The quick and easy thing to do when it comes to baby gifts is not always the most inspiring. We know time is short and sometimes buying baby gifts for loved ones gets left to the last minute, just before a trip to the hospital. For others, it’s just not a strong area – what’s appropriate? What colour? How much should you spend? If I don’t give them a teddy bear what else could I buy?

To help make the task of purchasing gifts for a new baby easier I’ve made a list of what I think are ten great gifts for baby, that are a bit outside the square (something a little bit special).  

–Individual gift items for baby–
Some of the grooviest little baby gifts are often just an older theme re-done and done very well. The rocking horse is now competing with little toy rockers of every shape and size – giraffes, tigers, rabbits and more. It will make a delightful bedroom accessory while baby is young and later give the toddler hours of fun. Baby Buds has some great designs to choose from.

Baby may not know the difference but another rather special gift is a selection of lovely organic skin creams and lotions for nappy changes or bath time. Mum and dad will appreciate the thought and the extra pampering for their new baby. Baby Buds is one of many suppliers of organic skincare products for baby.

A personalised wall hanging is also a lovely way of welcoming a little one to the world – some companies produce really beautiful, carved wooden made-to-order hangings in a cursive script (like handwriting) that can look really fabulous. Take a look at Urban Baby for some ideas.

–Baby gifts for mum and dad!–
It’s not exactly a gift for the baby but it is a baby-related gift: new parents often need a brand new bag to carry all their baby paraphernalia, food and comfort items.

Once upon a time any old baby bag would do but these days a pastel bag with coloured blocks or little ducks all over it may no longer match the mother’s (or father’s) sensibilities. In response to a need, there are now some gorgeous, stylish baby bags that are a little less embarrassing to carry around in public.

Black leather, tan and red bags offer a more modern look. To get started, take a look at the OiOi bags at Baby Express.

–Baby gift hampers–
For a really flexible gift, a baby gift hamper can be a wonderful present. When filled with all those essential items new parents may need (but not yet know they need!) a hamper can be an absolute blessing. If you wish, they can be tailored to the family with individual gifts you choose yourself mixed in with the standard items.

A novel approach to the hamper idea is a nappy cake or clothes bouquet. A clothes bouquet is made from cute little socks and singlets twisted into flower shapes, while a nappy cake looks like a multi-tiered wedding cake but made out of nappies, blankets and other fabric baby items. Just For Bubs has nappy cakes and baby bouquets as well as other interesting baby gifts.