Gift Ideas for Shower Hosts

Updated on February 06, 2008
J.A. asks from Fresno, CA
46 answers

My generous friends are hosting a baby shower for me this month. Any ideas for thank-you gifts for them? I'd like to spend around $50 per person.

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So What Happened?

Thanks so much for all of your helpful responses! I like the idea of a mani/pedi or facial and going all together - one last get-together before the baby arrives. Thanks again, you guys are great!

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J.C.

answers from San Diego on

Hi J.,
I have put together many baby showers and I have never received nor expected a gift. People want to give when it comes to babies, it is fun. I dont think that you need to give a gift at all. Appreciation through words, actions, and a thank you letter would be enough.
Remember, what goes around comes around.
J.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hey J. - My daughter just bought hostess gifts for 2 women giving her a shower. She ended buying a fine chain necklae with a small infinity circle on it. Very sweet, very feminine. She had talked about a gift certificate to a spa, which is also a nice gift for $50.

Hope this helps - D.

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K.I.

answers from Los Angeles on

I sell Gold Canyon Candles and you could do a few things. You could do a holder with a candle, or some body care products or a little of both in a basket! Let me know if I can help pick out some products for you.
K. Inman www.mygccandle.com/katieinman

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T.S.

answers from San Diego on

Hi J., are your friends actually expecting something so generous? I'm sure they hosted it because they wanted to and they love you! Save your money, you'll need it for all the unexpected expenses for the baby. Give them a wonderful plant or a few gerber daises with cute little Godiva chocolate in a beautiful box!! Your the special person now...enjoy this as your time, eventually you will find yourself returning the favor someday. Let them spoil you!!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I've never heard of the recipient of a shower sending thank-you "gifts"! Of course, you must do what you think best, but I would feel distinctly confused if I were to receive a gift for having participated in a shower for someone else. It seems to me to nullify the point of having a shower in the first place.

The traditional response--prompt, gracious thank you notes--seems to be exactly right. Those are hard enough to come by.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

A mani/pedi certificate to their favorite salon would be nice - it might be less than $50, but not sure if you want to spend the money for a massage! I've always enjoyed spa-like treatments... Makes me a queen even if only for an hour or two!

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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

J.

I had 3 friends host my baby shower. Of course they all have everything already. So what I did was take them to lunch & then we all got manicure and pedicures the day before the shower. This way I got to spend time with them before I had the baby cause I knew it would be a while before I could get out again. We had a great time & I know they really appreciated it.

C. C

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L.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Good morning J.. Like you I am one that loves to give gifts. When I had my baby showers it was so important to me to have a nice gift for my host. How about a gift for the kitchen. Take a look at my Pampered Chef web-site: www.pamperedchef.biz/latashaphilleo. Let me know what you like. And I will give you a 10% discount for ordering. If you would like I can send you my current catalog.

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P.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.-
A couple of years ago my friends and I hosted a baby shower for our friend. She gave the three of us Coach wristlets. It was such a wonderful classic gift that I will treasure always and get a lot of use out of. You may be able to find them at the outlets at a good price.
Have fun at your shower! P.

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L.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

How about a gift cert to Burke Williams. They can get a nice massage for 50.00

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H.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have a gift pail business. Try www.pailparty.com -we have lot's of different gifts and can make custom ones too!

H.

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S.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Massage or mani/pedi gift certificates are a great idea (I gave my shower hostess a massage certif., and she loved it)...it's something completely for them and to relax them after all the busy-ness of shower planning! Or, maybe you could treat them to a day at the hot springs. I don't know where you live, but if you're in SoCal, Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona is a great place to hang out in mud and pools for an afternoon! Or, for some major bonding time, treat them to tarot or astrology or some such readings and then go for a meal or tea to process it all and have some fun.

Whatever you choose will be great. As another poster said, shower hostesses don't expect gifts, so they'll be absolutely touched that you went out of your way to thank them with something special.

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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Gift certificates for either massage or nail salon are usually appreciated.

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.! You are lucky to have such wonderful friends!

Take a look at my website. I have a line of boutique sterling silver jewelry you might like...all different price points and styles. My jewelry offers a life time waurentee and is handmade workmanship! Take a peek!
www.mysilpada.com/K..caldwell

Your gifts can be sent directly to them, or I can have them shipped to you..if you are local I can even deliver..and gift wrap!

Thanks!
Have a wonderful weekend!
K. Caldwell
###-###-####
Silpada Designs

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S.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi J..

How about a massage for each host? I always think something pampering is nice for them. Or, you could give them a nice gift card to a good restaurant. I like that idea too.

So, what's it like having twins? I am pregnant with twins! Any advice?

Hope this helps.

Stephanie

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H.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Total Woman is a spa/gym that has great specials on spa services. Mani Pedi servicea are great A gift certificate to that new restaurant, www.greatamerica.com offers experiences like being a passenger in a race car, helicopter ride, cooking lessons. Time together is always the best - a play and lunch.

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I.D.

answers from San Diego on

Hi there,

Coincidently I just hosted a shower along with 2 other friends for our friend J. and she gave each of us a really nice Philosophy bubble bath(scent was Amazing Grace), body lotion, foot rub and lip gloss. It was absolutely wonderful, especially since we worked really hard for her huge shower - we were able to relax and pamper ourselves.
I know Nordstrom and Sephora carry Philosophy.

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H.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

take them wine tasting and you be the dd
www.heavenlyhooked.com

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J.P.

answers from San Diego on

A gift cert. to Nordies (or another dept. store) is always nice!!

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A.P.

answers from Honolulu on

Hello J.,
I am not too sure if this is a good idea, but I am a Passion Parties Consultant. I don't know if they or you for that matter is interested in it. We have all kinds of things. Why don't you go and look at my website to let me know what you think. Some are really good products like, massage lotions, body lotions, body gels also body scrubs. Here is my website information. http://angeleyez.yourpassionconsultant.com
My number is: ###-###-####
Please fell free to call me anytime if you have anyquestions or concerns.
Thank you,
A. Pascual

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M.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

I recently was in a similar situation and decided to get a variety of candles. All the same size and price, but different scents and colors. Then I put ribbon on all of them and displayed them. When my guests arrived they each got to choose a candle that they like the most. It was a great way to make it personal without favoritism. It is also good to have a few extra incase of an extra guest.
Have fun.
M.
www.MrTeaTravel.com

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K.P.

answers from San Diego on

Hi J.
How about skoy cloth just google them skoycloth and give them something useful and pretty they come in packs of 4 raffia tied.

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S.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J., Please contact me, I have a specialty gift service company. I have many,many ideas that fall well within your price range.
I'm a single mom in Fountain Valley, with 3 girls ages 15, 12, 3 months old! :)
S.
###-###-####
____@____.com

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W.S.

answers from San Diego on

I've found some really neat gifts for people that are more personal through Red Envelope. I get their catalog, but you can also go to www.redenvelope.com and look around. They have a lot of "feminine" gifts that are unique. Also, if they live around your area you could get them a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure. That's always nice when they've worked h*** o* a shower. Good luck and have fun at your baby shower!! Enjoy your baby girl, too. :)

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C.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.,
I have a company in Encino,CA and we make custom Pajama Bottoms. They are only $30 each and they are one of a kind, because they would be custom made for each of your hostess'. We also make really cute baby sets. You can contact me at ____@____.com luck!! C.

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J.R.

answers from San Diego on

i would buy some thing they would not buy for themselves like if they like cooking - a great serving dish or nick knacks for the kitchen or if they need some self/beauty care - manicure-pedicure gift certificate.

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S.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I got my friends these gorgeous tortoise shell picture frames by Oscar De La Renta Home...at Saks Fifth Ave.'s home section (that way they can return if they want and have a credit at a great store.) They were $85 each. OR, if they keep it, they can put a picture of us from the shower in it.

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D.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

J., I don't know if you have a Costco Wholesale in your area, or if you are a member but they have this gift certificates called Spa Finder. You can buy them for anyone in any area and they call to see what spa is in their area. They can be used tword any services (massage, nails, facials) anything they choose. Women tend to LOVE the spa, so it's an idea. You can also make up a really cool basket from Bath and Body Works or The Body Shop. Give a gift reciept just in case there is another scent they would like. Have a great shower!

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B.S.

answers from San Diego on

I would say a mani/pedi gift certificate!!! Or if they love to shop at Macy's or Nordstroms a nice gift card is always fun!!!
have fun!!!

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M.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

You can give them a hand made picture on a canvas. you can use any regular 4x6.
The picture will be inlarge on a 16"x20" canvas. with a hand made disign on top and cristal dotes.
____@____.com

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H.S.

answers from San Diego on

I have had 4 baby showers and given different gifts each time. The gift that I heard the best things about though was tickets to a comedy club. My friends all went together and had a wonderful time. H. Stanley

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V.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hello J.,
My name is V. and I am also a twin (Identical) congrats! on your baby girl. I have a 19yr. 17yr. 13yr. and 5yr. old. My idea for a $50 gift would be a nice day out to a well known Theatrical show or comedy show. I know I always enjoy seeing one. I wish you well and best of luck!

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D.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think gift certificates for massages or pamper treatments are nice or to a nice restaurant. Gift baskets are great as well..I actually have my own business and make nice aromatherapy baskets if your interested I could put something together and send you a pic. Congratulations on the new baby..If you ever are interested in using natural botanical products I have a great baby line as well..

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P.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hey J..
CONGRATULATIONS!! What a great heart you have to think of your friends and the effort they are going through to throw a shower in your honor.
I agree with most - mani/pedi's are always appreciated. Glen Ivy is fun. There is also a Mr. and Ms. Day Spa in Long Beach as well as Rancho Santa Margarita that offers tons of different massages as well as mani/pedi's. I also give complimentary facials if you want to give gift certificates for beauty products.
Have fun!
Crystal P.
www.marykay.com/crystalpeach

L.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

my six dearest friends threw me the best shower ever and i sent them all two dozen assorted roses from proflowers.com - and i included a heartfelt message to thank them.

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T.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.,

I run a beauty website (www.BeautyIntuition.com) filled with lots of great gifts and we are offering 10% off for MamaSource members - just use coupon code MAMASOURCE at checkout.

Some items I highly recommend as gifts are the the following:

LaLicious Sugar Souffle Scrubs - these body scrubs smell delicious and leave your body soft - everyone loves them.

Isola Luce Candles - these candles are made from Palm Kern Oil and the wax has a crystal looking effect and they come beautifully packaged.

Becker Eshaya Perfume Pens - in the original scent and Golden Amber are always a big hit as they are easy to tote around in your purse and smell wonderful.

Please let me know if you need any other gift ideas. We can also customize any items into a gift pack for you.

Thanks,

Tricia
____@____.com
###-###-####

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J.C.

answers from San Diego on

Four of us just threw a second baby shower and she gave us spa certificates for Mini-facials.

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S.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Your friends and lucky to have a friend like you. I had many people hosting the 2 showers that I had so I gave them nice flower plants in colorful pots (only a couple $ each). For my bridal shower I gave purses with Mary Kay bath stuff in them.

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J.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

WOW! I want to host a shower for you! How generous. I've thrown a lot of showers and definitely wouldn't expect a gift of $50, wow! I, personally, enjoy getting gift cards for various places (nice dinner out, pedicure, massage). Or do they like to read? I love Borders or Barnes & Noble gift cards. Good luck! JV

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R.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I recently was thrown a shower by a dear friend. Another friend of mine is a jewelry designer and she personalized some vintage coins by engraving some words on either side of the coin, she attached a little stone (I chose garnet, but she has many) and put it on a leather cord (you can also choose to put it on a string of pearls, or other stones). Since my friend is also my cousin's wife, I engraved "friend" on one side of the coin and "family" on the other. But my other thoughts were "gratitude", "kindness" or maybe your friend's name on one side and her husband's (if she has on) on the other. Here's the link: http://www.alisamichelle.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=31

Congrats on your little girl on the way! My little girl is due in about a month!!

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T.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would suggest something that would make them feel special; like a gift certificate for a massage or maybe a gift certificate to Burke Williams, maybe a basket with some Victoria's Secret treats in it?

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S.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

My favorite place to look for a gift I am not going to make myself is www.findgift.com There you can search for all kinds of gifts, all over the internet all from one website!! You can search by age, gender, or occasion!!

I love everyone's idea of pedicures/manicures!! That is super fun and a great way to spend some time with people you love, who obviously love you too!!

Of course, like nearly everyone else who has responded, I run my own business too!! I make all types of personalized gifts, gift cans, and candy bouquets that are awesome for events like these!! :D You can check them out at http://www.candycuteness.com!

Have a GREAT day and enjoy your shower!! :D
Huggles!!
~S.~

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Bath & Body Basket or Gift Certificate to Nordstrom! You can't go wrong with either of those!

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K.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

A gift certificate to their favorite restaurant might be nice. Also, the Coach and Kate Spade outlets have some cute wristlet purses for about $45-50.

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K.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm sharing my BEST secret- Tiffany & Company playing cards! They are only $30.00 but they look very classy & chichi. Every time I give these, people ohh & ahh.

K (mother of a wonderfully goofy 7 month boy)

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F.V.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi J.,
for any gift ideas...go to www.gifts.com

-happy shopping,
F.

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