43 thoughtful and useful baby shower gifts under $50

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The world of baby products — especially for non-parents — can be daunting and confusing. What's needed? What works? What do new parents want or love?

If you're attending a baby shower, this makes choosing the perfect gift a bit difficult. You want to make the lives of soon-to-be exhausted parents easier and brighter. Some people also seek the perfect gift that will be the talk of the shower.

Plenty of new parents put together a baby registry, but if most of the gifts are already gone or you want to add something extra, you'll find 43 options below — none of which cost more than $50.

Baby moccasins

Bird Rock Baby Moccasins, available at Amazon, $25

Okay, so babies don't need shoes, but how can you resist such tiny moccasins? Available in over 30 colors and patterns, these moccasins are seriously stylish and easy to slip on.

A powerful stain remover

Puracy Natural Stain Remover, available at Amazon, $11.99

Babies make messes, and as they grow, they make bigger messes. Parents love this plant-powered stain remover because it doesn't have an overpowering smell — and it actually works.

Coffee. Enough said

Driftaway Coffee Explorer Kit, available at Driftaway, $44

Exhaustion comes with the territory of new parenthood. With this coffee sampler, tired new parents can indulge in new coffee flavors as they navigate those sleepless nights.

Baby wipes for sensitive skin

Water Wipes, available at Amazon, Target, and Walgreens, from $13.59

These beloved wipes are a favorite of many parents because they're so pure. They're made of 99% water with just a drop of fruit extract.

A portable changing station for on-the-go parents

Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station, available at Amazon and Target, from $29.99

This padded changing station includes multiple pockets for diapers and wipes, and it can be folded up into a clutch after baby has been changed. Parents can toss it in the diaper bag, clip it to the stroller, or leave it in the car for convenient changes.

A white noise machine so parents can get some sleep

Hatch Rest Mini Machine, available at Hatch, $39.99

A white noise machine will relax and calm both parent and baby, letting each of them get some much-needed rest. The machine goes all night long — blocking out the random noises of the neighborhood. They can control the Rest Mini from their phone, so they don't even need to get out of bed.

A gift card for organic baby clothes that gives back

Hanna Andersson Gift Card, available at Hanna Andersson, $50

Perhaps known best for its matching family pajamas, Hanna Andersson also makes virtually every piece of baby clothing imaginable. Some of their prints feature rainbows, dachshunds, and Winnie the Pooh. Plus, the brand partners with Baby2Baby, providing children living in poverty with diapers, clothing, and basic necessities.

A diaper cake

Hello Bello Diaper Cake, available at Walmart, $34.97

Diaper cakes are a classic baby shower gift, but not everybody has the DIY skills to create one. This diaper cake includes wipes, shampoo, and bubble bath in addition to 35 newborn diapers.

A diaper bag backpack that holds everything they need

HaloVa Diaper Bag, available at Amazon, $32.99

This functional diaper bag has a spot for everything. Parents can stash all their essentials with two bottle pockets, a wet clothes pocket, a wipe pouch, and multiple main-compartment pockets. Best of all: It's machine washable.

A top knot hat to keep baby's head warm

Copper Pearl Top Knot Hat, available at Amazon, $12.50

This tiny top knot hat keeps baby's head warm and cozy. Pair it with a matching knotted gown for the most adorable newborn photoshoot.

A new nursing bra

ThirdLove gift card, available at ThirdLove, starting at $15

Bra size can change rapidly and drastically throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Give a Third Love gift card so they can take the brand's quiz and find the right size. Third Love's 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra is available in sizes A-I.

An activity gym that stimulates the senses

Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music & Language Discovery Gym, available at Target and BuyBuyBaby, $49.99

This music-themed activity gym encourages babies to kick, which is an important gross-motor skill. The set includes a piano, sensory toys, a mirror, and a prop pillow.

Baby bottles that reduce colic

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Options Anti-Colic Glass Baby Bottles, 2 pack, available at Amazon, $14.99

These affordable glass baby bottles have a removable vent that is designed to reduce colic. You can also purchase additional accessories like different nipples or silicone sleeves.

A simple sensory board book

That's Not My Monkey by Fiona Watt, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, $9.99

Babies will be fascinated by this book that only has a few pages. Each page is illustrated in bright colors and features a different texture for baby to feel.

A set of the essentials

Babyganics Essentials Gift Set, available at Target, $35.49

These essentials will set new parents up for newborn care success with lotion, bubble bath, shampoo/body wash, dish/bottle soap, table and high chair wipes, and hand sanitizer. Parents will feel good about using this brand that is free from sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and artificial ingredients.

A healthcare kit with all the essentials

Safety 1st Deluxe 25-Piece Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit, available at Amazon, 30.99

Make the postpartum period a little less stressful by gifting some healthcare essentials. This kit includes nail clippers, a thermometer, combs, and a nasal aspirator. It even comes with a carrying case that has convenient see-through compartments.

Clever, unique bibs that actually make baby messes cute

Hudson Baby Food-Themed Drooler Bibs, available at Amazon and BuyBuyBaby, from $17.80

The only thing that makes spit up and pureed avocado stains funny is one of these food-themed pun bibs.

A stuffed animal that plays peek-a-boo

Flappy the Elephant, available at Amazon, from $32.81

This plush elephant plays peek-a-boo and sings "Do Your Ears Hang Low?" For added effect, the elephant's ears flop back and forth, actually covering its eyes during the game.

Fun animal-inspired plates and bowls

Silicone Elephant Shaped Plate & Bowl, available at Pottery Barn Kids, from $2.99

If you're looking for an inexpensive add-on gift, these adorable animal-inspired bowls and plates are a sweet option. 

Five natural, gentle essentials

Mustela Newborn Arrival Gift Set, available at Nordstrom, $34.99

Mustela is another well-loved brand for babies, and this set of newborn arrival essentials has five products designed for delicate newborn skin. Parents can trust all the products to work together gently and effectively. 

Wrist rattles

Infantino Gaga Wrist Rattle, available at Target, $6.99

Wrist rattles are the distraction that baby won't accidentally shake off as easily as other toys. They also have teethable, textured silicone borders that are BPA-free. 

A book that fosters cultural learning

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $13.64

"Fry Bread" is a story centered around food and culture. The book is chock-full of metaphors and even includes an educational note from the author and a delicious fry bread recipe.

Nursery skin care essentials

Honest Baby Arrival Gift Set, available on The Honest Company, $49.95

Honest is well-loved by parents because all of its products are meant to be safe, gentle, and as minimally processed as possible. This set includes face and body lotion, shampoo and body wash, healing balm, and other essentials that are hypoallergenic and free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, and other risky additives. 

Cult-favorite cream moms swear by after breastfeeding

Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Minis, 3-Count, available at Target, $8.49

Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream, available on Amazon, $7.72

You don't have to hunt far online for the most beloved new mom products for mention of Lansinoh's Lanolin nipple cream. It soothes, protects, and is really effective. It's also 100% natural and preservative-free. 

Tethers that keep things like spoons and sippy cups from falling

Lil' Sidekick Multi-Functional Tether, available at Lil' Sidekick, $9.99

These multifunctional tethers may not be on the registry, but they should be. They'll keep things like spoons and forks from falling to the floor while baby eats. 

Amazon Prime for easy, cheap, and fast refills of essentials

Amazon Prime Three Month Subscription, available at Amazon, $39

The best thing you can give — if they don't already have it — is probably an Amazon Prime membership. Parents can order essentials without leaving the house, pay less, and get it within two days with free shipping. It'll also give them access to tons of other benefits. Plus, if they do have Prime already, your gift will convert into a gift card for them to use on any supplies they need.

A clever baby briefcase to store all of baby's important documents

Document Organizer, available at Nordstrom, $29.95

This clever baby briefcase is a cute (and helpful) way to organize all the important papers parents will need to keep track of — from birth certificates to passport photos. 

A fun, nourishing mask for her belly

Hatch Belly Mask, available at Hatch, $12

Hatch's Belly Mask is a fun way for them to relax and spend time caring for themselves. The mask is full of nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and propolis to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy and soften skin postpartum. 

Tiny booties that look like fortune cookies

Baby Fortune Cookie Booties, available at Uncommon Goods, $29

Cute, unique, and sure to give baby's parents a laugh. Don't gift these if you aren't ready for all the pictures grateful parents will send you. 

A soothing anti-swelling cream for legs and feet

Hatch Down, Girl Soothing Leg + Foot Relief, available at Hatch, $42

Hatch is a popular brand for maternity wear — so popular, in fact, that a good portion of the startup's customers wear the clothes long after pregnancy because they love the aesthetic. 

Down, Girl is a cooling, anti-inflammatory gel-based cream that Hatch designed to soothe  and reduce swelling in legs and feet during pregnancy. 

A beloved teething toy

Baby Banana Infant Training Toothbrush and Teether, available at Amazon, $6.79

This infant training toothbrush and teether looks like a banana and helps kids get through the terrible teething phase with minimal tears. 

A contoured bath sponge that makes it easier to bathe newborns

Summer Infant Comfy Bath Sponge, available at Target, $9.99

This infant bath sponge is a slip-resistant cushion with a contoured shape that makes it easier to bathe newborns. There's a slight incline to support baby's head, neck, and back, and the foam is quick-drying for fast cleanup.

Lots and lots of diapers

Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers, available at Target, $9.79

It's not as fun as buying baby moccasins in a gemstone color, but diapers are one of the most practical and thoughtful gifts you can give a new parent. They'll need as many as they can stockpile, and it's a relief to already have them at home. Consider purchasing larger sizes — many babies grow out of newborn diapers long before their stash runs out. 

A hooded baby towel for cozy bath time

Parachute Hooded Baby Towel, available at Parachute, $29

Parachute's line of baby sheets and towels is extremely cute, and the brand has earned its reputation for quality linens. This hooded towel is perfect for a cozy bath time and a quick dry. 

Crib sheets in cute prints from a beloved startup

Brooklittles Crib Sheets, available at Brooklinen, from $28.80

The internet's favorite adult bedding startup also offers a line of sheets for little ones. Brooklinen's Brooklittles line comes in tons of fun, vibrant patterns and prints.

A cult-favorite, comfortable baby wrap

Baby K'tan Original Baby Carrier, available at Amazon, $49.95

This sling is comfortable, doesn't have any complicated straps and buckles, and can be used with kids from babies to toddlers to help parents get more time with two free hands.  When we polled Business Insider parents for their favorite registry items, one told us this is the only thing she gives as a baby gift because of how good it is. 

Classic swaddling cloths

Aden + Anais Set of 4 Classic Swaddling Cloths, available at Nordstrom, $49.95

Aden + Anais are known for making quality baby products, and this set of classic swaddling cloths is no different. They come in cheerful patterns and are made from breathable, lightweight muslin that can be used for virtually anything. 

A portable gadget for fussy sleepers

Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother, available at Target, $34.99

No matter where baby is — in the car, at home, or in public — this little white noise machine helps fussy babies fall asleep. 

A pacifier that won't keep falling to the ground in a never-ending loop

WubbaNub Monkey Pacifier, available at Nordstrom, $14.95

This WubbaNub pacifier is beloved among parents for good reason — a pacifier attached to a stuffed animal is less likely to fall to the ground a thousand times a day. They will thank you for this cute and clever gift. 

All the baby basics in one convenient kit

Fridababy Baby Basics Kit, available at Amazon, $34.98

If you're a parent, don't you kind of wish the mythical stork dropped off an entire bag of essentials at the same time? This Baby Basics Kit attempts to do something similar: grouping favorite products from trusted brand Fridababy for everything from "claws" (nails) to "flakes" (dry skin). 

A silicone roll-up bib that will save them time and time again

OXO Tot Waterproof Silicone Roll Up Bib (2-pack), available at Amazon, $17.08

What's conveniently mobile, well-designed, extremely useful, and far better than the status quo it replaces? A roll-up, silicone bib with a shelf to catch the rainstorm of food that babies drop while eating. Plus, the Velcro means it's easily removed. Even if it's not on the registry already, parents will thank you for it. 

Funny pacifiers that parents will get a kick out of

Mustachifier, available at Amazon and Hipsterkid, $10

Few things diffuse tears and panic for babies like pacifiers. For adults, the same thing can be achieved with a little much-needed chuckle at their child.

A personalized bedtime book

Personalized Goodnight Little Me Book, available at Uncommon Goods, $40

Create a personalized goodnight book for a gift they'll always remember. To make it even more sentimental, write a heartfelt inscription inside for when baby grows up. 

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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