7 Original Baby Shower Gifts

Are you hounded by the fear that you have purchased the same thing as at least one other person when heading to a baby shower? Even when using a registry duplicates happen & returns are bound to follow. Finding unique baby gifts might take a bit more time than ordering online from the registry, but the payoff is usually well worth it.

Here are 7 ideas for creative baby shower gifts that will keep those dreaded duplicate embarrassment moments from happening again!

1. Be creative. Think outside the box -- the big box that is. Go to a local craft fair or area craft co-op and find items that have that one of a kind feel. Burp cloths that have been lined with ribbon and/or embroidered with the baby's name or the family last name have a personal touch that shows time and thought. If you are a truly creative type, knit the baby a tiny hat or booties, crochet a baby blanket, create a diaper cake from infant diapers and decorate it with wrist rattles, teething rings, baby spoons and such.

2. Personalize it. Personalization is usually a good idea with baby gifts. Monograms might be too stuffy for some, but most people will enjoy the personalization. It can even be silly or remind the person of a moment shared. Having the word "back" or "front" monogrammed on an item in the appropriate place allows giggles during those many outfit changes (plus this gives instructions to follow for those sleep deprived days and nights).

3. Designer diaper bags. The options out there now give beautiful designs for moms and practical non-flowery options for dads. These bags have everything from fold out diaper-changing stations, to bottle warmers and milk storage coolers. Large or small, there are designs to please any mom-to-be as well as any shopper.

4. Be silly. Get something useful but amusing. The name on Boudreaux's Butt Paste will create a peal of laughter in the room, but it is also great for after the baby comes. Try facemasks to protect from all those stinky diapers, or the teepees available for little boy diaper changes.

5. Stock up on Favorite Food. A baby shower gift that is bound to please is a meal for the freezer. Recipes for favorite dishes that can be frozen ahead of time are very useful for the mom-to-be. Gift certificates to meal prep places are also a good idea, especially if one isn't very crafty in the kitchen.

6. Unique Outfits. If clothing is what you would really like to purchase go for some of the larger outfits. Thinking in terms of season and potential size might be a little challenging, but the payoff comes when those happy parents have something to put the baby in once it outgrows the adorable tiny newborn sets that everyone else buys.

7. Photography. A little bit of research can have great results when considering a photography session as a gift. The chain stores offer lots of deals, but local photographers may offer a variety of unique options for a family photo or individual shots of the tiny new arrival. There may also be packages available that allow pregnancy photos and another sitting later with the newborn.