When looking for a special gift, think about gifts that include baby's name, birth date, a recorded message or timeless keepsake. Personalized gifts take a little more thought and are treasured gifts. It's best to give personalized gifts after baby has arrived since you can't change or return the item. Mom and Dad may change the baby's name at the last minute and you'll be left with a gift that you can't give.
Embroidered blankets are pretty common but often treasured gifts. If you want your gift to stand out consider a music CD that contains 12 songs with the new baby's name. You can purchase quilts that have the alphabet and also the child's name. The quilts are great to use as a blanket or hang on the wall in the nursery. Another fantastic baby shower gift would be a personalized onesie for the baby as well as a t-shirt for the "big brother" or "big sister" like these.
A thoughtful gift for mom would be a one-of-a-kind sterling silver hand stamped necklace with the name and date of birth of the new baby. You can add a birthstone swarovski charm as well, making it a beautiful personalized gift for mom.
If you are crafty, there are many wonderful gifts you could give. Paint and decorate the letters of baby's name to hang in his/her room. Start a scrapbook that has the major milestone pages decorated that mom can add to throughout the year. If you are hosting a baby shower you could frame a photo of mom late in her pregnancy or a photo of the new baby if possible and use a very large matting. Have all the guests sign it or leave a message for the mom and baby. This would be a cherished gift!