How to Select a Unisex Gift for a Newborn

Selecting a gift for a newborn isn't as simple as it sounds. While the newborn is easy to please, it's the parents you have to keep in mind when making your purchase. Whether giving a gift before the baby arrives or choosing a unisex gift that will have more use for future babies, shopping needn't be difficult if you have a few ideas in mind ahead of time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Buy clothes with the newborn's size in mind. So many people think ahead, buying clothes for babies in sizes 3 months and older. The newborn may have a coming-home outfit, but what are the parents supposed to dress him in until he gets to the next size? Buy some onesies and sleepers in newborn and zero to 3 months sizes in neutral colors like yellow or mint green.
2. Add to the newborn's grooming kit. Health and grooming products are wonderful gifts for either a girl or a boy, and add to the parents' supply of items often overlooked. Brushes, combs, nail clippers, thermometers, lotions, wipes, soaps, shampoos--the list is truly endless and full of gift-giving possibilities. Stock up on these items and arrange them in a beautiful basket.
3. Make bedtime truly relaxing. Parents can never have enough bedding, as sheets and blankets require frequent changing due to accidents and leaks. Giving sheets, waterproof mattress pads, blankets and comforters will be greatly appreciated, and if the parents know the theme of the nursery, you can buy these items in colors that match. If not, consider loading a bassinet with various bedding items.
4. Think about the baby's laundry needs. Again, frequent changes are a way of life for the newborn and her parents, as outfits will need to be changed a few times a day. A good idea for a unisex gift is a white laundry basket filled with baby-sensitive laundry detergent, stain remover, pre-wash and fabric softener.
5. Provide a pretty place to store memories. Another idea for a boy or a girl is an attractive memory box that you can either make or purchased at a baby boutique or on the Internet. These boxes are a great way to hold keepsakes such as cards, booties, announcements, special blankets and outfits.
6. Stock up the kitchen. What else do babies do besides sleep? Eat! Find out what kind of bottles the parents plan on using and buy a supply of that brand, plus bibs, bottle brushes, cloth diapers for burping, sippy cups, baby spoons and plastic baby dishes. You can even spring for baby formula if the newborn is not being breast-fed.
7. Offer a bit of R&R. If you plan on buying a gift certificate for the parents to use themselves to pick out items that they need, give them a coupon for a few evenings of babysitting as well. It's hard for parents to trust their newborn with a babysitter, so if the offer comes from a trusted source, they're more likely to get out and get the respite they need.

Tips & Warnings

• Big-ticket items such as high chairs, car seats, swings and strollers are good choices as these can be used for all the children in the family, boy or girl.
• Consider buying a baby book so that the parents can record all the important milestones of the baby's life in the coming months.
• Pick out some pretty stationery and wrap it up with a few books of stamps and return address labels so that the parents are ready to go on all the thank-you notes they have to write.