Preparing from the arrival of a new bundle of joy is one of the most exciting times in any expectant parent's life. For those around them, i.e. their friends and loved ones, this is a time of buying gifts and showering the expecting parents with love and support. But buying the perfect baby gift is not as easy as it seems, and most expecting parents would have spend the last 9 months stocking their nursery with everything their new addition would need. So how do you find a practical, unique and thoughtful baby gift that no one would have thought about already? 

1. Ask the couple what they need 

As simple as this sound, many people forget to just ask the expectant parents what they need or want. The couple is probably already well supplied with blankets, baby toiletries, and clothing. If you cannot get hold of the couple before the big day, try to ask a family member or close friend if they know of any baby items the couple still need. 

2. Look for a baby shower registry 

Many parents-to-be will register baby gifts before the day of the baby shower. This will help guests tremendously in buying a gift that is needed and appreciated. Call the parents-to-be and find out if there is a gift registry and where you can get it. A registry sheet received at the store will tell you exactly what products and what brand the parents are looking for, how many they need, and what gifts has been purchased already. 

3. Practical gifts still reign supreme 

While diapers may sound like an extremely boring gift, it will probably be one of the most appreciated gifts of them all. Things like diapers, baby formula and baby wipes are expensive and need to be bought on a monthly, if not weekly or biweekly basis. Find out before the time what products the soon-to-be parents plan on using, and put together a gift basket of diapers, formula and baby wipes. 

4. Buying bottles and pacifiers 

Babies can be extremely picky when it comes to bottles and pacifiers. Some babies will only be comfortable using one particular brand or shape, making the purchase of these products for a baby shower quite difficult. If the parents-to-be have asked for a particular brand or shape of bottle, nipple or pacifier, go ahead and buy it. If not, do not buy these types of gifts until you know what the baby prefers.  

5. Think beyond newborn clothes 

Babies do not wear newborn clothing for long. If you can't resist those teeny tiny leggings, buy it, but remember that the baby might not even get a chance to wear it. Also, keep the climate in mind. If the baby is born in winter, buy winter clothes in newborn size and summer clothes in a 3-6 month size. Be practical when buying baby clothes. Stay away from those adorable size 0 Nike sneakers and wait until the baby is old enough to walk. 

6. Giving the gift of knowledge 

If you are really stuck for a baby gift, consider boosting the baby's brain power by purchasing classic books, educational DVDs or music CDs. Studies have shown that music helps with brain development in babies, so a lullaby CD for the home or the car may be the perfect gift. There are also popular DVD learning series' available for infants and toddlers alike, like Baby Einstein.  

7. Have fun with baby toys 

There are endless amounts of baby toys available, so have your own fun by choosing some colourful, educational and interactive toys for the new baby. You can buy toys for babies to use when they are older, but remember to check the packaging for age restrictions, as the toys may contain choking hazards.  

8. When all else fails, gift certificates go a long way 

Gift certificates will definitely be appreciated, especially for busy parents who need to pick up last minute items they have forgotten during the mad rush to get everything ready. Gift certificates also give parents the opportunity to purchase the right gift for their baby, or anything they didn't receive at the baby shower. The gift certificates don't have to just be for baby products either. You can give parents the certificates to dinner, movie rentals, house cleaning services or babysitting services. 

Author bio: 

This article was written for  The White Company  and offers tips on how to buy the perfect baby gift.