Baby & Toddler
8 Baby Shower Books That Won’t Get Returned
by Janssen Bradshaw
There’s nothing I like giving as a baby shower gift more than a stack of beautiful picture books. Books are gifts that can be used for years and passed down indefinitely (provided they don’t get thrown up on!).
But picking the right book for a baby shower can be tricky. You don’t want to pick something obscure that they’ll never read, but you also don’t want to be giving the fourth copy of a too-popular baby book.
These nine books tread the fine line between classic and cool and are sure to be welcome at any baby shower.
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The Wonderful Things You Will Be (Deluxe Edition)
Also available from:Created specifically for gift-giving, this modern classic is a must-have for every baby’s bookshelf. With Emily Winfield Martin’s soft watercolor illustrations, charming text, and pages for family and friends to write personal messages, it's a beautiful tribute to the hopes and dreams parents have for their children. Pair it with The Wonderful Baby You Are for an unforgettable gift that new parents will adore.
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Blueberries for Sal
Also available from:Everyone knows Make Way for Ducklings, but I’m equally enamored with this lesser-known title by the same author about a little girl and her mother who go out to pick blueberries. Sal wanders off and then gets mixed up with a baby bear and the baby bear’s mother who also get separated on Blueberry Hill. It’s so sweet, funny, and perfect for reading aloud.
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Eric Carle's Very Little Library
Also available from:Eric Carle has written and illustrated some of the most beloved picture books for young children, and this gorgeous boxed set contains three of them. The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Lonely Firefly, and The Very Busy Spider come in a slipcase for safekeeping and make an excellent baby shower gift.
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To the Moon and Back: Guess How Much I Love You and Will You Be My Friend? Slipcase
Also available from:Give a new parent the gift of snuggles with their baby. The two classic books included in this boxed set are warm, cozy, and ideal for bedtime. Babies and parents alike will enjoy cuddling together to read these books before nodding off.
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That's Me Loving You
Also available from:If you’re on the hunt for a baby shower gift to help a new parent express their love to their child, pick up a copy of this board book. From the author of Uni the Unicorn, this bestselling book shows children that they can feel their parent’s love no matter where they go.
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Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
Also available from:Now and then, a picture book comes along that surprises you with its powerful message. Written as a letter from the author to his newborn baby, this book introduces young children to the Earth and offers humorous and insightful advice about living here. Parents and children alike will cherish this bestselling and award-winning picture book for years to come.
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Duck and Goose
Also available from:Introduce a new parent to this charming duo by giving them a few books from the Duck and Goose board book series. Using gentle humor, these adorable birds teach babies everything they need to know, from how to be a good friend to learning their numbers and colors.
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Pat the Bunny: First Books for Baby (Pat the Bunny)
Also available from:Every baby needs a few touch-and-feel books in their collection, and this boxed set has won over several generations of tiny readers. Young children love the interactive elements and simple text in these bestselling classics. Any new parent will be thrilled to receive this set as a baby shower gift!
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2021.