A baby gift is a present given to the parent/s of a newborn child either before the wee one is born (such as at a baby shower), or after the birth as a congratulatory gift. Baby presents may also be given "just because," or for a birthday. Gifts are a way to offer both memorable and useful items to the parents. Read on to learn how to choose baby gifts.

It's important to know how to choose the right baby gift, so that money is not wasted on an item that is only appreciated for the thought behind it. Spend your cash on a present that is both needed and will be used. There are several aspects to consider when choosing a baby gift, including gender, age of the baby, information about the parents, and more.

This guide will help you learn how to choose a baby gift that both baby and mom and/or dad will love.

• Choose gender-neutral baby gifts if gender is unknown.

• Gender neutral colors are: pastel green, pastel yellow, orange, yellow, red, white, tan, black.

• Avoid pink or blue gifts when gender is unknown.

• You can't go wrong with a useful gift, like diapers or bottles.

• Consider the baby's age when buying a gift.

• Ask the parent/s what the baby might want or need.

When deciding what kind of baby gift to choose, it's important to consider the gender of the baby. If the gift is for a baby shower, it might not be possible to know in advance what the baby's gender is going to be. If the parents already know the sex, it's okay to ask.

If gender is not known, consider buying gender-neutral gifts, such as Onesies in colors such as white, pastel yellow, and pastel green. You may also go with bright colors like orange, banana yellow and forest green. These colors work well for both a boy and a girl. Avoid shades like blue and pink.

Some gifts can be more for the parent than the baby, but are still useful for the tot. Consider diapers, bottles, bottle warmers, diaper bags, etc. While these are all necessary items, keep in mind some parents might choose to breastfeed and won't use bottles at all, while some parents might also choose cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.

Gender-neutral gifts can also include baby pillows, dressing gowns, socks, head warmer hats, bumper pads and extra sheets for cribs, and the ever ready standby: gift certificates.

If you're choosing a baby gift for an unborn baby, you'll want to go with something that's made for newborns. If, however, the child has already been born, you'll want to consider the age and weight of the child before you choose a baby gift.

An infant of a few months will require different things than a newborn and different things from a baby nearing their first birthday.

Gifts for older babies can include: teething rings, spoons, sippy cups, dishes, rattles, plush toys, educational toys, and more. Most toys come with age recommendations on the packaging, so you can use that as a guideline for buying a baby gift that's right for the age of the child.

Before buying a baby gift, consider the needs of the parents. Parents who are in good financial standing might better appreciate a decorative keepsake type of item, while parents who are struggling financially might appreciate a more practical gift, like diapers or bottles.

The best bet when you have to choose a baby gift is to ask the parent, "Is there anything you need?" Then, listen to their answer and try to choose something on their list or comparable to items on their list. It's always better to err on the side of caution with a more useful gift.

Lastly, personalized gifts are always nice, particularly if the parent has given the child a name that is spelled differently than mainstream, or one that's hard to find. Some items come pre-printed with names that might match the baby's. If you can order something personalized with the baby's name on it, spelled correctly, it is sure to be a gift to treasure.