Cyn, I have a friend that always gives that gift and it is a hit. I have four baby gifts coming up and although some people do not like books until the first year milestone I'm going to go ahead and help start baby's first library. They are all getting the same thing, Julie Merbergs Dreaming with Rousseau and Julie Merbergs Mini Masters Boxed set that includes Dancing with Degas, A picnic with Monet, A Magical day with Matisse and In the Garden with Van Gogh. I guess even 7 month olds like the Dreaming with Rousseau and as we all know seven months comes up real fast.

Our friends tend to be financially well prepared to pay for things like diapers, though those do make a great gift if you know whether they are planning on disposables or cloth. I am a total baby stuff snob/safety freak (tibbix, the bouncy seats should never, ever be put on a table as they can fall off--and this actually happened to a family member of mine). I have two kids (the youngest is five) and I did as much baby stuff research as I have done kitchen remodel research. This is terrible, but people's registries often make me cringe. So I tend to give Robeez shoes because no one ever registers for shoes and we loved Robeez (both to keep socks on in smaller sizes and as first walkers). People usually tell me that they were the only shoes they received and how much they love them. Or I give anais and Aden swaddle blankets because they were very useful to me and they are a bit of a splurge. If it is someone I don't know well and a gift card is appropriate, I do an amazon gift card. I also always give a small gift to any big brothers or sisters--usually books.

One thing for sure- if you are near them, I am fairly certain that a dinner or meal or anything like that would be greatly appreciated. I know some people set up meal trains and it's wonderful. That is aside from a gift, but I think it's such a great idea. Someone sets up a calendar with the new parents' circle of friends/family and people can pick a date and bring dinner. It can be home cooked of course, or even just letting someone know that you are bringing over pizza and whatever. THey did this for my daughter when she had her 2nd, and it was really a wonderful thing to know that a few nights a week, dinner was going to be taken care of.

Annette I dont have any great ideas, but I found some old threads for you :) [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/gifts-for-baptisms-dsvw-vd~5336264?n=15[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/gifts-for-baptisms-dsvw-vd~5336264?n=15) [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/baptism-gift-dsvw-vd~3594409?n=22[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/baptism-gift-dsvw-vd~3594409?n=22)