Stylish Baby Shower Gifts

Who says that having a baby in tow means you have to give up your sense of style? I've spoken to so many moms who are in despair at the state of diaper bags—they're so large, you can never find anything and the essentials get lost at the bottom, not to mention it's obvious that the item hanging from your arm is full of baby cream and dirty diapers. Well, I've found an answer: the baby-changing bag from Alfonso de Nicola. One side unzips completely and the changing mat rolls out and back in effortlessly, so no more juggling bag, baby, mat and equipment. The pockets are sturdy and plentiful, making everything easy to find, and they're also removable, so you only need to carry with you as many as you need at any one time. It comes with additional insulated bottle-holders and bags for used diapers. Alfonso de Nicola specializes in wash bags and baby bags, so they know how important it is to use fabrics that wipe-clean easily—not terribly glam, but, as any mommy knows, essential! OK, so we know they're practical but are they fashionable? The bags come in a range of bright prints, from modern geometric to retro baby print or footprints—very cute.

Everyone remembers their first teddy bear, so make sure the new baby has an adorable one waiting for him or her. The Anne-Claire animal toys are strokably soft, hand-crocheted or knitted from natural materials, and look reassuringly old-fashioned, with simple, non-jointed, squashy bodies. The cashmere teddy is my favorite; if baby needs a teddy that never leaves its side, it's got to be gentle against baby-soft skin. The 8.5 inch cashmere teddy comes in chocolate, natural, light gray, pink and blue. If you're looking for something more resilient to chewing and drooling, the Petit range also has animals crocheted out of brightly colored cottons. Don't expect any overly cutesy offerings. Instead Anne-Claire sets baby up with monkeys, deer, frogs or dachshunds, some of which have bells inside of them.

With the price of living going up, it's never too early to give new babies a head start with their savings. Tiffany has a great range of high-quality baby gifts, but this “piggy” bank really caught my eye. Molded in earthenware, the white elephant is decorated with green polka dots. It's cute without being too sweet and, at just over five inches high, there's plenty of room for a healthy fund to develop.

So the date is imminent, the bump is big, and mommy-to-be is in dire need of some pampering. Give her a break from oooing and ahhing over baby gifts with some delicious treats for her. Mama Mio began when the three founding mothers started a search for the Holy Grail of pregnancy—a way to reduce stretch marks. As beauty professionals, they utilized their contacts and discovered that Omega 3,6 and 9 oils, rubbed into the tummy, could help improve the appearance of over-stretched skin and increase elasticity both during and after pregnancy. Using these oils, mixed with ingredients that are all safe to use during pregnancy (no parabens, no phthalates, no synthetic fragrances), they concocted the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil and Butter to help new mummies stay yummy. Since then the range has grown into one of the best pregnancy skincare solutions around, dedicated to women of any age and beloved by glam moms like Milla Jovovich, Rachel Weisz and Christy Turlington. The Countdown Kit is a brightly colored mini case full of products specifically designed for expectant mothers, with the famous Tummy Rub Butter, Wonder-Full Balm for super soft skin, Calming Facial Spritz for when anxiety strikes and Massage Oil for some serious relaxing.

Stating that “the children's imagination is our inspiration,” the Stockholm-based shop Our Children's Gorilla creates high-quality, environmentally friendly interior accessories and gifts for children. How about a dolls' house with a difference? Flat packed for easy gift-giving, the Brownstones and Fire Stations can be custom decorated by Mom or Pop prior to baby's arrival. And when the time comes that dolls are no longer “cool,” their former home is fully recyclable. I also love the cheeky Ape Hangers; not only will they make any wardrobe enviable but they also look great hung as a wall decoration. Gifts from this shop will last a lifetime and they are all practical yet charming, from Gary the wooden “gorilla,”—handmade from rope and wooden blocks—to the hideaways and furniture for slightly older children. If you're thinking ahead, the Skullcave or Pearl chairs are fab for toddlers with an eye for design.

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