by Hannah Walton
If you are planning to buy a baby shower gift, and you're not sure you want to buy something right off the baby registry, consider the following five tips to help you make your gift a big hit!
1. Make It Easy For Tired, New Parents
You may have the best intentions, but buying new parents YET another thing to assemble just isn't a good idea. Unless you plan to assemble it yourself, skip the complicated construction project and buy something more low key and easier on the couple who is still adjusting to sleepless nights and endless diaper changes! A diaper cake like this one is just the thing for new parents to both admire AND use!
2. If You Buy A Newborn Outfit, Make It Special
Newborn sized outfits are great in theory, but are seldom worn in practice. New parents get so many newborn sized outfits and often enough babies are born too big to even fit into them. If you are going to buy the parents a smaller sized outfit, make it memorable. Buy a really cute outfit that will look great in a photograph the new parents will frame and cherish forever!
3. Don't Ignore The Registry And Buy Something Similar But Different
A cardinal error gift givers with good intentions make is buying something similar to what's on the registry. It's nice but not helpful as you leave the new parents with the hassle of returning one of the items to the store – and since they may be so busy, one of the gifts will probably just sit around unused and unloved 
4. If You Want to Buy Something Lavish, Make It Small In Size
Ok – registries just aren't for you. You want to buy something unique that makes an impression : don't buy a crib that's not on the registry, a swing, a jumper or anything that takes up space both in the car or the home. Buy something really different but portable - like a high-end car seat cover. Parents will appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness!
5. When In Doubt, Gift a Gift Card
If you just don't know what to buy, but you know you want to buy something that's NOT on the registry, give a gift card to a baby boutique and let the parents decide what treat to pick out for their little one. They'll appreciate it immensely!
