Ever sat through a baby shower and wondered if all those gifts are really what new parents need? If you have, you’re not alone. Recently, an insightful piece titled Traditional Baby Shower Gifts All Have the Same Problem. There’s a Solution That Doesn’t Require Buying From the Registry got me thinking about how the culture around baby showers might be overlooking something much more important: empowering the journey to parenthood itself.

Let’s face it — baby showers are filled with adorable onesies, cute bottles, and oh-so-many diapers. But for many parents, especially those navigating fertility challenges or choosing unconventional paths to parenthood, these gifts can feel a bit... impersonal. They’re great, sure, but do they really address the nuanced emotional and practical needs on the path to becoming a parent?

Here’s the big question: What if we could gift something that truly supports the parent’s journey — something that empowers, encourages, and even offers a tangible step forward?

This is where I want to introduce you to the idea of thoughtful, purposeful gifting that reflects the realities of modern parenthood. For people trying to conceive in particular, this means looking beyond the registry and considering resources or tools that can make a real difference.

One organization that’s been quietly changing the game is MakeAMom. If you’re unfamiliar, MakeAMom specializes in at-home insemination kits designed to provide affordable, private, and reusable options for people and couples seeking pregnancy outside of clinical settings. Their kits — like CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker — address specific fertility challenges, from low motility sperm to sensitivities like vaginismus.

So what makes their approach so special?

• Privacy and discretion: Shipments arrive in plain packaging, respecting the sensitive nature of fertility journeys.
• Cost-effectiveness: Their reusable kits offer a budget-friendly alternative to disposable insemination methods.
• Tailored solutions: Different kits meet unique fertility needs — no one-size-fits-all here.
• High success rate: An impressive average success rate of 67% among users shows a real impact.

Imagine gifting a loved one who’s trying to conceive with access to such a tool — it says, “I see you, I support your journey, and I want to help.” It’s far more personalized than another outfit or baby blanket.

But beyond gifting, this conversation opens up a broader reflection: how can we better support friends and family through their unique paths to parenthood?

Navigating fertility can be isolating. Sometimes even the most well-meaning baby shower gifts can feel like a reminder of what’s not happening yet. Resources like MakeAMom not only provide physical tools but also foster a sense of empowerment at home, at one’s own pace.

And here’s something else that really resonated with me from Prudie’s advice in the Slate article: Instead of sticking rigidly to registries, consider gifts that address emotional wellbeing, wellness, or practical support that respects the parent’s journey. Think about fertility-friendly snacks, books on mental health and fertility, or even contributions toward fertility treatments or at-home solutions.

This shift isn’t just about gifts — it’s about growing a community that understands the modern realities of becoming a parent. One where support is nuanced, compassionate, and tailored. And as we learn more about fertility technology and resources, our ability to show up for each other grows exponentially.

So if you’re gearing up for a baby shower or thinking of how to support someone on their path to parenthood, why not go beyond the traditional gifts? Consider resources that help make the dream of becoming a parent more attainable and less lonely.

As with any journey, it starts with a single step — or in this case, a thoughtful gift.

What’s your take? Have you ever felt unsure about baby shower gifts or found a unique way to support someone trying to conceive? Drop your stories and ideas below — I’d love to hear from you!