Baby Gift Recommendations

As I get a gift ready for my cousin's baby shower, I started thinking about showers, gift registries, and all the "baby necessities". I remember when I was pregnant with Ethan, I had a Target gift registry nine pages long of all the stuff we "needed". Of course, I had no idea what I would need and what would just be a waste of money.

For example, Mark and I registered for this beautiful bedding set to match Ethan's room (clouds and stars)-totaling $170. Plus, there was a lamp and a mobile and a laundry hamper and a garbage can and...etc. Thank goodness no one bought any of it for us. We got so many blankets/quilts the way it was that there was no need for this fancy bedding. Plus, this bedding would only be used for a year or two. It hardly seemed worth it.

Now, that is just one example... I still don't claim to be some sort of expert in the realm of baby gear. However, if you are looking for good gifts for others (or for us again in two-three years), I will offer my opinions for free.

Best Baby Gifts
*inexpensive, lightweight, folding stroller (also called an umbrella stroller)
*plain white t-shirts-short-sleeved Onesies, long-sleeved Onesies-white is neutral and easily bleached
*good baby nail clipper
*blue or pink receiving blanket-to help identify your baby's gender to strangers (I hated it when people would ask if Ethan was a boy or girl-look at the blanket, people)
*zip-front sleep-and-play one-piece outfits (we used these A TON!!! Especially nice for when Daddy is watching the baby-Mark has never done really well with snaps)
*bibs (terrycloth or those made from hand towels)
*Tupperware Shape-O toy-a baby staple-they make a similar rattle, too
*Fisher Price Aquarium Bouncy Seat-Ethan is just starting to outgrow it, but came in handy for sleeping and for playing
*Fisher Price Select-a-Show Soother-we use it every night
*Boppy nursing pillow, with slipcover (we still use ours)
*plastic links-baby toys that double as bag hooks for strollers
*Ertel's Butt Cream (available at Arenson's Pharmacy in Annandale)
*Fisher Price Rock a Stack-every child has one
*hand sanitizer (I like Bath and Body Works-it smells the best and is foamy-dries faster)
*one-dish meal in a disposable pan, with directions on how to freeze and reheat
*offers to clean house, fold laundry, babysit, etc.

Let me know if you have any that I have forgotten or should add.