Books make such a sweet and meaningful baby shower gift—especially with so many moms requesting books instead of cards these days. I did this at my own baby shower, and it was one of my favorite things. Every book we received came with a handwritten message, turning a simple gift into something we’ll cherish forever.
Adding a personal message inside makes the gift even more meaningful. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a sweet wish, or a bit of parenting advice, it’s something the parents and baby will see and appreciate for years to come.
But what do you write in a baby shower book? If you’re struggling to come up with the perfect words (especially with limited space inside the cover), I’ve got you covered!
Whether you want something sweet, silly, or heartfelt, these message ideas will make your note extra special.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If purchases are made through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site.
What Is a Baby Shower Book (and Why It's Replacing Cards)?
A baby shower book is exactly what it sounds like—a book given at a baby shower instead of a greeting card. Instead of a card that might get tossed in a box and forgotten, guests bring a children’s book and write a little message inside for the baby and parents to look back on for years to come.
Most people go for baby-friendly books like board books, lift-the-flap books, or textured books—something sturdy that little hands can explore. You can pick a sentimental favorite from your own childhood, a book you love reading to your own kids, or even one that matches the message you want to write inside. No matter what you choose, it’s a gift that sticks around long after the baby shower is over!
What Should You Write in a Baby Shower Book?
Your message inside a baby shower book doesn’t have to be long or complicated, but there are three things you’ll definitely want to include:
- Your name – So the parents (and baby, one day!) know who gave them this special gift.
- A short message – Whether it’s sweet, funny, or heartfelt, your note adds a personal touch.
- The date – It’s always fun to look back and remember when the book was gifted!
One common question is who the message should be written to—the baby or the parents? There’s no right or wrong answer! Some people love the idea of writing to the baby since they’ll be the one flipping through the pages for years to come. Others prefer to leave a special note for the parents-to-be, especially if they have a close relationship with them. No matter who it’s for, it’ll bring a smile every time they open the book!
Where Should You Write Your Messages in a Baby Shower Book?
Figuring out where to write your note in a baby shower book isn’t always as easy as it seems. Some books have plenty of blank space, while others leave you searching for a creative spot.
- Picture books – The front inside cover or first blank page usually works best.
- Board books – These can be trickier since they don’t always have blank pages. Check the inside cover, back page, or any open space that isn’t filled with text or illustrations.
- No blank space? No problem! You can write your message on a separate piece of paper, laminate it (or cover it in clear tape), and attach it to the inside back cover for a long-lasting keepsake.
For best results, use a permanent marker so the message doesn’t fade over time. And don’t forget to leave the book open to dry so the ink doesn’t smear!
Inspiration for Baby Shower Books
Really you can write just about anything in a baby book, but if you are looking for some specific examples here are some of my favorites.
Cute and Simple
- “Welcome to the world, little one! May each story in this book be a stepping stone to a lifetime of joy and curiosity.”
- “For the little star of our hearts! May this book be a reminder of the love and wishes surrounding you from the very beginning.”
- “May your precious bundle bring immeasurable joy and blessings to your family.”
- “Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and dreams come true, little one. You are so loved!”
- “Dear [Baby’s Name], you are already so loved and cherished. May your life be a beautiful story filled with joy, love, and endless possibilities.”
- “Welcome to the world, little miracle! May your life be blessed with love, happiness, and endless blessings. You’re going to do amazing things!”
To the Parents
- “Take the time to cherish every moment. It goes by way to fast!”
- “We love watching your little family grow, Congratulations!”
- “For the loving parents awaiting their bundle of joy, may this book symbolize the love, hopes, and dreams you have for your little one. Wishing you patience, strength, and infinite happiness.”
- “Wishing you both strength, wisdom, and endless love as you prepare to embrace the beautiful chaos of parenthood. Enjoy every precious moment together.”
- “Congratulations on this exciting adventure! May your baby bring you immeasurable joy, countless snuggles, and an abundance of happy memories.”
- “Congratulations on this incredible journey towards parenthood! May each day be a new adventure filled with love, growth, and beautiful milestones.”
- “Wishing you both a smooth and joyful journey as you step into this new chapter of parenthood. May your hearts be filled with love and your home with endless laughter.”
About Reading
- “May this book be the first chapter in a library of adventures for your little one! Happy reading and cuddles ahead!”
- “To the newest bookworm in town! May each page of this storybook bring giggles and dreams to your little bundle of joy. With love.”
- “Once upon a time, in a far-off land, a new adventure began… Wishing your little one a lifetime of magical stories and happy endings!”
- “For the sweetest little bookworm-to-be! May this book kickstart a love affair with reading. Enjoy the tales and make your own adventures!”
- “Congratulations on your new little character! May this book be the beginning of a wonderful collection of cherished tales.”
- “To the sweetest story-starter, may the tales in this book lead you to places you’ve never been and dreams you’ve never dreamt. With love.”
- “For the newest addition to the story, may this book be the first of many delightful chapters in your adventure called life. Love and fairy-tale wishes.”
Funny
- “Congratulations on your arrival! Get ready for endless ‘peek-a-boo’ sessions—spoiler alert: we’ll always find you!”
- “For the little one who will soon discover that bedtime stories are just a clever ploy to make him sleepy, sweet dreams and happy giggles ahead!”
- “To the little one who will soon be the star of the show – may your cries be brief, your naps be long, and your parents’ sense of humor unbreakable.”
- “Welcome to the family, little maestro of mess-making and adorable chaos! May your mischief be charming, and your laughter be contagious.”
- “To the newest addition to our squad! Get ready for endless adventures, lots of love, and an occasional ‘kid tax’ on snacks!”
- “To the little miracle who’s about to show us how sleep deprivation can be cute and exhausting at the same time! Cheers to coffee-fueled cuddles ahead!”
Family and Close Friends
- “To our precious little one, may this book be a cherished keepsake that marks the beginning of a lifetime of cherished memories and endless love. We can’t wait to watch you grow and thrive.”
- “To our little bundle of joy, may this book be a gateway to a world of imagination and possibilities. Wishing you a life filled with love, happiness, and countless beautiful stories.”
- “For my dearest Niece/Nephew, may this book be the beginning of our many shared adventures together. Can’t wait to create memories with you!”
- “To my sweet Grandbaby, as you embark on this journey called life, may the pages be filled with joy, love, and the echoes of our family’s laughter.”
- “To the little one who will soon call me Aunt/Uncle (Your Name), may your days be filled with love, laughter, and the joy of family. I’m so excited to meet you!”
- “To our darling Godchild, may each page of this book be a stepping stone to a world of wonder, discovery, and boundless love. You are a blessing beyond measure.”
Religious
- “May God bless you, little one, and protect you as you grow and learn.”
- “May you be a constant reminder of the love of God and how blessed we are to have you in our life.”
- “To the precious child of God, may your days be blessed with His light, your heart filled with His love, and your path always guided by faith.”
- “To the miracle sent from above, may your life be a reflection of God’s love and may His blessings be abundant in every step you take.”
- “Blessings and prayers for the little one, that your life may be a testimony to God’s love, grace, and everlasting presence.”
- “Dear [Baby’s Name], may God bless you with a life filled with His grace, surrounded by love, and guided by faith.”
- “Sending prayers for a future filled with God’s blessings, where His presence is felt in every moment of your life.”
- “We pray that you are blessed with health, happiness and abundance of love.”
Multiples
- “To the dynamic duo/trio/etc., may your lives be filled with double/triple/etc. the joy, laughter, and love! Wishing you endless adventures ahead.”
- “Dear little ones, may your bond as multiples be as strong as your parents’ love for you. Double/triple/etc. the trouble, but also double/triple/etc. the love!”
- “Welcome to the world, little stars! May your lives together be filled with shared secrets, mutual support, and the unique bond that only multiples understand.”
- “To the little miracles about to enter the world, may your lives be an extraordinary story of unity, love, and the beautiful chaos of multiples!”
- “Here’s to double/triple/etc. the joy, double/triple/etc. the fun, and the incredible bond that multiples share. Wishing you an extraordinary journey ahead!”
- “To the soon-to-be parents of multiples, may your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with the beautiful chaos of raising multiples!”
Famous Quotes
- “The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories.” – Og Mandino
- “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius
- “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” – A.A. Milne
- “A new baby is like the beginning of all things: wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” – Eda LeShan
- “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book!” – Dr. Suess
- “The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page.” – Rachel Anders
- “A baby is a gift from heaven, sent to earth to make our lives more meaningful.” – Unknown
Baby Shower Book Recommendations
Not sure what book to choose? Here are some favorites from our home that I think would make great gifts to give instead of a traditional card or as a baby shower gift. Many would match great with the inscriptions above!
- I Love You To The Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth
- The Hungry Caterpillar by
- Are You My Mother by Dr. Suess
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Wingfield Martin
- Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
- Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
- Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
- The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
- Oh Baby, The Places You’ll Go by Dr Suess
- If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul
- God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
- I Prayed For You by Jean Fischer
Final Thoughts on Baby Shower Books
And that’s a wrap! Hopefully, this list gave you some inspiration for what to write in a baby shower book so you can add a personal touch to your gift. Books are such a meaningful keepsake—not only for the new baby but for the whole family to enjoy for years to come.
Figuring out exactly what to write can feel tricky, but don’t overthink it—whatever message you choose will be special simply because it came from you.
Did you receive a book with a sweet or meaningful message at your baby shower? Share your favorite inscription in the comments! I’d love to hear what made it memorable.
Check out more great baby shower related content:
- How to Ask for Books Instead of Cards at a Baby Shower
- How to Host a Diaper Raffle at a Baby Shower
- How to Throw a Virtual Baby Shower
- Best Locations to Host a Baby Shower
- Baby Shower Thank You Cards: How to Write the Perfect Card
- The Ultimate Baby Registry Guide
- 33 Best Baby Shower Game Prize Ideas (That Aren’t Gift Cards)
If you are pregnant, check out these blog posts to help you prepare for your baby:
- Top 10 Things Your Labor Nurse Wants You To Know
- Preparing for Pregnancy: 7 First Trimester Must-Haves You Can’t Do Without
- 7 Tips for the First 7 Days of Breastfeeding
- Navigating Pumping at Work: Top 11 Tips for a New Mom’s Success
- Everything You Need to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
- The Ultimate Third Trimester Checklist
- Baby Medicine Cabinet Essentials
- How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
- Postpartum Must-Haves for a Vaginal Delivery
