How to Select Useful Baby Shower Gifts for the Expecting Mommy
When a family member or close friend is about to have a baby, there are lots of great gifts you can give an expectant mother. Although traditional baby-shower gifts (such as baby blankets, car seats, and cute stuffed animals) are always appreciated, there are many other wonderful options that can be helpful as well as thoughtful. The following is a list of useful gift-ideas for your next baby shower:
Informational Books: A Unique Baby Shower Gift
An often-overlooked option, informational books make a unique baby shower gift – whether you choose a topical or educational book (such as a breastfeeding-book for mothers who plan on nursing) or a parenting book (the ever-popular Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care has been a favorite for generations), books are a nice addition to any baby shower gift, particularly if you’re putting a themed basket together. Not only will you be helping the parents to prepare for their new addition (and give a pregnant mom something interesting to read while she’s attempting to rest), you’ll also provide a gift that keeps on giving long after the baby is born.
Keepsakes & Heirlooms: Personalized Baby Gifts
Nothing is more personalized than making your own gift for the mommy-to-be – if you’re a creative person and enjoy the art of quilting, knitting or crocheting, handmade baby blankets and clothing make beautiful baby gifts that will be cherished for years to come. If you’re not necessarily skilled at such handiwork but still want to opt for something creative, why not consider a baby journal, scrap-book kit or photo album? A truly sentimental yet useful baby shower gift, scrapbooks, customized picture frames, baby photo albums and photo boxes are the perfect way for the family to document their baby’s firsts and safely preserve childhood memories for many generations’ enjoyment.
Educational Toys: Whimsical Baby Shower Gifts
Whether you’re a child or an adult, going toy-shopping is always a joy! Why not opt for educational toys, baby books and nursery accessories the next time you’re looking for an original baby shower gift? From colorful wooden blocks and puzzles to vividly-hued mobiles, wall hangings and plush toys, there is a wide array of educational play items to choose from that are designed especially for babies – some toys have been engineered to develop language skills, heighten hand-eye coordination and facilitate learning, while others have been designed to improve an infant’s ability to differentiate shapes and colors during their formative years. Tip: If you’re shopping online or need help choosing the proper toys for infants, search for toys that fall under the 4- to 6-month old baby category.
As we’ve discovered, looking for useful, creative yet personalized baby shower ideas isn’t difficult at all – depending on your taste, budget and of course what you think will be the most appropriate for the recipient, there is a vast assortment of terrific newborn gift-ideas to choose from. Whether you prefer to shop online or visit your favorite baby boutique or specialty store, you’re sure to find the ideal baby gifts for that special mother-to-be on your list!
Trends for Tots: The Hottest Baby Blanket Picks for This Season
If you’re looking for some of the coolest trends for your baby this year or searching for one-of-a-kind baby gift ideas, there’s been plenty of buzz in the news when it comes to unique all-natural baby blankets! Whether it’s Brangelina and their brood of beautiful babes, Tom and Katie with little Suri tagging along, or Sandra Bullock and her newly adopted son Louis, A-listers everywhere can be seen swaddling their little ones in their favorite designer blankies. This year, eco-friendly and green options are all the rage when it comes to shopping for your tiny tot’s nursery. Here’s a list of the most popular environmentally-conscious type of baby blankets on the market – perfect for your newborn or to give as a gift!
Organically Yours…
When browsing for the perfect blankie, plush toy or crib set, you can’t go wrong by going organic – whether selecting one for your own infant or buying presents for a loved one’s baby, choosy parents everywhere will love the benefits of baby bedding and blankets made from all-natural materials. Look for labels that indicate the fibers are ‘eco-friendly’, ‘non-toxic’ and ‘organically-grown’ – other qualities to look for are ‘hypo-allergenic’ and ‘anti-microbial’.
Bamboozled, Baby!
Bamboo has quickly becoming one of the hippest materials in today’s eco-friendly lifestyles – and baby blankets are no exception. These high-quality blankets make a wonderful artisanal gift, as they’re typically created in small batches using only the finest loom-woven fibers. Naturally anti-bacterial, hypo-allergenic and ideal for swaddling infants, these breathable blankets are also moisture-wicking, keeping baby comfy & dry during the warmer weather.
Soft as a Cotton Cloud…
Who can resist the softness and purity of cotton for your little angel? With an ever-increasing awareness of the environment and the risk of harmful pesticides and chemicals on not only our planet, but on ourselves, choosing baby blankets and other items for your nursery made from certified organic cotton is a great option to consider. Many of today’s modern cotton baby bedding is produced using only non-toxic dyes and processed without harsh bleaches or toxins – ideal for baby’s delicate skin and respiratory system.
As you can see, there are many terrific all-natural baby blankets to choose from – whether you’re looking for an organic-cotton receiving blanket for your newborn or in need of a gift idea for a friend’s baby shower, shopping online for unique and thoughtful eco-friendly baby presents has never been easier – good for the environment, parents and babies everywhere!
How to Choose the Best Baby Gift for Any Event: Shopping by Theme
When you’re about to shop for a friend or relative’s baby, it can often be overwhelming when figuring out what to get the new parents and their bundle of joy – is it best to stick to the tried-and-true baby gifts, such as baby blankets, diaper genies or onesies, or do you go the more unconventional route and search for truly unique baby gifts? Although the new mom or parents-to-be may have registered online for baby gifts one great way to go about choosing the ideal gift is to select a theme and focus your baby presents around that concept. The following article is a list of suggestions to get you started – we’ve compiled some themes that may make arranging the perfect baby gift basket a cinch!
Just the Two of Us!
One great gift idea for a newborn is to organize a basket that’s geared for both baby and mom – create the ultimate ‘Mommy & Me’ gift basket by grouping together a variety of items suited for quality bonding-time, such as a novel or two for the new mom and a cute baby-book for the two to share. Another terrific (and much-appreciated) addition to the basket is picture frames that can be customized by the recipient with keepsake photos. You may also wish to include scrapbook kits (for the ‘crafty’ moms), photo albums/boxes and baby journals so that the new mommy can keep a record of all of baby’s vital stats and keep treasured pictures in one place.
Rubber Duckie, You’re the One…
Super-sweet and thoughtful yet practical, a bath-themed baby basket is a gift (baby gift basket) any new parents will appreciate, since bath-time accoutrements for a newborn are often overlooked pricey luxuries. Choose organic baby products, such as all-natural baby shampoo, lotions, baby powder and soaps, which are preferred for their mildness for a new baby’s delicate skin. You may also wish to select organic cotton towels, wash cloths and related linens to round out the basket, and top with a classic touch – the beloved rubber duckie! Wrap with blue trimmings for a boy or pink for a girl, and you’re sure to elicit ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from the new parents and guests alike.
Here Comes the Airplane…
Make meal-time memorable for parents as well as baby – there’s nothing more charming than a keepsake spoon or monogrammed plate and cup set if you’re looking to create a personalized baby gift basket. Sets of sterile baby bottles, dishwasher-safe baby bowls and plates, sippy cups and even jars of baby food are some items you’ll want to include in this useful yet adorable basket.
As you can see, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating truly one-of-a-kind baby gifts – simply think of a theme that appeals to you and create your very own customized basket for a baby shower gift that’s certain to be remembered for years to come!
You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby: The Benefits of Modern Baby Bedding
In the last several decades, baby bedding has come a long way from traditional receiving blankets and old-fashioned crib sets. In the past, store-bought synthetic blankets made from acrylic and other unnatural fibers were the only option for your little one. However, with the increased awareness of our environment and more ‘green’ and eco-friendly options available, parents can choose from a variety of natural fibers and styles, providing their babies with comfortable and safe bedding alternatives when shopping for their infant’s nursery. Below, a few things to keep in mind when selecting your baby’s bedding:
Tip #1: Go Green
Did you know that your child’s epidermis is 30% thinner than the skin of an adult? Whether or not this fact surprises you, it’s important to remember when choosing bedding, clothing and other items (such as toiletries and stuffed animals) that will come in contact with their delicate skin. Since it’s thinner, your baby’s skin is more susceptible to absorbing harmful chemicals and toxins; therefore, it’s always wise to go green whenever possible – opt for baby bedding and other nursery items made from organic, non-toxic materials and create an environmentally-balanced haven for your little one.
Tip #2: Avoid VOCs
Although you may not have heard of them, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are found in many of our everyday household items – items such as plastic are typically made from petroleum-based products and produce harmful emissions that may cause respiratory ailments and other health complications. When selecting baby bedding, avoid polyurethane foam, as it is also manufactured from petroleum. Instead, choose crib bedding and mattresses made from natural and organic materials, such as wool, certified organic cotton, and even foam made from natural latex. Read labels carefully to be sure the bedding you’re purchasing is made from materials that were not treated with insecticides or chemical fertilizers, and look for words such as ‘anti-microbial’ and ‘hypoallergenic’.
Tip #3: Keep it Natural
When you’re looking for the healthiest alternatives for your little bundle of joy, opting for undyed cotton bedding is a wonderful green choice to make. Since untreated, unbleached organic cotton contains no harmful chemicals or dyes, it’s naturally safer for their delicate skin and respiratory systems.
As we’ve discovered, although it’s still lovely to receive a handmade baby blanket from a friend or relative, there are many benefits to be noted in today’s modern baby bedding and a wealth of terrific options to choose from.
How to Assemble an Adorable Gift Basket for Your Next Baby Shower
When you’re looking for unique gift ideas for a baby shower, you can’t go wrong with a gift basket – it’s a fun way to put together an endless combination of presents, while giving it your own personalized touch! Whether you’re putting one together for a baby girl or boy, it’s a thoughtful gift idea that you can customize down to the last cute detail, while making a wonderful impression at a baby shower.
If you’re feeling creative, it’s easy to put your own gift basket together for a new baby – craft stores are a great place to start, offering a host of different-sized baskets, whimsical decorations and trimmings, tissue paper, ribbons and other special touches you can add to make your very own personalized baby gift. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- First, you’ll want to purchase the items you’re putting inside the basket first; that way, you can determine how large a basket or other container you’ll need.
- Next, decide upon a theme: do you want to make it an all-pink and super-girly basket for a baby girl, or is it a gift basket for a little boy, where maybe a baseball-themed basket (complete with tiny baseball cap or team t-shirt) might be an adorable option? You can also create the gift basket by choosing a specific category of items – clothing, toys, baby grooming items, bath-time, and so on.
- Choose what kind of container you want to present your gifts in – it doesn’t necessarily have to be a traditional woven basket. Use your imagination – if you’re doing a bath-themed gift basket, opt for a baby bathtub and trim with rubber duckies; if you’re giving the mother-to-be a wardrobe for the baby, use a little laundry basket or diaper bag. Selecting items other than actual baskets to give your gifts in is not only a fun alternative, but practical, as the parents can use these items long after the gift has been unwrapped!
- Finally, the fun part – decorating your basket! Once you’ve got all of your gift-items gathered together, you’ll want to arrange them inside the container. Craft stores carry a wide range of miniature ornamentations (such as tiny plastic baby bottles and dolls, rattles, toys, flowers, etc.) that you can easily glue on to the basket itself or onto the wrapping – you may want to use clear or colored cellophane so that the contents of the basket are visible; it also makes for a great presentation! Secure the wrapping with a bow and some tape and voilá – you’ve got a memorable baby shower gift that your hostess will remember for years to come!
Personalized Baby Gifts: A Customized Way to Show You Care
If you’re trying to think of an original or unique gift-idea for a friend or family member’s baby, why not consider a personalized baby gift? With so many different items to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect item for your loved one’s bundle of joy. Shopping for baby gifts online is one of the best places to start, as there are a wealth of different children’s boutiques, baby stores and gift shops that specialize in the art of personalized gifts for kids. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Practical
New mommies and daddies can never have enough clothing, receiving blankets, baby bedding, bibs, or bath towels for their little one. There’s nothing sweeter than having a personalized wardrobe for your little one – choose one or more items and have the baby’s name embroidered on a onesie, a swaddle blanket, a plush toy, or a set of burp-cloths; any of these items make a thoughtful and unique baby gift!
Religious
If the family of the baby is religious, why not choose a piece of engraved jewelry or monogrammed keepsake to commemorate the infant’s birth, baptism or other significant ceremony? Choose articles appropriate to the family’s faith, and these gifts may become an heirloom that will be cherished for years to come.
Sentimental
Welcoming a new baby is one of the most joyous occasions in any family’s life, and it’s natural for new parents to want to record each and every step of their infant’s journey. Selecting a beautiful monogrammed photo album or memory box to document baby’s first pictures, steps, words and other milestones makes a lovely gift. You may also choose on a customized picture-frame; another great traditional gift to consider is monogrammed baby spoons, cups or plates, as they’ll become treasured keepsakes long after the baby has grown.
As you can see, giving a personalized baby gift to friends and loved ones is a charming and thoughtful way to commemorate the arrival of a newborn. There are a variety of whimsical and wonderful options to consider when searching for personalized children’s gifts – from every-day items such as clothing and bedding to special souvenirs of childhood, including baby jewelry and monogrammed baby spoons, you can make a lasting impression with these cute, thoughtful, and one-of-a-kind presents.
Unique Baby Shower Gifts for Expecting Moms: Useful Shopping Tips
When you’re invited to a baby shower, one of the first things that comes to mind is what kind of gift to get the mother-to-be – whether it’s a close family member or dear old friend, you want to give her something special that she’ll really appreciate. There are many options to choose from – from useful gifts to sentimental keepsakes, you can find the perfect gift for the expecting mom. Here’s a few tips to get you started:
Feeling Creative? Here’s a Few Unusual Baby Shower Gift Ideas:
Although you may have attended many baby showers in your lifetime and seen the typical presents – bibs and pacifiers, sets of baby bottles, stuffed animals and bigger items like highchairs and playpens – it doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Why not try a more creative approach?
- For starters, you could make one of the most popular gifts, the baby shower diaper cake – since new moms and dads can never have enough diapers, this is the ideal present – both practical and adorable!
- Another great option is a swaddling blanket – designed with Velcro closures, these ingenious blankets enable parents to wrap baby up with ease and provide the infant with an instant sense of comfort and security.
- For newborns, an often-overlooked but extremely practical baby gift item is a pair of cotton protective gloves. Since infants do not have proper motor coordination, they often scratch themselves at night in their crib. Pair these little gloves with a cute baby hat, a monogrammed bib, and an adorable set of onesies and you’ve got a thoughtful and budget-friendly baby gift.
Don’t Forget Mom! A Few Gift Items for the Mother-To-Be
Oftentimes, we’re so caught up with the idea of buying things for the new baby that we overlook what the mommy-to-be might need! There are plenty of lovely, unusual and thoughtful gifts you can give the expectant mother at her baby shower:
- Who doesn’t love a day at the spa? A gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure or facial can work wonders, giving the expectant mom a chance to relax, unwind and luxuriate!
- For mothers who plan on nursing, there are many specialty items that are designed for breastfeeding, including specially-designed clothing, supportive pillows, educational books and much more.
- You can’t go wrong with a personalized gift especially designed for mom – why not opt for a beautiful photo album so she can keep precious baby photos, memories, and records of baby’s firsts all in one special place?
As you can see, there’s a wealth of ideas available when it comes to creative baby shower gifts – simply look online for more inspiration; you’re bound to find a unique gift for your next baby shower!
How to Find the Perfect Baby Gifts: A Helpful Guide
The arrival of a new baby is one of the most joyous moments in our lives – from the excited parents to the relatives and close friends sharing in the family’s happiness, welcoming an infant into the world is a very special event and in turn, deserves an equally unique baby gift to mark the occasion. Here are some suggestions you might consider when considering gift ideas for a family or friend’s new baby:
Thoughtful
New parents will always appreciate a thoughtful baby gift – whether it’s an organic cotton receiving blanket for the environmentally-conscious new mommy or designer baby bedding for the couple looking to create their dream nursery, a carefully selected gift is a wonderful way to express your enthusiasm for a family’s brand new bundle of joy. If you need more inspiration for interesting baby gifts, there is a wealth of online baby boutiques that specialize in unusual and creative presents that will truly show how much you care.
Practical
No matter how many they receive, parents of a newborn can never have enough practical baby items – from extra baby bedding or receiving blankets to onesies and even toddler clothing for when the baby gets a bit older, there’s a wide variety of things new mommies and daddies will need for their infant. Nursery items such as baby blankets, comforters and crib sets are great choices, since bedding will have to be changed frequently. Other practical baby gift ideas to consider include clothing, baby bottles, burp cloths (for feedings), diaper genies, infant grooming kits, baby slings and wraps, and diaper bags, to name a few.
Personalized
What better way to make a one-of-a-kind statement than to present proud parents with a personalized baby gift designed especially for their newborn? Choose from an assortment of items – the list is practically endless! From monogrammed baby blankets, spoons, cups and plates to customized keepsake baby gifts (such as piggy banks, mobiles, plush toys, grooming items, framed birth announcements, and even baby tee-shirts), you’re sure to find a unique baby gift that they’ll cherish for years to come.
As you can see, there are a variety of wonderful baby gifts to choose from when shopping for an infant. Whether you’re looking for newborn baby gifts or a special keepsake to present to a new mother, or searching for the perfect presents for a family or friend’s new baby, there are many terrific newborn gift ideas available.
Choosing Baby’s First Blankets: How to Select the Perfect Blankie
Although many of us vaguely remember our ‘first’ blanky, your parents can probably tell you stories about how much you loved your baby blanket! Your parents may have even received a handmade or crocheted baby blanket from a relative or loved one; if it was particularly well-made, you might even have it to this day! Whether it kept you warm during nap-time as a baby or feeling safe when things went bump in the night as a toddler, your security blanket was probably one of your most cherished possessions as a small child.
When we become parents ourselves, one of the most basic items we can provide our newborn with is a soft swaddling blanket to hold them in – one that will cradle our infant in warmth and comfort and give them a sense of safety. In addition to being gentle on their delicate skin, it’s also important to choose a receiving blanket that’s durable, since it will be washed many, many times and most likely be used for several years if it becomes your child’s favorite blankie.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when shopping for an appropriate baby blanket (either for your own child or as a gift):
- Look for swaddle blankets that are machine-washable and easy to maintain (read labels carefully).
- If possible, choose baby blankets made from natural fibers, such as organic cotton, bamboo or wool – since they haven’t been treated with harmful chemicals or pesticides, these blankets are a great alternative to synthetic baby bedding and are ideal for an infant’s sensitive skin and respiratory system.
- If you are purchasing a blanket as a baby shower gift, check with the mother-to-be what her preferences are; she may have indicated on her baby shower registry what sort of materials she prefers for her newborn (organic cotton, cashmere, wool, polyester, etc.) and also what kind of theme she has in her nursery. This will ensure you choose the perfect baby receiving blanket.
As you can see, there are many options available – from traditional handmade baby blankets and quilts that become family heirlooms, to beautiful receiving blankets that can be purchased at chic online boutiques, a baby blanket is one item that new moms and dads can never have enough of!
Setting Up Your Baby’s Nursery: Everything New Parents Need to Know About Baby Bedding, Blankets, Crib Sets and More
As any expecting parent knows, there are many things you’ll want to purchase for your baby’s arrival. When you are about to put your little one’s nursery together, baby bedding is one of the most important elements to keep in mind – after all, infants spend the majority of their time sleeping! From unique styles to a vast array of designs, colors and patterns to choose from, there are many options available when it comes to baby bedding. With that said, deciding upon the right blankets for your babies can often be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first child. The following article has been designed to help you select the most appropriate blankets and bedding for your newborn.
Baby Bedding – Crib Sets or Separate Blankets?
Although there are a variety of crib sets available for your baby’s nursery, you may not necessarily want to use all of the components. Crib bedding usually consists of a crib sheet, a comforter and a crib bumper pad; some sets also include a dust ruffle or other accessories. However, babies don’t need comforters – they can actually pose a hazard to your little one, as their bulkiness has been linked to asphyxiation, especially in infants who are unable to turn over on their own during sleep. In addition, crib bumpers have also raised some safety concerns. Therefore, unless you plan on using the comforter that comes in the crib set as a decorative element in your baby’s décor (for example, as a throw on a rocking chair), it’s best to purchase separate swaddling blankets and bedding based on your specific needs.
How to Shop for Soft & Easy-to-Care-For Baby Bedding
One of the most important qualities of your baby’s bedding is how soft it feels to the touch, and how easy it is to care for. Opt for bedding that’s made from either high thread-count woven cottons, cozy flannel, or other material that’s gentle on your newborn’s delicate skin. Additionally, choose fabrics that are washable and can be thrown in the machine – after all, babies are constantly having accidents, and high-maintenance bedding, although it may be attractive, is totally impractical.
Extra Baby Bedding: Too Much is Never Enough!
Since newborns are prone to accidents and messes (particularly in the first few months), it’s best to have extra baby bedding on hand so you’re not constantly having to run the washing machine. In addition to keeping three or four crib sheets and baby blankets on hand, it’s also recommended to have a plastic mattress cover under the sheets to keep the mattress dry. This will not only allow you to change the bed quickly, but ensure your little one stays drier, too.