The new mom is sure to need -- and receive -- her share of practical gifts and gear for the little one. But handmade baby-shower gifts such as felted-wool stuffed animals, artistic baby blocks, mobiles, simple clothing, and booties are sweet, unique ways to welcome the new arrival.

Make a whole menagerie of these cuddly stuffed animals. Covered in felted wool, they are adorable, soft, and so simple to create.

If you can't make it to the shower, mail a carton loaded with toys, nursery decor, keepsakes, funky baby staples, cute party things, and thoughtful treats for the mom.

The contrasting ties on these colorful kimono-style shirts for newborns make them a cinch to take on and off.

Playful animal collages add color to a child's bedroom or playroom.

Turn pretty fabric remnants into versatile blankets for a newborn.

Give the special little one a cozy hat and mittens decorated with blooming rosettes.

Washcloth ducks made of sponges covered with terry cloth make bath time fun for baby -- while also being useful for mom.

Cashmere and baby-alpaca yarns make these booties gentle on sensitive skin.

Personalize a set of beloved classic children's stories, from Peter Pan to Mother Goose. The books are sure to be appreciated in the reading years to come.

Plain white bibs get a makeover with the help of easy-to-use bias tape.

Carve stamps out of a regular raw potato to create these cute and colorful printed baby shirts.

Recycle oxford shirts to make this adorable -- and useful -- quilt to hang on the wall of a child's room. 

Brighten the little one's bedroom with a customized series of frames spelling out his or her name.

Add a little love to a purchased pilot's cap by stitching on hearts (or other shapes) cut out of soft felt.

Make sure the big brother or sister feels special too, with this mini cardboard suitcase packed with colored pencils and drawing pad, a disposable camera, some snacks or candy, and a new toy or two.

Hang this beautiful bird mobile above the crib and watch baby's imagination take flight. 

Place this hand-crocheted blanket with contrasting stripes under baby while she plays with matching hand-crocheted balls. The squishy balls are easy for small hands to grab.

For a sweet touch, hand-stitch a ribbon personalized with baby's name to the edge of a simple infant sweater.

Bibs made from pretty hand towels are very easy to create -- and provide more coverage than the average bib.

Traditional ABC blocks get an edgy makeover with these handmade baby blocks.

Protect yourself from splashes while bathing baby by wearing this bath apron, which doubles as a towel for drying off the little one once the bath is done.

New moms are sure to appreciate the blooms in this unique bouquet made of baby clothing and fabric roses.

The little ones will delight in a decoupage night-light made to look like a turtle. 

These sponges are as simple as A-B-C to make because they start out as easy-to-cut flat sheets that plump up when they get wet in the tub.

Sew a handkerchief with a pretty pattern to a piece of cotton fabric to make decorative pillows for baby's room.

Created from a handy template, these blanket-stitched felt bibs will look adorable on the new baby.

Mix different colors and patterns of seersucker fabric in a spiral pattern to make an attractive quilt -- a tactile treat for baby's hands and feet.

Create a cute, customized book for carrying around brag-worthy pictures of the bundle of joy.