Sometimes it can be hard to plan a baby shower when you don’t know the sex of the upcoming baby. Paper Culture makes some beautiful gender-neutral baby shower invitations, like this one called “Parental Love,” featuring modern birds and an Asian influence. All Paper Culture cards are printed on recycled paper and have rounded corners. Paper Culture also offers a “mail & message” service in which they print envelopes with recipient and return addresses, stuff them, stamp them, and mail them. This could be a great time-saver for new parents. You can view the array of options available at PaperCulture.com, where these Parental Love cards sell for $2.29 each for the first 20 cards (each card costs less the more you buy).

Babies are always learning, from the time they emerge from the womb. It seems that the more they’re exposed to, the more their little brains take in and absorb. This Nature Themed Number Poster is therefore a great idea for wall decor in the nursery. It’s a wonderful way to introduce numbers to your baby in a format she’ll naturally be drawn to, with the bright colors and pretty nature illustrations. I kept artwork like this on my son’s walls as a baby, and he was able to count to thirty and beyond before he was three years old. Coincidence? Maybe so, but either way, this is still the perfect addition to your child’s nursery, as it is printed on 100% recycled paper and made with soy ink. Made by Print, Pattern & Paper, you can purchase the numbers poster for $32 for an 11″ x 14″ size, or $42 for the 18″ x 24″, at PrintPatternPaper.com. Artistic value plus educational possibilities — what could be better in a work of art?

My sister and I used to cut out paper dolls from “Look Magazine” or “McCalls Magazine.” Our mom helped us with the scissors and glue. I remember spending a rainy afternoon in our bedroom with pages from magazines spread out all over the floor. I think what made the memory last was that it was a rare moment when our mom had time to spend with us. She was usually working in the evenings at her part-time job or working at home to keep us in clean socks and tidy rooms.

The Maggie Leigh Dress-Up by Melissa and Doug is a magnetic take on the old paper doll. It eliminates the scissors, glue and messiness, and still looks like fun.  You can purchase one for $10.50 at Zozoforkids.com.

If you’ve ever tried to keep a child occupied while in a restaurant or at church, you’ll see the value in the Doodlebag. Inside the Doodlebag are paper, chalkboard and chalk, washable crayons, and a lot of pockets for baby’s favorite toys. Fun features include five colors to choose from, like green or pink camo, and for $10.00 extra, personalization is available. Having a new baby? I think this makes a great gift for toddlers who will enjoy receiving a present “from” the new baby and will need something to do for hospital visits. I’d add a coloring book, a small car, and maybe a little washcloth in a fun print for cleaning the board off. Priced at $23.99, the Doodlebag is a parent and child friendly gift and can be found at burpsbibsandbeyond.com.