Searching for baby shower gifts is generally quick and easy, since these are often held for women who are having their first baby and are in need of everything from diapers to baby furniture. While that isn’t always the case, it rings true often enough to make the purchase of any baby item a safe bet. If you’re in the market for something a bit more unique, however, here are a few suggestions that you may wish to consider.
Since most new parents aren’t fortunate enough to have a baby who will fall asleep on their own at a terribly convenient time, there are now CDs that are devoted to baby music. These melodies are designed to lull their newest addition into a relaxed and peaceful sleep at naptime or when their day is done. CD players have a wonderful “repeat” feature which enables the CD to return to the beginning and continue playing when it reaches the end, allowing the music to play softly in the background for the duration of the child’s sleep time - or until it’s turned off.
Onesies (one piece undergarments which snap at the crotch) are appreciated by most parents and sometimes serve as baby’s “at home” outfit. This great little item now comes in a special therapeutic massage variety. Various symbols are placed on the fabric of the outfit in areas that provide the best massage points to ensure a healthy, happy baby. By rubbing these areas in a soft circular motion, the little one will become relaxed and enjoy a form of touch therapy as they share some quality time with mom or dad.
If the unborn baby’s gender has already been determined and the name has been chosen (or if the gift is for a shower that takes place after the birth of the child), you can purchase a baby afghan that’s been personalized with the child’s name. In the case of a shower that takes place after the birth, the baby’s birthdate can also be included. This can be used in a practical manner to help keep baby warm, or saved as a keepsake.
Moses baskets make wonderful shower gifts. These are baskets that are just the right size for baby to lie in, with handles on each side for convenient carrying. Soft bedding lines the interior and often matches decorative cloth that surrounds the outer rim. Regular or hooded versions are available, and rocking stands can be purchased so that parents can convert this beautiful little carrier into a cradle.
A diaper cake is both unique and practical, and is available in a variety of sizes – from cupcake to a full, multi-tiered cake. While the basis of this structure consists of rolled diapers, other items may include baby toys, picture frames, piggy banks and comb or feeding sets. The larger the cake, the wider the variety! Gender specific versions are available, as well as the more generic yellow and green themes.
An excellent keepsake for baby as the years go by is the Baby Footprint Kit. Designed to include a “no mess” ink pad and a decorator box that holds the child’s first pair of shoes, this gift is just as much for the new parents as for the baby. There’s room on the cover of the box for baby’s footprints, as well as an area that’s designated for the child’s name and date. This is something that can be passed down or presented to the child when he or she becomes an adult, to be kept as a childhood remembrance.
At some point in their early lives, nearly all babies get sick with a cold or virus. Help new parents prepare for this with a baby thermometer kit. While there are different versions of baby thermometers from which to choose, a typical kit would include a pacifier thermometer – built like a pacifier, but with a temperature read-out on the outside – and ear thermometer. Both of these are digital for easy reading, and offer the added convenience of quick results.
Another practical gift – that’s very convenient for parents on the run – is the portable baby bottle warmer. Often outfitted with an adapter suitable for car lighters and a variety of temperature settings from which to choose, this is one item that will get a lot of use! They’re designed to fit any type of bottle or jar, so larger baby food containers need not pose a problem.
Since there are a number of baby gift items that are also geared toward twins and triplets, most needs can be easily addressed when it’s time to shop for that next shower gift.
