Great Baby Shower Gifts Checklist

by Brenda Stokes


	A spa day	Being pregnant, having a baby, and mothering can be physically and emotionally exhausting—and moms need special attention, too! Gift certificates for a spa treatment (massage, pedicure, manicure, facial, etc.) are wonderful, as is a lovely basket filled with bath products.


	Personalized gifts	Give the new parents a gift certificate for a paint-your-own-pottery studio where they can decorate anything they'd like with their baby's handprints and footprints. You could also have one of their baby announcements framed, or an engraved picture frame with baby's name is also a nice touch.


	Baby and me classes	A few weeks postpartum, mom will be itching to get outdoors again. Give her the opportunity to stretch her legs with a gift certificate to a baby-and-me fitness class. There are many of these kinds of activities available with everything from baby massage to mom and baby yoga.


	Diaper service	If the parents-to-be have decided to use cloth diapers, go in on a gift with a friend to purchase a few months' worth of diaper service for the family. This way, they'll be able to spend a lot more time with their new baby rather than cleaning diapers.


	Mom and baby video	There are tons of mom and baby videos on the market, and you're bound to find one that's perfect for the parents-to-be. Exercise with baby videos and even relaxing nature scenes can be just the right thing for a stressed and strained mommy.


	Diapers	These may not seem like the best gift in the world, but every new parent will appreciate them. Give the expecting couple a gift certificate from a


	Clothes	Who doesn't love baby clothes? Just try to stay away from the newborn size range. So many people will be buying this size of clothes for the baby that he or she will have nothing to wear in a month or two! Instead, shop for baby clothes in those in-between stages no one ever thinks of buying for.


	Booties	Whether you make them by hand or buy some at the store, new parents will definitely need booties for baby. If your knitting skills are less than desirable, shop around for some booties that are unique. New parents appreciate a bit of diversity in their baby's wardrobe.