ALT-1 Great Gift Ideas for a Baby Shower
So you have been walking up and down aisle after aisle trying to figure out what to get someone for a baby shower gift. Here is a list of ideas to help you make a decision and look great at the shower.
Diapers. These are the most used and most needed item in a mother's life. You may need to have a conversation with the mother to be about her decision regarding cloth diapers or disposable. Diapers are also the most costly in the long run. On average, a baby will cost a total of $4095 for disposable diapers for one child. For my baby shower, I was given enough diapers to last my son for 9 months. This is the most useful gift anyone can give. I understand a dilemma that may arise when trying to decide on purchasing diapers. What size do you buy? It is OK to buy a size that is too big. They will get used, even if it is in a few months. The mother will be glad to have the bigger size, when one day her child no longer fits in the smaller size. They will smile and think of you when they open up the package that you bought.
Baby starter Kit Made by you. Fill a basket with many baby necessities. This is what I do for every baby shower I go to. I layer a baby blanket/towel or burp blanket on the bottom so that the corners are hanging over the edge. Next organize items such as a nasal aspirator, nail clippers, glass thermometer, soothers, face cloths, small board books, baby soap, a book for the mom, candles, and bubble bath for the mom. Here you are giving a gift for both the mom and baby that will be greatly appreciated. You do not need to spend a lot on each of these items, nor would you have to buy all of these items. Personalize this gift with items that you feel will best suit your mom to be and her baby.
Board Books. A parent can not own enough books. Board books allow the baby to play and not destroy. Research shows that children have better language comprehension and cognitive development if read to at an early age. Babies love to hear their parents voices and this will help sooth them. It is never too early to read to a child.
4. Floor Activity mat. Tummy time is an important stage for babies. Spending time on their tummies will help a baby learn to push, crawl, sit up and eventually pull themselves up to a stand. This encourages the development of motor skills.
Diaper bag for DAD. The typical diaper bag is big and bulky and many dads chose not to use them. Silly dad's what will you do when you need a diaper change? You do not carry around a purse that would hold a diaper when you need it. Now stores are selling bags that are aimed more towards men or around woman that want the bag to be versatile. They look more like a lap top bag or a book bag. Another suggestion would be to fill the bag with necessities such as diapers, wipes, an extra outfit (or two) for the baby, a bottle, rattle, pacifier, burp blanket, and a snack for dad. Now he will be set for everything.
Night time Kit. Fill a night time kit with a nightlight, blanket, a CD of lullabies, Johnson &Johnson Bedtime Bath, and a sleeper.
Presents for the MOM to be. At the baby showers, everyone focus' on the baby gear. Not many people think to buy gifts for the mom. It would be nice to make her feel special too. Gifts like bath supplies or a spa gift certificate are always appreciated. She will be spending so much time on her baby; it would be a nice change to have someone put the effort dotting on her. This will help make the mom feel like a person again instead of just being the person that spends all her time with the baby. The spa would also be a time away that will be needed to regroup for the mom. She needs time to herself too.
Plaster Keepsake kits. There are many different keepsake kits out there. Plaster to wrap around the belly before the baby is born, or to get an imprint of the baby's hand and/or foot. My favourite one is sold with a picture frame. So the hand print and baby picture is side by side on your mantle.
Hospital bag. If these are first time parents, they may not be sure what to bring with them to the hospital when the time comes. Here is an idea to pack the bag for them. In an overnight bag include the following: nice pair of oversized comfy PJ's, a book of their favourite author or crossword puzzles, slippers, comfy socks, hair elastics, lollipops or gum, deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste, nail file, makeup kit, small travel size shampoo and soap, a few diapers, wipes, hair brush, snacks like chips or crackers, calling card so she can call family members, disposable camera.
Do it yourself coupons. They are cheesy but invited. You can offer babysitting, a day to take your friend out to do whatever they want without complaining no matter what they want to do, offer to cook supper that night, free baking, etc. These are economical ideas that would be appreciated by everyone. Make a booklet of these ideas and others that you can think of.
What ever you decide, your friend is going to enjoy. Have fun with your ideas and try not to stress out about it. Happy shopping.
