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!
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!
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!