See also: gifts for infants

Compile a memory book with pictures of parents, brothers, sisters, and other of the baby's relatives.

Contribute to the purchase of such major baby gear as a crib, bassinet, cradle, high chair, stroller, booster seat, car seat, battery-operated swing, changing table, jogging stroller, portable crib, infant carrier, or portable play yard.

Assemble bath-time items in a baby bathtub. Wrap the filled tub with a large sheet of cellophane, tie it with a colorful bow, and top it with an adorable rubber duck.

Equip a diaper bag with gear for outings: A car bottle warmer, a portable changing pad, disposable diapers, baby wipes, baby toys, rattles, and teething rings.

Give a silver rattle, spoon, porringer, mirror, or another keepsake engraved with the baby's initials and the date of her birth, blessing, christening, or other first rite.

Make an heirloom-quality quilt, christening dress, or petticoat. Embroider the baby's name and birth date (or christening date) on the item and offer to embroider the same information for each successive recipient. (Granted, you will not likely be around to do this for more than a generation or two, but it's a polite way to suggest the tradition be maintained.)

A care package for Mom is a welcome change from the traditional baby shower gifts. Bubble bath, candy bars, good books, and a few coupons for baby-sitting would bring a smile to a tired new mother's face.  

Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion is filled with gift ideas for baby showers and every other gift giving occasion. In addition, you get tips on gifting etiquette, shopping, wrapping, special presentations, and much, much more. To order the book, click here.

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Have any baby shower gift ideas you'd like to share?