An invite to a baby shower often means a trip to the local baby store or the baby department at your favorite department store to pick out a cute outfit, a blanket, maybe a bag of diapers.  Some will shop off the parent’s registry while others will just simply pick out something cute.  But what if you want to give something a little different, something that no one else will think of.  Well, you’ve come to the right place.  Here is a list of a few fun, unique, and very helpful baby shower gift ideas.

• Gift certificates for the parent’s favorite take out restaurant.  In the first weeks after the baby arrives it is difficult to find time to brush your teeth, let alone make dinner, so the gift certificates will come in very handy.
• Make your own gift certificates for things like making a meal for the parents, cleaning their house, doing a load of laundry, or babysitting services so they can spend some time alone together.
• A gift certificate for a postpartum massage.  Mom will be tired and worn out after the baby arrives and a massage will do wonders to make her feel a little better.  Throw in babysitting services so she doesn’t have to worry about who will look after the baby if dad isn’t available.
• Gift basket of essentials for mom and baby.  Include things like bath supplies for both mom and baby or matching t-shirts for the whole family.
• Get a few friends together and each take a few days or a week during the first month after the baby is born during which you will cook meals, clean the house, etc.  Purchase a nice calendar and write down your names on the days or week you will handle and what day you will take care of what chores.
• A box of thank you cards with labels ready to go along with an offer to address all the envelopes for mom.

Remember that everyone at the shower will be giving mom gifts for the baby.  Try to get something for mom or offer to do something for mom.  I promise mom will be eternally grateful.

What unique shower gifts did you get or have you given?