Why Traditional Baby Shower Gifts Are Failing Us – And What We Can Do Instead

Have you ever noticed how baby shower gifts often miss the mark?

I recently came across an eye-opening article on Slate titled “Traditional Baby Shower Gifts All Have the Same Problem. There’s a Solution That Doesn’t Require Buying From the Registry.”, and it really got me thinking. If you’ve ever been to a baby shower, you know the drill: a sea of identical onesies, bottles, and toys — most of which might end up unused or forgotten in a drawer.

But why does this happen, and more importantly, what can we do about it? Whether you’re a friend, family member, or an expectant parent planning your own shower, this conversation is worth diving into.

The Problem with Traditional Baby Shower Gifts

According to Prudie’s insightful advice column in Slate, the main issue is that these gifts often come from generic registries. The registry tells us what the parents think they need, sure, but it doesn’t always account for the individual journey and unique challenges that many parents face — especially those trying to conceive or navigating fertility struggles.

For example:

• What about families welcoming babies through alternative conception methods like at-home insemination?
• Or parents with sensitivities who need specialized baby care products?
• And what happens when gifts highlight what’s “expected” but don’t consider privacy or discretion, especially for those early stages when sharing news is still a personal choice?

These questions don’t usually pop up when we’re picking gifts, but they’re critical.

A Thoughtful, Discreet Alternative

This is where companies like MakeAMom really change the game. They specialize in at-home insemination kits that enable individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey privately and comfortably. Their discreet packaging means shipments arrive without any identifying details, which is a huge deal for those valuing privacy.

But what struck me is how MakeAMom’s products — like the CryoBaby kit for frozen sperm, or the BabyMaker kit designed for those with sensitivities — reflect an understanding that no two journeys are the same. Their reusable kits are also budget-friendly compared to disposable alternatives, showing care not just for the user’s needs but their wallets too.

Imagine if baby showers started to embrace gifts that support these unique paths — thoughtful tools that genuinely help parents-to-be feel empowered and supported from the very beginning.

How Can You Gift Differently?

So, if you want to avoid the typical