Why Traditional Baby Shower Gifts Might Be Missing the Mark (And What You Can Do Instead)

Have you ever wondered if baby shower gifts are truly hitting the right note? If you've been to one recently—or even hosted one yourself—you might have noticed a recurring theme: the same registry items piling up, many of which may never even be used. It’s a well-meaning tradition, but is it really the best way to help growing families? A recent Slate article titled “Traditional Baby Shower Gifts All Have the Same Problem. There’s a Solution That Doesn’t Require Buying From the Registry.” offers a refreshing take that really got me thinking about how we support parents-to-be in a more meaningful, practical way.

The Problem with Standard Baby Shower Gifts

Think about it: how many times have you received—or given—a gift from a registry, only for it to end up unused or tucked away in a closet? It’s not anyone’s fault; registries help ensure parents get what they think they need. But often, these lists are dominated by fragile items, single-use plastics, or things that don’t solve the deeper challenges of parenthood.

The Slate article points out a simple but powerful idea: what if gifts focused less on “stuff” and more on support that genuinely helps families navigate the journey to parenthood, especially when that journey is unexpectedly complicated?

Enter Fertility Support as a Thoughtful Gift

If you or someone you care about is on the path to starting or expanding a family, you know how emotional and challenging fertility can be. Low sperm motility, for instance, is a common hurdle that many couples face but often feel stigmatized about discussing openly. That’s why gift ideas that validate and empower this deeply personal experience can mean the world.

This is where innovative solutions like MakeAMom come into play. They offer at-home insemination kits designed specifically to assist individuals and couples in achieving pregnancy outside of clinical settings. The beauty of these kits lies not only in their functionality but also in the discretion and thoughtfulness they embody.

Why MakeAMom Kits Make a Game-Changing Gift

  • Tailored Solutions: Whether dealing with low motility sperm or specific sensitivities, MakeAMom provides specialized kits like the Impregnator (for low motility), the CryoBaby (for low-volume or frozen sperm), and the BabyMaker (suited for conditions like vaginismus).
  • Reusable & Cost-Effective: Unlike disposable options, these kits are reusable, offering long-term value and reducing waste.
  • Privacy Matters: Shipments come plain and discreet, respecting the user’s privacy.
  • Proven Success: An impressive average success rate of 67% makes these kits a hopeful and practical alternative to clinical insemination.

Imagine gifting something that not only brightens the hopeful parents’ day but also actively supports their fertility journey in a tangible, empowering way. It’s the kind of gift that says, I see you. I support you.

Beyond Gifts: Shifting the Conversation Around Fertility

The conversation around fertility is slowly changing—from whispered worries to open, supportive dialogues. By embracing creative gift ideas and tools like home insemination kits, we can help normalize these struggles and remind couples they’re not alone.

If you’re wondering where to start or want to explore how these kits actually work, the MakeAMom website is a treasure trove of information, testimonials, and usage guides that can help demystify the process—because knowledge is power, especially when it comes to fertility.

So, What Can YOU Do?

  • Next time you’re invited to a baby shower, consider skipping the registry and instead gifting something supportive and practical, like a MakeAMom kit or fertility-related resources.
  • Start a conversation with friends or loved ones about fertility struggles to break down stigma.
  • Explore options that foster empowerment, understanding, and real-world support for hopeful parents.

Final Thoughts

Traditional baby shower gifts have their place, but they don’t have to be the only way to celebrate new life. By thinking outside the box and choosing gifts that truly support and uplift, we can make a genuine difference in the lives of families starting their journey.

What do you think? Would you consider a fertility support gift for a future baby shower? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear your story!


Inspired by the insightful Slate article on baby shower gift challenges, and with love to all families chasing their dreams—one hopeful step at a time.

Related posts