Baby showers usually have a dual-purpose: they provide the mother-to-be with all of the things needed for the baby, and they provide everyone with the chance to give some not-so-necessary things as well. All shower gifts are meaningful, but some are just plain fun. For instance, there are all kinds of baby buntings that wrap up a new baby in a way that makes them look like a bumble bee, ballerina or even a football! Such gifts are both handy and whimsical and make for a memorable experience.

If you are about to attend a baby shower and you are stumped about a gift, why not consider a period of time well after the arrival of the baby? The mother is likely to receive tons of clothing to be worn by her newborn, and may also receive some clothing for the full first year of the child's life. It is not that common, however, for a mother-to-be to receive clothing and gifts that will be used after a certain period of time.

Why not offer a gift certificate to a shop that specializes in newborn and toddler clothing that is trendy, comfortable and unique? There are online retailers offering some truly wonderful collections, and even newsletters that can help new parents keep up to date in the world of baby fashion. Receiving a gift certificate to such a shop would allow parents to have access to stylish clothing for their child once they reach their toddler years.

Alternately, a baby shower gift could focus entirely on providing the newborn baby with extraordinarily fashionable gear to be worn immediately. This could include unique "onesies", newborn shoes in all kinds of prints and styles, funky head bands and hats, unusual swaddlers, and all kinds of accessories that would help them become a true "fashionista" from their very first days.

If you would like the child to receive some special clothing for the first few years of their life, you could also be a bit creative with your shower gift as well. One really innovative present could include a formal portrait of the child (and parents if desired) for each of their first three to five years. Imagine the fun of arranging for the formal sitting, helping to select some fun and funky clothing and then getting a gorgeous, framed copy of the final result. This is a great way to encourage the parents to dress up their child in a way that is reflective of their developing personality and record it for posterity.