• Fill a basket full of goodies for mom and baby.Straw basket image by Tasha from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Rather than giving the mom-to-be onesies that her little one will grow out of before he even gets the chance to wear them, create a one-of-a-kind gift basket. Consider the parents' interests when choosing a gift-basket theme, and fill the basket full of useful items that the baby will need. A new mom will likely feel overwhelmed at times, and a useful gift basket can help her get through those difficult moments.
  
  

Bath-Time Basket

• Give the mom-to-be plenty of supplies to prepare her for bath-time with baby. Instead of a basket, use the portable baby bath as your basket. Fill it full of baby-safe shampoo and soap as well as washcloths in bright, baby-friendly patterns. Include a towel wrap with a hood for baby to wear when she gets out of the bath. Include some bath toys as well, which baby can play with when she gets a little older.
  
  

New Mom Relaxation Basket

• Even though most baby shower gifts are for baby, create a basket just for the soon-to-be mom. Fill a basket with scented candles and bath salts so that the new mom can enjoy a relaxing bath when she gets a break. Create a CD full of relaxing music by her favorite artists. Include a gift card for a massage or a manicure and pedicure at a local spa. Even though the busy new mom might not be able to enjoy all of these gifts right away, she'll relish the opportunity to relax when she gets the chance.
  
  

Interest-Themed Basket

• Consider the parents' interests to create a personalized gift basket for baby. If the parents have the same alma mater and are big fans of the school's athletic teams, create a gift basket in the school's colors. Spray paint a wooden basket in one of the school's colors and fill it with an infant-sized T-shirt and socks. Place a couple of pom-poms in the school colors in the basket for decoration. If the mom-to-be is an avid reader, then give a book gift basket for the little one. Fill the basket with children's books like "Goodnight Moon" and "Pat the Bunny," along with a few Dr. Seuss classics.
  
  

Baby's Day Out Basket

• Prepare the new mom for those inevitable first trips out of the house with baby. Check her registry to see if she's selected a diaper bag---use that or a tote bag as your basket. Fill it with diapers, wipes and baby powder for any accidents when she's out. Add a few toys or a stuffed animal to keep baby entertained while she is running her errands.