5 Baby Shower Gifting Faux Pas

Baby showers are a very personal, familial affair, and often have a certain sense of tradition that comes with them. Chances are that you have already started to brainstorm a couple of baby shower gift ideas. Most baby shower gifts will be graciously accepted, but there are some gifts that will actually insult the mother-to-be, or partygoers. Don't be the one guest who won't be invited to the next baby shower in your social circle – avoid these major gaffes!
 

1. OVERgifting – Sure, everyone loves a giant gift. But, if your mother-to-be has specifically given you a budget not to go over, don't go over it. There's nothing more alienating to other party guests than a guest who wants to upstage everyone. If you really want to give that $500 gift wait until AFTER the shower or before. Don't do it during the shower if you want to keep your friends.
    
2. Getting a gift for the husband – Ok, a new father to be will need his own gear but the thing about baby showers is that it's a party for the new mom on the block. Getting a gift that is specifically for her husband will not only raise eyebrows, it might also raise questions if the new mom is the jealous type. You do not want to make this very awkward mistake.
    
3. Getting a gift that is against the mother's core values – This is often a mistake that is hard to do. However, if you know that your friend is vegan, do not get her a book on “ice cream for babies” or anything similar. Don't get her medication that she would not want to use on her child or herself. If she has a very strong stance against a certain issue, getting her a gift that supports that issue will only be met with a glare.
    
4. Getting an inappropriate gift – This should be common sense but it needs to be said once again. Baby showers are family-oriented environments. Moms might be bringing their children to these events. Grandmothers might be invited, too. This means that if you are planning on getting her a gift that you'd see at a warped bachelorette party, think again. You don't want the awkward embarrassment that comes with a round of gasps when the new mom opens up that present.
    
5. Giving a dangerous gift – There are certain baby products that can be dangerous for a young child. These can include BPA bottles, pillows for newborns, and age inappropriate small toys. Before you get ANY gift that is in one of these safety “gray zones” think about how you would feel if something went awry with the child because of your gift.

Baby showers are all about fun and festivities; don’t ruin the good time with inappropriate or not well-thought gifts!