Finding a baby gift for a baby shower for new parents might not seem like a difficult task, but a baby gift should still be thought out. Will the new parents need it? How useful and durable is it? Although some larger baby products might seem like a logical idea for a gift, such as a crib, bassinet, high chair, car seat, or stroller, often, the parents already have these items. While taking into account the usability, durability, benefits, and presentation of the gift, the next best bet in coming up with a unique baby gift for a baby shower can include various smaller items that new parents will definitely need. Some of the most practical gift items for a new baby include clothing past six months, diapers, feeding supplies, and travel gear. But, toys can be important, as well, particularly for a developmental purpose. In some cases, if you can’t decide on one particular item as a baby gift, a gift basket will combine multiple items in a presentable package. A baby gift basket, or gift set, can combine the most practical items from baby clothes and a blanket to learning and educational toys like a black and white mobile or musical toy. In addition, gift baskets can be a more personalized gift for new parents instead of just a singular, practical item.           The first place to start looking for a meaningful and unique baby gift is online, where the gift possibilities aren’t limited by a store. Once you find a unique gift in your price range, the next step would be to research it, including what the gift is made out of and if it contains any small parts. Children under three years shouldn’t have clothes or toys with small parts that they can take out or pull off and swallow. As the gift, particularly if it is a toy, is for a baby, the gift should not have sharp wood or metal edges, as both hard edges make a child susceptible to cuts or splinters. As a rule, baby toys should be soft or with smooth corners. In addition, unless the gift is for the parents, make sure the gift isn’t made out of fragile materials. While that may seem logical, baby mirrors, for example, are a popular item to put in a crib or in the nursery, and a baby mirror, unlike a standard adult mirror, should be padded or backed by strong plastic.           When looking for a toy specifically, keep in mind the developmental value. For a baby toy for development and learning purposes up to six months, the toy should be in black and white or bold, contrasting colors, especially if the toy is designed for the first three months. Infant stimulation can also be found in other toys, such as a teething ring and musical toys or toys that make a noise when touched.           For a baby shower, another possibility for a gift is a sibling gift for a new big brother or big sister who might feel left out with the new baby. Some options for a new sibling gift include t-shirts that read “I’m a Big Brother/Sister” and books about being the new older sibling.           A child’s first birthday is another time for receiving useful and practical gifts. In terms of toys, a one year old is past the infant stage and has gained many new skills during his or her first year, but he or she is not ready for toddler toys yet. Some possibilities for a first birthday gift include rocking toys, such as a soft or hand painted rocking horse or chair; personalized practical gifts, like dishes or clothing; gift baskets or gift sets with a specific theme of toys, such as musical instruments, geared toward a one year old; a photo album; ride-on or push-pull toys that he or she can use outdoors or inside; activity tables; building blocks; shape sorters; puzzles; board books; dolls for a girl or stuffed animals for both girls and boys; and bathtub toys. All of these are potential options for a first birthday gift, but, as with any toy given during the early years of childhood, make sure that it is age appropriate and has a developmental purpose.