There are many happy events in life, but childbirth is one of the most joyous occasions.

Especially when you receive news of a birth from someone close to you, such as family, relatives, or friends, you will want to send a congratulatory message.

However, it can be very difficult to decide what kind of baby shower gift is ideal.

This time, we will talk about how to choose a baby gift, so please use this as a reference.

How to choose the right baby gift?

This does not mean that any gift for a newborn baby will do.

It can be very difficult to decide, as it involves the relationship with the giver and financial issues.

Moreover, since it is a happy occasion, it would be ideal to give a baby gift that will make the recipient as happy as possible.

Choose something that you think will be practical for the other person

The most important thing when choosing a baby gift is whether it is practical for the recipient.

This is because you can never have too many practical items that can be used in childcare and raising children.

For example, among baby products, many people choose bibs and swaddling clothes, which are sure to be used. Recently, there has been an increase in brands that allow you to embroider your baby's name on these items to make them into special gifts. 

Baby showers, which are often held just before the birth, are often celebrated with diaper cakes and other items. Diapers are very practical after the birth, and there's no harm in having lots prepared, so many mothers will be happy to receive them. 

If you have experience raising children, think back to the past and think about what you were happy to receive. 

Choose something that is neither too expensive nor too cheap 

When you receive a gift for a baby's birth, it is considered good manners to give a gift in return as a token of appreciation. 

A gift in return for a baby gift is called a baby gift. 

However, even though it is a happy event, giving a baby gift that is too expensive can make it difficult to choose a baby gift in return, or it may make the recipient feel uncomfortable, so it may be safer to avoid giving something too expensive. 

Also, depending on your relationship, be careful not to give an obviously cheap baby gift, as this could come across as rude. 

Choose a slightly larger size for clothing 

When thinking of giving a baby shower gift, many people will consider cute clothes. 

However, as we all know, babies grow up surprisingly quickly and quickly outgrow their size. If you choose clothes based on their current size, you will have the disadvantage that they will soon become too small. 

Therefore, it's best to choose a size with the understanding that your baby will grow out of it quickly.

Especially when your baby is a newborn, they won't be able to go out right away, so even if you receive cute clothes as a gift, they may not have many opportunities to wear them. 

If you're having trouble choosing the right size, you can visit a children's clothing store and ask the staff for advice. We recommend the children's clothing section of a department store.

Choose something special that you wouldn't buy for yourself 

Are there any gifts that you wouldn't normally buy for yourself, but would be happy to receive? 

When giving a baby gift, choosing something special that you wouldn't normally buy may make the recipient very happy. 

For example, you could give a mother's bag or a stroller bag for the stroller instead of the baby. 

After giving birth, you will have more opportunities to go out with your baby, and as a result, the amount of luggage you will have to carry will increase, so a mother's bag will be essential. 

Click here for articles related to diaper bags ⇒ How to choose a diaper bag? Size, material, and what to put in the bag

Baby gifts don't have to be just for the baby; it's fine to choose something that both mom and dad can use. 

Choose something that will last a long time 

After all, baby clothes are easy to choose, but they may end up not fitting properly and become unwearable, and the recipient may have trouble disposing of them if they no longer fit. 

In that case, you should choose a baby gift that can be used for as long as possible. 

For example, towels, toys, tableware, picture books, etc. 

What gifts should you avoid when choosing a baby shower gift? 

Just because it's a celebration for a baby's birth doesn't mean you can give just any gift. 

Some of them may be considered rude, so you should be aware of them in advance. 

Things that are considered bad luck 

There are many products that are chosen as gifts in the world, but there are some that are considered to be unlucky as gifts for a new baby. 

It may come as a surprise, but Japanese tea and handkerchiefs are considered to be unlucky. 

Japanese tea is often used at funerals, and handkerchiefs are used to wipe away tears. 

Also, make sure you don't choose a baby gift that evokes thoughts of death or suffering. 

Something too expensive 

Birth is a happy occasion, so you'll want to splurge and give a gift to celebrate. 

This is especially true when it comes to family, relatives, or close friends. 

However, we do not recommend giving gifts that are too expensive. 

This is because the recipient of a baby gift must also return the favor with a baby gift. 

Naturally, if the baby gift is expensive, the return gift will also be expensive, which can be a huge financial burden. 

Actions that you think are good may end up making the other person feel uncomfortable. 

Something that seems like it might be something someone else has 

Baby gifts are not only given by the parents themselves, but also by many other people involved in the birth. 

Therefore, depending on the item, there is a possibility that you may end up giving the same gift as someone else. 

Of course, the recipient knows that the gift has no malicious intent, but they would still like to choose something that is as unlikely to be the same as other gifts. 

If people around you are also preparing baby gifts, it might be a good idea to ask them in advance what kind of gifts they plan to give. 

Something too big 

We do not recommend gifts that are too large for baby showers. 

For example, you should avoid things that will be difficult to find a place for, such as furniture or large stuffed animals. 

In particular, since most parents will already have the basic baby furniture prepared, we recommend gifts that can be sent using standard shipping methods. 

What is the best price for a baby shower gift? 

When choosing a baby gift, one thing that can be difficult is deciding on the product, but also how much to spend. 

It's difficult to judge because too high is not good and too low could be considered rude. 

Depending on the relationship, the following amounts are considered desirable: 

Parents: about 30,000 yen

Brothers and sisters: 10,000 to 30,000 yen

Relatives and friends: about 5,000 yen

Company-related: Approximately 5,000 yen 

After all, the ideal amount is one that is not too much of a burden for the gift, yet not too rude.

Also, baby gifts don't have to be gifts of some kind; cash or gift certificates are acceptable. 

Alternatively, you could take half of the money in cash and the other half in some kind of merchandise. 

What should I be careful about when writing a message card as a baby gift? 

When giving a gift, it is sometimes customary to include a message card. 

Of course, the content will be mainly happy and celebratory, but there is a risk that it may come across as unintentionally rude. 

For example, phrases such as short, flow, cut, and fall are commonly used in everyday life, but should not be written on a message card for a baby shower as they are considered bad luck. 

For example, "short" is used to suggest that life will be shortened. 

When you associate words like flowing, cutting, and falling with childbirth, they are not considered to be auspicious no matter how you look at it. 

Also, if you want to visit in person to give a baby gift, you should make sure to make an appointment taking into consideration the health and lifestyle of the baby and mother. 

It may seem like a small thing, but it's important to be aware of it and act accordingly. 

summary 

When someone close to you gives birth, it's a very happy occasion, and it's only natural to want to congratulate them right away. 

However, if you don't give baby gifts very often, you may find it difficult to decide what to choose and what your budget should be. 

Once things have settled down, both mom and dad will need to prepare a baby gift, so it's a good idea to choose one that takes into consideration the perspective of the person receiving the gift.