by Amber Benge

Created on: January 27, 2008

How many baby showers have you sat through, smiling through hidden boredom. There is always baby blue or baby pink, nuts and mints, cake squares, and some insulting game such as "How much toilet paper will it take to wrap around the pregnant girl's belly?" How many sleepers and diaper genies does a new mommy need and what would really make her smile? Next time you find out that your girlfriend is pregnant, surprise her with a party that far outweighs the worn out baby showers of yesterday.

For a sentimental gathering, try a "Favorite Book" shower. Invite guests to bring their favorite book from childhood. As the new mommy opens her baby's library of classics, read a few aloud and share some tears and laughs over books that touched your hearts year ago.

Any new mother would love to have a gift card shower. Have lunch at a great restaurant and forgo the traditional baby cake and choose to serve everyone a complimentary dessert. Instead of watching the new mommy wade through dozens of pink and blue bows, boxes, and gift cards, present her with a bag full of gift cards so she can pick out what she really wants! Include gift cards to Babies R' Us, Walmart, On line Diaper Services, and even restaurants with great delivery! You could even include a few pre-paid credit cards to help with her hospital bills.

If you do end up going to some traditional baby showers, be sure to surprise the mommies with the most treasured gifts of all. The best gift for a baby girl might be a tiny silk bonnet for her to wear home from the hospital. Look for a bonnet with elaborate detailing or a hint of pastel blue. Why blue for a baby girl? When she grows up, she can carry the bonnet on her wedding day as a handkerchief. Now she will have her something old and something blue all in one item!

The best gift for a baby boy might be something he will enjoy in years to come. Think outside the box... a tricycle, remote-control truck, or little army men. Though this is totally impractical for a tiny newborn, it will be a great comfort for the new mommy. On the long nights when she wonders if she will ever sleep again, she can look at these toys and dream of the days to come when her wailing son will actually play, run, laugh, and then fall asleep!

If none of these ideas seems to suit you, there is one fail-proof baby gift. Diapers. What mother-to-be would refuse a pack of diapers? These will surely be used and appreciated.

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