Want to find the ultimate baby shower gift and get the most out of your budget? Thrifting your next baby shower gift is the way to go. It’s not just about saving money; it’s a chance to curate a thoughtful gift for both mama and baby. From gently used baby clothes to classic children’s books, to practical storage options, your local Goodwill NCW has the perfect items to build your baby shower gift!

Plus, thrifting is a win for the planet, too. Every item you give a second life keeps it out of the landfill – and baby gear is one of the best categories to thrift, since little ones outgrow things so quickly that many items are barely used before they’re passed along. Your gift gets a story, the parents get quality items, and the environment gets a little breather. That’s what I call a gift that keeps on giving.

Three things I always look for at Goodwill are:

• Baby Clothes
• Children’s Books
• A Storage Basket

Baby Clothes

One great thing about shopping at Goodwill NCW is that baby clothes are all $2.49 apiece. You can get some really great brands and natural materials at such an affordable cost. When searching for baby clothes, I usually look for items that will fit them in the future. A lot of people who attend showers often buy a bunch of newborn or 0-3 months clothes, but babies grow fast! I usually like to fill in the gaps that other attendees might not think of. 

Another important tip is to think of the season/temperature it will be when they are potentially that size. If the baby is going to be born in summer, I wouldn’t get a 12mo winter outfit. Something else I like to consider is what sports teams their parents like and try to find some baby items with those sports teams.

A few extra things I keep in mind while I’m combing the racks:

• Check the size charts before you shop. Baby sizing varies a lot between brands, so when in doubt, size up. A slightly big outfit will get worn eventually, but an outfit that’s too small never will.
• Stick to easy-on styles. Zipper sleepers, snap-bottom onesies and stretchy sets are what sleep-deprived parents actually reach for. Skip anything with a million tiny buttons.
• Give everything a once-over. I check for stains, missing snaps and stretched-out necklines. The vast majority of what I find is in great shape, but a quick inspection means you only bring home the best.

A Storage Basket

Next up, I look for a cute basket or a functional storage bin to put the gift in. This leaves them with the option to use this as storage in the nursery, as decor in their home, or easily will allow them to regift something in the basket in the future. I always think, “If I’m going to spend money on a gift bag, I might as well get something that they can reuse in a more useful way!”

Baskets are one of the best-kept secrets of the home sections at Goodwill NCW. I’ve found woven baskets, canvas bins and even adorable vintage-style containers that look straight out of a nursery mood board. Pro tip: neutral colors and natural materials match almost any nursery theme, so if you don’t know the parents’ color scheme yet, a woven or cream-toned basket is a safe bet. It doubles as the “wrapping” and the gift – no gift bag headed straight for the trash!  

Children’s Books

For children’s books, it’s important to look through each page to make sure they are in good condition before purchasing. Goodwill NCW always impresses me with their abundant book selection! I also look to make sure there isn’t a message from the previous owner’s gifted books. Look for a book with a clean slate, so you can write your message for the baby shower, leave it blank, or the best of both worlds…write your message on a note & then tape it in!

The parents may want to put that note in a keepsake box or scrapbook. Then, that leaves them with the option to donate the book or rehome it when their child outgrows it without losing the sweet message.

Building a little library is one of my favorite parts of the gift. I aim for a mix: a couple of sturdy board books that can survive teething and toddlerhood, a classic or two that every childhood deserves, and something seasonal or silly just because. Board books are especially great thrift-store finds since they hold up so well. And don’t be afraid to grab a book that was a favorite of yours growing up – writing a line about why you loved it turns a thrifted find into a keepsake.

Don’t Forget the Registry

Lastly, I always purchase something off of the baby registry. I usually put together my thrifted gift basket first and then add in the item I got from the baby registry.

The thrifted finds and the registry item balance each other out perfectly: the registry item covers something practical the parents truly need, and the thrifted pieces add the personality, charm and budget-friendly abundance that make the gift feel extra special. It’s the best of both worlds – and your wallet will thank you.