“Countdown to a Miracle: The Making of Me” (Julie Carr, Motherly Way Enterprises) is a delightful pregnancy book with a unique approach – it is written from the baby’s point of view. Designed to be read one page a day for nine months, the baby describes the daily changes taking place as he or she grows from a single cell into a miniature human being. For example, Day 36 states, “Today is the first day my heart begins to beat and pump blood. Hurray! This is my first organ to function!” With a countdown to the due date, and a fill-in box for today’s date, it will interest both first time and experienced parents-to-be. Available in select stores or through Motherly Way Enterprises (toll-free 877-MOMS-WAY, or www.MotherlyWay.com )

Belly casting is gaining more and more popularity with today’s pregnant women. Making a cast of your belly during pregnancy is one way to remember those intimate months you shared with your baby. It's easy and fun to do, and the process can even involve older siblings for a wacky evening of fun! www.BellyCast.com and www.YourBirthConnection.com are just two websites that have inexpensive do-it-yourself supplies. Looking for something a little less permanent, but just as fun? “Belly Doodles” – tummy tattoos for the mom-to-be – can be a unique way to show off that belly of hers. They are available at www.BeforeBaby.com or by calling 877-566-4969.

Or maybe mom-to-be is more into hi-tech gadgets. Bebe Sounds offers a prenatal heart listening system - a device that you place on your abdomen, hook up to the headphones, and listen to your unborn child’s heartbeat. With FirstSounds, you can tape record the heartbeat, hiccups, and movements for posterity. Invented by a neonatal nurse, FirstSounds is completely safe and provides great bonding time for the whole family. Available at major retail stores – for a listing log into their website at www.BebeSounds.com or call 1-(800) 430-0222.

If mom desires something more extravagant, jewelry is always an excellent option. Heartbeat Designs offers a pendant and charm in both gold and sterling silver entitled "You Grew In My Heart". It features a heart turning into the caressing hands of a mother embracing her newborn. An endearing piece sure to become a timeless family heirloom. Call 845-341-1779, or check out www.BabyGiftStore.com for the pendant and hundreds of other gifts for baby and mom.

Not all gifts need to come from a store. Sometimes the most appreciated gift is that which comes from the heart. Pregnancy can be a long and exhausting time, especially if the mom-to-be already has young children. Homemade, ready-to-cook meals can help on those hectic, “oh-please-just-let-me-sleep” days, as can offering to take the older children to a park for the afternoon. Helping her with painting and decorating the nursery, going shopping with her to find the perfect crib, and just sharing in her joy and excitement of creating a new life may be the best gift of all.

No matter what her taste may be, you can celebrate this glorious event with these unique and pleasing gift ideas.

Back