baby shower book gifts

Baby Shower Book Gifts for a Second Child

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Books are ideal gifts for baby showers, especially when the parents are already parents and have all the swaddles and onesies they need. But while books are always a good go-to gift, second-time parents probably already have copies of newborn book staples like Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You, and most likely at least one Eric Carle book (The Very Hungry Caterpillar, anyone?).

the very hungry caterpillar children's book

While these are all wonderful books worth owning and reading over and over, you might want something special to spruce up a second child’s nursery. Second children are prone to hand me downs, so a little something all their own is a thoughtful gesture.

You want to avoid the baby shower awkwardness of the guest of honor opening her third copy of The Runaway Bunny. Sure, they can return it, but it would be so much nicer to give a thoughtful and meaningful gift that they and their child will cherish forever.

Here’s my guide to buying the perfect baby shower book gift for a second (or third or fourth) child. Here are some ways to make a book special for a second child:

Buy a collector’s edition

Buy a unique or special edition of the book. I like the books that come with a stuffed animal or some other bonus feature. If for some reason their household already has a copy, this edition will be extra special for baby! Here are some of my favorites:

Buy a Personalized Book

Purchase a personalized book with them as the main character. Obviously, this only works if the parent has announced the baby’s name.

My friend used to work at Barnes & Noble and would pick up a book or two whenever she saw one with my daughter’s name. This is a nice touch to make the child feel special. Ava tends to see herself in books and toys anyway; if we’re reading a book about a mommy and baby horse she’ll say, “That’s Ava! And that’s mommy!”

Buy a Baby Book

Buy a baby book and use it! (Of course you can’t force the recipient to use it, but do what you can.)

A second baby tends to receive much less fanfare than baby number one. Of course, you love the second baby just as much, but there is only so much delight you can take in charting baby’s third tooth.

As a second child myself, I really appreciate my mom taking the time to make me a baby book that was just as complete as my older sister’s book. By dedicating your time and energy to that baby book, it shows your child how special they are and how much you love them. It’s an opportunity to have a book of their very own that’s not just a hand-me-down.

LEFT: Ava’s Baby Book RIGHT: My Baby Book

Buy a unique book

These books are diamonds in the rough, not as well-known as some, but still great reads. Here are some of my favorites:

Inscribe the Book

And probably the easiest way: Inscribe the book to the child on the front page. Include your name and the date it was gifted. Bonus points for adding a personal message. One of my very favorite books is a book of poems that my grandma gave me. The book is signed to me and I remember my M’ma every time I read that book.

Thanks for reading! I hope you found some helpful suggestions for a second baby shower. For more of the best books every baby must-have, try Essential Books for your Baby’s First Library.

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