Baby Registry and Wish List for Life

DreamList is on a mission to help everyone exchange more meaningful gifts that are both memorable and thoughtful, so here are some tips we've gathered from fellow parents.

Gifts for a Baby

Congratulations for the new baby in your life! Since babies appreciate the wrapping paper more than the contents, the first year in the little one's life is a unique opportunity for a new parent, aunt, uncle, gradnparent or friend to contribute to something that makes a real difference in the life this wonderful bundle of joy. No matter how pretty, clothes are that age are outgrown in a month or two, and the right toy that is not a repeat can be hard to get. Beyond the usual baby shower gifts, here are 10 ideas that make a meaningful gift for new parents:

1. Start a 529 College Savings plan and direct extended family to it to contribute small amounts over time.
2. Create a UTMA savings or brokerage account for the little one and put money you would have spent on toys into a high-earning stocks or bonds. Make sure to pick stocks that you believe hold long-term potential, because selling stocks and creating a liquidity event will require tax filings on behalf of your little one for that tax year. We are not financial advisors, so pleace consult one before investing.
3. A membership to the local zoo for the family. The parents will need a place to take the little one for a walk
4. Coupons for gift of help or adventure you can give to the parents.
5. Cloth books - the more crinkly fun the book has, the better. Babies love to hold and play with those up until age 1.

As the old African proverb states "It takes a village to raise a child." and the baby shower is a family's first opportunity to shape and summon their village of people in the vicinity who can assist the new parents and educate the young child over time. The giving of gifts is desire by the people who love the new family to be of help and to show their love. Without a Baby Shower, they often send the gifts unsolicited or visit instead. To celebrate that bond, Baby Showers allow the new family to thank their proverbial "village", before the stress of a new baby and lack of sleep begins.