Books are a wonderful gift choice for old and young alike. Experts recommend that parents begin reading to their new baby as soon as he or she is born. Hearing the rise and fall of voices and listening for patterns help encourage speech and understanding to your baby's little ears.
You can purchase most books very inexpensively. Buy a few as the main baby shower gift, or secure a fun picture-book to the top of your wrapped present.
Reading in the Tub
Your mother may have admonished you for reading her favorite soft-cover novel in the bathtub, but today's babies have a little more leniency. Look for tub-friendly baby books. These are generally made of vinyl and can be looked at again and again in the bathtub without being harmed.
The Classics
What were your favorite books as a child? Did Dr. Seuss float your boat? How about Maurice Sendak's fabulous flights of fancy or Richard Scarry's adorable animals? Chances are the books you enjoyed as a kid will be a hit with your new baby.
"New classics" are also popping up in children's stores and major book retailers. Ask the clerk what the most popular picks are for children two years of age and under. They will be able to guide you to appropriate choices for your baby shower gift.
Nursery Rhymes
Rhyming sounds and songs have always been popular with babies. Find books that include clap-along songs and brightly colored, engaging pictures. Fairy tales can be fun, too, but can sometimes be frightening to small children. Give the book a flip-through in the store to judge whether it's baby friendly before making your purchase.
All About Me
If you really want to give something different, make an All About Me book. Get a picture of the Mom and Dad-to-be, grandparents, cousins and even pets. NOTE: You may need the help of family members to accomplish this.
Buy a plain or pastel-colored baby album and decorate the front with All About Me as the main focus. Inside, place the pictures, with a sentence or two under each one like: "This is my mommy. She loves me very much."
Leave the second half of the book blank for Mom and Dad to fill in with pictures of their baby, as well as occasions they will always want to remember.
A Book for Mom
Another way to make the baby shower special is to make a book for the mother-to-be. Buy a photo album with plastic sheets inside. Hand out pieces of paper to guests as they walk through the door and ask them to write a little note the mother and father and their special wishes for the new baby.
At the end of the shower, collect all the pages and place them in the book. Then hand it to the guest of honor as your extra-special shower gift.
Don't Forget the Siblings
Books are such an easy and economical purchase that you can well afford to pick one up for an older brother or sister. Older siblings often feel overlooked when a new baby is on the way. While you're placing your baby shower gift on the table, slip a ribbon-wrapped activity book or childhood favorite into the older sibling's hand. He or she will feel special and appreciated.
Books will always make a wonderful gift for a mother-to-be, and will benefit her whole family for years to come.
