Baby Gifts

It's finally happened - your best friend or relative has added a new addition to the family, and you want to welcome the little angel's arrival with an armful of great baby gifts. Yet if you've never shopped for a baby gift in your life - or just aren't sure if the happy parents haven't already gotten everything they need - shopping for baby gifts can be a bit of an intimidating experience, especially if you're not sure what you're looking for.

Luckily, I've outlined the best tips on how to find great baby gifts that will let those new parents know just how happy you are about their new baby. Whether you're looking for something small or want an extravagant present, here's how to find and purchase the best baby gifts for that new bundle of joy in your life!

Set Your Budget First. In order to narrow down the selection from the endless amounts of baby gifts out there, setting a budget will help you to focus on choosing the perfect gift for your friend or relative. What are you able to comfortably afford? What's the minimum and maximum amount that you'd like to spend? By setting up a budget before you head to that nursery store or toy shop, you'll not only be more focused in your shopping efforts - you'll be able to spare your wallet from any extravagant impulse purchases!

Ask Others What They're Getting. If you're attending a baby shower, then the guest of honor should have already composed a registry of baby gifts to help guests decide what they'll get. If the expectant mother hasn't done so, then call around to see what other people are getting. Chances are that popular items like a crib, hanging mobiles, bibs and clothing will go fast, so be sure you let others know what you have in mind. If you still have no idea what you want to get for a baby gift, pitch in for a gift with a friend or relative who already has a gift selected. You'll have the advantage of giving a great present without having to spend a majority of your time shopping!

If you're not going to a baby shower, then you can still employ these tactics to determine which would be the best baby gift for the happy parents. What are others buying for the new baby? Are the new parents getting an abundance of one gift over another? By making a few phone calls, you'll better narrow down which baby gifts the new parents would appreciate the most.

Think Function Over Fashion. When a new baby arrives in the family, it can be quite tempting to get a huge stuffed teddy bear or a vibrant colored toy. However, if you really want to make an impact, look at functional baby gifts over fashionable ones. While toys will be best appreciated once the baby is a few months older, right now the new parents will probably be in constant short supply of diapers, clothes, baby supplies - and sleep! By offering to stock up the diaper supply or watch over the baby so that they can get a little shut eye, you'll be providing the best baby gift of all. After all, that stuffed teddy bear might be cute, but it certainly won't come in handy when the diapers run out or the new parents are running on three hours of sleep each day.

Long-Distance Gift Ideas. Do the happy parents live across the country from you? If you can't make it to see the new baby or attend the baby shower, consider getting a baby basket delivered instead. Depending on your budget, you can get a sizable gift basket filled with goodies like diapers, toys, baby lotion, baby wash and other essentials that the new parents will be grateful for. It's a great option for those who don't have the time or the money to see the latest addition to the family, but still want their presence felt when the big day finally arrives.

I am a retired grandmother who enjoys babysitting all six of my priceless grandchildren. In my spare time I stay active, travel, and write informative articles about the importance of a safe crib mattress and other topics that matter to me.