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When it comes to birthday gifts for my girlfriends, I’ve got it covered. My standard yet thoughtful go-to: a bottle of champagne & a bottle of bubble bath. Because every girl needs to unwind and relax with bubbles & bubbles!

However, when I’m attending one of a million baby showers these days, gift-giving is not as easy.

Yes, there’s the registry, but what do you do when you’ve been asleep at the wheel and the only thing that’s left to purchase is an $80 diaper pail? That’s boring and unsentimental. You don’t want to be that friend who goes to meet the new baby and the mom says, “This is the friend that gave you that great diaper pail that mommy uses so much.” It might be true, but still. I want to get creative.




Here are my picks for the best baby shower gifts--the things I REALLY used for my now almost 17-month-old son:

1. BOOKS  It’s never too early to start reading to a child, so I love the idea of investing in a bunch of books. My son’s all time favorite book is Five Little Monkeys and I literally have to sing it to him at least once a day. It never gets old for him! I also think ABC books are amazing so he learns letters and simple words.

2. iTUNES GIFT CERTIFICATE  Ahh, it’s the age of the iPad. I grew up without one (I’m not sure how) but the kids today are all hooked. When Ashvin was a baby I used the magical app Soother the Seal when he was crying and all of a sudden he would stop howling, just listening to the white noise on the app. Now we’re on to more educational apps and I play with him sparingly so I can limit his media time. No matter which way you slice & dice it, an iTunes gift certificate is a solid gift that can be used for mommy or baby. P.S. Fisher Price has a ton of fun baby apps that are free!

3. BOUNCY SEAT  I finally discovered what it was like to have a stress-free shower as a new mom once I got my boy in his bouncy seat. 

I’ll admit it was my lifeline for trips to the bathroom & whenever I needed to cook. I got an ever-so-fancy Mamaroo as a gift and Ashvin was absolutely in love with it. He would play in it, nap in it, drink a bottle in it.



4. MONOGRAMMED NECKLACE Let’s get personal. I adore the idea of a special piece that you  can wear to keep the initials of your loved ones close to your heart. It’s sure to beat out the bassinets, onesies and toys that all the other guests are going to bring to the shower!