My go-to is Alphadorable. This artist can copy ANYTHING you choose onto a step stool or blanket, She is amazing. I found her on Etsy.

For one baby, I had her copy the animals that were on the walls of the nursery.

For another, she made a blanket that matched the bedding.

My favorite baby gift is a set of hardback books, all of which carry the baby's name in the title. I don't worry about them being baby books, per se, just say for the under 8 crowd, figuring they will be a great lifetime gift. Here's one, for example, that I bought for my own daughter when she was little: Lily and The Paper Man . And here's another I bought as a recent gift: Hank's Big Day. Of course, some names are easier than others, but it's an easy search on Amazon.

I'd go more practical than Tiffany cups but maybe a needed item in a quality they wouldn't likely spend on themselves. I just texted my DIL about the baby carrier they used and loved - can't remember the brand at the moment - but it was a favorite item for sure.

Freshly Picked moccasins are so cute and just expensive enough that a new parent might pass them by or get a less expensive version. And I think they would be a great keepsake.

https://freshlypicked.com/collections/baby-2

We still use those sterling baby cups every Christmas for eggnog! My babies are in their 40s. My cup is much older then theirs.

I was going to say moccasins too. I bought a pair on Etsy for a friend's baby a few years ago.

A selection of Everyman Classic children's literature is my go-to. King Arthur, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Robinson Crusoe, The Three Musketeers, 1001 Arabian Nights, Around the World in 80 Days were some of my children's favorites.

Sharing these stories with your children is one of life's greatest pleasures- you have to wait until they are about four or five- but the time comes pretty quickly and the books are handsome.

PS Those silver cups are the perfect size for the last drink of water when they go to bed and somehow are thirsty and you don't want them to have an accident ;-)

What great ideas! I have also gifted the FP moccasins - so cute. I will add another of my favorites:

Matelasse Baby Quilt

To me you want something that's for a baby but yet they will keep into adulthood. Those baby cups seem to last no matter what you do with them. Often quilts are given and those, too, can be saved. There is a quaint sterling photo frame that has all the pertinent information engraved into it that I think is neat.

I am a sucker for tradition and still tend to give baby cups, spoons, or dinnerware. I like Etsy for engraved gifts.

My now grown children see their silver baby cups on the Christmas mantel and their spoons on the dining room tree. If they ever have children of their own, I will gladly hand them over.

I know it's a long shot these days, but if they have a silver pattern you can get a baby spoon and fork.

For parents who don't really need practical things, I like cashmere sweaters and pram blankets (washable).

This one is half off:

Boden has baby cashmere items. One of my very fave gifts was a cream double breasted pea coat/sweater my son wore.

Oh my gosh--what a fun rabbit hole to disappear into. I ended up ordering this sweater in a size that will fit perfectly once winter rolls around. It is cashmere from Boden. I found a coupon online so I was able to get 20% off. Thank you all for your suggestions!

Oh my gosh somebody please get me a baby!!!

This is perfect timing - my first grandchild arrives at the end of April and although DS and DDIL registered they tried to keep things practical. So as a grandmother I can splurge - love the cashmere sweaters but I don't have a clue what size she'll be so I'll settle for the W&W baby blanket - one size fits all!

Thanks for the tip, Mtn.

Maire

One of my coworkers announced today that he and his wife are in the final stages of adopting, and they are getting TWINS that are due at the end of April, but, of course, could arrive earlier than that. Wow, so obviously want to get them something special. Bestyears, I like the idea of the books!

You're all welcome. I'm a sucker for cashmere!

You're dangerous, Mtn. Super helpful but yikes! I wanted everything for my virtual grandkids,

Annie that's beautiful! My mom recently gave me the huge tub of baby clothes that she knitted for my kids (I had stored them in her attic).

No grandkids for me :( so I don't know what to do with them. But that sweater pattern looks very familiar :)

oh Annie I *love* that!

For my DGS's first birthday I had a star registered in his name. I figured he'd get a ton of presents but they'd be put away or otherwise forgotten but the star would be forever. It came with a nice certificate I had framed plus a guide to finding it in the galaxy. Nerdy, I know but I liked the idea of having a star named for him. I'm going to do the same when it's my new granddaughter's first birthday.

On a related note-when my grandson was born I bought myself a ring with his birthstone. I just got myself another with my granddaughters birthstone. Had I thought about it I'd have gotten the first one that could be stacked, since I now have to wear two different rings, but my friends all thought that was a cool idea, having grandkid birthstone rings.

Annie, I just made that same sweater for a 2.5 pound preemie. Hope she gets to wear it soon; I heard she's close to 4 pounds now.

blubird, post a pic! I'd love to see it.

This thread is perfect timing for me too so thank you.

No grandkids for me either but I am vicariously enjoying my sister's daughter's latest new baby.

Now I have to figure out what to get them. I'm really leaning towards an engraved silver cup and a silver piggy bank.

Their second baby boy was born on Friday March 15 2019.

Annie, that sweater is beautiful and special.