Think for a minute. How many baby showers have you attended in the past year? Now think about how much money you've spent in the last year on baby shower gifts. One, two, may three hundred? For some, the answer could easily be several hundred dollars. Wouldn't it be a lot easier and cheaper if you just made the gift yourself? I know what you're thinking, "But I'm not creative. I can't make anything." The truth is, there are many gifts you can create with very little time and effort.

One idea you might consider are baby gift baskets. You'll find wicker baskets, as well as decorative ribbon and lace at your local craft store or discount store. To fill your basket, purchase baby care items like lotions, baby wash, shampoo, and other baby necessities. You could top it off with a nice stuffed animal or toy.

Another great idea is to make a diaper cake. A diaper cake is new, but increasing popular baby gift made of diapers, shaped in tiers resembling a cake. The diaper cake contains everything a new baby would need such as bottles, blankets, toys, and baby care items. Many online stores care them, but if you have the time, you could easily make a diaper cake yourself. You can find step by step diaper cake directions online also. It's a good idea to find diaper cake directions with pictures, so that it is easier for you.

If you really want to impress the new mom, make a gift basket just for her! So many times, we tend to forget the mom and focus just on the new little one. Moms need love too and she'd appreciate it so much. A good gift basket idea for a new mom is a pamper me theme basket. This basket could include a nice scented candle, foot bath, lotions, soft slippers, etc. Present this to the expectant mom at her baby shower an watch her eyes light up.

There are so many creative ways to save money on baby gifts. Gifts that are both practical and useful often mean the most are are the most appreciated.