Baby Gift Guide for the Clueless

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

I used to be absolutely clueless when it came to buying baby gifts until I had my son two years ago. I'd always just pick up a generic baby sleeper and be done with it. I had no idea that there was a whole world full of interesting infant accessories just waiting to be explored. If you are an amateur in the baby-gift giving department, I've got you covered. Any of these ideas will ensure you look like you totally know what you're doing!

What all the Babies are Reading: When it comes to literature for the little ones, there's no disputing Eric Carle is king. You can't go wrong with classics like The Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear Brown Bear or the Busy Spider. Margaret Wise Brown's Goodnight Moon is another staple in any newborn's library and has been around since the 1940s for good reason.

The 'It' Baby Toys: Sophie the Giraffe has been around for 40 years but has recently become the must-have gift for any newborn as the world moves towards more environmentally friendly products. The soft baby teething toy is made by hand in the French Alps from all natural rubber and safe, non-toxic paint. The Sleep Sheep is also an extremely sought-after toy because it emits soothing sounds that help a baby get to sleep.

Bathing Babies: Bath toys are always a fun gift and can be paired with speciality baby washes, a bath thermometer and a hooded towel to ensure the new arrival's head is kept warm when they emerge from the tub.

Baby's Nest Egg: A silver-plated toy bank is a classic gift that can be displayed in a baby's room for long after they would have outgrown a sleeper. A few loonies here and there can also really add up over the years!

Parental Presents: You could also opt to buy a present for mom and dad as they begin this new chapter in their lives. A video monitor will allow the new paranoid parents to see what their baby is up to at all times or you could choose a trendy diaper bag that even dad would be proud to carry around the mall. 

Cherry on Top: Baby rattles, soother clips or humorous binkies can be a nice little addition to your baby gift. If you want to go all out, you could wrap the present in a new receiving blanket instead of wrapping paper and tie a crystal pacifier into the ribbon.

Related links:

• More baby gift ideas
• DVD treats for your toddler
• Expert guide to buying a stroller
• On MSN Lifestyle: Fabulous Fall Maternity Wear

Comments

Hi - loved your story about baby gifts. There's a new website, just recently launched (www.belliandbaby.com) - their products look great and are made by a Certified Aromatherapist who knows what essential oils are safe for mom and baby. They've also won an award for one of their products - Best New Product for 2009! Check them out.

Hi Diane:
I have to agree with you. Just becoming a new mother (3 months ago) I received some Belli and Baby products as a gift. In the gift package was the award winning Mom & Baby Cream and I just love it. I use it on Kathleen's bottom and I've used it on myself. Both of us have the softest skin and there was no irritation. I also received the Clean body wash and lotion set - wow - makes me feel great and I feel like I'm pampering myself again. So many products that are great. If I had a store, I'd carry the line! Right now you can only purchase these products online, but's it's not a hassle at all and easy. Visit their website - you won't be sorry. www.belliandbaby.com.

these gifts are great ideas except for sophie the giraffe. my nephew has sophie, hes had her since she was born. sophies legs are long and allow the child to stick them down their throat causing them to gag. so just a heads up.

Hi all I love this site.We also have a diaper bag company www.pyknyk.com We have these gorgeous Totes made of Cork and cotton canvas ...Yes we are out to heal the earth!!The bags are eco friendly cork is a sustainable material its mold, mildew , oil and water resistant.You can buy from our website or Email us if you are interested in the totes.They have "0"% lead.New moms this is a sure thing for you!!!!

Just to let you know, I found out that the humorous binkies made by Japlo are subject to a recall due to choking hazard. See the recall notice: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08336.html

Thanks for providing such a nice article on Baby Gift Guide - Shopping Cart. I have interest in seeing them.

Jackie, your right many mothers just dont know about all the great little baby gifts there are out there. There are a lot of sooo awesome designer baby gifts out there tht are so cool for new parents. Dont know how many people know about baby dry goods, classy and upscale baby products, we wrote a blog post about them on our blog: http://www.ribbonsbaskets.com/?p=145

I had no idea that there was a whole world full of interesting infant accessories just waiting to be explored, when it comes to buying a gift for my 3 year old son, i'm clueless to find him a good gift.

Hi! I love all the babies gifts, because they all cute! And I wonder if I had a baby I buy the entire cutest thing for my baby in the world!!!