Sock-knitting machines are used to make socks. Originally, circular knitting was done using a set of four or five double-pointed knitting needles.
Making a baby blanket yourself or having someone knit one for you is the best way to show your love. I knit everything through the back loop, the result a twisted stitch which worked wonderfully with the yarn I was using. If you don't have one the you can just place the knitting on a fresh towel.
Knitting becomes interesting automatically. For those of us who knit, there is almost nothing more relaxing than watching a row of neat, organized stitches line up on your knitting needles. A ribber is put on the machine, after the hem and purl stitches are made.
You also will usually want to stick with chunky yarns (this is a good use for "novelty" yarns, which have lots of texture and are usually thick but also light and fluffy), since they knit up quickly so you can make more presents. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories.