TikTok tells us that #auntielifeisthebestlife , and as an aunt to six — soon to be seven — nieces and nephews, I couldn’t agree more. Finding out that your sibling is having a baby is one of the most exciting things to celebrate. Although you’ll likely be spending endless amounts of money on your newest little obsession, gifting your sister or brother a sweet cash-something for their baby shower will let them know that you care about them and their budding bundle of joy.
When deciding on the amount to gift, consider a range that feels comfortable to you while it still is meaningful for them. Factors like your own financial situation and your degree of closeness with your sibling can certainly play into how much you write that check out for, add to their gift card balance or take out at the ATM. Our official baby shower cash or check suggestion for VIP family members is $150 or more, but the final number really is at your discretion.
Tailor your total with these 3 considerations Your baby shower planning responsibilities: If you’ve been No. 1 or No. 2 in the baby shower event planning, funding the celebration or putting money towards preparations, like games, activities or diaper cake making, then it’s understandable to feel like you’ve made a significant financial contribution to your sibling and their growing family’s lives.
As such, you can adjust the monetary gift as a complement to your time and effort — both invaluable gifts in and of themselves. The same can be said for being actively involved in your sibling’s pregnancy or journey into mom or dad mode. If you’ve accompanied them to doctor’s appointments, advised them on how to build their registry or volunteered your time to help them set up the baby’s nursery, then you don’t have to go overboard with a gift.
Your ranking (birth order, that is) in the family: If you’re a younger sibling, still in school or not yet working, you might not be in a position to offer a large sum of money. That’s perfectly okay because your older sib should understand your circumstances. Your presence and love will shine through, regardless of the monetary value.
You can also shower your role model with personal, handmade gifts — maybe even dig up an heirloom or DIY craft they made for your when you were first born. The offer to jump for babysitting or miscellaneous sanity saving once baby’s finally here is priceless, too. If you’re an older sibling, and you’ve been asked to be a godparent, then you also might choose to give more.
Or gift them something off their registry and include a monetary amount for their little one. Your own baby shower gift precedent: When you’re gifting a sibling after your own baby shower, it’s not uncommon to reciprocate the same amount they gave you. If you have several other siblings in your squad, setting up this “Johnson Family” baby shower gift benchmark can be helpful for everyone.
Money, but make it more meaningful Another way to sweeten your gift is to pool your resources with other siblings. When you combine efforts, you can provide a baby shower gift that might be otherwise unattainable. That Nuna travel system for over $1,000 isn’t going to buy itself! Come together and contribute to a never-ending diaper fund so your big or little sis or bro never has to handle the mess of ordering diapers, wipes and other changing table amenities.
Has your sibling expressed an interest in hiring a birth, newborn or family photographer to take some new portraits of their family? Personalized photography sessions are not cheap, but if you and your siblings cover the expenses together, then you won’t just be helping them commemorate these milestones. You’ll also be giving them beautiful, lifelong memories to display anywhere and everywhere. How to Set Up a Baby Registry How much money should I give my friend for their baby shower? How much money should I give my family member for their baby shower? What should I add to my Amazon baby registry? A complete guide for new moms Walmart baby registry: How to set it up, add items online and in store, and get your loved ones your list Babylist baby registry: How to set one up, get free samples and redeem a 15% off discount Our journalism needs your support.
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