• Baby gifts aren't limited to bottles, blankets and bibs.baby image by DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com
  
  Finding a truly thoughtful gift for expectant moms can be quite a challenge. Good baby gifts should combine function with entertainment, serving a purpose for the new family while reflecting the joy of new life. It's possible, however, to find innovative gifts that will surprise the new parents without breaking the bank.
  
  

Baby Food Processor

• Food processors are an economical and healthy way to prepare food for babies.Food processor on a kitchen work surface image by Jeff Dalton from Fotolia.com
  
  For parents hoping to raise a future foodie, consider a food processor or food mill designed specifically for making baby food. Models range from inexpensive, hand-cranked machines to high-end food processors that can steam, puree and thaw foods all in one bowl. Add a cookbook focused on healthy, delicious and economical recipes for babies.
  
  

Baby Skin Care

• Babies must use special bath products that will not irritate or dry out their skin.lotion de bain image by Tilio & Paolo from Fotolia.com
  
  Just like their parents, babies like to have their skin pampered. Unlike adults, however, babies' skin is extra sensitive, with its own unique needs. Help the new parents in your life care for their little one's skin with lotions, soaps, sunscreens and diaper products designed especially for infants. For a shower or other occasion, these products could be combined into a basket or bag as a special care package.
  
  

Custom Clothing

• Most new parents receive rompers and bibs as gifts for their baby. Set yours apart by creating a personalized onesie, hat or other item of clothing. There are many custom screen printing websites that will allow customers to design baby clothing with names, graphics or other artwork that might be meaningful to the parent. If you're crafty, you can make a custom baby outfit yourself with iron-on fabric or stencils and fabric paint. With a one-of-a-kind outfit, their baby will be the most stylish tot on the block.
  
  

Artwork

• Many classic children's books have attained their status through their illustrations. Such pictures can make exquisite accents for a baby's room or hall. If you have a favorite picture book, consider removing your favorite baby-friendly illustration from the book and framing it. Such a gift is not only beautiful but meaningful as well.
  
  

Go Handmade

• If parents have requested traditional baby items---blankets, mittens, bibs---jazz up your gift by finding a handmade version of these classics. Artisans who specialize in baby items don't have to be more expensive than their mass-production counterparts, but the handmade effort often makes a big difference in an item's quality and design. Browse online or at your local craft fair for extra-special editions of the things every baby needs.