Choosing a baby shower gift represents a dilemma for the smart shopper. Above all else, we value practicality; a baby shower gift must be something that the mom to be will get lots of use out of. There is no end to the list of options available, but there is something dreadfully mundane about purchasing a pack of onesies or washcloths. If you are a mom yourself, you know that a baby shower is an event that a woman eagerly awaits and fondly remembers. Anything that you do to make her day a little more unique will last a lifetime in the pages of her baby's book and the memories she will take with her from the day.

But apart from hosting the event yourself, is there really a lot you can do to add panache to someone else's affair, and still hold to the principle of giving a practical gift? Absolutely! Give the mom-to-be the most practical gift she can receive - diapers! We know what you are thinking. What could be more plain and ho-hum than a pack of Pampers? Well, it's all about presentation! Diaper cakes are a stunning way to give the sensible gift of diapers and create a treasured memory for the mom-to-be at the same time.

The practical side of giving diapers needs little explanation. Newborns go through eight to ten diapers a day, on average. New parents are often taken aback by the speed at which they exhaust their reserve of diapers and supplies. To put it in the simplest terms, you just can't go wrong when you give diapers! But therein lies the paradox! It's no fun to give expectant parents a pack of diapers with a bow on top, but there is nothing that they are going to use more! A diaper cake eliminates this problem.

Diaper cakes are available in an array of different sizes and styles. The base of the diaper cake is constructed with usable disposable diapers, often rolled up like a jelly roll. Many times, this style diaper cake has baby care supplies hidden inside; everything from wipes and changing pads to blankets and bottles can be tucked inside the layers of the diaper cake. Baby care items and toys are often used to decorate the outside of the diaper cake as well, making it that much more useful for the parents-to-be. And if you want the absolute pinnacle of practicality, a Diaper Samplerâ„¢ Cake is the way to go. are created using equal numbers of all four leading brands of disposable diapers, allowing the new mom to sample all four and choose her favorite, saving her time and money. Since each diaper is clearly marked with its name brand, it's easy for mom to tell which is which.

A diaper cake is the perfect solution when there is no registry available to help you choose a gift. Rather than risk purchasing something the new mom doesn't care for, or doesn't need, choose a diaper cake according to the , or according to the sex of the baby. Is mom-to-be expecting a surprise? No problem. Diaper cakes are available in many gender-neutral themes, as well as traditional pink and blue. Save the expectant mom the time and hassle of returning or exchanging a gift she can't use. A diaper cake is guaranteed to be used an appreciated.

Perhaps you are actually hosting the baby shower - a diaper cake is the perfect addition to your event. The diaper cake displays beautifully as the centerpiece at a baby shower. It is a natural conversation piece and a great ice breaker for your guests as well. During the baby shower, use the diaper cake to play a guessing game. Have guests guess how many diapers and what supplies are hidden inside the cake. And after the baby shower is over, the mom-to-be can take the diaper cake home as your gift to her, which saves you money as a shower hostess. You get a centerpiece, a game, and a gift all in one!

Let's not forget the visit to the hospital or the home after the new baby has arrived. For about the same cost as a bouquet of flowers, you get a gorgeous, festive showpiece that the new parents can display and enjoy for a few days just as they would display a floral arrangement. When flowers wilt and die, they end up in the garbage, but the new mom and dad can disassemble the and put its contents to good use for the new baby. There is no more welcome sight (except Grandma!) to the parents of a newborn than a mountain of diapers and supplies! And just like flowers, you might find a little snip of the ribbon from the diaper cake in the new baby's memory book down the road. You will definitely find a snapshot of your thoughtful and practical gift in the memory of the new mom!