Shopping for creative baby shower gifts can be challenging, even to the most experienced moms and dads going to a baby shower or being given one. Why? They all experience that Jell-O in the arm feeling when faced with the daunting task of selecting that one gift that will bring on appreciative smiles. As parents, they want to give something both beautiful and practical, just like what they wanted when they got tons of baby gifts during the baby showers hosted for them.

Be creative. Shopping for baby gifts can be interesting. True, traditional baby shower gifts are appropriate for the occasion, but you can pull in a fast one by making these gifts truly creative, bearing your personal touch. How?

Traditional items like gift baskets can contain personalized bibs, booties, and even onesies. Hand-knitted blankets, picture frames, and piggy banks score a win when personalized, but what if you're broke and looking at $25? You can't welcome a special bundle of joy with a ho-hum gift that will gather dust or stay unused for years.

Don't despair. There are baby shower gifts below $20 that won't have you losing face when the mom-to-be opens the colorful package. Here are some creative baby shower gifts you'll be happy to give:

* Beautiful and personalized burp cloths

* Gift sets with T-shirts, tank tops, pants, bib, cap and booties

* Charming keepsake boxes

* World's Greatest Mommy things (e.g. cheese grater)

* Personalized baby mugs

* Four-piece gift sets

* Personalized baby pacifiers

* Bottle holders

* Monogrammed diaper bags

* Tot's dish sets

Don't be afraid to give non-traditional or creative baby shower gifts below $20. Clue in to items for baby travel, feeding and bath items, and items for a sick baby, just in case. You'll also do well with breastfeeding support items for the mom such as breast pads and lanolin ointment.

Baby travel items make for creative baby shower gifts - rubber duckies, disposable wash cloths, infant toiletry, and some goodies for the mom. Don't forget to tuck in some pain relievers for both mom and dad; they'll need these while on the road. You may want to try out those sick baby items that include a baby thermometer. This will be greeted with sighs of relief because moms-to-be often forget these essential items.

Don't get it wrong. Baby showers are also the time to pamper the moms-to-be. So if you are stumped with what to give for a baby who has yet to make an appearance, focus on the mom and dad. They'll lap up all the attention you'll shower on them with practical items like nifty bottle openers, key chains, votive candle holders, and scented bath oils.

Also, creative baby shower gifts do not mean you'll have to get stuck with so-so items that have been used to death, or the usual baby shower gifts that are beyond your budget. Baby shower gifts under $25 can save you sleepless nights. So get up and go creative. Spoil mom and dad and the baby, too.