Showers of Happiness: BELLA’s Baby and Bridal Shower Gift GuideBy Judi Rothenberg

Whether your little sister will be walking

down the aisle or your college BFF is expecting, it’s a wondrous time in their lives and an occasion to be celebrated. A bridal or baby shower honors these transitions and allows family and friends to share in the joy. A shower can be as traditional as a brunch or as elaborate as a co-ed wine tasting. There can be games, entertainment or a theme; of course, there’s only one rule: There must be presents!

Once the venue is chosen, the guest list completed, and the menu set, it’s time to think about that gift. The registry is a good place to start, but sometimes everything on the list is accounted for and most of the time you have your own ideas. You want to “wow” her. She’s a special woman in your life and you want her to know it.

Let her personality guide you. Is there something she hasn’t thought of that would be ideal for her? Whether she’s a gourmet cook setting up a new household, a mom-to-be with a passion for travel, artsy or eco-minded, we’ve got just the item to please her (and we’ll let you take all the credit!).

Remember, your present doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. It just needs to say, “I know who you are.”

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ForBaby

The Double-Duty Gift A practical gift that can be used as a decorative centerpiece, these Baby Bunch “bouquets” are made from cleverly rolled layette clothing. The large white fl orist’s pail ($54.95) includes a bib, T-shirt, onesie, hat, socks and leggings, while the Classic Premium Baby Bunch ($99.95) adds a few more items and comes tucked into a charming country basket. Both sets are available in pink, blue or unisex yellow. For a sweet touch, top a present with the adorable striped romper “lollipop” ($9.99).BabyBunch.com

Natural ComfortFrom “Happy Mama” aromatherapy spray for morning sickness to “Angel Baby Bottom Balm,” Earth Mama Angel Baby products are toxin-free and formulated with organic ingredients and herbs. The “A Little Something for Baby” gift-pack ($19.95) has basics to keep baby clean without irritating sensitive skin. Larger gift packages like “Mama’s Postpartum Recovery Essentials” ($49.40) and the “Birth and Baby Kit” ($89.95) are also available. EarthMamaAngelBaby.com

Wrapped and ReadyThese whimsical critter wraps turn bath time into a photo-op! Whichever playful animal you choose ‒ frog, lamb or bunny ‒ the hooded soft and absorbent wrap will protect baby from getting a chill. ($29.50 + $7 for monogram)PotteryBarn.com

Sittin’ PrettyThe Ritzy Sitzy from Itzy Sitzy (say that fi ve times fast!) is the fashionable way to keep little ones comfortable and away from nasty germs in shopping carts and public high chairs. Available in eight fun patterns ($68).ItzySitzy.com

Mom On-the-GoEasy go, easy stow ‒ the lightweight (11 lbs.) QuickSmart Backpack Stroller is small enough to carry on an airplane ($220).QuickSmartGo.com

Don’t Forget Dad!He’s just as involved in baby’s life but doesn’t want to be sporting a baby carrier embellished with pink elephants and shooting stars. This adjustable linen sling is lightweight, breathable, adjustable and off ered in a variety of manly color combinations ($160). SakuraBloom.com

It’s a Sticky SituationSoon enough, that wee newborn will be going on play dates or to daycare. Personalized labels help keep things from getting mixed up. Sticky Labels (45 labels, $21) and Skinny-Minis (80 labels, $21) are durable labels that are dishwasher and microwave safe. We love the well-rounded Big Kaboodle Combo ($48) for its assortment of more than 100 multi-purpose labels.MabelsLabels.com

It’s a Sticky SituationSoon enough, that wee newborn will be going on play dates or to daycare. Personalized labels help keep things from getting mixed up. Sticky Labels (45 labels, $21) and Skinny-Minis (80 labels, $21) are durable labels that are dishwasher and microwave safe. We love the well-rounded Big Kaboodle Combo ($48) for its assortment of more than 100 multi-purpose labels.MabelsLabels.com

For the FashionistaEco-minded moms will love the lightweight Sashay Satchel ($129) made from organic cotton with two convenient outside pockets for stashing bottles and keys. It easily converts to a backpack, perfect when you have other things to carry. PetuniaPickleBottom.com

Wrapped and ReadyThese whimsical critter wraps turn bath time into a photo-op! Whichever playful animal you choose ‒ frog, lamb or bunny ‒ the hooded soft and absorbent wrap will protect baby from getting a chill. ($29.50 + $7 for monogram)PotteryBarn.com

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ForBride

Sweet SentimentsHand-stamped vintage silverware is a wedding keepsake that can be used for years to come. The cake server or fork set ($41 per set), can be customized in a variety of ways. Etsy.com/shop/JessicaNDesigns

Entertaining in StyleWhimsical aprons ($60) and fanciful dishwashing gloves ($29) allow her to mingle with guests while attacking a kitchen mess. RoyalAccessories.com

Get ToastedPlayful newlyweds can declare their love without saying a word! The retro-styled Pop Art toaster gets the message across with an assortment of interchangeable stencil plates. (Cool touch plastic: $25-$45; chrome: $50-$125)PopArtToasterStore.com

Public Display of Aff ectionHot kisses can become cool art with a DNA 11 KISS Portrait. The happy couple sends their lip imprints (a collection kit is provided) and then chooses color and style for the portrait. Guaranteed, there will be no duplicates! (A 20 x 20 inch canvas is $399.) DNA11.com

The Spice Is Right New house? Fill their pantry with an assortment of spices. The Wedding Gift Crate includes 16 jars of mixes and seasonings, a peppermill, saltshaker and wedding charms ($126). Penzeys.com

The Cutting EdgeA set of quality knives falls high on the list for many couples. This classic block set from Wüsthof uses new technology for blades that are sharper and have longer edge retention ($299). Wusthof.com

Sweet SentimentsHand-stamped vintage silverware is a wedding keepsake that can be used for years to come. The cake server or fork set ($41 per set), can be customized in a variety of ways. Etsy.com/shop/JessicaNDesigns

Public Display of Aff ection

The Cutting EdgeA set of quality knives falls high on the list for many couples. This classic block set from Wüsthof uses new technology for blades

keepsake that can be used for years to come. The cake server or fork set ($41 per set), can be customized in a variety of ways.

The Cutting EdgeA set of quality knives falls high on the list for many couples. This classic block set from Wüsthof uses new technology for blades that are sharper and have longer edge retention ($299). Wusthof.com

gloves ($29) allow her to mingle with guests while attacking a kitchen mess. RoyalAccessories.com

Entertaining in StyleWhimsical aprons ($60) and fanciful dishwashing gloves ($29) allow her to

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