1. Keepsake gifts, especially ones that are personalized, are always an excellent choice. The variety is only as limited as your imagination. There are keepsake boxes that preserve things like the first lock of hair or those amazing sonogram photos. Maybe you prefer to send a personalized blanket or a monogrammed outfit. New parents always love something that has baby's name on it or an item that will become a special treasure forever.

2. Gift baskets make great gifts for a variety of reasons. You can select one has a blue theme for a baby boy, pink for a baby girl or neutral colors if the gender is unknown and the gift is for a baby shower. The baskets can hold anything from receiving blankets and hooded towels to practical items like onesies, booties, teething rings and a soft cuddly toy to keep baby happy. For corporate gifts, neighborhood gifts or any combination of people who want to go in together, gift baskets allow you to select something that pleases everyone. Since the baskets come in all price ranges and contain a variety of items, there is always one that is perfect.

3. Diaper cakes! No, they're not something to eat. Most diaper cakes begin with a layer of disposable diapers that form the base of the 'cake'. From there the designer creates two, three or more layers of useful items for the new parents. Typically there will be washcloths and towels, bibs, booties, teething toys, plush toys, pacifiers, a feeding bottle and more. Many are created around a theme, such as a cartoon character, and they make a wonderful centerpiece for a baby shower. It's a great way to decorate and have a gift with only one purchase. There are always selections for twins or triplets, too.

4. Baby rockers are a more practical gift than just a baby carrier. They have all of the same amenities such as colorful fabric, stimulating toys and a hood to keep baby protected from too much room light or sun light. The plus is that parents can gently rock the baby with varying degrees of movement - or it can be stopped completely. When baby is happy, Mom and Dad are happy. It's relaxation therapy for everyone.

5. Rocking horses and child-sized rocking chairs are gifts to consider when the baby has older brothers or sisters. No doubt the parents will still have many of the items needed for a newborn, such as clothes, blankets, baby bottles, baby furniture, car seats, etc. Instead of duplicating things that aren't needed, consider a gift that baby can grow into. If baby's name is painted or embroidered on the horse or chair that makes it just that much more special. Give the older brother or sister a chance to briefly enjoy the gift with the understanding that it's to be put away for when baby is old enough to use it. Depending on the age of the older children, you may find that you have to purchase one of these special gifts for them, too!

Don't forget baby's siblings. Many parents find that siblings begin to exhibit negative behavior when their new brother or sister comes home from the hospital. Typically, this is a jealous reaction, since they are no longer the one getting the attention. One terrific idea is to have grandparents, aunts and uncles and other close friends bring a gift to the sibling(s) when they bring a gift for the newborn. Another idea - If the gift comes with a card attached from the newborn saying something like, "I'm so happy to have you for my big brother/sister", this will start the bonding process right away. Everyone needs to feel special at times, and don't we all react in a positive way when that happens?

Newborns love to be the center of attention, but their memory doesn't kick in until they're approaching two years of age. Make sure the gift you select is one that will be helpful for the parents but will also include something of keepsake value that the new baby will cherish as they grow older.