Top 10 Unique Gift Ideas for a Baby Shower

If you've seen one baby shower, you've seen them all. Nearly ever baby shower is full of the same gifts - clothes for the new baby. While helping your friend and mom-to-be by buying baby clothes, here are some unique gift ideas to make you and your gift stand out.

1. Lotions and creams for mom. Much of the focus is on the baby-to-be that oftentimes the new mother is forgotten. While this is a baby shower, it's okay to pamper your friend. Some lotions and creams are specific for pregnant women, or get her something you know she likes.
2. Diapers and wipes. New parents can never have too many diapers or wipes. Perhaps you can buy different sizes so that they're prepared when baby gets bigger. And wipes can be used for more than just the baby's bottom, and they now come in many different scents.
3. Crib bedding and baby blankets. Many expecting parents will select a theme for their nursery and will probably add items to their registry. One idea for a gift is to get crib bedding in complimentary colors so that they always have a change of bedding for those late-night accidents.
4. Pregnancy massage. Some salons and spas feature pregnancy massages, and many places have maternity tables with a hole cut out for her growing belly. Many pregnant women complain about not being able to lie flat on their stomachs, and this gives them the opportunity to do so while be massaged at the same time.
5. Housecleaning service. New parents have a lot to focus on when the baby finally arrives, so why not give them the gift of a clean house. Many housecleaning companies will come out as often as needed, so perhaps you can give them a gift certificate to use when necessary. That way they can focus on the baby and not on the cleaning.
6. Movie tickets. Giving the expectant parents movie tickets will give them at least one more date before the baby arrives. If they don't happen to use the tickets in time, perhaps you can also add a free babysitting certificate, compliments of yourself. They will thank you for the time they get to spend alone.
7. Baby bath set. Bath time for baby requires a lot of different items to get baby clean and keep him/her safe. Fill a baby bathtub with washcloths, soaps, lotions, a bathrobe, hooded towels, and bathtub toys. If you follow a simple theme, like rubber duckies, you should be able to find items in the style and/or color.
8. Take-and-bake dinners. Just like with house cleaning, new parents often do not spend a lot of time cooking at home. Many cities have places that offer take-and-bake dinners. Rather than eating out, which isn't always the healthiest choice, new parents can eat fresh, homemade meals right in their kitchen thanks to you.
9. Dishware and utensils for baby. Before she knows it, your friend's new baby is going to be eating solid foods. A good gift idea is to get a kids utensil set so that she’s ready when the baby is.  While some parents start feeding solid foods around six months, some say you can introduce solid foods any time after four months.
10. Labor and delivery survival kit. Though she may seem ready, your friend could use many items in the hospital. Put together the following items in an overnight bag that can be used as a diaper bag when baby arrives: stopwatch (to time contractions), socks (to keep her feet warm), a headband (to keep her hair out of her eyes), a back massager (for in between contractions), lollipops (to tide her over until she can eat again), and a disposable camera (to capture the memories).

While sticking to the mom-to-be's gift registry is an easy idea, it's not the most unique. Select at least one of the gift ideas above to treat your friend and stand out above the rest.

By Michelle Montoya for BabyBestBuy.com