Some of the very best baby book gift sets (just add cute wrapping paper)

I still remember, before I had kids, being so excited to get a friend’s new baby a set of classic books like Alice and Wonderland and Peter Pan–and the way she looked at me when she said her daughter would love them in 10 years or so. Hey, I still thought it was cool, but with these baby book gift sets I found, at least the mom to be can start reading them at the very first bedtime. –Liz

Peter Rabbit book collection: Traditionalists will love this Beatrix Potter collection, and though what’s outside a book is never more important than what’s inside, I am so taken with the beautiful book jackets and the keepsake box they come in.

Big Box of Boynton: If you’re not familiar with Sandra Boynton, get ready to meet some of your kids’ very favorite books. This one comes with some of my own kids’ favorites including Barnyard Dance. Make up your own tune when you read it.

Nutshell Library collection: I am possibly Maurice Sendak’s number one fan, and just seeing my own childhood favorites like Chicken Soup with Rice and Aligators All Around with those gorgeous classic illustrations gets me excited to read them all over again.

Brown Bear and Friends book collection: Brown Bear was the very first book both my girls started “reading” themselves and so I never hesitate to grab it for friends with new babies. When it’s part of this Eric Carle collection, even better.

Margaret Wise Baby’s First Library: One warning about Goodnight Moon–a new mom will receive 37 copies of it. On average. At least along with Margaret Wise’sRunaway Bunny and Big Red Barn you’re getting a leg up on all the other friends and inlaws.

Pooh’s Library: Okay so it’s the ultimate cutesie, adorable, traditional book set. And it’s wonderful. With all the cynicism in the world, it’s nice to have AA Milne’s treks through the Hundred Acre Wood on the bookshelf, to reassure us that little moments have their beauty.

All these books are available at our affiliate, Amazon, or try your local indie bookseller.And for more great books for babies and 150 other baby gifts, check out our Baby Shower Gift Guide.