Consider the Source.  Some expecting parents are book lovers and would be thrilled to receive a selection of hard cover picture books for their baby.  Others might be more impressed with an accessory that matches their nursery decor.  Take a few minutes to consider the expecting parents and their preferences.   

When All Else Fails.  Yes, it is nice to give a gift that is a surprise, but don’t lose sight of your ultimate goal.  You want your gift to be appreciated, so the best course of action might be the most direct, simply ask the parents.  It’s not as innovative, but it works! 

Think Big.  Baby clothes are so sweet.  The little onesies with matching booties in the tiny size will always make the heart melt.  On the flip side, babies grow so quickly, and that sweet little outfit may only fit for a few short weeks.  So, if you are giving clothes, we suggest buying one outfit in a smaller size and then another that would be appropriate for a one year old.  The parents will thank you next year!

Oh So Soft.  Babies have very delicate skin, so buy the softest fabrics you can find.  Sometimes the clothes that look so cute on a store mannequin are really not that practical or comfortable.  The best choices for babies are clothes that are easy to put on and take off – don’t forget those snaps for easy diaper changes.

Bunnies or Trucks?  These days most parents pick a nursery “look” or “theme.” Therefore, it is important to keep this in mind if you are giving a nursery gift like a lamp, pillows, step stool or wall art.  Peter Rabbit simply won’t cut it if the parents have gone with a Thomas the Train theme. 

Oops, We Already Have It.  It’s pretty common to get duplicates for the new baby, so help the parents out by providing them with a gift receipt so they can easily exchange the item for something else.  Duplicates even happen when someone is registered for their baby gifts, so just be on the safe side and include the gift receipt.

Babies, Babies and More Babies.  Giving practical gifts is more important with baby #1...if the expecting couple already has children, then chances are they will have most of the essentials for the newest member of the family.  In this case, you might choose some wonderful frames for family pictures or a personalized keepsake plate with baby’s name and birthdate.

Made With Love.  Are you artistic or crafty?  If yes, you might consider creating a hand-made keepsake for the new baby.  However, if you really want to sew a hand-made quilt, then ask the Mom for a color scheme and get her input on designs.  Moms are choosy about what to put in the nursery.  You don’t want to spend hours on a creation that is never displayed or used. 

Get Personal.  Giving a personalized gift will make you stand-out in the crowd, but there are some guidelines to remember.  First, make certain that you have the baby’s name spelled correctly.  There are a dozen different ways to spell the name Katelyn, so check directly with the parents before ordering.  Also, if the personalized item is clothing, be sure to buy a larger size so baby can wear the item for a longer period of time.  Instead of clothing, we suggest a personalized blanket, hand-painted plate or a piece of wall art for the nursery.  There are lots of choices, so check online.  Be mindful when you order that personalized gifts cannot be returned, so it has to be something that the expecting parents will appreciate and use. 

Plan ahead.  There’s really no good excuse for not getting a gift to the new parents right away.  If you wait, the gift may no longer be appropriate.

Don’t forget Mom.  The latest trend at baby showers is to bring a gift for the baby and a small gift for the expecting Mother as well.  Today, there are lots of choices such as a pretty nightgown, a comfy robe or a wide range of lovely gift baskets available for new Moms.  Or, you could give a gift certificate to a local spa.  Even better would be a spa certificate along with a certificate for your babysitting service for an afternoon, so the new Mother could get away without worrying about baby. 

Older Sibs.  When there are older siblings, it is appropriate (but not mandatory) to give them a small gift as well.  This is especially true if the older children will be attending the baby shower.  These sibling gifts should be affordable and more of a gesture.  We suggest a small toy for a toddler.  For a slightly older child a puzzle or a book are both good ideas.

Cold Hard Cash.  Unless it is a close family member, we don’t suggest giving cash to the expecting parents.  A gift card is more acceptable, but make sure it is an appropriate baby-friendly store. 

Set a Price Range.  Decide on a price range and stick to it.  There are so many baby gift options that you should be able to find something in your price range.

On a Budget.  Let’s say that you are going to a baby shower, but you have a very small amount to spend on a gift.  A suggestion is to buy one or two small items on sale so that the mom-to-be has a gift to open.  Then, in a second box wrap up a gift certificate that you created offering your services for three afternoons of babysitting.  Make sure that you follow through on what you promised.  This is a wonderful, sincere gift that will be remembered for years.

Pooling Resources.  What if the expecting parents ask for an expensive item, such as a high chair?  We suggest buying the gift with a few friends to make it more affordable.  A cute idea is to bring the high chair to the baby shower and fill the seat with some fun items like plush bears and toys.