Babies like rattles, squeaky toys and other things that make sounds. The best gifts are customized, often with a picture of a favorite cartoon character.

Bibs are excellent, because they protect the baby's clothes, but if you buy a customized bib, it can start a conversation with friends. For example, you might want to personalize the bib to make a statement about the baby.

If you are planning a shower, you could consider clearance items, candy, invitations and cards, tableware, d'cor, games, party favors, etc. When planning the shower, you can think about gifts for mom and the baby, such as jewelry, gift certificates and toys or personalized items.

The baby might like bottle flavors, candy filled carriages and baby autographed bear and pens, or bubble gum cigars. As a mother, I would skip things that promote bad habits.

Everyone likes teddy bears. The baby autographed bear and pen is a clever gift for mothers expecting a baby. The bear comes with a pen so that when the baby arrives, friends and family can sign the bear. The bear has areas to track the baby's weight, birth date and length, and you can add the baby's name. This bear is available online for less than $15.

Candy-filled carriages are great gift items for baby showers. This is better for the shower, because the carriage is filled with mints, which are tied in ribbons.

Candy-filled bottles are great, too. For a few dollars, you get three little bottles with mint candies.

Diaper cakes are great also. The cakes are fun and colorful, and some are shaped like diapers, which can be used as a centerpiece at the baby shower. The cakes come with fork sets for the baby, and a pacifier is included. You also get a rattle, key rings, blanket, plastic ring and other gifts along with the cake.

Garfield cakes are excellent and are available in boy or girl colors. You get a cake, diapers, pacifier clips, water teeter, spoon/fork sets, Garfield tether, ring rattle, bib, comb/brush set, etc. For only $39.99, you get a gift idea that fits both mom and baby.

If you want to start a savings for the baby, you might like the Little Piggy musical bank. The item is available for $14 and plays a song for the baby. Babies always like music, therefore, this is the perfect gift idea that the baby and parents can enjoy for a long time to come.

Baby gift baskets are awesome. The basket is attractively arranged and is made of wicker. The baskets have baby style frames where you can add the new baby's picture. The baby will receive a piggy bank so that savings can start before the baby is born.

The basket has many items available, thus for around $70 you get the idea gift for baby.