Unique Gifts for Babies and New Parents

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Adorable booties, tiny rompers, and colorful rattles are great presents for a new baby—they are necessities and appropriate, but also common. Instead, think creatively and welcome the new baby and family with a gift they'll all remember. Here are some unique gift ideas a new family is sure to love.

Picture Perfect

A family, Mother and Baby, or Baby portrait is a special gift that captures Baby's precious features and preserves them as a unique piece of family history. Purchase a portrait session for the new family, and they'll cherish the outcome for a lifetime.

Is the mom- or dad-to-be a real shutterbug? Opt for a picture package gift, complete with an adorable frame, a brand-new memory card for their digital camera, a photo album, and a gift certificate to Snapfish, Kodak or another online digital film service. Parents can never have too many photos of their kids!

Date Night In

Parents of little ones don't have much time to dedicate especially to each other; a gift of a "night in" gives a couple a nudge to spend some precious time alone. Include gift certificates to a restaurant that delivers and the local video store, a package of microwave popcorn, Mom's favorite instant drinks, movie candy, and a relaxing CD or new board game for two.

Housecleaning

Having a baby is hard work, and after the feedings, diaper changes and laundry, who wants to clean the house? While hiring a maid for the new family may not seem glamorous, it will undoubtedly be one of the parents' favorite gifts, allowing them to snooze or relax with their child while someone else does the mopping, dusting, and scrubbing!

Dinners Delivered

On those days when Mom still hasn't showered by late afternoon, mustering up the energy to make a good dinner can seem impossible! Yet new parents need nutritious meals to stay healthy and give them the fuel to finish out the day (and middle of the night!). Go in on this gift with a friend or two, and feed the appreciative new family with a few dinners. Deliver them fresh or stock the freezer with yummy frozen meals that include easy thawing and baking instructions.