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Friday, October 31, 2008

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.

- The recipient - is the gift for the mother or the 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 budget - how much are you planning on spending?

All new parents welcome clothes for their baby. Come to think of it, all parents welcome the gift of new clothes for their child, even if the child's a teenager! Clothing is expensive, and with kids growing so quickly, they're even more of a budget-challenge. Knowing the child's gender will help you pick an appropriate color when selecting the perfect bootie, onesie, jammies, bibs, blankets, and mittens for the baby shower.

You can never go wrong when you buy a baby basic as a gift. For example, items such as baby music CDs, mystical mobiles to hang over a crib, dark-chasing night lights, and cuddly stuffed animals are all presents baby will cherish for a long time. Other basics such as health, grooming, and hygiene products for baby are welcome additions to any new parent's closet. Diaper bags, diaper pails, baby strollers, baby slings, and other baby carriers are all wonderful gift ideas both mom and baby will love.

Baby shower gifts come in a variety of prices. They can be expensive or affordable... just select what works for you and your family's budget. If you're looking to spend a little more money or want to pair up with a friend or two and buy a gift together, personalized gifts are a great idea, since they usually have a higher price point than other gifts. Many stores, especially those online, have wonderful selections for you to peruse. How about an engraved gift, such as silver spoons or silver plated book covers?

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.

Is the baby due during the winter time? If so, buy warmer clothes for him, such as hats, mitts, thick blankets, and jackets. If it's during warmer weather, cute baby t-s, onesies, and lighter outfits will work better.

For those pinched for time, there are a wide variety of baby shower gifts available online. As their 'fingers do the walking,' the givers can shop with care, ease, and comfort for the perfect present.

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