The hope for a baby shower gift is that it’s going to be practical. Sometimes gifts come in the form of mementos, like small books of family history, but most of the time, people want the mother to be able to pick up their gift and use it for the baby when it arrives. Normally, unless you’re part of the family or a very close friend, you’re not likely to give bigger items like strollers or play pens, as those are items the parents would probably rather choose for themselves anyway. But there are still some very practical shower gifts you might consider, on a smaller scale.

Some of these more practical ideas have taken an entertaining turn in recent years. One latest rage in a practical yet entertaining shower gift for a new baby is what is known as a “diaper cake.” This gift isn’t as disgusting as it might sound, however. The creators take diapers and stack them on end, tying them with ribbons into a circular platform, upon which another smaller ribboned platform is placed, and so on. This tiered “cake” becomes one of the central baby shower decorations at the party, and often has a stuffed animal as its crown, with smaller animals and decorations adorning the tiers. If you are creatively inclined, then visit www.howtomakeadiapercake.com. For a small fee you can get instructions on how to make one yourself.

Don’t forget, of course, that practical needs don’t stop when the baby is a year old. A useful baby shower gift can aim for some time down the road too, so the parents can still be helped as the baby begins growing. For example, you might consider buying the mother some special chewable pendants to wear when her baby starts teething and grabbing at her jewelry. This can add some baby shower fun at the time of the party, but also be very useful in the future.

But don’t forget the needs of the mother as you contemplate your baby shower gift. Of course she’ll need as many practical things as possible for the baby, which is the point of throwing a baby shower in the first place. But the new mom will need some time to replenish herself too. So you might give a gift basket of bubble bath and candles. Or give her a gift certificate for a large fruit basket that she can order after the baby finally arrives and she needs to grab snacks for quick energy. There are many creative and practical gifts to give that are inexpensive, but will be very welcome.

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