It is customary to bring the new parents and their baby some gifts on this joyous occasion, and in this article we will look at some appropriate the gifts that will prove truly useful.
When buying gifts for a child, toys are usually the first thing that springs to mind. However, there are also many other items that are suitable. Also, remember that baby shower gifts need not only be for the baby. It is equally thoughtful to get something for the parents to be.
Buying toys
If you have decided to purchase a toy, or at least something playful, consider buying something that is educational and will boost the baby's brainpower. There is a rich selection of classic baby books and educational cd's and DVD's to choose from. For example, the Brainy Baby and Baby Einstein DVDs are highly recommended. And a visit to the local bookstore will surely provide you with many great alternatives. You may even find that some of the favourites from your own childhood are still available in reprinted edition, as well as books from many new authors. Choose books with many bright and bold pictures in them.
As for actual toys, there are many entertaining alternatives available. If you find something you like, you can certainly buy a toy for older babies that the baby can use when it grows a bit older. But just to be safe, stick to the toys for kids aged 3 and under.
Practical gifts for baby and parents
Some people are under the impression that a gift can't be something "useful and boring". However, while something like disposable diapers may not be the most fancy gift to give for a baby shower, it would definitely be a most thoughtful gift and most appreciated.
Diapers are expensive and babies will use them up very quickly. The new parents will appreciate them. Even those parents who opt to use cloth diapers may also find disposable diapers useful when travelling. A tip when buying diapers, pick the larger size ones instead of newborn diapers. After all, babies nowadays grow very fast and the newborn-size diapers may not be useful for very long. And while you are at it, why not thrown in some baby wipes as well.
Since hygiene is so important for little infants, a nice selection of baby bathroom essentials would also make a very thoughtful present. This does not have to be "boring" at all, as there are many things like cute baby puppets that may also double as scrubbing tools, or bubble bath with a soothing lavender scent will make bath time an entertaining experience for both the baby and parents. A hooded towel and some sweet smelling baby cologne or lotion is also suitable bath time goodies gifts.
Other usable items are pacifiers and bottles. However you should be aware that some babies prefer to use only a particular brand or shape for these items. If the parents-to-be have specified in the baby registry a brand or shape of bottles, nipples, and pacifiers, these items may be a safe choice for a baby shower gift. Otherwise, just steer clear from these baby items.
Finally, clothes is something that every baby needs - and will grow out of quickly. For this reason it may be a good idea to choose somewhat larger sizes than newborn sizes. Knowing the season the baby will arrive, and if at all possible the baby's gender, is also most helpful in choosing the clothes that will be just right.
If you, in spite of all these ideas and suggestions, can't come up with anything that you think would make an appropriate gift, a last resort could be to simply give the new parents a gift certificate for buying what they want themselves.
Overall, it is also a good idea to speak with some of the other guests of the baby shower well before the event takes place. You wouldn't want EVERYONE to bring disposable diapers, would you?
The baby shower is a very important event in a new mother's life. She won't realise it yet but this will probably be the last time she gets to see all her friends in one place without wearing a baby puke badge. Having spent the first trimester being as sick as a pig, a baby shower is ideally held during the second trimester when the mother is blooming. The third trimester will leave her feeling like an unsightly beached whale and very much not in the mood for partying.
So, what to buy. You want to make your gift practical as well as memorable and you also want it to have that cute ooh, aah, how cute factor. That is, unless you are already a mother yourself by which time you realise that all you want is practical. Most attendees of a baby shower will buy baby wear in neutral colours and this baby will be equipped with more clothes than he could possibly wear if he changed them every feed time.
If you want to go for something really different, try a collection of classic books such as Beatrix Potter or Disney. Obviously, the little cherub will not be sitting reading these books the moment he hatches but it will be a collection that will be treasured for years to come and even with the possibility of being handed down.
A bathroom kit, containing things such as soft baby hairbrush, nail clippers, ointments and creams is practical and useful and will last longer than baby wear, showing more thought.
Silver goods are traditionally thought of as christening gifts but can be appreciated at a baby shower just the same. Silver photo frames are very popular and you just know that there will be a million photos taken before the first month is out.
Teddy bears are something that everyone buys for their babies. Although not practical, they will still be wanted, mostly by the mother. Go for something different, something that can be treasured and worth keeping, like a Steiff bear or similar.
Baby wear is an option but the best thing here would be to consult with the mother and maybe even encourage her to construct a list. It can be easier if she knows the sex of her baby so you can purchase either pink or blue items of baby wear or buy something that is for the older baby. These will come in useful when the novelty of other people buying baby items has worn off but bear in mind the season you will be buying for.
It's also a good idea to think of the mother to be when buying things for a baby shower too. She will most definitely appreciate some personal gifts that will make her feel more human again. A pedicure kit for when she can reach her toes again would be a welcome gift. A magazine subscription for those moments when she's sitting feeding baby or even practical items like parenting books or videos would be useful for later on.
One thing that is guaranteed to signify a successful baby shower present is not the baby wear, not the teddies and not the powder puff. If my experience is anything to go by, what is needed is a voucher for a hair salon for the mum to be. Whilst pregnant she will have more hair than Lady Godiva and after it'll be as sparse as tumbleweed in a desert. A trip to the hair salon will have mum feeling human once again.
Both Michelle Hawkins & Catherine Harvey are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Michelle Hawkins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Baby Shower, Limousine Service. A complete guide as well as a free course on everything relating to , are available at Michelle's website. Michelle Hawkins's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.
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