There are baby shower gifts… and then there are baby shower gifts. The kind that make your best friend cry happy tears, squeeze your hand, and later text you something like, “I can’t stop staring at what you got me.” You want that kind of reaction, right? Especially when it’s someone who means everything to you.

Sure, she’s probably already registered for onesies, diapers, and wipes. And yes, those things are helpful. But if you’re looking to stand out, you need something that feels thoughtful, maybe a little unexpected, and totally her.

Let’s talk about what to give when you want to show up with something that says, “I know you better than anyone else.”

Go Personal Or Go Home

It’s not just about baby stuff. It’s about her. Your best friend is about to enter a wild, sleepless, heart-bursting new chapter, and while yes, the baby is the star of the show, she’s still the person you’ve laughed with at 2 a.m. and cried with over takeout. Think about her personality. Is she sentimental? Funny? Organized? Chaos? All of the above?

A personalized journal where she can write little memories of her first days as a mom might make her heart melt. Or maybe a necklace with her baby’s initials, something she can wear close to her heart even when she’s covered in spit-up. These gifts go way beyond cute—they remind her she’s still her, even when her whole world shifts.

Pack Her a Survival Kit She Didn’t Know She Needed

The baby will get more clothes than they can ever wear. But your best friend? She needs stuff too. The first few weeks after giving birth can be beautiful and overwhelming all at once. That’s where you come in.

Build her a “New Mom Survival Kit.” Think soft postpartum underwear, comfy socks, dry shampoo, lip balm, nipple balm (yes, it’s a thing), and maybe even some chocolate she doesn’t have to share. Wrap it all up in a cute tote she can keep by her bed.

Some people don’t want to talk about the not-so-pretty side of postpartum. But if you’ve been through it—or done your homework—you know she’s going to need more than pastel baby blankets. You’re not just giving her stuff. You’re giving her care, comfort, and support. That’s what real friendship looks like.

You could even sneak in a little note that says, “Here are some tips for new moms after birth: Breathe, cry if you need to, and remember you’re doing amazing.” She’ll never forget it.

The One Gift She’ll Thank You for Again and Again

Now let’s talk about something that actually changes the game: a breakfast delivery service with premade meals you can heat and eat. No one thinks of this. But those early mornings, especially when she’s running on three hours of sleep, can feel like climbing a mountain with no shoes on. The last thing she’ll want to do is figure out how to cook oatmeal.

You can set her up with a service that brings fresh, already-cooked breakfasts to her door—think frittatas, muffins, overnight oats, maybe even lactation-friendly snacks. All she has to do is pop it in the microwave and boom, breakfast is done. And since it’s not fast food or freezer aisle stuff, she’ll feel like she’s taking care of herself without lifting a finger.

There’s something about knowing someone thought ahead to feed you when you’re too tired to feed yourself. That’s not just thoughtful—it’s love in action. She’ll talk about this gift months later, promise.

Give Her Something Just for Laughs

Everything doesn’t have to be soft and serious. If your BFF has a loud laugh and a good sense of humor, lean into it. Funny parenting books, a mug that says “Mom Fuel,” or a framed quote like “I make milk—what’s your superpower?” can be the thing that cracks her up when she’s feeling a little overwhelmed.

You know her sense of humor better than anyone else. If she’d rather laugh than cry, give her permission to do just that. Parenthood isn’t all sweet Instagram moments. Sometimes it’s pure chaos, and a funny gift says, “Yep, it’s wild—but you’ve got this.”

A Gift That Grows With the Baby

Some gifts are adorable for five minutes and then go straight into storage. But if you want to give something that sticks around, think long game. A high-quality baby book, a monthly photo mat, or a growth chart she can hang on the wall can turn into keepsakes that last for years.

You’re helping her slow down and mark time, even when it all starts to blur together. That’s a gift for both of them—the mom and the baby. It’s not just useful. It’s memory-making.

You could even include a letter she opens on her baby’s first birthday. Remind her of who she was before she became a mom, and tell her how proud you are of everything she’s done since. She’ll bawl. In a good way.

When in Doubt, Give Her Time

The one thing no one has enough of after a baby is time. So give her some. Offer a day of babysitting down the road. Give her a coupon for a nap while you fold her laundry or wash her bottles. It might not be shiny or Instagrammable, but it will mean the world to her.

Better yet, gift her a night out with you, scheduled a few months from now. Set it up. Make the reservation. Offer to bring the wine. Remind her she’s still someone’s best friend, not just someone’s mom. She’ll be so grateful you saw her—not just the baby she’s having.

Wrapping It Up

You don’t have to spend a fortune or go over the top to be the one whose gift gets remembered. You just have to think like her best friend. What does she need? What would make her laugh, breathe easier, or feel like herself again? Start there, and the perfect gift will follow.

Honestly, the gift might not be what’s inside the box. It might be the fact that you showed up, hugged her tight, and said, “You’re going to be such a good mom.” Because that? That’s unforgettable.