ALT-5 Great Gift Ideas for a Baby Shower
If you will be attending a baby shower in the near future, find out if the mother-to-be has registered at a baby retailer like Babies-R-Us or Target. If she has registered, then by far, the best gift you can give is one that is on the registry list. This way she'll get something she needs for the baby, which is the whole point of a baby shower gift. If most of the items are inexpensive, you can pick out several things. On the other hand, if a gift is expensive, you can go in on the gift with somebody else who will also be attending the shower.
The second choice gift, if she does not have a registry, or if every item on the registry is purchased, would be a gift card. Although a gift card may seem not very creative, in the case of a mother-to-be, she will appreciate it. She can use it whenever she wants, and get whatever she needs for the baby. This is especially useful if the mother-to-be is on a tight budget. The goal of a baby shower gift is not to showcase your creativity, but to give the mother-to-be a great gift for the baby.
If you still don't want to buy a gift card or registry gift, then go with diapers. Find out if the mother to be will be using cloth diapers or paper diapers, and buy her a bunch. Buy some diapers in sizes 1 or 2. She will be going through a lot of diapers, so she really can't have too many. If you are creative you can make a diaper cake. You'll need about 50 disposable diapers, about 75 feet of ribbon, and some tape. You won't want to eat this cake, but it makes a cute centerpiece. You can decorate it with pacifiers, bibs, and baby booties.
Finally, a coordinated outfit is a great gift for the baby, especially if you know what the gender will be. You can get one at Target, Babies-R-Us, Macy's or Nordstrom. Don't forget to include a gift receipt!
As with any gift, consider what the recipient actually wants, and not what you would want if you were her. Even with the best intentions, some gifts will go unused or be given away. Don't overload her with pacifiers or bottles or blankets. If you are unsure, don't be afraid to ask her what she needs most.
