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When you find out your friends are expecting their first baby, your first reaction might be joy, but your next--as talk turns to baby showers--might be panic. What do you know about buying a gift for a new baby? Maybe you don't have children yet or it's been years since you had little ones at home.
Rest easy. Here are five sure-fire baby shower winners for the new parents.
An umbrella stroller. Larger strollers are not only expensive, but also bulky. The smaller, fold up version is light and easy to throw in a trunk or pack on an airplane. Plus, at as low as $10 apiece, they won't set you back any further than buying a nice baby outfit. Make sure you find one with a canopy to shield baby's eyes from the sun. Cost estimate: $10 to $30.
A baby monitor. New parents have a tendency to wake in a cold sweat several times a night to check and make sure their babies are sleeping. Your friends will thank you for buying a baby monitor so they can hear their little one sleeping safely in his or her crib. Cost estimate: $20 to $40.
A molded baby bathtub. Gone are the days when most people feel comfortable bathing a slippery child in an even more slippery porcelain or fiberglass sink. A molded plastic baby tub with a no-skid bottom is a lifesaver. For a bigger gift, throw in a hooded towel, baby washcloth, and baby bath soap and shampoo. $15 to $25.
A classic book or toy. You just can't lose with classics like Winnie the Pooh, Raggedy Ann, a little red wagon, rubber duck or "Pat the Bunny." Parents love sharing toys and stories that bring back childhood memories with their own children. If you're looking for a smaller gift, a nice book/cassette tape set is always appreciated. $2 and up.
Diapers or diapering service. Sure, it's not sexy, but believe me it will be appreciated. This will require asking the parents-to-be whether they plan to go with cloth or disposable diapers. $10 for 40-pack of disposables; $17 for dozen cloth.
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