Whether you make your own, hire someone else to put one together or order one from the Internet, a gift basket for a new baby is always appreciated. A gift basket is a way to artistically express your generosity while at the same time, giving the parents items that they really need.

Everyone loves getting gifts that are composed of many other smaller gifts. It's that "treasure box feeling", as if you are uncovering one valuable trinket after another. It may also be why many people love going through their stockings on Christmas morning most of all. There is just something about going through a "hoard" of riches no matter what the occasion is.

Whether you give a baby gift basket at the baby shower or wait until after the little one arrives, your thoughtfulness will never be undervalued. Giving a gift basket for a baby is maybe one of the easiest gift baskets to shop for and create. Of course, you can always purchase one to be sent to the new parents especially if they live out of state, but it is very satisfying to come up with an idea for a gift basket and execute it yourself.

To begin with, don't feel that you have to put the gifts in a traditional basket. There are so many wonderful baby items that could make a wonderful foundation for the baby's gift items. Some of the other items to use in place of the basket could be a portable baby bathtub. This can be filled with all items necessary for baby's bath time. Fill the tub with soaps, lotions, washcloths, and hooded towels. Other items to include could be a baby toothbrush and toothpaste, a safety cover for the bathtub spout, a water thermometer, comb and brush set, a nail clipper set and all sorts of water toys and by all means, don't forget the obligatory yellow rubber ducky.

Another theme to go with for a baby's gift basket is clothing. Babies go through a lot of clothing and no matter the climate baby undershirts that snap at the crotch are lifesavers. Make sure to include many different designs and different sizes. Many clothing gifts are so small that they only fit the baby for a few weeks. Get a variety of sizes going all the way up to 12 or even 18 months. The new parents will love being able to "shop" in the baby's closet months from now for a new outfit. As a way of doing something out of the ordinary, place the variety of outfits, undershirts, socks and bibs in a flat, under the bed style clear storage container. The parents will be able to use this as a handy way to store all of the baby's mementos and outfits that they can't bear to part with - like the baby's first pair of shoes or their first Halloween costume.

Babies also go through a lot of baby food and in some cases, formula. These items can cost a new family an extra $25-$50 per week to their grocery bill total. Help them out by finding an interesting container like a nifty soft sided cooler or a canvas tote and fill it with jars of baby food at different stages, a can of formula, boxes of baby cereal, baby spoons, bibs, burp rags and a dish. It will not go to waste. Just make sure to check the expiration dates on everything you buy since most pediatricians recommend that babies wait until after 4 months and in many cases, 6 months before solid foods should be introduced.

The other item that babies go through (by the hundreds) is diapers. Diapers, diapers, diapers! Babies go through an average of 8 to12 diapers a day and it seems that new parents are forever running out to buy more diapers. That is why presenting a package or two, although it may not seem to be very creative or have much of an "Ahhhhh! factor", the fact is that every package of diapers that a new parent receives now is one less that they will have to purchase later - usually in the middle of the night, as well. You could place some in a lovely diaper bag or a diaper pail for presentation with some diaper ointment, powder and wipes. Don't be afraid to purchase a larger size package of diapers either. Most babies outgrow the Newborn and Stage One sized diapers fairly soon. And if they receive quite a few in those sizes, your gift of diapers in sizes 2 and 3 will be really appreciated.

A traditional layette of assorted blankets, crib sheets, sleepers, booties, Onesies, and gowns is always a great idea for a baby gift basket. Place the assortment in a small laundry basket or collapsible hamper. Add a stuffed animal or two, some teething toys or rattles, or even a keepsake kit to take impressions of the baby's foot and handprints.

Or, you could theme a gift basket after a popular children's cartoon character or television show. You can find out what theme the parents are decorating the child's room and go with that if you aren't sure what is popular or what the parent's would prefer. Purchase a bucket, small trash bin, large toy truck or toy chest with the desired character on it and fill with clothing, books, room decorations, wall hangings, CD's, DVD's or videos all based on that theme.

And finally, another great idea for a baby gift basket is a basket of board books. In less than 6 months' time, most babies will enjoy having story and picture books read to them and board books are books that they can really sink their teeth (or gums) into. Many babies will spend some of their quietest moments going through a pile of picture board books and paging through them as they babble the stories to themselves. These are great items to actually present in a low and sturdy heavy-duty wicker basket or even a plastic box or crate. Any of these options will make a good place to keep the books in and will be a place that is accessible where the baby can sit nearby and eventually crawl and walk over to help themselves to any of their books.

Start with a great foundation for your gift basket and build from there. When you are done you will have created a very personal gift and a one of a kind baby gift that will be loved and appreciated.