It sure feels that way to me! Half the women I know are pregnant, and many with their first child. That means I have some serious online shopping to do in the next couple of weeks. And since I have plenty of experience both being a mom and shopping for showers, I thought I'd share some good advice on the latter subject:

Check the Registry
No matter where a mom is in the process of accumulating baby essentials, she's probably registered at BabiesRUs.com or Target.com (where you can earn 3% back from ConsumerClub.com). If you can't find a baby registry for her on either site, ask her if she's registered elsewhere. No? Tell her to get out there and register already!

Think Survival
The best gift I received at my favorite baby shower was a creative "mommy survival kit" from a friend who had been there and done that. From ibuprofen to nursing pads to gift certificates for my favorite take-out food, she had it covered. And somehow I survived. Another wonderful treat for new parents is asking their friends and family to sign up to bring them dinner on different nights for a week or two after baby is born.

Put Mom First
There's so much focus being placed on your friend's new baby that she can easily lose sight of her own needs. So give her a gift certificate for a maternity massage or a pedicure. Take her to the movies or out to lunch. Or buy her a plush bathrobe from BathRobesOnline.com and earn 5% back from ConsumerClub.com.

Buy the Essentials
Every baby needs diapers, wipes and burp cloths, in addition to blankets, onesies, socks, washcloths, baby shampoo and so on. And I've never met a mom who didn't love just about everything for sale on BabyStyle.com, where, coincidentally, you can earn a full 6% back from ConsumerClub.com. GapKids.com is also a great place to find fashionable basics at great prices (and earn 3% back from ConsumerClub.com).

Keep Them Entertained
Reading forms bonds and boosts development from the very beginning. Books with bright, beautiful pictures, pop-up art, fun rhymes or simple stories are perfect for even the youngest babies. Don't forget, parents also need time to read on their own, whether it's the latest fashion magazines or a new novel. One more great gift idea: A beautiful journal for recording baby's firsts. Or a CD of calming songs like those on my favorite kids' collection, "World Music for Little Ears." Shop BarnesandNoble.com for books, CDs and more and earn 3% back from ConsumerClub.com.