From Precious To Practical - The Best Baby Shower Gifts

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From Precious to Practical: The Best Baby Shower Gifts

The tradition of giving baby shower gifts dates back to the early 1900s, when friends and family would throw a party to "shower" the mother-to-be with gifts before her baby was born. In the early days, many of the gifts were made by the guests. Umbrellas were a popular symbol of the event because the baby shower was usually an afternoon tea party and the guests would use umbrellas to stay out of the sun.

Today's baby showers are much different - some are in fact quite similar to tea parties, while others are quite whimsical - but the tradition of giving gifts remains. Below you'll find some great gift ideas that the mom-to-be is sure to appreciate.

Picture Perfect
New parents take lots of photos of their new bundle of joy, so why not give them a place to put them! There's no shortage of adorable photo frames and photo albums to choose from.

Fashionably Cute
Babies need clothes - lots and lots of clothes. From onesies and socks to shirts, pants, dresses and sleepers, baby will need them all. And besides - they're just so darn fun to shop for!

Baby Spa
Lotion, baby powder, shampoo, diaper rash cream, nail clippers, nasal suction bulbs, thermometers, comb, brush, cotton swabs, washcloths, hooded towels - because baby wants to be well-groomed, too!

On the Menu
The new baby will need lots of bottles, bottle brushes, bibs and burp cloths, plus plastic dishes, baby spoons and sippy cups for when he or she gets a little older

Crib Couture
Crib sheets, mattress protectors, blankets and mobiles are always a thoughtful - and much needed - choice.

Baby's Digs
If you're looking to help outfit baby's room, the options are nearly limitless: stuffed animals, wall art, lamp, changing table, diaper pail, organizers, rocking chair and much, much more.

Time to Play
Before you know it, the new baby will need age-appropriate toys: teething toys, musical toys, play mat, educational CDs and DVDs, soft picture books. Even though it's a blast to shop for these toys, don't get too carried away by what you like - make sure it's right for the baby!

Gifts for Mom & Dad
Mom and Dad will be all too happy to get gifts that help commemorate baby's firsts: a baby book, baby milestone calendar and a hand & foot plaster imprint kit. They may not know it yet, but they'll also appreciate coupons for babysitting!

The D Word
No matter how many diapers the parents have before baby's birth, it's never enough. Babies go through lots and lots of diapers, so diapers in every size are greatly appreciated.

Perfectly Practical
If you're thinking about purchasing a crib, dresser, changing table, high chair, car seat, stroller or other large item, consider making it a group gift from several people. That way you can stay within your budget, but still purchase an extremely nice gift.

Labor of Love
If you know the mom-to-be very well, you may want to put together a little care package of things that she'll find soothing during labor and after delivery. Anything from a favorite book or CD, magazines, comfy socks, soothing lotions or a special robe are ideal choices for the care package.

It All Comes Out in the Wash
Baby's laundry takes special care. Purchase a hamper or basket, and fill it with baby laundry soap, fragrance-free dryer sheets, stain removers and baby hangers.

Life Saver
A practical and appreciated baby shower gift is a certificate for a private CPR class. It's always a good idea for new parents to know what to do in an emergency.

Memories
Help new parents preserve memories of their bundle of joy with a nice wooden box that can be used as a keepsake box. Parents also love to preserve memories with professional photo sessions, so a gift certificate for portraits also makes a thoughtful gift.

No matter what gift you give to mom or baby, it will be well-received if you put some thought, imagination and heart into choosing it.

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