You just heard the happy news—a baby is on the way or has officially arrived. Now comes the next question:

How much are you supposed to spend on a baby gift?

After more than 20 years of creating and sending baby gift baskets, we’ve seen just about every kind of baby gift imaginable—from sweet, simple gifts to incredibly generous group gifts. In fact, the largest baby gift we’ve ever seen was around $2,500!

Thankfully, you don’t need to spend anywhere near that much.

How much you spend usually depends on your relationship with the new parents, whether you’re giving on your own or as part of a group, and what feels comfortable for you.

So, How Much Should You Spend on a Baby Gift?

Based on what we see every day, these are good starting points:

• Coworker or acquaintance: $50–$75
• Friend: $100–$150
• Close friend or family member: $150–$300
• Group or office gift: $200–$500+

These aren't rules. They're simply helpful guidelines.

If $40 feels right, spend $40. A thoughtful gift and a heartfelt note are far more important than hitting some imaginary "correct" number. 

And if this is your first grandchild and you’ve been waiting years for this moment? Chances are you’re not consulting an etiquette chart anyway.

Do You Spend More for a Baby Shower?

Not necessarily.

If you're attending a baby shower, the registry can actually make things easier because the parents have already given you an idea of what they need and the price ranges they're comfortable with. 

You can choose one larger item, put together several smaller items, or send a baby gift basket filled with useful and special items for the new arrival.

When Should You Send a Baby Gift?

While plenty of gifts are given at baby showers, most baby gifts are actually sent after the baby arrives.

It makes sense. The baby’s name is official, everyone knows whether Mom and baby are doing well, and friends, family members, and coworkers are excited to celebrate the new arrival.

We send baby gift baskets every day from grandparents, friends, relatives, coworkers,s and companies congratulating families after their little one has arrived.

And there’s no need to panic if you didn’t send something immediately. A gift that arrives a few weeks later is still going to be appreciated—and sometimes it’s even more fun when the initial flurry of deliveries has slowed down. Just remember to size up if necessary.

What Should an Office Spend on a Baby Gift?

This is where group gifting really works.

If 10 coworkers contribute $20 or $25 each, you suddenly have a budget of $200–$250 without anyone having to spend much individually.

And one etiquette tip from people who see thousands of gift notes:

Include everyone's name on the card. The new parents shouldn't have to guess who "Your Friends at the Office" includes.

Should You Spend More for a Close Friend or Family Member?

Usually, yes—but only if you want to.

For a best friend, sibling, son, daughter,r or another close family member, you may naturally want to choose something more substantial or personal.

This is also where personalization can make a difference. A baby's name embroidered on a blanket or basket can make a gift feel incredibly special without necessarily adding much to what you spend. 

What About a Second or Third Baby?

Yes, you can still send a gift! Mostt people still send gifts)

Parents may already own the stroller, crib, and practically every baby gadget ever invented, but a new baby is still worth celebrating.

For second and third babies, think about things that belong specifically to this baby—blankets, clothing, books, loveys, or personalized gifts.

And don’t forget Mom. A little something for her is never a bad idea.

Is It Okay to Send a Smaller Gift?

Absolutely.

We’ve seen beautiful gifts at every price point.

A soft organic baby blanket with a heartfelt note can mean just as much as an elaborate basket. A favorite children’s book with a message written inside can become a keepsake for years to come without costing much.

One Last Baby Gift Etiquette Rule

Don’t stress too much about the rules.

Choose something you genuinely think the parents will love, spend an amount that feels comfortable to you, and include a personal note.

Whether it’s a $40 gift, a $250 baby gift basket, or yes—even that unforgettable $2,500 gift—the message behind it is really the same:

We’re thinking of you. We’re excited for you. And we can’t wait to meet this little person.

That’s the part they’ll remember.

Stop Guessing. Start Giving.

There's no perfect number, only a gift that feels right for the relationship and a note that means it. Skip the spreadsheet math and let us do the heavy lifting. Every Our Green House basket is built at real price points, from a simple coworker gift to something a grandparent will never forget, with organic essentials the family will actually use. 

Stop second-guessing the budget and start with a basket that fits it. Browse our baby gift baskets by price and find your range in seconds.