It's not always easy to find the ideal present for a baby or a mommy-to-be. The arrival of a new baby is such a special occasion, and everyone wants their gift to be special. With a personalized baby gift you can't go wrong. The personalization is what makes the gift extra-special, and ensures that it's something the person will keep for years to come. Just about any item you can imagine is able to be embroidered, monogramed or engraved. The hard part is deciding what kind of item you want to gift.

There are a lot of options when it comes to personalized baby gifts. If you're only an aquaintance any gift you choose to have personalized is just fine. In fact, there are items that the new mommy can personalize herself, like scrapbooks or picture frames, after the baby is born. However, if you're closer to the expecting family, it's custom to give a more intimate gift. Try having a baby blanket embroidered with the child's name, date of birth and statistics on it, or a sterling silver rattle that has the baby's name engraved on the side. Of course, both of these gifts would be presented upon the first time you see the baby, not at a baby shower.

If you need a gift for a baby shower there are an array of personalized baby gifts to choose from. Most parents already have a name picked out, but there's always the possibility of them changing their minds at the last minute, then your gift would be ruined. Instead, stick to more generic personalized items like, t-shirts that say "Daddy's Little Girl," or a diaper bag embroidered with "baby boy."

Personalized baby gifts aren't just for the baby. The new mommy needs to feel special too, and there are numerous ways to show her how special she is. It's a simple process to have jewelry engraved. Mother's rings, bracelets and necklaces that are engraved make a gift the new mom is sure to treasure for a lifetime. Since the majority of these items have revolve around the baby's birth stone, it's best to wait until after the baby is born to present the mommy with her gift. Traditionally the father-to-be should give a gift to the new mommy in the hospital, but anyone can give her a small memento. Giving a gift to mom, as well as the baby, shows her how much you care about her, and how happy you are for her family.