<p>Petit Bateau onesies. When I had my children, I received loads of fancy outfits, but no underwear. A box of assorted onesies, socks and pajamas is sure to be appreciated and used. </p>
<p>Petit Bateau makes the best onesies and underwear - to keep those bellies warm!</p>
<p>[Onesies/Underwear</a> - Petit Bateau US Official Online Store](<a href=“http://www.petit-bateau.us/onesies_underwear/pl/c/199.html]Onesies/Underwear”>http://www.petit-bateau.us/onesies_underwear/pl/c/199.html)</p>
<p>Mom and Baby get loads of stuff…what about Dad? Sending a diaper bag that isn’t ‘the cute’ may not be a necessity but it could help. </p>
<p>We used one in red from Land’s End that is still (17 years and counting) being used to carry stuff to the beach and picnics. Since it has no ‘baby’ stuff on it, nobody knows. </p>
<p>[Do-it-all</a> Diaper Bag from Lands’ End](<a href=“http://www.landsend.com/pp/DoitallDiaperBag~213834_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::KHA&CM_MERCH=IDX_00018__0000002451&origin=index]Do-it-all”>http://www.landsend.com/pp/DoitallDiaperBag~213834_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::KHA&CM_MERCH=IDX_00018__0000002451&origin=index)</p>
<p>The best part is the folding diaper pad that gives you someplace clean to change the baby…not always possible otherwise under ‘field conditions’!</p>
<p>Some books for mom–The First 12 Months of Life, or whatever is in vogue now. I found it very helpful. </p>
<p>Toys for baby–a J&J rattle was a favorite from 3 months to a year, the stack of circles you put on a peg; plastic blocks, a “shape sorter,” etc. </p>
<p>Agree with books, but include a few of the plastic-type that can be wiped clean and can be used in the bathtub.</p>
<p>I’m old so I like to give the classic stuff that I got when I was young from the “older women.” A sterling silver bell (I have one), the sterling silver engraved baby mug (mine all have the dings and bangs because I used them.), the baby spoons, the set of special baby dishes, I’m just a sucker for tradition and valiently attempting to keep them alive.</p>
<p>I usually buy a nice diaper bag (usually in brown that way a male won’t feel embarrassed carrying it) and fill it up with goodies that they can never have too much of - small board books, rattles, diapers, wipes, etc. I also occasionally (depending how well I know the person) will make a painting for the babies room. My best friend’s little boy has four of my paintings hanging in his bedroom. :)</p>
<p>I like the idea of a savings bond. My grandmother gave me a savings bond for my birthday every year from when I was born till 18. Those savings bonds got cashed in two years ago and paid for my new living room furniture that I bought when I purchased my house!</p>
<p>"What is something great to get them? Is there any way to give them a starter college fund? Without just sending a check? "</p>
<p>Agree with those who said savings bond. Could also buy shares of stock or shares in a mutual fund. There are Young Investors Funds that can be started with as little as $100…maybe someday the kid will find themselves interested in investing and can follow one of these types of kid-friendly investments.</p>
<p>If you also want to give a little momento…one of the nicest things we received was a small scrapbook with headlines from the day our child was born, ads with the cost of basics (bread, milk, etc.), Billboard top songs, top rated TV shows for the week etc.</p>
<p>That’s an awesome idea about the scrapbook of “what’s current” on the birth day. </p>
<p>I saw this at a recent baby shower, and I think it’s now my go-to baby gift: A car organizer, the kind that hangs over the back of the front seat. Handy now for bottles and diapers, later for toys and sippy-cups, someday for schoolbooks and CDs.</p>
<p>Not everyone uses disposable diapers.</p>
<p>A prepaid professional portrait is a great idea. Very original.</p>
<p>I also love the “nurse-endorsed” basket of children’s meds.</p>
<p>I feel bad, however, that my first daughter has several sterling silver things and my second child has none. 
We can’t afford them ourselves, and I don’t see why people don’t give things that can be used for more than one child, if they are only going to throw one shower. Perhaps people can enlighten me? I don’t mean that in a snarky way.</p>
<p>With respect to buying savings bonds as gifts: I remember this from 15 years ago when youngest D received one as a baby gift, so this may be out of date BUT…We received an envelope containing the bond. Had the giver of the bond not told us it was coming we wouldn’t have had a clue as to who sent it. So be sure and tell the parents if you are doing this.</p>