Quick answer: You don't need to spend a lot to give a baby shower gift parents will actually use. Our favorite picks under $50 are a muslin swaddle ($26), footie pajamas ($36), a swaddle and beanie set ($38), a double-sided baby blanket ($40.80 on sale right now, regularly $48), a packaged swaddle and blanket gift set ($43) and a swaddle and crib sheet nursery set ($48). Here's what each one is, and who it suits.
Under $30: a swaddle or a crib sheet
- Muslin swaddle, $26. A 47" × 47" square of 100% cotton muslin. It's a swaddle in the newborn weeks, then a nursing cover, stroller cover or play mat. Popular prints: the Gus Goose Swaddle, the Hudson Horse Western Swaddle, the Axel Race Car Swaddle and the Georgia Peach Swaddle. Browse all swaddles.
- Fitted crib sheet, $28. Cotton, made for standard crib mattresses (28" × 52" × 6"), with an elastic back for a snug fit. Try the Gus Goose Crib Sheet, the Hudson Crib Sheet or the Georgia Peach Crib Sheet.
Under $40: pajamas and swaddle sets
- Footie pajamas, $36. A long-sleeve top with an envelope neckline and fold-over mittens, plus pull-on pants with built-in footies, in soft TENCEL™ Modal. Sizes Newborn, 0-3 months and 3-6 months. Choose the Gus, Hudson or Axel print.
- Swaddle and beanie or headwrap set, $38. A stretchy TENCEL™ Modal swaddle with a matching beanie or headwrap, made for newborn photos and the hospital bag. See the Hudson Beanie Swaddle Set, the Gus Goose Beanie Swaddle Set and the Gus Goose Swaddle Headwrap Set.
Under $50: blankets and ready-to-give sets
- Double-sided baby blanket, $40.80 (on sale right now, regularly $48). Double-sided cotton muslin, 47" × 47", sized to grow from baby blanket to toddler blanket. More on choosing one below.
- Swaddle and blanket gift set, $43. One double-sided muslin blanket and one matching muslin swaddle, packaged for gifting. It costs less than buying the two separately. Favorites: the Alice Gift Set, the Goldie Gift Set, the Levi Gift Set and the Autumn Gift Set. See all gift sets.
- Nursery set, $48. A 47" × 47" muslin swaddle and the matching fitted crib sheet in the same print, for less than buying them separately. Choose Gus, Hudson, Georgia Peach or Axel, or browse nursery sets.
The best baby blanket under $50
If you want one gift that gets used from the first week through the toddler years, a good blanket is hard to beat. Here's what I'd look for when you're shopping under $50:
- A size that grows with them. A bigger blanket works for cuddles and stroller rides now and as a toddler blanket later. Ours are 47" × 47", sized for babies and toddlers.
- A breathable fabric. Cotton muslin is soft and breathable. Our blankets are double-sided, while our muslin swaddles are a single layer.
- A print they'll love. Match the nursery theme or the registry colors, or go seasonal for a winter baby.
Our double-sided muslin blankets are $40.80 on sale right now (regularly $48). A few favorites:
- Goldie Blanket: a wild gold sunflower print, a favorite for a sunflower-themed nursery.
- Evelyn Blanket: a vintage floral in gentle peach and cream, with a complementary reverse side.
- Georgia Peach Blanket: our original peach print on one side and solid peach on the other, in 100% cotton muslin.
- For a December baby: the Blitzen & Nova Blue Blanket (deer and snowflakes) or the Celeste & Nova Pink Christmas Blanket (Christmas trees). See more in our baby's first Christmas gift ideas.
Want the blanket and a matching swaddle? The $43 gift sets above pair the two for less than buying them separately.
"I had the blankets sent to my Niece. She told me that they are very beautiful and soft. Thank you!"
Etsy customer, review of the Evelyn Blanket
"My niece loved the blanket."
Etsy customer, review of the Goldie Blanket
A tip on shipping and Buy 2, Get 1 Free
Economy shipping is free on US orders of $50 or more. If you're buying a $43 gift set, adding a $26 swaddle or a $28 crib sheet takes you past $50, so the shipping is free and the parents get one more thing they'll use. Buy 2, Get 1 Free also applies automatically at checkout, which makes it easy to put together a bigger gift or shop for more than one shower.
How to choose
- Check the registry first. If you go off-registry, pick something that matches the nursery colors or theme.
- Match the print to the nursery. Geese, horses and race cars suit animal, western and car nurseries. Florals and peaches suit soft, warm rooms. Our guides to baby boy swaddle blankets and baby girl swaddle blankets can help.
- Think ahead. Pajamas in 0-3 or 3-6 months will still fit after the newborn clothes are outgrown.
- Think about the season. For a fall shower, our fall baby shower gift guide has autumn prints. For the trip home from the hospital, see our coming home outfit gift ideas.
Looking for more ideas at every budget? Read our guide to the best baby shower gifts.
A quick safety note
Blankets are for supervised snuggles, stroller rides and tummy time. For sleep, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their back on a firm, flat surface with only a fitted sheet, and keeping blankets, pillows, bumpers and soft toys out of the sleep space for the first year. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia says babies can sleep with a blanket after they turn one. In the car, a blanket goes over the buckled car seat straps, never under baby or between baby and the harness. Sources: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe (HealthyChildren.org), Baby Sleep Questions, Answered (CHOP) and Winter Car Seat Safety Tips (HealthyChildren.org).
Frequently asked questions
What is a good baby shower gift under $50?
A muslin swaddle ($26), footie pajamas ($36), a swaddle and beanie or headwrap set ($38), a double-sided baby blanket ($40.80 on sale right now, regularly $48) or a swaddle and blanket gift set ($43) are all under $50 and get used every day. For a nursery gift, our nursery sets pair a swaddle with the matching crib sheet for $48.
What is the best baby blanket under $50?
Look for a breathable fabric, a size that will still work in the toddler years, and a print that matches the nursery. Our double-sided cotton muslin blankets are 47" × 47" and are $40.80 on sale right now (regularly $48). For a blanket plus a matching swaddle, our gift sets are $43.
Can a baby sleep with a blanket?
Not until after their first birthday. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping blankets and other soft bedding out of a baby's sleep space for the first year, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia says babies can sleep with a blanket after they turn one. Until then, a blanket is for supervised cuddles, tummy time and stroller rides.
How much should I spend on a baby shower gift?
There's no set rule. Spend what feels comfortable for you. A single swaddle is a thoughtful gift on its own, and every idea in this guide is $50 or less.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. Economy shipping is free on US orders of $50 or more. We ship within the United States only, including APO/FPO/DPO addresses, and orders ship within 1–3 business days. See our shipping policy for details.
Do you have any deals on multiple items?
Yes. Buy 2, Get 1 Free applies automatically at checkout, so it's easy to put together a bigger gift or shop for more than one shower.
What if the parents want a different print?
Unused items in their original condition can be returned within 30 days, and we send a free prepaid return label. If you're not sure of their style, a Peachier Gift Card lets them choose.
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