Spring is the season of new life, so it’s likely you’ll be attending at least one baby shower this season. If you’re out of ideas for a useful gift for the mother-to-be, check out these original items, our favorite picks for new Mommy must-haves.
| From You:
1. Any new mom will flip for the Patemm Pad, a large, round changing pad with inner pockets to hold all of your diaper changing essentials and then some. Created by Grace Welch, mother of three, this unique diaper-changing essential is a favorite of celebrity moms (like Courtney Cox) who love how it all but eliminates the need for a diaper bag, not to mention how its shape and size prevents baby from ever touching an unsavory public restroom changing table. $30-48 at patemm.com.
|
| 2. It doesn’t get any more classic -- or necessary -- than the Baby Bjorn Original Carrier. If it’s not already on her registry list, pick one up for her -- it’s sure to become her -- not to mention Dad’s -- go-to traveling-with-baby gear. $80 at amazon.com.
|
| 5. Does baby need a new pair of shoes? Until he's ready, these sneaker-print socks from eternally fashion-forward Trumpette will do the job. The set of six comes in colors sure to coordinate with all of the little guy's outfits. If she's having a girl, opt for the line's signature Mary Jane-print socks, which come in a set of six pastel hues or vibrant jewel-toned colors. $22 at uncommongoods.com.
|
| 3. Let’s face it: spit happens. Protect Mom and Dad’s clothing in style with these adorable, personalized burp cloths from Little Sassy Pants. Choose from an array of whimsical designs featuring everything from monograms to sports themes. $10 each at littlesassypants.com. |
| 4. Treat baby to Bath by Bettijo’s Welcome Baby Gift Set, a collection of all-natural, lavender-scented bath and body products that also come with a copy of Jack Moore’s “97 Ways to Make a Baby Laugh.” $39 at bathbybettijo.com.
|
| 6. Baby is sure to adopt this gorgeous blanket from Two Tinas as his or her favorite, and so will Mom, as it features a felt appliqué of her little one’s initial. With over 30 gorgeous fabrics -- many of which are vintage-inspired -- to choose from, you’ll find it tough to purchase just one. $48 at twotinas.com.
|
| 7. Don't feel like wrestling with wrapping paper? These thoughtful Sofia Bean gift boxes take all the hassle out of gifting. Layette basics made out of soft cotton and embroidered with adorable animals are wrapped up nicely in a sweet, reusable box including complimentary baby-size diapers -- how handy! They arrive perfectly packaged, making this a great gift to send if you can't make it to the shower. $28-100 at sofiabean.com.
|
| From the Group:
1. For someone special, splurge on the Maclaren Techno XT, a super-durable, ultra-lightweight, easily foldable stroller that is suitable for use from birth. We particularly adore the sky blue color. $300 at amazon.com. |
| 2. The convenient backpack carrying mechanism of Medela’s Pump in Style Advanced Breastpump makes pumping on the go a snap for any frequently traveling Mom, or one who plans on returning to work. $320 at amazon.com.
|
| 3. The Baby Einstein Discover & Play Pack ‘n Play Portable Playard by Graco will keep baby extra comfortable, not to mentioned entertained, when traveling to Grandma’s (or anyone else’s) house. Who knows -- with the educational benefits often associated with this gift, you just may be sending baby on the path to one day attending Harvard! $100 at amazon.com.
|
| 4. Once it’s time to start solids, Mom will be thrilled that you and the gang gave her a Peg Perego Prima Pappa high chair. Not only is it easy to clean and oh-so comfortable for baby, it blends in beautifully to even the chicest of home décor. $190 at amazon.com.
|
| 5. It’s tough to say who will love Evenflo’s ExerSaucer Ultra 2 in 1 more: baby, because it will provide hours of self-contained entertainment, or Mom, because it will provide hours of self-contained entertainment. $80 at amazon.com.
|
| 6. This modern nightlight from celebrated designer Jim Schatz will cast a sprinkling of stars on the ceiling of baby's nursery, providing just enough light for a middle-of-the night feeding. Its fitting robin's egg blue color is perfectly gender-neutral, and will surely add a touch of serenity to any baby's dwelling. $125 at uncommongoods.com.
|