How to Buy a Quick and Easy Baby Shower Gift

The tradition of baby showers is to celebrate a new baby and to "shower" the parents-to-be with gifts and needed items when the child is born. It can be difficult to select gifts for a shower: You could be unsure of the sex of the baby. You could be on a limited budget. You could want to get something original. Or maybe you're buying for a repeat mother who has everything. But these suggestions could help.

Instructions

1. Check if the parents-to-be have a gift registry. Although slightly less creative, you can find something within your price range that you can guarantee they will love and use often. If you don't have much free time to shop, a registry is also one of the fastest ways to buy a gift. A click on the computer, and it will be delivered to your doorstep (or theirs).

2. Buy necessities and make a newborn gift basket. Fill it with diapers and baby wipes, baby powder, bibs, diaper-rash ointment, baby shampoo and more. You can never have enough of the necessities, and the new parents will be too busy (and too tired) to worry about pharmacy trips.

3. Be creative and personalize your gift. Think of things that you enjoyed as a child (or that your children enjoyed): a few of your favorite children's books or toys, a like-new car seat or high chair, puzzles and games. Make a quilt, knit a sweater, make a mobile--use your talents to make a present within your budget. Maybe even consider a gift membership to one of those toy-exchange programs where the parents can trade toys as the children grow.

4. Don't rule out gift cards. A gift card is always appreciated and is definitely quick and easy to buy. If you aren't sure what the parents-to-be really want or need, a gift certificate to big-box stores that sell items for children will certainly not go to waste.

5. Rule out some things. Avoid clothing unless it's for a close friend or relative. New parents usually want to enjoy the baby clothes shopping themselves, are often gifted more clothes than they could possibly use, and the infant grows out of them far too fast anyway. Also, avoid stuffed animals. Toys are OK and educational toys are even better, but stuffed animals become clutter once a child gets too many. Leave the plush toys and baby blankets for the happy new family.