Books for a Baby Shower That Will Actually Get Read
Choosing the best present for a baby shower can be tough. Do you go for the cutesy stuffed animal or the heartfelt hand-crafted blanket? I suggest a board book (or 5). Not only are they classic and fun, but they’re durable.
We had about half a dozen baby showers between our two kids. These were some of my favorite shower gifts, and continue to be popular books around our house. These particular board books are so engaging, even adults will want to read them. A bit more unique than Goodnight Moon or The Very Hungry Caterpillar, there's sure to be a board book on this list that will be the only one of its kind at the party.
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
This darling book follows the adventures of a friendly blue truck who greets everyone he meets. His helpful nature lands him in a sticky situation and his real life social network jumps in to save the day. This sweet story holds simple messages about being kind to everyone and not being afraid to ask for help.
With rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit with both parents and baby. I have read it hundreds of times and still never feel the urge to roll my eyes when my kids grab it from the shelf.
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
The pout-pout fish is a sad chum that believes he is born to feel glum. While the ocean is full of optimistic sea life, Mr. Fish just doesn't think he can change his gloomy ways. When the Pout-Pout Fish meets a shimmering swimmer, his outlook changes completely. A first kiss changes this guy's frown upside down.
Engaging illustrations and silly rhymes make this a winner in my book! It’s a great choice for baby’s first library.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
Gerald the giraffe wants nothing more than to dance, but he doesn't think he has what it takes. After a misstep or two, he'll learn that anyone can dance if they just believe in themselves.
This book is perfect for helping a little one learn self-confidence. Playful pictures and a winning outlook will make this a favorite in any home.
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
This silly book makes learning animal sounds fun. The illustrations are whimsical and will delight both babies and adults. Who doesn’t love looking at all those cute and curious characters? The rhyming and repetition are great for aiding in language development.
A great choice for animal lovers, this one is legitimately cheaper than many greeting cards! Plus, it's small enough to fit in a purse or diaper bag for on-the-go reading.
Babies Love Colors Lift-a-Flap by Michelle Rhodes-Conway
This vibrant book has sweet, simple drawings of common items in rainbow colors. The chunky flaps are perfect for baby hands to actively participate in story time. These and other books from Cottage Door Press found their way into my babies' hands and mouths at least once a week for the first year of their lives.
While this book does not have a strong story line, the quality and durability make it a top choice! From motor skills to color recognition to first words, the clear concepts here allow parents to witness the growth of their child's comprehension as they develop.
There you have it! These are my top picks for the best books for a baby shower. They’re well-made, engaging, and will stand the test of time (and teeth). If you’re stuck on what to get someone welcoming a new baby, you can’t go wrong with a board book. Your next baby shower gift is sure to be a hit with these tried-and-true favorites!
Once you have chosen a book or two, you may consider including a personal message inside! For guidance on baby shower messages and additional book ideas, see related posts for what to write based on your relationship with the recipient and ways to personalize a book as a baby shower gift.
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