One of my good friends is pregnant with her first baby, a boy, and I'd love to knit something for them. But what? Parameters: the baby's due in May & they live in south Texas (land of perpetual summer, but intense a/c, and maybe a few weeks of autumn weather in the depths of winter). I'd love to use a nice yarn, but nice yarn costs money, so I can't afford the quantities required to make a baby blanket. Plus, nice yarn might felt the first time they try to wash baby spit up out of it. I could go with a cheaper, machine washable yarn for a baby blanket, but that tends to include acrylic. She did mention wanting a baby blanket, so perhaps that's the best option?

Otherwise, I could afford enough nicer yarn (though I'd still look for a machine washable one) to make some kind of baby clothing. I came across this vest and thought it might work for our climate, especially if it makes it for 6-9 months (look at the hedgehog one! squee!). And I love this hat. But would a vest & hat be useful? What about booties? Or should I make a softie instead? My niece is 8 now, so it's been awhile since I've been around babies!

Basically, I guess I'm trying to make a present that is both appreciated and used. Any advice would be helpful!