14 best books for baby shower gifts guaranteed to light up a little one's life

What do I buy for a newborn baby? How much do I spend? What if they already have it? These are all questions anyone heading to a baby shower for the first time has likely thought about. Fear not, we have your bub shopping sorted!

Kidspot writer

3 min read

February 22, 2023 - 11:45AM

Entertainment

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Shopping for baby shower gifts can feel impossible.

You want to get something special and unique that will be meaningful to both parents and bub. But you also don’t want to gift the same thing as everyone else.

Add to the equation the steep price tags for baby-related products, and it makes coming up with baby shower gift ideas all the more difficult. Especially if you have multiple friends expecting soon, it can feel impossible to find a baby shower gift that’s both special and affordable.

But one thing is for sure, you can't go wrong with a beautiful book. Baby books are a great gifting option that will not only delight mums-to-be, they’re also unisex and require no tricky planning for friends who aren’t sure whether they are having a girl or boy yet.

Arguably one of the best baby shower gifts, books also provide entertainment and education to a child that can potentially span several years. In comparison with other baby toys and clothes, books have a much longer lifespan, as they can be reused and enjoyed for years to come.

We all remember our favourite childhood books, so it’s easy to understand the impact this gift could have on a baby beyond infancy and into early childhood.

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We know all about the importance of reading to children at a very young age. Photo: iStock

The options are endless

Not sure what to pick? Scroll on to see some of the best books to gift at a baby shower. From classic favourites to contemporary picks, there’s something for every little reader-to-be.

Peter Rabbit I Love You Little One by Beatrix Potter

The adorable cover alone is enough to melt your heart.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

A gorgeous modern classic about choosing your own path in life.

Photos: Supplied by Penguin

I Just Couldn’t Wait to Meet You by Kate Ritchie and Hannah Sommerville

An adorable (and durable) board book to see you and bub through toddlerhood.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Cloth Book by Eric Carle

A soft and snuggly edition of everyone’s favourite buggy book.

Photos: Supplied by Penguin

Hairy Maclary and Friends: Cuddle and Play by Lynley Dodd

Another cuddly cloth book featuring Hairy Maclary. Best of all, it comes in a beautiful gift box, so no wrapping required!

Night Night Peter Rabbit Cloth Book by Beatrix Potter

Crinkly cloth pages will delight babies as parents read this simple tale featuring classic Beatrix Potter characters including Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Tom Kitten and more.

Photos: Supplied by Penguin

Bluey: Little Library

Give the gift of four books in one with these chunky board books, perfectly sized for little hands.

I Can Be a Socceroo by Kyla May

Instill a love of sport from a young age with this fun and colourful board book. Plus, it’s the perfect way to commemorate the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ hosted by Australia and New Zealand for any babies born in 2023.

Photos: Supplied by Penguin

I Can Be a Matilda by Kyla May

Like I Can Be a Socceroo, this is another brilliant sport-inspired board book in honour of the FIFAWomen's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

This Little Joey by Renee Treml

A wonderful board book featuring Australia’s many marsupials, perfect for introducing the uniqueness of Australia’s wildlife from a young age.

Photos: Supplied by Penguin

Where is the Green Sheep? Hardback book and plush toy boxed set by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek

An indisputable classic with a cute plush toy to go alongside. Little ones will cherish the story, and their very own green sheep, for years to come.

Where’s Spot? Book & Toy Gift Set by Eric Hill

Loveable, memorable, and classic are words that come to mind when you think of Spot. This classic flap-book is made even better by the accompanying plush of the little puppy.

Photos: Supplied by Penguin

The Very Hungry Caterpillar book and toy set by Eric Carle

The only thing that could possibly make this long-time favourite children’s book better is the addition of a cute and cuddly caterpillar toy. Hours of entertainment are guaranteed.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Anthony Lewis

A heartwarming story about a new mother and her newborn baby. It’s a very special picture book, indeed!