Baby Showers are a relatively recent phenomenon in the UK, but in other parts of the world they have been standard practice for a number of years. Research suggests that they began here after World War II and simply involved friends and family gathering to celebrate the birth of a new baby. At first they were female only events, but with fathers playing an increasingly active role in the parenting, this is thankfully no longer the case.

Originally Baby Showers were held soon after the birth of a child, but nowadays they tend to take place during pregnancy. With today's technology allowing gender to be confirmed during pregnancy, many parents are keen to plan ahead and kit baby out with everything he or she will need beforehand. What's more, the backlash against gender specific colours has seen an explosion of unisex products on the market, making buying for baby - with or without this information - much easier.

US consumer website Pregnancy Period comments: "When you look at the evidence that remains of these celebrations, most of the gifts that were given to the family were handmade - an idea enjoying a renewed popularity today. These gifts included, but were not limited to, clothing, blankets and food for the new family. Interestingly enough, these same gifts remain popular today."

Although hand made gifts are indeed popular, few of us are able to knit a blanket or a pair of booties from scratch and rely therefore, on good retailers with links to those in the local community that can.

Gayle Haddock of Carry Me Home has, like many retailers, founded her hugely successful business upon hand made, personalised gifts - a clear indication that a thoughtful gift does not have to be an expensive one.

From customised gift baskets, to clothes, toys and keepsakes there are a number of gift items out there that will help to set your shop apart from the rest. It might even be worth offering a list holding service for Baby Showers and Christenings - boosting sales and creating a loyal customer base in the process. Advertising in the local consumer press and at mother and toddler groups may well be a good place to start.

It's also worth remembering that family and friends often choose to buy the more necessary items as gifts to help prospective mums and dads save money during what can be a very expensive time.

According to online consumer advice portal, Baby Center, the top ten newborn baby gifts are: nappies, clothes, thermometers, rattles, bibs, blankets, eating sets, pacifiers and baby bags.

If your giftware section is limited - be sure to promote the benefits of your existing range as suitable gift purchases too.

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