Unique Baby Gifts

The arrival of a baby is a joyous time and a time for fun. Join in the celebration by choosing a baby gift that will be used, treasured, and remembered.

Unique gifts don't have to be impractical. There are many classic gifts for baby that are needed for each new birth. Bedding and bath items are always a good choice. A new mom can't receive too many burp cloths, receiving blankets, washcloths, crib pads, tiny towels, sheets, or crib bumpers, even if this isn't the first baby of a family. Beautiful colors and cute patterns abound, so that the choice can reflect popular color combinations, sports, flowers, nursery rhymes and other fun themes.

Clothes make excellent baby gifts, too. Choices aren't limited to newborn sizes; larger sizes, for when the baby is older, are always appreciated. Tee shirts, bodysuits, and tiny shorts or pants make useful gifts for either sex baby, as do socks, soft pull-on caps, and zip-up blanket rompers. Special outfits and clothing items just for newborns, such as shoes, fancy dresses, stretchy headbands, baby jewelry, or elaborate hats, are especially fun to give and receive and often become treasured keepsakes.

Babies need so many things. Bibs, bottles, rattles, teethers, soft-coated spoons, miniature divided plates, and sippy cups are all part of the gear a baby needs. Diaper bags make excellent baby gifts. An often-overlooked but greatly appreciated gift would be boxes of baby wipes. Other "consumables" are also highly desired and useful, such as baby shampoo, baby wash, baby powders, and baby oil. These items are used daily and parents love to have extra on hand.

Any gift that helps make taking baby along easier is sure to be appreciated. Activity blankets, car-seat and highchair covers, and clip-on baby toys are wonderful choices. Stick-on sunshades for car travel, or waterproof mats to place under the car seat - - or under the baby while visiting friends - - make trips and visits more relaxing.

Never worry that a baby gift will be a duplicate: Multiples of almost every item are needed, as babies go through so many of each item during each day. And with thousands of designs, colors, sizes and shapes on the market, there is so little chance to give an exact copy of another item. Parents appreciate having items such as baby swings and rocker seats, and baby bathtubs in duplicate, too.