflect your relationship with the parents-to-be, with thoughtfulness often mattering more than price.
Is $50 enough for a baby shower gift?
Yes. In 2025, $50 is widely considered a safe and respectable amount for a baby shower gift. This budget allows you to choose a high-quality essential, such as a premium bamboo sleep sack or a complete bath set. It feels generous without being financially stressful for most friends or relatives.
Your presence speaks louder than your presents!
If you are flying or driving long distances to attend, those travel costs already count as a meaningful contribution.
Does the "cover your plate" rule apply to baby showers?
No. The “cover your plate” rule only applies to weddings, not baby showers. It means you don’t have to match the cost of your gift to the estimated cost of your meal.
A baby shower is a community support event, not a transactional exchange. You are not expected to spend $150 just because the party is held at an upscale venue.
Experts at the Emily Post Institute also agree that “guests should always feel free to choose whatever gifts they think are best.”
Spending by Relationship: A Tiered Guide
According to modern baby shower gift etiquette, spending should align with emotional closeness. This can be divided into three tiers:
- Outer circle (Coworkers or acquaintances): $20–$40
- Inner circle (Close friends and extended family): $50–$100
- VIP (Best friends, grandparents, and immediate family): $100+
The Outer Circle: Coworkers & Acquaintances ($20 - $40)
For coworkers or casual acquaintances, a $20–$40 budget is perfectly acceptable. The goal is to show support without creating awkward financial pressure.
In office settings, group gifting is often the most effective way to give meaningful baby shower gifts for coworkers. It means everyone contributes around $15 for the shared gift.
Chipping in for a gift is the fastest way to office chaos. There might be some close coworkers who want to spend more.
People argue about how much to fund, what to buy, and whether group gifting is okay. The result? It might be a generic gift card that doesn’t really speak for your intention and care.
Why not save yourself the hassle with SwaddleAN combos? With everyone contributing $15-$30, you can find meaningful and practical gifts at SwaddleAN. We offer baby gift sets for different budgets, whether it’s under $30, under $50, or $150+.
The Inner Circle: Close Friends & Family ($50 - $100)
For close friends, cousins, or aunts, the typical range is $50–$100. This allows for more personalized gifts or for completing an important registry item. If your budget is tight, focus on high-utility essentials where thoughtfulness outweighs price.
Expert Tip
The “3-month rule”: If you haven’t spoken to the parents in over three months and were not invited, a gift is not expected.
The VIPs: Grandparents & Immediate Family ($100+)
Grandparents, siblings, and best friends often spend $100 or more, sometimes on big-ticket items like cribs or strollers. However, this is not mandatory. Many families value sentimental or heirloom gifts just as much.
Understanding grandparent baby shower gift etiquette is important here. Emotional value, such as a hand-embroidered outfit or a keepsake, often matters more than cost.
Honest Advice: Never go into debt for a stroller. If you can’t afford a big gift, time, childcare help, or emotional support can be just as valuable.
Tricky Situations: Sprinkles, Not Attending, and Cash
Modern baby showers can be a little tricky to navigate, especially with Sprinkles for a second baby or invites you can’t attend. By 2025, the rules have definitely changed. Sprinkles are all about small, practical gifts.
You don’t always have to send a gift if you can’t make it, and cash funds are now totally okay. In fact, many parents actually prefer them!
Do you bring a gift if you don't attend the baby shower?
For close friends or family, sending a gift is customary even if you cannot attend. For coworkers or casual acquaintances, declining the invitation does not require a gift. A warm congratulatory card is enough.
So, when it comes to baby shower gift etiquette not attending, it depends on how close you are to the parents.
Do you buy gifts for a second baby (Sprinkle)?
Yes, but keep the sprinkle gift etiquette simple. Gifts for Sprinkles are usually smaller and practical. Diapers, wipes, or new clothing for the growing sibling are ideal. Large items are not expected unless the family truly needs them.
Don’t mistake Sprinkles for Sip and Sees! Sprinkles are baby shower gifts, meaning you give them before the mom gives birth. Meanwhile, Sip and Sees, as its name implies, celebrate the baby after they’re born.
Is it tacky to give cash or gift cards?
Is it rude to give cash for a baby shower? Not at all! In 2025, cash, gift cards, or diaper funds are practical and often preferred. To keep it personal, pair the cash with a handwritten note or a small physical item, like baby socks or a teether.
Tip for a Personal Touch
Pair a SwaddleAn gift card with a small rattle, so parents have something to “unbox” at the baby shower. A little surprise goes a long way!
SwaddleAN’s Budget-Friendly Luxury Picks
You don’t need a large budget to give a gift that feels luxurious. SwaddleAN curates bamboo essentials across thoughtful price ranges. Whether you spend $30 or $100, the unboxing experience feels premium, safe, and memorable.
Best Gift Ideas Under $30, $50 & Group Gifts
- Under $30: Bamboo Bandana Bib Set – practical, stylish, and budget-friendly
- Under $50: Essential swaddle blankets – a daily must-have made from premium fabric
- Group gift ($150+): Ultimate Welcome Home Gift Set – five coworkers contributing $30 each for one standout present
Conclusion
Considering how much to spend on baby shower gifts, remember that etiquette exists to make people feel comfortable, not stressed about money.
The best gift is one that fits your budget and is chosen with care for the baby’s comfort. A $30 bamboo swaddle given with love will always mean more than a $200 item given with resentment.
If you’re still in two minds, explore SwaddleAN baby shower gift collection to choose with confidence!
