What is a good, meaningful, not run-of-the-mill baby shower gift?

When’s the shower? (This changes in-person vs. online options)

Excellent point. Unfortunately, it is tomorrow afternoon, limiting my options still farther.

I love to give a basket full of books, starting with books to be read to the baby, cloth or soft books and then anything up to Goodnight Moon or Oh, The Places You’ll Go.

I love that answer. I am a great reader myself, and I would love to inspire another generation of readers. Thank you!

And include “Pat the Bunny.”

(So nice to have you back in town, Marina. We missed you.)

“Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch is a great book, too.
(Welcome back!)

Get a toy. Or as bythebay said, books. Good Night Moon! It was a classic for me.

Print out some coupons, good for deeds you’ll perform when the baby is making their lives chaotic. Something like cooking a dinner, or watching the baby while they go out for some grown-up time, or errand running, maybe?

Guess How Much I Love You, Goodnight Moon, and More, More, More Said the Baby are also great books to add.

Hooray! Marina is here!

The Snowy Day
Goodnight Moon
The Kissing Hand
Where The Wild Things Are
Tikki Tikki Tembo

The Toad and Frog books are adorable and come in levels 1, 2, and 3.

The Runaway Bunny belongs in the basket too.

I was also going to suggest a classic library of books too, in a basket, with an interesting onesie or two, or an interesting blanket thrown in there for packing.

I looked and there’s not a Land of Nod in Florida, but in the future, this is a great site. They’ve got some great, ironic onesies that say things like “I Can’t Read” or “I Might Barf” etc. and some old-school flash cards that would make for great decorating.

If you can find Rockabye Baby cds locally, they’re always a huge hit too. They’re lullaby renditions of The Beatles, Bjork, Pixies etc. and I’ve mixed those into a basket with books. Good luck, Marina!

@fb Good ideas. Thanks, I will look at Land of Nod since those are just what I would have liked to find. I found this great Baby Rockstar outfit at an art store with shoes and sunglasses, but I did not want to get it since it was Made in China, which I am sure would put off most prospective parents these days.

Give the baby Hart-Scott-Rodino New Edition of Law for the baby. Never too early! JK

People say that listening to classical music makes babies smarter.

A penguin stuffed animal. Babies love penguins!

@90s_kid Hmmm, for the very advanced baby, I presume?

A savings bond that could be used for college or whatever. That way the kid will be old enough to appreciate your gift and it can help the kids education.

I always thought it would be cute to give a Calder replica for above a baby’s crib, with fuzzy cloth pieces instead of steel, of course.

@90s kid: I know that movie quote! Hee!

Be sure to inscribe the books, Marina. The parents will appreciate it now and the child will later on.

Sooooo glad to see you around here again!

@augustlan Thanks! I find on my return that you are as wise as always. What a great idea. I will do that. I hope your holidays went well and wish you a good 2009.

Right back atcha!

Sticking with the book theme you could also include the scrapbook and scrapbooking materials to be used in a “Baby’s First Year” scrapbook. The possibilities are endless with all the albums, stickers, cut-outs, and paper choices, and can easily be personailzed.

omg im having childhood flashbacks…..i need to go find pat the bunny..

A Harley

might I add that you get Good Night Moon in several languages?

Get a sling, either a Moby Wrap, http://www.mobywrap.com, or a Mei Tai

http://www.theslingstation.com/ermt1.html

Kate said the Moby is better but has a learning curve with regard to putting it on.

You should be able to find either at the last minute at a hip mom store in the bay area.

If they’re crafty, then you could give them the pattern and some cool material and they could make theirs… that is if you sense they are up to at this stage in the game.

Ooh, and one of those little books that have the insects that are soft, crinkly, smooth, etc.

I am a big fan of the book Raising Baby Green

Also check out G Diapers and Yak Yarn Booties.