Baby gifts that are unique usually are such because of the thought that goes into them. Anyone can dash out and purchase baby gifts quickly in the baby department of Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or a mall store. It doesn’t take much thought to do that.

Baby gifts that require thought are more likely to be unique.

Traditional Baby Gifts

When we speak of baby gifts with tradition, we are not referring to the usual baby gifts that are traditional in your family or nation. We mean baby gifts that are traditional elsewhere in the global village, but unique in your part of the world. You can readily find them on the Internet. Here are 7 examples of such baby gifts.

1. Japan: A beautiful white gauze yukata is traditionally used to wrap the baby after a bath. It is designed to absorb moisture and keep the baby cool in hot weather. Make baby gifts complete by giving three or four sizes of yukata so baby will not soon outgrow them.

2. England: Choose unique baby gifts of traditional hand-framed white cotton shawls in delicate cobweb weave. They will become heirlooms in every family that receives one.

3. Netherlands: If you do not live in the Netherlands, unique baby gifts for you might come in the form of a delft plate or a tile personalized with details of the baby’s birth. Such baby gifts will be prized by generations to come.

4. India: Kadals (bangles) and payals (anklets) are lovely baby gifts of silver for boys or girls. These will be unique baby gifts for those who do not live in India. They can be handed down from one generation to the next.

5. Argentina: Baby gifts from the land of the gaucho include gaucho pants and ponchos in baby soft fabrics and colors. For those who live in other lands, these are unique baby gifts that will be appreciated.

6. Russia: Traditional nesting dolls, called “Matryoshka” dolls, are sets of hand-carved, hand-painted wooden dolls that hide inside one another. The smallest hides inside the next larger; that one nests inside the next larger, and so on until only the largest, outermost doll is visible. The artisans create dolls with beautiful faces and scenes.

7. New Zealand: Baby sheep skins make soft, wonderful baby gifts that are unique in most other countries. Baby sheep skins are soft to touch, calming and soothing the baby. They are perfect year-round, keeping the baby cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.

Make Baby Gifts More Special

Baby gifts that are unique become even more special when you add story cards describing the tradition associated with the baby gift. It may cost a bit of research time – or it may be a simple matter of copying information that comes with the baby gift.

One example from above is the Japanese yukata. Babies are not the only ones in Japan who wear a yukata after a bath. It is a tradition that is practiced by every age group – especially on warm summer evenings. When our family lived in Japan, each of the four of us owned – and wore – a cotton yukata. Look it up, and share the tradition with your unique gift.

A unique gift for babies can be challenging to find. It isn’t that you cannot find a unique gift for babies. It’s just that last year’s unique gift may already be commonplace, everyone having learned of it. Or ideas that seem like unique gifts to you may not be unique to the recipient.

We are always searching for unique baby gifts, and think this one is special. It is likely to be unique in your circle - especially if you live in the U.S.

Key to the World

A unique gift for a newborn is a key to the world. You have probably heard of a mayor giving someone a key to the city. There are other occasions, too, when a key is given. A key to the world, however, will be a unique gift for babies.

Customized keys can be ordered directly from businesses that supply ceremonial keys for cities. They might be silver, gold, or colored metal. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.

1. Wall Cut-out: A customized, giant key cut-out may be as large as 2 feet long, to hang on baby’s nursery wall. It may be a silver-colored metal key, a gold-colored metal key, or even a 24k gold-plated key if money is no concern. You might make a large wall key using fabric - a colorful, stuffed unique gift key with an embroidered message.

2. Box Display: Unique gift keys are also available in smaller sizes, presented in velvet-lined boxes. We found several keys that were 5.5 inches long, beautifully engraved and secured with satin ribbon inside a velveteen box.

3. Wall Plaques: Another unique gift for babies is a key mounted on a wall plaque. Any large, fancy key can be mounted at the top of the plaque. Beneath it, affix an engraved plate with baby’s name and your message.

4. Shelf Display: A 3-dimensional crystal key that we saw could be placed on a table, shelf, or desk. Have it engraved with your message, the baby’s name, and the birth date. A second option for shelf display is a key mounted on an upright piece of acrylic fixed in a wooden base. Put your message on the acrylic, offering baby the unique gift of a key that will unlock opportunities.

5. Paperweight: This unique gift is a 5.5″ golden key embedded in a block of clear acrylic. Have it custom engraved to please any new parent.

Customizing Your Key

Ask that your key be engraved with the baby’s name and birth date on the long shaft of the key. In the circle of the key’s head, engrave a brief message such as, “Your Key to the World” or “The Key to Our Hearts”.

Allow Time for Customization

When ordering any unique gift that requires engraving, be sure you allow plenty of time. Most engravers will want 10 to 15 days to do the work. Shipping time must be added to that.

Helpful Tip

Remember, when seeking a unique gift for babies, not to exceed your budget. Invest more time. Invest more thought. But never invest more money than you can afford.

Business gifts are an important part of doing business. The larger your organization, the more important business gifts become. Some business gifts are intended to thank or congratulate an employee. Other business gifts are to encourage business. Still others are a way of expressing business to business good will.

Unique business gifts can accomplish any one of those objectives with more thoughtfulness. They can show recipients that your gift was not perfunctory or last-minute.

Business Gift Warning

It is important when giving a business gift to avoid offending the recipient. For example, a clergyman receives a large bottle of whiskey as a business gift, but is opposed to drinking whiskey. That gift will be an offense. A very large person who is ostensibly dieting should not be given a gift of imported chocolates.

Learn about the Recipient

Business gifts should show that you have taken time to learn about the recipient and the recipient’s corporation, if this is a corporate gift. Be sure there is not a “no-gift” policy at the recipient’s company. Be sure the recipient is not a vegetarian before sending a business gift of sausages and salmon.

Think Globally

Unique business gifts from other lands can be ordered on the Internet. Those who plan corporate giving, and avoid last-minute gift certificates, can find gift ideas for employee or executive with a few clicks of the mouse. Below are a few business gift ideas we found:

1. A carved wooden fish hook on a stand would be a great business gift for an executive who loves to go fishing. The Maori craftsmen of New Zealand, who make the fish hooks, believe that fish hooks represent strength and determination and bring peace, prosperity, and good health. They also believe the hooks provide safe journey over water. The recipient will believe it is one of the best business gifts you could give.

2. An employee might appreciate, also from New Zealand, a box of Manuka honey shortbread cookies - or a necktie with a Maori design. Sets of coasters made of native New Zealand rimu wood would also make lovely business gifts for employees.

3. Order gongs on stands from Japan and you have unique business gifts for corporate heads.

4. For small business gifts to give a group of business partners visiting from out of town, order miniature ceramic “kaeru” from Japan. The word “kaeru” in Japanese means both frog and return. This little green frog is to be tucked into the pocket or purse of the traveler as a wish for safe return home. Add another small gift or not.

5. Promotional business gifts to encourage business can also come from abroad. Order cowbells from Switzerland, and have your company logo imprinted on them. If it is near a winter holiday, turn your business gifts into top marketing with pewter ornaments from Norway.

The Conventional Way

You could, of course, be conventional and simply order non-unique business gifts from a local promotional company. You could order a bouquet from your local florist for your secretary. You may have to, if you wait until the last minute.

The Better Way

The better way, however, is to set aside time twice a year to anticipate needs for business gifts, and order in advance. You will be rewarded by gift recipients who appreciate your thoughtfulness.