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

Ever left a baby shower wondering if your gift really hit the mark? You’re not alone. I recently came across a fascinating 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 got me thinking about how often baby showers focus on the “stuff” rather than the real emotional and practical needs of people growing their families — especially those navigating sensitive fertility journeys.

Let’s be honest: baby registries tend to list a lot of the same things. Onesies, diapers, bottles. And while these gifts are undeniably useful once the baby arrives, they often miss a deeper opportunity to support those early, often challenging moments — like conception. For many of us, the path to parenthood isn’t straightforward. It’s filled with personal hurdles, emotional ups and downs, and sometimes unique conditions that make traditional approaches, or even gift registries, feel impersonal or insufficient.

This is where thoughtful alternatives come in. Instead of sticking to the registry checklist, what if your gift could acknowledge and assist the very early stage — the conception phase — while being sensitive to people’s unique situations?

Why Does This Matter?

The article highlights readers’ frustrations with baby shower gift-giving traditions and offers fresh perspectives on meaningful gifts. One perspective that really resonated is the idea that gifts could reflect support for the entire fertility journey, including for those using at-home insemination or coping with fertility sensitivities.

This isn’t just a nice idea — it’s a game-changer for those of us who have felt isolated or misunderstood during conception struggles. And it aligns with what companies like MakeAMom are doing in an incredible way.

What Is MakeAMom and Why Should You Care?

MakeAMom specializes in at-home insemination kits designed specifically to empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey in a comfortable, private setting. Their kits include:

CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm
Impregnator for low motility sperm
BabyMaker for those with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus

Plus, their kits are reusable and plain-packaged for privacy — thoughtful touches that reflect a deep understanding of the emotional and physical sensitivities involved.

Imagine gifting a kit like this — not as just a product, but as a gesture of solidarity, hope, and empowerment. It's a way to say, "I see your journey, and I want to support you in a way that feels personal and meaningful."

Breaking the Mold: Alternatives to Traditional Baby Shower Gifts

So, if the registry isn’t the only answer, what else can you consider?

At-home insemination kits: For friends or family exploring all paths to parenthood, these are practical, respectful gifts that acknowledge their unique experience.
Books and resources on fertility sensitivities or emotional wellness: Knowledge is power, and showing you care about their well-being beyond the basics matters.
Gift cards for fertility-related wellness services: Think massage therapy, acupuncture, or counseling that cater to sensitive bodies and minds.
Subscription boxes tailored to fertility or pregnancy: These can include gentle skincare, supplements, or calming teas designed for sensitive users.

Why Sensitivity Matters More Than Ever

In 2025, awareness of fertility sensitivities and diverse conception journeys has never been higher. People aren’t just “trying to get pregnant” anymore; they’re managing allergies, chronic illnesses, emotional health, and personal conditions with care and nuance.

The traditional gift of a cute onesie doesn’t hurt, but when we consider gifts that align with someone’s sensitive journey, we communicate empathy and awareness that money can’t buy.

Final Thoughts: How You Can Make a Difference

If you’re attending a baby shower soon — or want to support someone growing their family in a gentle, meaningful way — think beyond the registry. Consider thoughtful gifts that honor their personal fertility story. And if you want to dive deeper, explore resources like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits, which show how fertility tech is evolving to be more inclusive, sensitive, and empowering.

Remember, pregnancy is a deeply personal journey, and the gifts we give can either reflect that or miss the chance entirely. So, what will your next baby shower gift say?

I’d love to hear from you — have you ever given or received a non-traditional fertility gift? What was the reaction? Drop a comment below!