These Blankets for Little Ones Make Incredible Baby Shower Gifts

There are few things that are more adorable than baby items—the miniature factor truly ups the cuteness level. That's probably why scouring your favorite retailers for the perfect baby blanket is much more fun than looking for one for your couch or to drape over the foot our bed. Knowing that, eventually, you or Mom- or Dad-to-be will be wrapping a cute little one into the folds of whatever you pick out is so special, which is ultimately why blankets are a baby registry staple and a welcome gift at a shower. That's true whether you're sending a gift in the mail, celebrating virtually, or gathering in-person down the line, post-pandemic.

A good baby blanket should be light enough to keep your little one from overheating, but warm enough to keep his or her little fingers and toes from getting cold. And since baby's skin can be sensitive in the first few days and months, always make sure that the coverlets you're vetting are free from harsh chemicals and dyes; opt to wash them in laundry detergent formulas that are specifically designed with newborns in mind. With that said, there are several different types of baby blankets to choose from. Just remember that most of them, excluding swaddles—which wrap tightly around baby, bundling their arms and legs close to their body in a way that mimics their experience in the womb—will be utilized for décor purposes only during the child's first year of life; quilts and plusher blankets are not deemed safe for use prior to that milestone, per the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In the slides ahead, you'll find a number of our favorite options, from swaddles and quilts to receiving blankets (which are smaller options that can double as swaddles and are also perfect post-bath). All look lovely in a nursery and will be appreciated by your favorite little one when they are ready.