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Friday, October 31, 2008

Baby Shower ABC's: Baby Shower Gifts

By Charmaine L. Smoot

Hey, Wonder Woman! I know you're pressed for time, what with obligations at work and home, to friends and family, and to your community, it's a wonder you have any time to spend with yourself.

- Who's the receiver? Is it for your pregnant friend or her baby?

- The receiver's gender. Is the gift for the baby? If so, knowing the child's gender can help you narrow down your gift choices.

- The age of the recipient - is the baby shower being held before or after the birth?

- Your Finances. How much can you afford to spend right now?

If you plan on giving clothing as a gift, the baby's gender is important in determining the gift's color in most cases. Onesies, baby blankets, bibs, socks, mitts, pajamas, bodysuits, and cute little booties are essential items that parents, especially new ones, will appreciate.

Other basic items such as baby health, grooming, and hygiene products are welcome additions to any mother's baby kit. Diaper bags, babyslings, baby strollers, and other types of carrier items are practical and endlessly useful gifts that are good for both baby and mom. Other items like night lights, mobiles, music boxes, music CDs, and stuffed animals are presents the baby will enjoy immediately and as he or she grows older.

Whether money is no object or money is a lacking object, you can find a gift you'll be proud to present at the baby shower. Affordability is definitely on everyone's minds these days, and there are many gifts priced well within the average family budget. If you're in a bind, why not go in on a gift with another friend? A great idea would be to personalize a more traditional gift, such as a baby blanket. It's a practical gift that's been customized for the baby that the mom will just love.

It's becoming more and more common for baby showers to be held after the child's birth. This has the benefit of letting mom show off the real guest of honor to her cherished friends and family. In these cases, consider purchasing clothing a size or two bigger than the child's current size so that he or she can grow into it. Mom will appreciate this even more when baby quickly outgrows most of the clothes bought for him/her at the shower.

Seasonality should also be considered when deciding on a baby gift. Is the baby due (or, if the shower is held when the baby has already been delivered) during winter, spring, or summer? If it's the summer, consider cooler outfits instead of blankets and hats. If the baby is due around winter time, perhaps a festive sweater or onesie would be appreciated.

But what if, like other Wonder Women, you're in a pinch for time and can't afford to give yourself the guilty pleasure of baby gift shopping? You can always let technology help by shopping for your gifts online, in the comfort of your own home, wearing cozy pajamas. There are many wonder gifts available online for any budget.

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