Newborn Gift Idea

What is the best newborn gift idea that you can think of? That’s a tough call because there are so many great products on the market. This is one reason that many moms get absolutely beautiful baby shower gifts that have little if any practical value. We all fall victim to the cute factor. Most of us have given someone an absolutely charming little present to welcome baby and we are surprised and miffed to see it turn up unused at a garage sale. What happened? We used the cute factor instead of a little thought and common sense.

If you really want to get a new mother the best newborn gift that she can use and enjoy then think of what you used most for your own baby. I know this is how I figure out the gifts for my friends and my gifts are always a hit. You can be practical with a gift and create a great and fun way to present it. This combines the wow factor that many people feel is often missing if they choose useful and practical items for newborn gift giving. Now be honest. Would you rather receive a pair of $80 designer shoes for your newborn that 1) won’t fit her rather long and skinny little tootsies or 2) she’ll outgrow in a week, or receive 2 packs of diapers, 3 boxes of baby wipes and a selection of baby foods all packaged in a neat storage bin that will see a lot of use?

Don’t get me wrong, the elaborate and stylish clothing and silver spoons are fun and they definitely have the WOW factor working overtime. But for my money, practicality and usefulness has the WOW factor beat twice over. Babies don't outgrow practicality overnight. Newborns don’t like being forced to wear uncomfortable and itchy clothing either. We might like how it looks, but most little ones have a strong preference for a Onesie and a diaper. Put these two things on them and they are ready to party in style. When they get older we can dress them up with more success or at least try.

Another few items that make it onto my best newborn gift idea list include gift cards for Mom to use herself at her favorite children’s store or department store. Make this special by including it with a card that offers free babysitting while she hits the mall; or include a card for a free lunch to make it a fun day of worry free shopping for the happy mom. You can even choose to give the mom and baby a certificate for Mommy and Me exercise classes and place the certificate in a fun diaper bag that can make the trip with them.