The Baby Shower - A Shower of Gifts

Soon-to-be-Moms appreciate baby gifts they receive at their baby shower. Oddly, this mostly applies to the first baby. When the second child is expected, baby showers are not as readily forthcoming. The assumption is that the first child received lots of much needed baby gifts the second child will receive recycled as hand-me-downs. That leaves Baby's christening as the next opportunity to buy a gift for baby. Since these are more formal celebration than casual baby showers, it's important to note that there is a difference in the types of gifts chosen for these two events.

Gifts For The New Baby

Certainly, there are the run-of-the-mill types of baby gifts presented to the new Mom at her first baby's shower. These might be receiving blankets, disposable diapers, baby clothing or carriages, strollers, cribs, baby swings or playpen. It's easy to be just a little more creative about baby gifts by thinking a bit more about what "else" baby may need. If the baby will be breast-fed, choose any number of gifts related to this. Another way to favor a new baby with gifts is to create the "assortment" gift. This is simply purchasing a small baby hamper and filling it with other things baby needs: baby powders, oils, cotton swabs, cotton balls, baby soaps, baby linens for the crib, baby bath items like towels and face cloths and then, for a little more sparkle, add baby toys.

Don't Forget Mom

Some gifts for baby are actually a built-in gift for mom. This can be a reading lamp, rocking chair or book case for baby's room or infantcare software. Maybe, Mom would benefit from a subscription to a magazine or books for parents with new infants. Of course, there is one really great gift that any Mom would love, "Baby's Coupon Book". This is a creative venture that doubles as a gift. Simply put together several handmade coupons good for a break for Mom and Dad in the form of babysitting the infant, a prepaid dinner at a nice restaurant or some other special event. It can also include a prepaid appointment for baby's first formal family photo session or several gift cards for baby items. This is easy on the budget and definitely appreciated.

Baby's First Bank Account

Even an infant can get into high finance. Open a bank account or purchase bonds for baby you can add funds into with each birthday. Or, wrap a piggy bank with a deposit for baby's college fund.