What to buy for baby showers this spring

With weddings, baby showers, graduations and Mother’s Day around the corner, spring can be a busy gift-giving season for many of us. To help you get a head start on your shopping, we’ve put together four mini gift guides that are equal parts thoughtful and fun.

Budget-friendly finds and splurge-worthy picks for babies – and new parents – that balance form and function.

Conveniently for parents and caregivers, this made-in-Ontario, rear-facing infant car seat can be used without a car seat base. It weighs only nine pounds, and is compatible with most stroller brands. Clek Liingo infant car seat, $399.99 through clekinc.ca.

Sleep-deprived new parents will get two bags of freshly roasted, single-origin filter coffees per month with this gift subscription. Detour Coffee Coffee Club Gift Subscription, $126 through detourcoffee.com.

A comfortable carrier is a baby gear must-have, and this classic Ergobaby style offers four different carrying positions and a breathable mesh construction. Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh baby carrier, $233.99 through bestbuy.ca.

This matching three-piece set is made with organic cotton and features a summery fruit print. H&M 3-Piece Fold Down Set, $34.99 through hm.com.

Babies’ sensitive skin means that specialty bath and body products are essential. This charming set comes in a giftable wooden box and includes products made in Canada with natural ingredients. La Belle Excuse Lolo Bedtime Medley Set, $80 through simons.ca.

Available in three sizes, these fabric and ultrasuede booties will keep little feet warm in style. Mimitens Grey Fox booties, $36.95 through mimitens.com.

Offered in infant, toddler and even adult sizes, this limited-edition, organic cotton sweatshirt from Mini Mioche’s Kind Human Club collection also supports the Project Halo for SickKids initiative. Mini Mioche Kind Human Club sweatshirt, from $45 through minimioche.com.

This baby monitor, highly rated by users, includes 1080p HD video and two-way audio capabilities, and can be mounted on a wall to offer parents a clear view into a crib or bassinet. Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Wall Mount, $399.99 through chapters.indigo.ca.

Useful for tummy time and playdates on hardwood floors, this double-sided cotton play mat is available in multiple print combinations. Pehr Baby Play Mat, $118 through pehr.com.

Extra-soft hooded towels and washcloths are must-haves for baby bath time. This adorable set includes a bunny-themed towel and three square washcloths, all made in organic cotton. Petit Lem Baby Bunny Hooded Towel and Washcloth set, $38 through petitlem.com.