When someone in the family announces they’re expecting – now that’s something that happens every day. It could be your niece, cousin, sibling or even your grandchild on the way, there’s something exciting about being part of the journey. And when it comes time to plan the baby shower, there’s one thing every extended family member wants to do – give a gift that’s actually helpful.
The trouble is, without a bit of coordination, you can end up with five nappy bags, seven soft toys, and not a single bottle steriliser in sight. That’s where a little planning will save everyone from a lot of inconvenience. With a bit of teamwork, your extended family can put together a truly useful mix of baby essentials—helping the new parents start this new chapter with everything they need.
Join Marmalade Lion as we look into a few things you can do to make it happen.
1. Start With a Family Group Chat
The best way to kick things off is by setting up a group chat. If it’s on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or even a shared email thread where your family’s most comfortable communicating, it’ll help to have everyone on the same page.
Include aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and anyone else who wants to chip in. Use this space to discuss budgets, ideas, and preferences. It's also where you’ll coordinate who's buying what, so you avoid doubling up or missing something crucial.
Keep the tone light and fun though—this is a celebration, after all!
2. Chat With the Parents (If You Can Do it Without Being Obvious)
If the baby shower isn’t a surprise, it’s always a good idea to check in with the parents-to-be about what they actually need. They might already have a pram or cot sorted, or there might be a particular brand they love (or one they’re avoiding!).
If it is a surprise, you can still get the lowdown by chatting to someone close to them, like a best mate or sibling. Or, just ask casually how baby prep is going. That way, you can steer the gift planning in the right direction without giving anything away.
3. Make a Shared Baby Essentials List
Now this is the actually fun part. Get started building the baby checklist. You can use a shared Google Doc, spreadsheet, or apps like Trello or Notion to track everything. Break it down into categories so nothing gets missed. Below are a couple of ideas to get you started –
Feeding
- Bottles and teats
- Breast pump (if requested)
- Bibs and burp cloths
- High chair (for later)
Nappy changing
- Nappies in various sizes
- Wipes and creams
- Nappy bin
- Portable change mat
Bathing and health
- Baby bath
- Towels and washers
- Thermometer
- Baby shampoo and wash
Clothing and bedding
- Singlets and growsuits
- Swaddles and wraps
- Cot sheets
- Baby blankets
Baby Need for When They’re Out and about
- Baby carrier
- Nappy bag
- Pram accessories (rain cover, organiser)
Encourage everyone to “claim” an item in the list by putting their name next to it. This keeps things organised and so the parents get a nice mix of essentials.
4. Team Up on Big-Ticket Items
Some baby items come with a bigger price tag, but that’s where extended family can really help out. Instead of everyone buying smaller items individually, consider pooling your money to buy one or two major essentials.
Great group gifts include
- Pram
- Cot or bassinet
- Car seat
- Baby monitor
If you go this route, make sure you double-check with the parents about their preferred brand or model. Some parents might want to choose these items themselves for safety or lifestyle reasons, so a gift card towards the purchase might be better in some cases.
5. Don’t Forget the “Later On” Stuff
It’s easy to get caught up in buying for the newborn stage, but babies grow fast—and parents are often overwhelmed in those early weeks. Gifting for the next stage is a thoughtful way to help them prepare.
Think about things they’ll need down the track –
- Larger size clothes (3–6 months, 6–12 months)
- Teething toys
- Feeding gear for solids
- Board books
- Bath toys
These gifts are often overlooked but so appreciated when the time comes.
6. Practical Doesn’t Mean Boring
While the cute outfits and soft toys are tempting, sometimes the most useful gifts are the ones that don’t look flashy but make life ten times easier.
- Laundry detergent for sensitive skin
- Freezer meals or meal delivery vouchers
- Reusable breast pads
- A white noise machine
- Postpartum care kit for Mum
You could even make a “new parent survival basket” with snacks, coffee, dry shampoo, and a couple of late-night baby essentials.
7. Include a Personal Touch
Even practical gifts can have a personal spin. Add a handwritten note, a family photo, or a small keepsake that shows your love. A personalised baby blanket or a hand-knitted beanie from Grandma can make the gift feel extra special.
If you’re the creative type, you could even include a small scrapbook, a memory box, or “letters to baby” from different family members.
8. Gift Cards Work Too!
If you’re really stuck for ideas, or the parents are particular about what they want, a gift card from a baby store is a great fallback. Stores like Baby Bunting, Big W, or even online retailers like right here at Marmalade Lion are here to give expecting parents flexibility to buy what they need, when they need it.
Gift cards might not feel as exciting to give, but they’re always appreciated.
9. Don’t Throw Out the Receipts
We all know it—sometimes things don’t quite work out. Maybe someone else bought the same thing, or it turns out the baby is allergic to something in a product. Including a gift receipt (or at least holding onto it) gives the parents the option to exchange it if needed.
It’s not rude—it’s helpful!
10. Enjoy the Moment
At the end of the day, this is about celebrating a new life and showing support for the new parents. Doesn’t matter if you go big or small with your gift, the fact that you’ve put thought into what they really need is what makes all the difference.
By planning baby shower gifts as an extended family, you’re doing more than you think—you’re making sure the parents feel supported, loved, and ready to welcome their little one into the world.
And that’s what family is all about.
05 Practical Baby Shower Gifts from Marmalade Lion
If you’re expecting and browsing Marmalade Lion’s range, here are five great picks you might want to keep on your radar — all useful, lovely, and practical.
Speckled Egg Universal Pram Liner
When your little one joins you on walks, this liner guarantees they ride in comfort. It’s made with soft organic cotton and thick memory foam, plus a removable cover so you can wash it easily. Bonus – It’s made to fit most prams.
Baby Cot Sheet – Amongst the Ferns (Expect‑A‑Spill™)
For restful nights (or any time bub naps), this fitted cot (or bassinet) sheet is a winner. It’s breathable cotton, with a hidden waterproof barrier so spills don’t reach the mattress.
Sage Pram Basics Baby Bundle
This bundle is a smart grab for outings. It includes a lace knit bassinet blanket, pram clips, happy hoops (which double as teething toys), and a Winibeads dummy chain. It’s like a little starter kit for on‑the‑go parenting.
Universal Pram Liner Cover – Lady Elliot Island
Sometimes your liner cover needs a swap (hello, laundry day). This interchangeable cover lets you refresh your liner without buying an entirely new one. Easy, stylish, and practical.
Pram Liner Combo
If you want flexibility, this combo gives you the liner plus an extra cover of your choice. It means you can switch between designs or have a backup when one’s in the wash — a useful option when life gets messy.
All of these items reflect Marmalade Lion’s “Expect‑A‑Spill™” approach (waterproof but quiet and comfortable) and our focus on using eco‑friendly, non‑toxic materials as a priority.
