There is a stigma when you hear the words, "Gender Neutral".
People's minds immediately go to - yellow and/or green.
"So what color is the nursery? Yellow?!"
"Hope you like all things yellow!"
With it becoming more and more popular to not find out the gender, we need to do something about this stigma!
Not finding out the gender on your first child is something that some people just cannot wrap their minds around.
Now I am definitely NO expert when it comes to this stuff, so your opinion might differ from mine in regards to this gender neutral thing!
Now I am definitely NO expert when it comes to this stuff, so your opinion might differ from mine in regards to this gender neutral thing!
I've been told numerous times that baby really does not need much when they are first born any way, so even if you don't get much for the baby until after it's born, it'll be just fine.
A dilemma I had with not finding out the gender was:
- When do you have a baby shower, before or after?
A dilemma I had with not finding out the gender was:
- When do you have a baby shower, before or after?
If you have a shower before, then what do people give you?
Maybe you'll get more of the necessary things you need when you have a baby.
Maybe you'll get more of the necessary things you need when you have a baby.
People don't like it as much because they can no longer give you the "cute little blue outfit" anymore, so their biggest issue is what to give the mommy to be!
It also might not be "as fun" of a shower for guests.
If you have a shower after, you are more likely to only get clothes that are very gender specific, which can be great unless your first is a boy and after that you have all girls - then those outfits are useless after the first child.
Plus, people always tend to give the same size outfit which baby will probably grow out of before all the outfits that you were given even get to be used.
Then there is the issue of what to do with the baby during the shower.
Do you really want that many people to be around the brand new baby at one time?
But if you are breastfeeding you can't leave the baby with dad at home because that's just miserable for both baby and mom if you are gone too long.
There are definitely pros and cons to having a shower before, or having a shower after.
Only the mommy-to-be can be the judge of what she really wants after weighing her options.
I finally had to realize that it doesn't matter what others think.
If they are upset because a shower before - when you don't know the gender - is "so lame", then that is their problem because I personally think there are tons of gifts you can give that are fun as well as gender neutral!
I personally, didn't find too many pros of having a shower after.
I'm the type of person that wants one shower - one that is useful instead of having to have a shower when I have another child that is the opposite gender.
So a shower before was my choice!
I considered having a shower for my family, after because I felt more comfortable about having the new baby around family rather than lots of friends, and that way I could still get a few gender specific things from them but not have ALL my showers be gender specific.
Timing wise it didn't work out for that to happen, which wasn't a big deal because it was just a thought and not something I was set on having.
It also might not be "as fun" of a shower for guests.
If you have a shower after, you are more likely to only get clothes that are very gender specific, which can be great unless your first is a boy and after that you have all girls - then those outfits are useless after the first child.
Plus, people always tend to give the same size outfit which baby will probably grow out of before all the outfits that you were given even get to be used.
Then there is the issue of what to do with the baby during the shower.
Do you really want that many people to be around the brand new baby at one time?
But if you are breastfeeding you can't leave the baby with dad at home because that's just miserable for both baby and mom if you are gone too long.
There are definitely pros and cons to having a shower before, or having a shower after.
Only the mommy-to-be can be the judge of what she really wants after weighing her options.
I finally had to realize that it doesn't matter what others think.
If they are upset because a shower before - when you don't know the gender - is "so lame", then that is their problem because I personally think there are tons of gifts you can give that are fun as well as gender neutral!
I personally, didn't find too many pros of having a shower after.
I'm the type of person that wants one shower - one that is useful instead of having to have a shower when I have another child that is the opposite gender.
So a shower before was my choice!
I considered having a shower for my family, after because I felt more comfortable about having the new baby around family rather than lots of friends, and that way I could still get a few gender specific things from them but not have ALL my showers be gender specific.
Timing wise it didn't work out for that to happen, which wasn't a big deal because it was just a thought and not something I was set on having.
Okay, now onto the list:
I came up with a list of things that I (and some other more experienced moms) thought would be great gifts to get or give. As well as a few things that I received at my showers that were just perfect for a gender neutral gift!
I'm going to start off by saying that there are quite a few things out there that are gender neutral without being only...yellow/green.
There are also many things on this list I have provided that definitely could be more fun in a more gender specific color, but honestly you can never go wrong with gender neutral stuff!
It can be used over and over with different kids!
Gender Neutral Gift Ideas:
One thing to remember too, is to think outside of the "store".
Browse online for ideas too!
It can be used over and over with different kids!
Gender Neutral Gift Ideas:
One thing to remember too, is to think outside of the "store".
Browse online for ideas too!
Diapers, diapers and more diapers
You can never have too many diapers.
As long as people give diapers that are unopened, you can take them back and exchange for a different size - no need to worry about getting all size 1 diapers!
Wipes, wipes and wipes
Wipes will be the same as diapers, you cannot have too many.
Plus you can use them for more things than just diaper changes.
How often do you see parents wiping their kids faces, or hands with wipes?
White onesies
Such a good staple to always have on hand.
They are good under other outfits, or just alone - they are so cute you cannot go wrong with onesies.
First aid stuff
Fingernail clippers, nasal suctions, diaper creams, thermometers, etc.
Things you wouldn't think of normally until you are in need of them!
Bath time toys
Pretty self explanatory.
Most, if not all, bath toys are gender neutral.
Bath time towels/washcloths
White is a great way to go for these things, the colors are fun, but not necessary (especially for washcloths!) Washcloths can be used during bath time or even to put something under baby during a diaper change..just in case.
Bath time soaps and lotions
There are many different kinds out there and not a single one is gender specific, so SCORE!
There are many different kinds out there and not a single one is gender specific, so SCORE!
A wagon
Maybe not an ideal gift for a "newborn", but that newborn will grow and a wagon is sometimes the best thing when you don't want to deal with the big stroller, plus it doubles as a good tote to carry all the stuff you have as well as baby.
A crib mattress
This could be a great gift especially if you are going in on a gift with someone else. I would make sure Mommy doesn't already have one, but that's one thing that Mommy just doesn't want to buy but will definitely need to do!
Teething toys
Teething necklaces are a new hit!
It's great because no matter the gender of the baby, it won't matter because Mom wears the necklace not the baby.
If teething necklaces aren't your favorite, then any type of teething toy is great and will be a life saver for mommy and baby!
Teething necklaces are a new hit!
It's great because no matter the gender of the baby, it won't matter because Mom wears the necklace not the baby.
If teething necklaces aren't your favorite, then any type of teething toy is great and will be a life saver for mommy and baby!
Swaddling blankets
I cannot believe how many gender neutral swaddle blankets there are out there!
These are great to have because even when baby no longer likes to be (or never did like to be) swaddled then they are great blankets to cuddle with!
I cannot believe how many gender neutral swaddle blankets there are out there!
These are great to have because even when baby no longer likes to be (or never did like to be) swaddled then they are great blankets to cuddle with!
"Cloth diapers" as burp cloths
There are two different cloth diapers that are fantastic for burp cloths or really anything else (my aunt uses them for cleaning her house still - her oldest is 16). The first kind is the "prefolded" cloth diapers, these are the ones typically used as burp cloths. They have the thick piece of material down the middle. The second kind is just the gauze type ones that are very similar to swaddling blankets.
There are two different cloth diapers that are fantastic for burp cloths or really anything else (my aunt uses them for cleaning her house still - her oldest is 16). The first kind is the "prefolded" cloth diapers, these are the ones typically used as burp cloths. They have the thick piece of material down the middle. The second kind is just the gauze type ones that are very similar to swaddling blankets.
Burp cloths
Always good to have on hand because you never know when baby will spit up or even just drool all over.
Always good to have on hand because you never know when baby will spit up or even just drool all over.
Crib sheets
I personally think you can't have too many (even just white - probably the best anyway for my reasoning), because one of the best pieces of advice I received was to always have multiple sheets/pads already on the bed.
(mattress pad, then sheet, then another mattress pad, followed by another sheet)
In the middle of the night when there is an accident in the crib, nothing worse than having to take off the sheet and then in the middle of the night trying to figure out what to lay your baby back down on in their crib. So having multiple sheets already on the bed make it easy to take the messy set off and the bed is already made underneath!
If you want the cute fun prints for crib sheets, buy them after the baby comes and that could be your top sheet that people see! Or there is always the option of gender neutral sheets such as grey sheets in a fun print!
I personally think you can't have too many (even just white - probably the best anyway for my reasoning), because one of the best pieces of advice I received was to always have multiple sheets/pads already on the bed.
(mattress pad, then sheet, then another mattress pad, followed by another sheet)
In the middle of the night when there is an accident in the crib, nothing worse than having to take off the sheet and then in the middle of the night trying to figure out what to lay your baby back down on in their crib. So having multiple sheets already on the bed make it easy to take the messy set off and the bed is already made underneath!
If you want the cute fun prints for crib sheets, buy them after the baby comes and that could be your top sheet that people see! Or there is always the option of gender neutral sheets such as grey sheets in a fun print!
Waterproof mattress cover
For the same reasons above (crib sheets), it's good to have a couple of these at least.
For the same reasons above (crib sheets), it's good to have a couple of these at least.
Grey outfits
are becoming so much cuter now than they used to be!
It doesn't hurt, (if you cannot think of anything other than an outfit to give) to have a couple outfits that are gender neutral - without being strictly yellow/green.
are becoming so much cuter now than they used to be!
It doesn't hurt, (if you cannot think of anything other than an outfit to give) to have a couple outfits that are gender neutral - without being strictly yellow/green.
Books
Love this gift, so much so that people for their showers are requesting books instead of cards or as something instead of other things as gifts!
Books are something that every mom wants but doesn't think of to buy on her own!
Toys
Rattles, balls, toys for kids from newborn-toddler!
Does your baby have a favorite toy?
Love this gift, so much so that people for their showers are requesting books instead of cards or as something instead of other things as gifts!
Books are something that every mom wants but doesn't think of to buy on her own!
Toys
Rattles, balls, toys for kids from newborn-toddler!
Does your baby have a favorite toy?
Diaper pail/insert bags
Such a convenient thing to have next to the changing table that masks the smell of that stinky diaper (especially when baby starts eating real food).
Such a convenient thing to have next to the changing table that masks the smell of that stinky diaper (especially when baby starts eating real food).
Bibs
Again, these could be fun to have a bib that says, "Mommy's Little Princess",
but a grey, white, or even a colored bib that doesn't scream boy or girl is a great thing to have.
Even to give bibs for drooling, there are so many out there that are more "stylish" than just the eating time bibs for when baby needs to wear a bib for the constant stream of drool.
Playmats/Play yards
These are typically gender specific too, but are a great gift to give a new mom if you are willing to spend a little bit more.
Pack n' Play
Again, if you are willing to spend a little more $$ this is a great gift to give for mom to use when traveling or even just as a play pen for the baby when they need a quick break.
Gift Cards
If you are stuck, and can't think of anything else, every mom loves to receive a gift card for them to spend on whatever they really need or want!
Target, Baby Cubby, Babies R Us, or even that Instagram/Etsy store you love!
New Mommy-to-be Pamper Kit
One of my favorite gifts that I was given was a few things that were just for "mom", this included things such as; a robe, bath soap, tissues/granola bars, and much more! It's fun to spoil baby, but never forget about mommy (she did do all that hard work ya know!)
Postpartum must haves
If you are a mommy then chances are you have some things that you "just couldn't live without" when you had your baby.
A new mommy-to-be may feel overwhelmed with what they really need postpartum, so why not help her out and give her a couple of those things you just couldn't live without!
Of course, this type of gift is most likely going to be given to someone you are close to rather than that second cousin twice removed that you see once or twice a year - unless you really just don't care which is great!
Baby must haves
This is the category that leaves it up to you!
Just like the postpartum must haves, you as a mommy probably have your baby and your "favorites"!
So why not share them with a new mommy-to-be!?
I've heard multiple times,
"Oh my gosh, my baby LOVES that ______, I'm giving it as a gift from now on!"
I have to laugh at registries because, what mommy-to-be knows what they really want or need? None!
When I registered, I only registered for things that I had heard from other mommies that these things were must haves, but even then I felt silly for even having a registry at all because I'd much rather be given things that experienced moms found to be useful!
Again, these could be fun to have a bib that says, "Mommy's Little Princess",
but a grey, white, or even a colored bib that doesn't scream boy or girl is a great thing to have.
Even to give bibs for drooling, there are so many out there that are more "stylish" than just the eating time bibs for when baby needs to wear a bib for the constant stream of drool.
Playmats/Play yards
These are typically gender specific too, but are a great gift to give a new mom if you are willing to spend a little bit more.
Pack n' Play
Again, if you are willing to spend a little more $$ this is a great gift to give for mom to use when traveling or even just as a play pen for the baby when they need a quick break.
Gift Cards
If you are stuck, and can't think of anything else, every mom loves to receive a gift card for them to spend on whatever they really need or want!
Target, Baby Cubby, Babies R Us, or even that Instagram/Etsy store you love!
New Mommy-to-be Pamper Kit
One of my favorite gifts that I was given was a few things that were just for "mom", this included things such as; a robe, bath soap, tissues/granola bars, and much more! It's fun to spoil baby, but never forget about mommy (she did do all that hard work ya know!)
Postpartum must haves
If you are a mommy then chances are you have some things that you "just couldn't live without" when you had your baby.
A new mommy-to-be may feel overwhelmed with what they really need postpartum, so why not help her out and give her a couple of those things you just couldn't live without!
Of course, this type of gift is most likely going to be given to someone you are close to rather than that second cousin twice removed that you see once or twice a year - unless you really just don't care which is great!
Baby must haves
This is the category that leaves it up to you!
Just like the postpartum must haves, you as a mommy probably have your baby and your "favorites"!
So why not share them with a new mommy-to-be!?
I've heard multiple times,
"Oh my gosh, my baby LOVES that ______, I'm giving it as a gift from now on!"
I have to laugh at registries because, what mommy-to-be knows what they really want or need? None!
When I registered, I only registered for things that I had heard from other mommies that these things were must haves, but even then I felt silly for even having a registry at all because I'd much rather be given things that experienced moms found to be useful!
---
If all else fails (and you cannot fathom giving anything other than a gender specific present),
at the shower give the mommy-to-be a pack of diapers (or something as easy),
then when the baby is born you can give a more
gender specific gift when you visit the mom/new baby!
No mom is going to complain about getting gifts after the baby is born too ;)
Like I stated above, I'm no expert, I haven't even had my first child yet, but many of the things in this post are heard from "more experienced" mommies!
Take it or leave it, but it's always nice to have a list of gift ideas to give, especially if you are headed to a
Gender Neutral Baby Shower!
Do you have other ideas of what to give that new mommy-to-be that aren't listed?
Please let me know!
