Choosing a Baby Shower Gift That Matters

Buying a baby shower gift is tricky, especially if you've never had children or you don't

know the mother-to-be very well. But there are wonderful gifts available that are sure to

delight new parents. Knowing what makes a good baby shower gift is simply a matter of

examining what's most important at this time of the young family's life.

Gifts That Show You Care

If the mom is someone truly special, you want to give her a meaningful gift that she will

treasure. It's hard to predict what will become an heirloom -- sometimes it's simply the

blanket that happens to survive childhood. But there are many sure-fire ways to show you

care.

Get a gift that suits her lifestyle -- such as a handy baby travel bag if she's a

jetsetter, or a jogging stroller if she's the fitness type.

Give or offer services instead of material things -- for example, a year's worth of

monthly cleaning services or a week's worth of hot delivered meals after the

family comes home from the hospital.

Don't even spend money -- offer your own time and services, such as sitting with

baby while she showers and returns some phone calls, or taking care of older

children while she bonds with the new baby.

Hand-made gifts are always welcome, just make sure it's something practical and useful,

such as a blanket or baby furniture. Step stools are an easy woodworking project that the

child can use for years to come.

Gifts That Last Awhile

Diapers and newborn-size clothing are only useful for a short while. Consider gifts that

help mom and baby beyond those first few weeks, such as larger size clothing that other

shower guests might not think of, or perhaps something she can look forward to baby

using later, like a baby activity center. Other gifts that get a lot of use are bedding, a

nightgown for mom, baby books, or a contribution to baby's college fund.

Gifts That Make Life Easier

Some gifts make it so much easier to care for baby, even if not much money was spent on

it. For example, a storage bag for the stroller, travel changing mats, and self-heating

travel bottles aren't bank breakers, but sure make it easier to take care of the baby when

mom's on the go. Gift cards are another way to assure mom will like and appreciate

whatever she gets.

Gifts for Other Family Members

If you're pretty sure mom is going to have lots of gifts from family and friends, you might

consider a thoughtful gift for another family member, such as the neglected dad or older

siblings. A day at the zoo is always a great gift. It also assures the older children that the

baby has not, in fact, taken over everyone's lives. Dad might enjoy a baby carrier so he

can help mom out when he's home from work, or perhaps he'd enjoy a tool set so he can

assemble all of the baby beds, diaper changing stations, toys, and other items that are sure

to pop up around the house.

With a little thought and creativity, you're sure to land a baby shower gift that makes all

the other guests envious of your mad gift-picking skills.