How Much Should You Gift At A Baby Shower in 2026?

You're walking through the baby aisle at Target, looking for a gift for your cousin's baby shower this weekend. You checked the registry, but nearly everything left costs more than you planned to spend.

Now you're wondering:  "Should I buy a smaller gift, give a gift card or spend more than I can comfortably afford?"

First, take the pressure off. There is no required dollar amount for a baby shower gift. The best gift is one that fits your budget, reflects your relationship with the parents-to-be and will genuinely help their growing family.

How Much Should You Spend on a Baby Shower Gift in 2026?

Most guests spend somewhere between $25 and $150, depending on how close they are to the parents. Here is a practical 2026 guide:

Your relationship to the parents-to-be	Suggested gift amount
Coworker or casual acquaintance	$25–$40
Distant relative or casual friend	$30–$50
Friend or relative	$50–$75
Close friend or close family member	$75–$150
Immediate family or best friend	$100–$200+, if your budget allows

 

These are guidelines, not rules. Current gift guides generally place coworker gifts around $20–$50 and gifts for close friends or family around $50–$150 or more. Your own financial comfort should always come first.

If $25 is what works for you, give $25 without guilt. A thoughtful gift should never create financial stress for the giver.

Is It Okay to Give Cash or a Gift Card at a Baby Shower?

Yes. Cash and gift cards are practical baby shower gifts, especially when the remaining registry items are outside your budget.

To make a gift card feel more personal, pair it with:

• A handwritten note for the parents-to-be

• A favorite children's book with a message inside

• A small baby essential, such as wipes, a bib or a pacifier

• A note suggesting what the gift card could help cover, such as diapers, formula or a meal after the baby arrives

A $25 gift card with a heartfelt note can feel more meaningful than an expensive gift chosen only out of obligation.

Do You Have to Buy From the Baby Registry?

No. A baby registry is a helpful guide—not a mandatory shopping list. Etiquette experts at the Emily Post Institute note that guests may choose a thoughtful gift from outside the registry.

Before going off-registry, however, consider the parents' style, available space and what they may already own. Practical gifts that are easy to use, store or return are usually safest.

If all the affordable registry items have already been purchased, you can also:

• Contribute toward a group gift

• Choose a smaller useful item

• Give a gift card to the registry store

• Buy a practical gift the parents may not have thought to add

5 Ways to Choose a Thoughtful Baby Shower Gift on Any Budget

1. Choose Something Practical

New parents use certain items every day: diapers, wipes, bottles, burp cloths, blankets and a dependable diaper bag. Practical does not have to mean boring. A useful gift can still feel stylish and special.

2. Think Beyond the Newborn Stage

Babies outgrow newborn clothes quickly, and some never fit newborn sizes at all. Look for gifts the family can use for months or years, such as larger-size clothing, books, feeding supplies, travel gear or a versatile bag.

3. Consider Both Parents

Many baby products are chosen with only one parent in mind. A neutral, comfortable item that either parent will be happy to carry or use can make everyday outings easier for the whole family.

4. Give Something They May Not Receive From Everyone Else

Diapers and onesies are useful, but parents may receive several of each. Consider a less obvious essential—such as a diaper bag, portable changing solution, wet bag or meal-delivery gift card—that supports life outside the nursery.

5. Combine Gifts With Friends or Family

If the parents still need a higher-priced item, invite a few guests to contribute. A $150 gift split among three people becomes a manageable $50 per person while giving the family something they truly need.

A Practical Baby Shower Gift Under $50

A diaper bag is one of the most-used baby items, yet it is also something parents may not receive at their shower, especially when the options on their registry cost $150 to $250.

BUNSO diaper bags are designed to give parents the function they need without the luxury price tag. Its neutral, minimalist designs are made for both moms and dads and include parent-friendly features for diaper changes, bottles and everyday outings.

For families who want a portable changing space while traveling or out for the day, the BUNSO 2-in-1 Diaper Bag is a thoughtful option. Parents who prefer a lightweight, versatile bag they can continue using beyond the diaper years may love the BUNSO Neoprene Diaper Backpack all under $100.

Instead of buying another newborn outfit the baby may quickly outgrow, you can give the parents something they can carry through countless errands, appointments, road trips and family adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Shower Gift Amounts

Is $25 enough for a baby shower gift?

Yes. A $25 baby shower gift is appropriate for a coworker, acquaintance or anyone shopping on a limited budget. Choose one useful item or pair a small essential with a thoughtful card.

Is $50 a good baby shower gift amount?

Yes. For many friends and relatives, $50 is a generous and appropriate amount. It can purchase several smaller registry items or contribute toward a larger gift. This BUNSO 2-in-1 is something that first-time parents especially can bring to the park or the beach without having to find a nearby bathroom to change poopy diapers. 

Is $100 too much for a baby shower gift?

Not if the parents are close family members or very close friends and the amount comfortably fits your budget. There is no need to spend $100 simply because other guests might.

How much should a grandparent spend on a baby shower gift?

There is no required amount. Some grandparents spend $100–$200 or help purchase a larger item, while others give something handmade or sentimental. The right amount depends on the grandparent's budget and family traditions.

Should you spend more if you are attending as a couple?

You may give one joint gift. You can increase the budget if you both wish, but doubling the amount is not required.

What if I cannot attend the baby shower?

You can still send a card or gift if you would like, but you do not need to overspend to make up for your absence.

The Bottom Line

So, how much should you gift at a baby shower in 2026? For most guests, $25–$150 is a reasonable range, based on the relationship and personal budget. But the thought behind the gift matters more than the price on the receipt.

Choose something useful, lasting and appropriate for the family and spend only what you can comfortably afford.

Whether you have less than $40 or less than $50 to spend on a baby shower gift, there are options for you to choose from at BUNSO.