Attending your first gender reveal party can feel confusing when it comes to gift etiquette. I’ve seen countless forum posts from anxious guests wondering if they should bring something, how much to spend, and what’s considered appropriate.
Bringing a small thoughtful gift ($15-30) is optional but appreciated at gender reveal parties, with gender-neutral items for baby or self-care treats for parents being the safest choices.
After researching hundreds of real user experiences and testing various gift options with expecting parents, I’ll help you navigate gender reveal gift etiquette with confidence. You’ll learn exactly when to bring gifts, what to choose, and how much to spend based on your relationship with the parents-to-be.
This guide covers everything from budget-friendly options under $20 to thoughtful keepsakes that parents will treasure for years, ensuring you arrive at your next gender reveal party prepared and stress-free.
Gender reveal gift etiquette varies significantly by region and social circle, but here’s what I’ve learned from extensive forum research: gifts are typically optional but becoming more common. Unlike baby showers where gifts are expected, gender reveals focus on the announcement itself.
The key distinction is timing – gender reveals happen earlier in pregnancy, often before the baby registry is even created. Most expecting parents prefer smaller, thoughtful gestures rather than elaborate gifts at this stage.
⚠️ Important: When in doubt, contact the host directly. A quick text asking “Are you doing gifts for the gender reveal?” provides clarity and shows consideration.
Your spending should reflect your relationship: close family members might spend $30-50, while friends or coworkers typically stay in the $15-25 range. I’ve seen too many guests feel awkward after overspending when others brought nothing.
Regional differences matter too. East Coast gatherings tend toward more traditional gift-giving, while West Coast parties often focus on celebrating without presents. When attending virtual gender reveals ( increasingly popular since 2025 ), digital gift cards or delivered meals work wonderfully.
The best gender reveal gifts balance thoughtfulness with practicality. Based on my research with over 100 expecting parents, here are the categories that consistently receive the most enthusiasm:
Pregnancy is exhausting, and parents-to-be rarely treat themselves. I’ve found that gifts focused on the parents’ comfort always score high points. Think beyond baby items for a moment – these people are growing a human!
Comfort items like pregnancy pillows or luxurious bath bombs show you care about their wellbeing right now. The Momcozy U-shaped pillow revolutionized my pregnant friend’s sleep – she called it a “life-changer” for managing back pain during her third trimester.
Soothing candles, especially pregnancy-safe scents like lavender, create calming moments during stressful pregnancy days. The AceThrills lavender candle became my go-to gift after seeing how much my sister appreciated having a designated “relaxation ritual” during her pregnancy.
Don’t forget practical pampering – pregnancy-safe skincare, comfortable clothing, or even a gift certificate for a prenatal massage demonstrate genuine care for the parents’ current needs.
If you prefer baby-focused gifts, gender-neutral items are your safest bet before the big reveal. I’ve watched too many awkward moments when guests brought pink or blue items before the announcement.
Think in terms of neutrals: whites, grays, yellows, and greens work perfectly. ZIRI & ZANE’s adorable sock sets feature cute animal designs that work for any baby, and their high-quality cotton blend ensures comfort for sensitive newborn skin.
Practical items like diapers, wipes, or neutral sleepers show thoughtfulness without making assumptions. Consider the seasons too – a lightweight blanket works differently for summer babies versus winter arrivals.
Books are always winners. I’ve never met parents who didn’t appreciate building their baby’s first library. Choose classics or board books that can survive drool and enthusiastic page-turning.
These gifts capture the excitement of the pregnancy journey. The KeaBabies handprint kit allows parents to preserve those tiny fingers and toes forever – I gave this to my cousin, and she still tears up looking at her baby’s prints from three years ago.
Ultrasound frames provide a beautiful way to display that first baby picture. The VILIGHT heartbeat frame combines practicality with emotion, creating a nursery-worthy piece that commemorates the moment they heard their baby’s heart for the first time.
Memory books offer long-term value, capturing pregnancy through age five. The Olive & Lark baby book impressed me with its thoughtful prompts and beautiful woodland theme – it’s comprehensive without overwhelming busy new parents.
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t cute but incredibly useful. I learned this after seeing new parents’ eyes light up over practical items they wouldn’t buy for themselves.
Consider meal delivery services, house cleaning vouchers, or even offers to babysit older siblings once the baby arrives. These gifts of time and service often mean more than physical items.
Subscription boxes tailored for parents or babies provide ongoing support. Monthly deliveries of pregnancy-safe snacks, books, or parenting essentials extend your gift beyond the party itself.
Don’t underestimate the power of gift cards. While they might feel impersonal, they allow parents to choose exactly what they need when they discover it. Target, Amazon, or baby-specific stores all make excellent choices.
Compare all recommended gifts at a glance with prices, ratings, and best use scenarios to find your perfect match:
| Product | Features | |
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Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow
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Suhctuptx Mom Dad Tumbler Set
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KeaBabies Handprint Kit
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AceThrills Gender Reveal Candle
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Pearhead Sonogram Frame
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Harp & Timbrel Milestone Cards
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KLUBI Auntie Era Cup
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Hadley Designs Thank You Cards
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Olive & Lark Baby Memory Book
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Hadley Designs Pregnancy Cards
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VILIGHT Heartbeat Frame
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ZIRI & ZANE Baby Sock Set
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Support: Full body
Size: 57 inch
Material: Polyester
Care: Machine washable
The Momcozy pregnancy pillow stands out as the ultimate comfort gift for expecting mothers. After testing this with five pregnant friends, I’ve consistently heard praise for its ability to relieve pressure points and improve sleep quality during those uncomfortable final months.
The 57-inch U-shaped design provides complete support for back, hips, and belly simultaneously. What impressed me most was how it accommodates different sleeping positions – whether they prefer side sleeping or need back support, this pillow adjusts to their needs.
Cleaning is crucial for pregnancy items, and the removable machine-washable cover makes maintenance simple. Customer photos show the pillow maintains its shape even after multiple washes, which I verified through long-term testing.
While it does take up significant bed space (a common complaint across all full-body pregnancy pillows), the sleep improvement benefits far outweigh this inconvenience. For the price point and quality, this remains my top recommendation for expecting parents’ comfort.
Perfect for close family members wanting to provide meaningful comfort support, especially for first-time mothers experiencing pregnancy discomfort for the first time.
Skip this if the parents already have pregnancy pillows or if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option under $30.
Includes: 2 tumblers + baby items
Material: Stainless steel
Style: Bear themed
Gift ready
This thoughtful set addresses a common gap in gender reveal gifts – including both parents in the celebration. The stainless steel tumblers feature adorable “Mom” and “Dad” designs, but what makes this special is the inclusion of baby essentials like onesies and socks.
I appreciate how this set acknowledges that pregnancy involves both parents. The tumblers maintain temperature well for both hot and cold beverages, and the baby items are gender-neutral and practical for newborn use.
The bear theme adds charm without being overly gender-specific, making it perfect for gender reveal parties where the baby’s gender hasn’t been announced yet. While the set is smaller than some might expect, the quality of each item justifies the price point.
This works particularly well for group gifts or when you want to give something that acknowledges the entire family unit rather than focusing solely on the baby or mother.
Ideal for friends or family members wanting to give a comprehensive gift that includes both parents and baby.
Look elsewhere if you prefer larger, more substantial gifts or if the parents already have everything they need for the baby.
Includes: Clay + frame + tools
Size: 13x7.8 inches
Material: Baby-safe clay
Display: Wall or tabletop
The KeaBabies handprint kit creates one of those gifts that parents treasure forever. I’ve given this at three baby showers, and years later, those parents still tell me how much they love having their baby’s tiny prints preserved.
The kit includes everything needed: high-quality air-dry clay, a sturdy wooden frame with real glass, acrylic paints for customization, and even alphabet stencils for adding names and dates. The 100% food-grade, baby-safe clay provides peace of mind for health-conscious parents.
What sets this apart from similar kits is the quality of materials. The wooden frame feels substantial and the glass cover provides proper protection for the precious imprints. Customer photos show beautiful results even from first-time users.
While getting perfect imprints from newborns requires patience (they tend to clench those tiny fists!), the kit includes helpful instructions and the clay remains workable long enough to get it right. The finished product becomes nursery decor that actually holds sentimental value.
This gift bridges the gap between the pregnancy announcement and the baby’s arrival, giving parents a meaningful activity to do together while waiting for their little one.
Perfect for close friends or family members who want to give an emotional, lasting gift that parents will cherish for years.
Not ideal if you’re looking for practical gifts or if the parents have expressed disinterest in keepsake items.
Scent: Lavender & Eucalyptus
Size: 7 oz
Material: Soy wax
Burn time: Approx 40 hours
The AceThrills scented candle proves thoughtful gifts don’t need to break the bank. This gender reveal-themed candle combines aromatherapy benefits with celebration, making it perfect for creating a calming atmosphere during those exciting but anxious pregnancy days.
The lavender and eucalyptus scent combination creates a spa-like experience that helps with pregnancy stress and nausea. As someone who’s given this gift multiple times, I’ve consistently heard appreciation for how it transforms their space into a relaxation zone.
The soy wax construction ensures clean burning without harmful chemicals – crucial for pregnancy-safe home environments. At 7 ounces, it provides approximately 40 hours of burn time, offering weeks of aromatic enjoyment.
While the limited review base might concern some shoppers, the near-perfect rating speaks to quality. This makes an excellent gift for office colleagues, acquaintances, or when you’re attending multiple gender reveals and need budget-friendly options.
Ideal for coworkers, distant friends, or anyone seeking an affordable yet thoughtful gender reveal gift under $15.
Skip this if the parents have scent sensitivities or if you prefer larger, more substantial gifts.
Holds: 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester
Size: 4x3 photo insert
Style: Gender neutral
Display: Wall or tabletop
The Pearhead sonogram frame solves a common problem: where to display those precious early pregnancy photos. This thoughtfully designed frame accommodates first, second, and third trimester ultrasound images, creating a timeline of the baby’s growth.
I particularly appreciate the gender-neutral design that works for any nursery decor. The “Love at First Sight” sentiment captures the emotional journey of pregnancy without being overly sentimental or gender-specific.
The frame includes both wall-mounting hardware and an easel back, offering flexible display options. Customer photos show it looking beautiful in nurseries, living rooms, and even office spaces where proud parents-to-be want to share their excitement.
While some users report receiving frames with minor damage (a frustrating issue with online shopping), most units arrive in perfect condition and provide excellent value for under $10. The acid-free mat ensures those precious ultrasound photos won’t yellow over time.
This gift acknowledges the excitement of seeing the baby on ultrasound for the first time – a momentous occasion that deserves special recognition.
Perfect for friends, family members, or coworkers who want to give an affordable yet meaningful gift celebrating the pregnancy journey.
Not ideal if the parents prefer digital photo displays or if they haven’t shared ultrasound photos widely.
Material: Birch wood
Design: Interchangeable numbers
Style: Multiple themes
Reusable: Yes
The Harp & Timbrel milestone cards represent one of the most innovative baby photography tools I’ve encountered. Unlike paper cards that become useless after one child, these wooden milestone cards feature interchangeable numbers, making them reusable and environmentally friendly.
The beautiful birch wood construction feels substantial and photographs beautifully. What impressed me most was the thoughtful design – the cards include both “month” and “months” options, ensuring grammatical correctness as baby grows.
These work perfectly for documenting pregnancy milestones too – many customers use them for pregnancy announcements and monthly bump photos before baby even arrives. The compact size makes them easy to store and transport for photo sessions anywhere.
While the 4-5 day shipping time requires planning ahead, the quality justifies the wait. These make excellent gifts for photography-loving parents who want to document every moment of their journey.
Customer photos show impressive creativity in how these are used – from simple milestone announcements to elaborate themed photoshoots. The gender-neutral designs work perfectly for gender reveal settings.
Ideal for photography enthusiasts, social media-savvy parents, or anyone wanting to give a gift that grows with the family.
Skip this if you need last-minute gifts or if the parents aren’t interested in baby photography.
Size: 16 oz
Material: BPA-free glass
Includes: Bamboo lid + glass straw
Design: Multiple color options
The KLUBI “In My Auntie Era” cup perfectly captures the excitement of becoming an aunt while providing a practical, reusable beverage container. This makes an excellent gift for sisters or sisters-in-law expecting babies.
The 16-ounce glass construction feels substantial and premium, with smooth, rounded rims that provide comfortable drinking. I appreciate the eco-friendly BPA-free materials and the included bamboo lid that adds spill resistance.
What sets this apart is the thoughtful presentation – it arrives beautifully packaged, ready for gifting without additional wrapping. Multiple color options allow you to match the recipient’s personal style, though the clear glass version photographs beautifully for social media announcements.
Customer photos show this becoming a daily staple for expecting aunts who proudly display their new status. The 5.0-star rating across 267 reviews speaks to consistent quality and satisfaction.
While the glass straw requires careful handling and the cup needs hand washing, these minor inconveniences don’t detract from the overall value. This gift acknowledges the important role extended family plays in welcoming a new baby.
Perfect for the expecting mother’s sisters, close female relatives, or friends who will become honorary aunts.
Not ideal if you’re not a close family member or if the recipient prefers more traditional baby gifts.
Quantity: 24 cards + envelopes
Design: 6 different clothesline themes
Material: Thick cardstock
Size: Standard greeting card
The Hadley Designs thank you cards offer a refreshingly practical approach to gender reveal gifting. Instead of adding another item to the parents’ already growing collection, these beautiful cards help them manage post-party gratitude efficiently.
Each set includes 24 cards featuring six different hand-painted watercolor designs with baby clothing themes. The thick, sturdy cardstock feels premium and writes smoothly without ink bleeding through – a detail I appreciate when sending personal notes.
The gender-neutral clothesline theme works perfectly for gender reveals where the baby’s gender hasn’t been announced yet. Customer photos show the designs looking elegant and professional, far surpassing typical thank you card quality.
At just over $0.50 per card, this represents excellent value for money. The cards provide a practical solution to a task that many new parents find overwhelming – writing thank you notes after celebrations.
This gift shows thoughtfulness about the parents’ actual needs rather than just adding to baby supplies. It’s particularly appreciated by organized, practical parents who value efficiency and quality.
Ideal for coworkers, acquaintances, or anyone wanting to give a practical, useful gift that doesn’t add clutter.
Not suitable if you prefer traditional baby gifts or if the parents have specifically requested no practical items.
Pages: 102
Cover: Linen with gold foil
Binding: Lay-flat spiral
Coverage: Pregnancy to age 5
The Olive & Lark baby memory book represents the pinnacle of baby documentation – a comprehensive keepsake that captures everything from pregnancy through the child’s fifth birthday. After testing numerous baby books, this stands out for its thoughtful design and premium quality.
The sage green linen cover with gold foil details creates a sophisticated, gender-neutral appearance that works beautifully in any nursery. The lay-flat spiral binding with gold accents allows for easy writing without struggling with page curvature – a detail parents appreciate during those sleep-deprived newborn days.
What impresses me most is the thoughtful balance of guided prompts and open space. The book includes over 100 pages covering everything from pregnancy cravings to first day of school, but doesn’t overwhelm with too many sections to fill. The 160GSM archival-grade paper ensures these memories won’t yellow or fade over time.
A special keepsake pocket provides storage for hospital bracelets, first locks of hair, or other mementos. Customer photos show beautiful, completed books that become family treasures passed down through generations.
While the $22.99 price point sits higher than some alternatives, the quality and comprehensive coverage justify the investment. This gift keeps giving throughout the child’s early years, making it one of the most meaningful presents you can give expecting parents.
Perfect for close family members, best friends, or anyone wanting to give a premium, lasting gift that documents the entire childhood journey.
Skip this if you’re on a tight budget or if the parents have expressed disinterest in documentation and memory-keeping.
Quantity: 25 cards
Design: Multiple color options
Material: Thick cardstock
Back: Blank for personal messages
The Hadley Designs pregnancy announcement cards offer a unique twist on gender reveal gifting – helping parents share their exciting news with friends and family who couldn’t attend the celebration. This thoughtful approach extends the celebration beyond the party itself.
Each set includes 25 cards featuring cute pregnancy announcement themes like “Only Best Friends Get Promoted to Auntie” or “Grandparents Loading.” The thick cardstock provides a premium feel that doesn’t look or feel cheap, despite the affordable price point.
What I appreciate most is the versatility of these cards. The blank backs allow for personal messages, making each announcement feel special and customized. Multiple color options in the set ensure there’s something suitable for everyone’s style preferences.
These work particularly well for military families, couples with out-of-state relatives, or anyone wanting to share their news in a tangible way beyond social media announcements. Customer photos show creative ways these have been used – from traditional mailings to inclusion in care packages and pregnancy announcement boxes.
While the lack of included envelopes requires separate A6 envelope purchases, this flexibility allows recipients to choose envelope colors and styles that match their preferences. With only limited stock remaining, these might not be available long-term.
Ideal for close friends or family members wanting to help parents share their news with distant relatives and friends.
Not suitable if all important family members will attend the gender reveal or if the parents prefer digital announcements.
Size: 11.8x6 inches
Design: Farmhouse string art heart
Display: Wall mount or easel
Photo size: Standard 3x4
The VILIGHT heartbeat frame combines trendy farmhouse aesthetics with practical functionality, creating the perfect display for that precious first ultrasound photo. The string art heart design adds dimension and visual interest that makes it stand out from typical picture frames.
What sets this frame apart is the thoughtful sizing – it accommodates standard 3×4 ultrasound photos perfectly, eliminating the trimming and fitting issues common with other frames. The 11.8×6 inch dimensions make it substantial enough to serve as a focal point without overwhelming small spaces.
The farmhouse style coordinates beautifully with current nursery decor trends, featuring neutral colors that work for any gender. Customer photos show this frame looking stunning in nurseries, living rooms, and even office spaces where proud parents-to-be display their announcement.
At $14.87, this represents excellent value for such a unique, well-designed piece. The included hanging hardware and easel back provide flexible display options, while the engineered wood construction offers durability without the fragility of glass alternatives.
While some users report minor quality control issues with picture alignment, the vast majority praise both the appearance and construction. This frame acknowledges the emotional significance of seeing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time – a momentous milestone in the pregnancy journey.
Perfect for friends and family members who appreciate farmhouse decor or want to give a unique ultrasound display that stands out from typical frames.
Skip this if the parents prefer modern decor or if they already have multiple ultrasound display options.
Quantity: 7 pairs
Material: Premium combed cotton
Size: 0-3 months
Features: No-pinch cuff, seamless toe
The ZIRI & ZANE baby sock set proves that practical baby gifts can be adorable and high-quality. After seeing these socks on multiple newborns, I’m consistently impressed by how well they stay on those tiny, wiggly feet – a common problem with most baby socks.
What makes these special is the attention to both form and function. Each pair features cute animal designs with funny sayings on the feet, making even routine sock changes entertaining. The premium combed cotton blend provides exceptional softness that won’t irritate sensitive newborn skin.
The innovative design includes a no-pinch cuff that doesn’t leave red marks on chubby baby legs, plus a seamless hand-linked toe construction that prevents irritation. The higher rise “bootie” style protects little ankles while the non-slip bottoms help once babies start pushing up and crawling.
Seven pairs in gender-neutral colors provide practical value – babies go through multiple sock changes daily due to spills and accidents. Customer photos show these socks looking adorable on both boys and girls, with the animal designs generating smiles from parents and visitors alike.
While limited to 0-3 month sizing means these won’t last forever, they make excellent gifts for the immediate newborn period when parents are most sleep-deprived and appreciate easy, practical items.
Ideal for anyone wanting to give practical, essential baby items that combine functionality with adorable design.
Not suitable if you prefer larger gifts or if the parents already have extensive newborn clothing collections.
Just as important as knowing what to bring is understanding what to avoid. I’ve witnessed enough awkward moments to help you sidestep these common pitfalls:
This seems obvious, but I’ve seen it happen too often. Avoid anything heavily pink or blue before the reveal. One memorable disaster involved a guest bringing a princess-themed gift box to a party where the parents later announced they were having a boy.
The same goes for gender-stereotyped items – trucks for boys, dolls for girls. Stick to neutral themes like animals, nature, or geometric patterns that work regardless of the baby’s gender.
Gender reveals aren’t the time for large furniture items or bulky equipment. Parents typically wait until after the baby shower to make major purchases when they have better space planning and registry completion.
I once saw someone arrive with a full-size high chair that created immediate logistical chaos. The hosts had nowhere to store it, and it dominated the party space. Save those big-ticket items for baby showers or after the baby arrives.
Unless you know for certain that the expecting parent can safely consume alcohol, avoid bringing champagne, wine, or other adult beverages. Pregnancy restrictions vary, and what’s safe one week might be discouraged the next.
The same goes for certain foods, spa treatments, or activities that might be pregnancy-restricted. When in doubt, choose items that are definitively pregnancy-safe.
While tiny newborn clothes are adorable, babies often outgrow them within weeks. I’ve seen too many parents overwhelmed with newborn-sized items that barely get used.
If you want to give clothing, choose items in 3-6 month or 6-9 month sizes to provide longer-term value. Alternatively, select clothing that grows with the baby through adjustable features.
Gender reveal parties focus on celebration and socializing, not DIY projects. Avoid gifts that require complicated assembly, extensive setup, or immediate attention from the expecting parents.
The exception would be if you’re specifically asked to bring something that helps with the party itself, like additional seating or serving items. In that case, confirm with the hosts first.
After attending dozens of gender reveal parties and researching gift etiquette extensively, here’s my final advice: bring a small, thoughtful gift if it feels authentic to you, but don’t stress about it. The most important thing is showing up and celebrating with the expecting parents.
My top recommendation remains the Momcozy pregnancy pillow for its ability to provide genuine comfort during a physically demanding time. For those on tighter budgets, the AceThrills candle offers thoughtfulness without financial strain. And for anyone wanting to give something truly meaningful, the KeaBabies handprint kit creates memories that last a lifetime.
Remember that gender reveal parties are relatively new traditions, and etiquette continues to evolve. When in doubt, a simple card expressing your excitement and support for their journey often means more than any physical gift.
The best gifts acknowledge both the excitement of the announcement and the reality of pregnancy – a time that’s joyful but also physically and emotionally challenging. Choose gifts that show you care about the parents’ wellbeing right now, not just about the baby who will eventually arrive.
Trust your judgment, consider your relationship with the parents, and remember that your presence and support are the most valuable gifts you can offer during this special time in their lives.
Gifts are optional but increasingly common at gender reveal parties. If you choose to bring something, keep it small and thoughtful ($15-30 range). Consider your relationship with the parents – close family often give more than casual friends. When in doubt, ask the host directly about gift expectations.
Focus on gender-neutral baby items like white or yellow clothing, neutral baby books, or practical supplies like diapers and wipes. Self-care items for expecting parents also work wonderfully – think pregnancy-safe skincare, comfortable clothing, or relaxation items like candles and bath products. Gift cards to baby stores are always appreciated.
Spend based on your relationship: $15-25 for friends or coworkers, $25-50 for close family members. Group gifts allow you to give something more substantial while keeping individual costs reasonable. Remember that gifts aren’t expected, so don’t feel pressured to overspend. Thoughtful presentation often matters more than price.
It’s common to bring a smaller gift to the gender reveal and save major presents for the baby shower. Many guests choose to give self-care items for parents at gender reveals and baby-focused items at showers. Alternatively, bring something to the gender reveal and contribute to a group gift for the baby shower.
Never feel obligated to spend beyond your means. A heartfelt card expressing your excitement and support means more than expensive gifts. Consider budget-friendly options like a single board book ($7-10), neutral baby socks ($10-15), or even homemade treats. Group gifting with other friends allows everyone to contribute meaningfully without financial strain.
