You should always check the Mommy to be's registry before you purchase any gift. You do not have to go the store to do this, most stores have their gift registry's on-line. If for example you where going have a quilt or blanket specially made for the baby and you check the registry and see that 8 blankets have already been purchased you may what to purchase something else. The registry is also nice because then you know that you are giving the mommy to be something that she really needs. Most of the things that are on a registry are a stroller, bassinette changing table, crib, carseat and base, high car, swing, bouncy chair, baby monitors, diaper genie, wipe warmer, breast pump, bottles and pacifiers. Please don't purchase these things with out checking to see if the mommy to be has already picked out one that she prefers.
But the element of surprise is always nice too! And some first time Mommy's may know the large things that they need (which would be on her registry) but maybe doesn't know all the little things that make life easier, like some of us who are already mother's.
Diapers - Any size they will all get used, trust me.
Wicker Basket - Buy any kind of wicker basket and fill it with any combination of baby lotions, soaps, q-tips, baby wipes, towel, wash cloth, a tub toy, etc.
Laundry basket - Same concept as the wicker basket but fill it with baby laundry detergent and baby stain remover. You could also throw in some regular detergent and stain remover for mommy and daddy since they will have plenty of stained clothes too.
Babies first year calender - This was one of my favorite simple gifts. Mommy's are so busy the first year that it is hard to keep up with the baby book, this calender is full of stickers of memorable events that mommy just has to stick it on the date and she can go back and fill in the baby book when she has time. Like when the baby starts kindergarten.
Outfits - It is always nice when you have clothes for the next stage. Mommy's always get a ton of 0-3 months and 3-6 month clothes. Try to buy some outfits that are larger like 6-9 months, 9-12 months and even 12-18 months.
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