Many people wonder what to give an expecting mom. To help you decide on whether to look for practical or unique baby shower gifts, consider the following. The birth of every baby is always a once in a lifetime occasion! Each baby is a unique little person, welcomed into the family with the special love and affection you feel for that new little one. When you’re giving a baby shower gift, or coordinating a baby shower, you want to have some frivolous items that are just pretty to look at, along with a good mix of baby shower gifts that are of a more practical nature.

Mom and Dad are going to be assuming some extra expenses as soon as baby is born. Diapers, diapers and more diapers are certainly a must. Bottles, blankets, washcloths, lotions – oh my, how the list goes on! I imagine that there was a time when you could put the child through college for less than it now takes to get them into grade school today. So there’s clearly a place for practical baby shower gifts.

Here’s how to coordinate a baby shower that is lovely, fun and practical. Mom and Dad will most certainly appreciate getting a head start on those baby supplies, especially when that hospital bill arrives! Let’s say you have ten or fifteen mutual friends who will be attending. Take the bull by the horns and simply let all the guests know that you’re trying to give a ‘value-added’ baby shower that will help the new parents save a few bucks, while still showering baby with lovelies for the nursery.

If someone in your group is an experienced quilter, see if you can’t persuade that person to organize a baby quilting group, with each guest making just one square of the finished quilt. Your quilter can help everyone with the basics, guiding the construction of the finished piece. Everyone designs and decorates their piece in whatever style is meaningful to them and Mom. Some may embroider, while another may create a collage or applique. This approach makes for a diverse and colorful quilt. Each contributor can ’sign’ their section with their initials. This isn’t especially time consuming, as each guest is only responsible for a small section. When put together, tres magnifique!

Another baby shower gift that is a sure hit is a baby doll with hand made clothes. You don’t need to be an expert seamstress for this task. If you can sew on a button and follow a pattern, you can do it. Come up with a group list of different outfits and let everyone choose their favorite. From pirate costumes to sailor suits, from Victorian dresses to nurse outfits and fairy tale princess dresses, this baby shower gift idea is always a winner.

Now, on to the more practical gifts. Have everyone get online and search out baby coupons. Collect as many as you can – Mom will love you for it! It’s unlikely she’ll have time to surf for coupons once baby is here. Search the coupon sites and baby manufacturer’s websites for a host of baby products, ranging from those pricey diapers to baby oil. Look for coupons for organic baby foods. Check out the baby magazines and other publications which give Mom a lifeline to baby information.

Depending on the size and budget of your group, think about pitching in to get a larger item, such as baby strollers and car seats, baby walkers and baby high chairs.

If you think that this type of baby shower gift is one Mom wants to choose for herself, try gathering some reviews and consumer reports on different brands of such items, for her perusal and final decision.

Now, whatever you do, know that your baby shower gift basket is not complete without some bath and beauty products for Mom. She’s the one with the two o’clock feedings! A three o’clock bubble bath may be just the thing!