I also recommend books. Kat threw me a books baby shower and we got lots and lots of wonderful children's books.

I also recommend books. Kat threw me a books baby shower and we got lots and lots of wonderful children's books.

However, don't give Goodnight Moon. EVERYBODY will give Goodnight Moon. It's a great book, but you can just about guarantee that the parents will already have a half dozen copies.

I do like that idea too. I hear reading to an infant/baby/young child makes a world of difference!

If I go the zoo route, is that something I should ask if they would like first?? Maybe they *hate* animals. Some people are like that. I'd hate to get them something they won't use. (I have very little clue when it comes to social things like this).

Hmm, maybe hit up the thrift store, and get a stack of baby books, and put the zoo membership on top? Lots of wrapping! Weekend project!

omnis, I was once told that an outfit of clothing -- something appropriate to a toddler, not an infant -- was a good choice.

There's also an adaptation of my mother's gift of choice for wedding showers -- a diaper pail (do such things even exist anymore?) filled with a bunch of little things that people aren't going to think of. Not having human children, I can't offer many ideas. But a baby thermometer comes to mind.

omnis, I was once told that an outfit of clothing -- something appropriate to a toddler, not an infant -- was a good choice.

This is what my mom usually does. She says that people get so many newborn-sized outfits that they barely have time to dress the baby in each one before it's outgrown.

Connie, have you ever watched 'Grand Designs'? (Also available on youtube)

I really like Time Team and was drawn to Grand Designs as a result. Some episodes feature preservation projects that include a lot of history. I especially like the follow up...one year later...episodes.

Yay for dating, smonster!

I'm putting off the OKC date potential as I have a trillion things going on, including 2 weeks of jury duty. And, I might be unsure about how much I want to jump into that pool despite how cool the guy is.

Shir, I wish I had a good idea. I have to confess that counseling in a middle school early in my career nearly did me in.

My one strategy with kids is to be interested in what their statement means. The more opportunity they have to be heard, the more chance I have to slip in an alternate view.

Beyond that, I can only support you caring enough to strategize. You are a good human.

Omnis, the membership idea is a great one, though I'm with you on checking out the zoo-like beforehand.

I couldn't use that one, but a infant/toddler activity would be super useful. Around here, we have something called Boogie Babies. People seem to lurve it a lot.

I think I may have seen Grand Designs as a I charged through all the history-based Brit shows on YouTube. I'll have to double check.

I highly recommend anything with Lucy Worsley, she who is in charge of the Historic Royal Palaces.

I will definitely check out Lucy Worsley. The fact that she is currently fed up with the Georgians just tickles me.

Yeah, her take on poor George the IV is not good.

As far as baby books go, I suggest board books as they are sturdier, as well as one of those books that are made for not-yet-readers with lots of sensory elements. They are usually made of cloth and plastic and are built to endure fingers and gumming. Something like this. I never would have thought of it myself before I had kids, but each kid had their own special book. It gets pretty chewed, I wouldn't buy a used one.