Baby showers are cute. They are a fun way to announce the coming of a new family member, and a cunning way for the would-be mom and the would-be dad to hoard a stock of baby stuff needed to welcome their family's tiny addition. If you've just been invited to one and no baby gift registry was set up for the occasion, sit back and relax. This page can save you from that dilemma. Check out the following list and let your ulterior motives guide you in your gift-buying decisions.

1. Consider how fat your pocket is and how much you're willing to spend on a baby gift. Flashy and generous gifts always stand out from the rest of the gifts and will keep the memory of you, the generous giver, entombed in the grateful minds of the would-be parents and the impressed memories of the guests. If you're aiming to win a popularity contest, splurge on literally big gifts. Get the would-be parents and the baby a nice-looking crib, an adorable stroller or a life-size jungle gym.

Small and humble gifts indicate that you belong to the invited group. If your pocket is lean and you really can't afford to indulge in a glamorous baby stuff shopping spree, then dwell in the thought that as long as you don't attend the party empty-handed, you'll do just fine. Get the would-be parents and the baby a photo album to store cherished photos.

2. Empathize with the would-be parents and choose gifts which you think they need most. If you are the empathic and good Samaritan, ditch the cutesy rattles, ragdolls and baby toys, forget about buying a symbolic tiara for the would-be mom or doting would-be grandma, and spend your well-earned cash instead on gifts that will relieve the would-be parents of the financial responsibilities of raising a young one. If you're thinking long term, why not endow the young one with an educational plan? If you're thinking short term, donate a diaper cake, some pacifiers or a gift check for baby milk products.

3. Let your time – or lack of it – set the direction of your baby gift shopping spree. Choose gifts that are readily available and convenient to secure. Baby gifts that require minimal decision-making and coordinating may entail some turning over of the responsibility to professionals. Pay for balloons and cake to be delivered to the venue. Order a baby book online and have it mailed to the party place on the party date. If you have no time to make prior arrangements, make impromptu purchases at nearby stores: buy bundled baby gift packs or a feeding bottle. You may also relieve yourself of the responsibility of buying a gift for the baby, and replace such priority with buying something for the party goers. Donate a bottle of wine or bring some pastries for dessert.

Remember, there is no “right” gift for a baby shower. Don't let the absence of a baby gift registry trouble you. Listen to your inner voice and shop away.