So you have been invited to a baby shower? That’s great. Your friend is having a baby. Okay, now what? Now is the time to find the best gift every mother to be needs for her little one. However, there is so much a mother needs. Is there a way to narrow down these choices? Actually no. What you can do is this:

First, you should think about what the mother could use especially if she is a first time mother. Most parents are already preparing for the event. They may have already gotten a crib or changing table. These are the most expensive items that are generally taken care of first. She may have smaller things like diapers, baby wipes, socks, etc. but as most people know, babies can go through plenty of things in a short amount of time. What kind of essentials could a mother to be use? Some items include but are certainly not limited to:

- Onesies;
- Bottles;
- Diaper bag;
- Stroller;
- High Chair;
- Crib;
- Diapers;
- Baby wipes;
- First Aid Kit;
- Bath Kit; and
- Bath tub

Second, there are so many things a mother-to-be can use after her baby is born. There are some things a second time mom may not need (unless of course her children are very different in ages such as 10 years apart). Some people believe that a mother should not have more than one baby shower. However, this isn’t exactly a normal way of thinking anymore. Remember a mother may have had a girl the first time around and a boy the second time around. Forget what you heard about one-time only baby showers and do what you want.

Third, now that you know what a mother-to-be needs, you can buy things for babies of a certain gender like pink for girls, blue for boys. That means buying blankets, clothes, socks, etc. However, this is only done if the parents know what the baby’s sex is. Sometimes, people will go for neutral colors like greens, whites and yellows, just in case.

Fourth, if you can’t narrow down to specific gifts, go with a gift basket. You can create your own or buy one. There are a ton of things that a baby needs that many people forget such as detergent, hangers, baby towels, etc. Whatever you can fit in a basket will be received with open arms. You can also buy a small diaper bag and stuff baby gifts down in it. Even small bottles of shampoo, body soap and baby powder are welcomed gifts. If you go with diapers, always get a size larger than newborn. Some newborns might be bigger at birth and will be useless in a few days.

Fifth, if both parents-to-be are attending the baby shower, make dad a part of the fun. Make sure he has a gift as well such as a male diaper bag. Diaper bags for males are available thought not always readily seen in stores.

If you just don’t have a clue what to get the expectant parents, you can’t go wrong with gift cards. Gift cards let the parents choose what they still need to get. Make sure you write down the specific amount you placed on the card.