Are you one of those people who as soon as you have a chance to buy a baby gift you get excited and immediately hunt for the perfect gift? Or, for lack of enthusiasm do you wait until the last minute to shop for a gift? If you?ve not had a baby or maybe you?ve had several already, you?re probably clueless about baby shopping for close friends or relatives. Like a lot of shoppers you just want to get it over with and fast.

A baby shower is an event. Buying a baby shower gift doesn?t have to be stressful. Nowadays many women provide a registry at a local store to make it easier for them and you. The registry will include a myriad of things confused moms-to-be might need and can?t make a clear decision about. For this reason, include a gift receipt with your gift, and don?t let an expensive gift registry dictate good judgment for baby gift buying. If the mother-to-be insists on exclusivity of items she has chosen, make sure you?re one of the early shoppers-- everyone will have the same idea. If you?re a last minute shopper and all the least expensive gifts have been purchased, buy a gift card that can be applied to one of those more expensive gifts. No doubt mom will find use for that gift card. If you plan on going to the shower and are afraid of embarrassment, combine your gift card with a little something that pampers mom-to-be.

You can make it both practical and memorable if you buy one practical gift and one personal gift. Buying two gifts may seem out of your budget, but you can do so and spend under thirty dollars or less. Again, make sure you get a gift receipt in case one or both gifts don?t work. Here is a list of baby gifts under twenty dollars that I think are practical and useful for the new mom: diaper pail, onesies, baby wipes, burp cloths, inflatable tub, bath bumper, bath sponge, swim diaper, basic t-shirts, basic hoodie, pacifier or teether, bibs, dishes, cups, utensils or feeding gift sets.

The following baby gifts would be complimentary to any of the above: picture frames, blankets, diaper bag, musical toys, alphabet puzzles, toy telephone, beach bucket and stacking blocks. Many of these toys a baby will not likely be interested in until he is crawling. Nonetheless, they are practical and timeless toys for any child.

A personalized baby gift may be more difficult to tackle. You may want to keep in mind how close you are to the mother-to-be. Personalized gifts often require an extra step to the gift process such as an engraving. Engravings or embroidery can be added to anything from blankets and towels, dinnerware or jewelry to toys.

After the baby shower the new mom can evaluate gifts received and decide what she no longer needs and what she may be able to return provided that gift receipts were included with all gifts. She can buy or exchange for things that seem missing or forgotten. The important thing for you the giver is not only the gift you give, but also time spent sharing the joy of having a baby with a friend or relative.

Remember, too many toys and gadgets for a firstborn could get overwhelming for first time moms and dads. Frilly and expensive outfits are impractical because the baby will be growing at an unbelievable pace. Leave more expensive and frilly outfits for grandma to buy. If you insist on buying something cute for the baby, onesies, which are always handy and come in all designs and colors, aren?t as pricey. When the time comes hopefully you?ll remember this article and make a good choice.

About the Author

LynnMarie is On-Line Editor for Babyage.com which is one of the top online retailers of Baby Gifts and a fabulous selection of Personalized Baby Gifts for you to choose from.

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