I guess every one of us has had the dilemma of having to decide on a baby shower gift. It could be a daunting task especially for individuals who haven't had any experience with any kind of child care. Going into a baby store with the hope of finding the perfect item is just not possible. Many people, due to the lack of time, just opt to buy gift sets. While these sets could be very helpful for the parents, there are some out there that are just not worth the money.
You have to keep in mind that if you go to large retail stores, chances are that other guests might be getting the same goodies as you are unless the parents have prepared a wish list. The most common items that you will see in a baby shower gift sets are baby essentials such as socks, bibs, mittens, pajamas and a plush toy.
Why stick to the traditional items?
It is logical that the majority of guests focus on the baby. They do not have an idea that the parents (oftentimes the mother) are actually the ones who will be badly in need of some "parenting essentials". Buy an eye concealer (for the dreaded sleepless nights), chapstick (for hydrating the lips after breastfeeding every hour) and a Palmer's cocoa lotion (for those stretch marks). Put everything nicely in a vintage bag from your nearest dollar store and you just got yourself a unique and not-too-generic baby shower present.
Buying a set on your way to the party and writing a short note while waiting in traffic might not be the way to go if you hate giving away generic gifts. Personally, I like getting people unique presents. I have to admit that it does take some thinking but it will pay off.
The next time you think you're thinking of getting a gift set, while it is a great option, you might want to plan ahead in advance so you can customize it even if it would mean just placing a small personalized note. Striking a balance between time, money and effort will be the key to a great gift. Again, planning ahead of time will help a lot. Browse during your free time and gather some ideas. You will be amazed on how many things you can do with a simple baby shower gift.
