5 Hot Baby Shower Gifts for Under $10

Finding unique gifts for babies can be tough so most of the time I opt to get a laundry basket and fill it with smaller, inexpensive items and necessities. You can never have too many packages of baby wipes, bibs, burp clothes or toys around the house! Sometimes you start shopping from a gift registry and all the cool things are already crossed off the list. If that's the case but you still want to give something that is fun and practical, here are a few add-in items that soon-to-be or new parents will love to receive for their little bundles of joy.

Sassy Illumination Station
Suggested Retail Price: $7.99
An engaging and fun toy for babies to use as a teether, rattle or mini activity center. There is a suction cup on the bottom that can be attached to tables or high chairs and it is a must-have if you dine out often. Instead of having to haul around five or six toys, the Illumination Station keeps babies occupied and fascinated. The light up ball captures their attention but the colorful shapes and noises that they encounter while playing with them keeps them giggling away. A nice companion piece from Sassy is the Fascination Station that is priced the same as the Illumination Station.

Sunshine Kids Stow & Go Back Seat Organizer
Suggested Retail Price: $9.99
Staying organized with a new baby can be tough but this can help make things a little easier. It hangs over the headrest and provides seven compartments, drink holders, mesh pouches (great for dirty or wet clothes) and a special side pouch for spare diapers and wipes. It doesn't take much to install it and it can be put into any size, make or model vehicle. At present time this comes in three colors; black, pink and blue. Sunshine also offers larger organizers for older kids. It is a well made product that holds clothes, toys, sippy cups, napkins and changing supplies.

Bright Starts Peek-A-Boo Mirror
Suggested Retail Price: $9.99
Made of soft fabric with a verbal prompt that says, "Peek a boo, I see you", this mirror allows babies to see themselves and learn about facial recognition. There are straps that you can use to attach it to a crib, back seat or playpen. It is small enough that babies can hold it without losing their grip on it but large enough that they get a good view of their face. If you are buying a gift for a girl you'll be happy to know that Bright Starts makes one in a very cute pink design. It is priced the same as the basic Peek-A-Boo Mirror. It is completely safe for babies to play with and the mirror surface resists scratching and marring.

Fisher Price Stack & Roll Cups
Suggested Retail Price: $8.99
This ten cup set of cups is a lot nicer than the basic stack set; it has textured sides with numbers so you can use it as a toy as well as a teaching tool. Babies love the colors and parents love the durability. There is also a ball with a fun jingle bell inside it. You can roll it back and forth for hand and eye coordination or hide it under one of the cups for your baby to try and find. When play time is over you can stack them up to save storage space. They are excellent for kids who are teething and seem to bite on everything they come in contact with. They wash up nicely and retain their shape no matter how much they are played with. The Stack & Roll Cups are something that will grow with your child and provide them with countless hours of fun.

Munchkin Buggies
Suggested Retail Price: $7.99
This three piece set of colorful bugs is always a hit with babies and curious toddlers. The three insects are a bee, caterpillar and lightening bug. All three of them have different features to amuse and entertain babies. The best part is they can be connected together via the magnets that are inside the front and back of each piece. They are well made and will endure a lot of use; even the roughest of kids won't be able to break these adorable bugs. Munchkin also has other three piece magnetic sets featuring animals and dinosaurs.

There are literally thousands of baby toys on the market. You can trim down the list by keeping a few things in mind.

Are the parents into a certain theme? Are they eco-friendly? Do you know if it is a boy or a girl? Is there something that they are requesting like a specific brand of diapers or wipes? Are there siblings that might feel a little left out? If so, consider spending a couple dollars on a small Lego or Playmobil set so they don't feel like the new baby (or soon to be born) is grabbing up all the attention!