Are you looking for an extra special gift idea for a new baby? Perhaps you could buy from a gift registry but you want to get something that will be a surprise, something that you thought up all on your own.

Baby blankets seem like a boring idea, but with a bit of research, they are the perfect way to go. There is nothing like having a good quality blanket to wrap your newborn baby. A nice baby blanket could end up being the security item that gets dragged everywhere or it could be a special keepsake for years to come. Either way, a quality blanket is an ideal newborn gift.

There is a wide variety of different styles and colors. Any combination could be found, especially if you are shopping online. A hand-knit blanket is great keepsake. There are several places to have blankets embroidered. The satin trimmed blankets are perfect every day use. If not for the crib, they are perfect for tucking baby into the stroller or infant carrier. Most babies love the feeling of satin so these often end up being the security item.

An original idea is a growth chart blanket, available at babybeddingandbags.com. These are velour on one side and soft cotton with a printed chart on the other. Parents can watch how fast their baby grows and keep it as a valuable keepsake for years to come.

Another great idea is a do-it-yourself gift basket. Newborn gift baskets tend to be very expensive and it is difficult to find exactly what you are looking for. You could choose a theme and fill the basket with related items. For example, a bath time theme could be a basket or even an infant tub filled with soaps and lotions, towels, washcloths and tub toys.

Other themes could be mealtime, baby medicine cabinet, playtime, bedtime or even diaper time.

Do-it-yourself baskets can be as conservative or extravagant as your budget allows. Either way, they are always fun to give, and perhaps even more fun to receive.

If you know Mom well enough, you could prepare her for the hospital stay. She will surely appreciate some nice shower products, pajamas, slippers or some tasty treats. Perhaps she could use a blanket for herself while she spends the next few weeks resting and recovering. She will receive plenty of gifts for her newborn but there is something really special about a personal gift for mommy. I know this from experience...

If you know the nursery theme, another great idea is to get a nursery accessory. You can be sure that she will like it if it matches the nursery. There are plenty of inexpensive yet great gifts items such as a picture frames and lampshades or larger items such as a mobile or an extra set of sheets.

The crib bedding itself is a very personal choice so I wouldn’t suggest giving that, but you could certainly add to the nursery theme.

Most new moms set up gift registries so it shouldn’t be too hard to see what she needs. You are safe when buying from the gift registry because you are buying something that she has chosen.

No matter what, it is always extra special to receive an unexpected gift that someone else picked out, just for you.