It may sound counterintuitive, but the best presents for an expecting mother are either entirely personal or totally impersonal. Either go from the registry of items the mother-to-be has chosen, or chose articles that will be special to either the mother and child. The registry is failsafe. You are guaranteed to get something she wants and/or needs, and it she gets too many, she can easily bring it back. If it’s a close friend, you can take more liberties, but take time to reflect on who she is and what kind of child she wants to raise. Don’t reach for that furry, pink item that you would like for your child. Keep in mind this gift is for her and her child, not you. Her house is about to become a whole lot more crowded, so don’t fill it with stuff she doesn’t want. If you do decide to go off the beaten path, here are some suggestions for you.

For the earth mother

There are so many great things out there now that everything is going green. Organic baby items are hot right now. Lessen the newborn’s impact on the earth by buying her organic baby clothes, recycled diapers, skincare products and other earth-friendly baby paraphernalia. Check out

http://www.purebeginnings.com/

You can buy everything organic and wonderful little gift sets.

For the cosmopolitan mother

The cool mom is always on the lookout for a diaper bag that doesn’t look like a piece of luggage or a shopping bag. The designer diaper bags can be expensive, but she will use them every day. Kate Spade and Oi Oi make great bags. For more designer clothes and bags, check out http://www.tuttibella.com , which features beautiful bags by Stork Sak. No one will ever know she has binkies and diapers tucked inside. Having a baby shouldn’t mean you can’t have style.

For the practical mother

Practical mothers are all about taking care of business. She has already created a budget. The baby’s room is painted, furnished, and ready to move in. She wants to have all the supplies she needs. You can go one of two ways, either cater to her practical side by buying things for baby or try to get her to indulge in herself. Dr. Brown' s Natural Flow, as most mothers will tell you, is the best bottle for the little one. And the new mom can never have too many.

If you want to go luxury for the practical mom, get something to remind her how special she is. A spa package, a natal massage, or something else indulgent will help her to remember to take care of herself. If you’re booking a spa package, make sure none of the lotions or potions they use on her will not accept the baby adversely.

The sentimental mother

She will be cherishing every part of this experience. She has already scrapbooked the ultrasounds and has pictures taken every month to document the growth of her stomach. Get her things that will nourish this nourishing nature. From photo albums to jewelry, almost any thoughtful gift will touch her sentimental heart. Get a necklace with her child’s birthstone, a photo shoot with a photographer that specializes in children, or those baby handprint kits that will remind her how much her child has grown.