Hey guys - this may sound stupid, but as the title implies, I'm going to a baby shower this weekend for a friend of mine who is a Muslim from Pakistan (originally) and I was just wondering if anyone knows if there are any kinds of gifts I should avoid, so as not to offend. The baby is a girl, and she already has plenty of clothes.
Though, I'm sure you didn't want to hear it from me, but I got curious and looked for what I can find... which is this:
"Islamic gifts offered at an Aqeeqa usually include personalized clothing and bedding articles such as blankets and body suits, a collection of important Surah's from the Quran or a complete digital Quran that the mother can turn on for the baby to listen from early childhood. Feeding items such as bottles, Sippy cups and bowls with holy messages printed or engraved on them.
Other Islamic gifts considered appropriate for an Aqeeqa are hand knitted wraps, caps, mittens and socks for the baby, gold jewellery such as pendants with "Allah" or "Muhammad" written across them, identifying the child to be a born Muslim. Also available at certain places are Halal lotions, shampoos and soaps for the baby that does not contain any non permissible ingredients. As these types of products are relatively new and not easily available everywhere, they make thoughtful Islamic gifts for a Muslim baby and at the same time also promote awareness about such products among people who are not conscious of their existence."
Islamic Gifts For Welcoming New Babies
Though, I doubt anyone will be offended if you got more creative with it.