How much should you spend on a baby shower gift?
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Figuring out how much to spend on a baby shower gift depends on your relationship with the parents-to-be, your budget, and the type of shower. There are no hard rules, but here are typical price ranges for 2026, plus a few gift ideas at each level.
Quick Reference
| Your Relationship | Typical Spend | Gift Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Colleague or acquaintance | $20-$40 (or $10-$25 toward a group gift) | Short-sleeve romper, small practical item |
| Friend | $40-$75 | Baby blanket, romper and hat gift set |
| Close friend, family member, or Sister Wife (aka, BFF!) | $75-$150+ | Long-sleeve romper, hat and blanket gift set, or a registry item |
| Group gift for a big-ticket item | $25-$75 per person | Stroller, car seat, or crib |
Spending Guidelines by Relationship
Colleague or acquaintance: $20-$40
A small, thoughtful gift is plenty. If the office is pooling money for a group gift, $10-$25 is a common contribution. A cute organic cotton romper is a great fit at this level.
May we suggest: Star is born baby hat
https://www.simplychickieclothing.com/products/star-is-born-baby-hat
Friend: $40-$75
For a friend, a step up from the basics feels personal without stretching your budget. Think a soft blanket or a coordinated romper and hat gift set.
May we suggest: A gift set
 https://www.simplychickieclothing.com/products/gift-set-just-hatched-romper-and-hat
Close friend, family member, or Sister Wife (aka, BFF!): $75-$150+
For the people closest to you, many guests spend $75-$150, and some go higher for a big-ticket registry item like a stroller, car seat, or crib, often as a group gift with other relatives. A romper, hat, and blanket gift set is a lovely choice here.
May we suggest: A hat, romper, and blanket gift set
 https://www.simplychickieclothing.com/products/nautical-bundle-gift-set-organic-romper-hat-blanket
Consider Your Budget
Never feel obligated to overspend. With baby gear and diapers costing more than ever, parents-to-be genuinely appreciate practical, useful gifts at any price. Handmade items, board books ($8-$20), a pack of quality burp cloths, or a diaper-and-wipes bundle ($25-$40) are all welcome. If money is tight, a heartfelt card and a small gift are always enough.
Consider the Type of Shower
A casual get-together, like a backyard brunch or a virtual shower, calls for a gift at the lower end of your range. A formal shower with a large guest list sits toward the middle or higher end. If it's a second or third baby, a "sprinkle" is usually lower-key, and gift-giving tends to be more modest, often consumables like diapers or a meal delivery gift card.
Check the Registry
If the parents have a registry, use it. It shows exactly what they need and what it costs, and buying from it means no duplicates and no returns. Many registries also let you contribute toward a larger item or buy a gift card if you'd like to spend less than the sticker price.
The Bottom Line
The right amount depends on your relationship, your budget, and the style of the shower. Most guests spend $30-$75, so anywhere in that range is perfectly normal. What matters most is the thought and care behind the gift, not the price tag. Whether you splurge or keep it simple, you're showing love and support for a growing family.