7 Original Baby Shower Gifts

By Cora L

Are you hounded by the fear that you have purchased the same thing as at least one other person when heading to a baby shower? Even when using a registry duplicates happen & returns are bound to follow. Finding unique baby gifts might take a bit more time than ordering online from the registry, but the payoff is usually well worth it.

Here are 7 ideas for creative baby shower gifts that will keep those dreaded duplicate embarrassment moments from happening again!

1. Be creative. Think outside the box — the big box that is. Go to a local craft fair or area craft co-op and find items that have that one of a kind feel. Burp cloths that have been lined with ribbon and/or embroidered with the baby’s name or the family last name have a personal touch that shows time and thought. If you are a truly creative type, knit the baby a tiny hat or booties, crochet a baby blanket, create a diaper cake from infant diapers and decorate it with wrist rattles, teething rings, baby spoons and such.

2. Personalize it. Personalization is usually a good idea with baby gifts. Monograms might be too stuffy for some, but most people will enjoy the personalization. It can even be silly or remind the person of a moment shared. Having the word “back” or “front” monogrammed on an item in the appropriate place allows giggles during those many outfit changes (plus this gives instructions to follow for those sleep deprived days and nights).

3. Designer diaper bags. The options out there now give beautiful designs for moms and practical non-flowery options for dads. These bags have everything from fold out diaper-changing stations, to bottle warmers and milk storage coolers. Large or small, there are designs to please any mom-to-be as well as any shopper.

4. Be silly. Get something useful but amusing. The name on Boudreaux’s Butt Paste will create a peal of laughter in the room, but it is also great for after the baby comes. Try facemasks to protect from all those stinky diapers, or the teepees available for little boy diaper changes.

5. Stock up on Favorite Food. A baby shower gift that is bound to please is a meal for the freezer. Recipes for favorite dishes that can be frozen ahead of time are very useful for the mom-to-be. Gift certificates to meal prep places are also a good idea, especially if one isn’t very crafty in the kitchen.

6. Unique Outfits. If clothing is what you would really like to purchase go for some of the larger outfits. Thinking in terms of season and potential size might be a little challenging, but the payoff comes when those happy parents have something to put the baby in once it outgrows the adorable tiny newborn sets that everyone else buys.

7. Photography. A little bit of research can have great results when considering a photography session as a gift. The chain stores offer lots of deals, but local photographers may offer a variety of unique options for a family photo or individual shots of the tiny new arrival. There may also be packages available that allow pregnancy photos and another sitting later with the newborn.

About the Author: Cora Lee is the owner of BlissLiving, widely known for a huge selection of unique baby shower gifts including personalized baby gifts, and designer diaper bags. BlissLiving has been featured in US Weekly, People Magazine’s Celebrity Babies Blog, and Pregnancy Magazine.

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Baby Shower Gift Ideas That Won

By Lesley Mattos

Is there anything more exciting than the arrival of a new baby? The instant the parents-to-be find out that they’re expecting, every moment in life takes on an added layer of meaning. Whether it’s thinking of names, planning a nursery or breaking the news to an older brother or sister, it seems that everything is suddenly a special event.

Of course the one thing new babies need the most is love, but the list of supplies and equipment that new parents need to outfit and care for their new arrival is mind-boggling! When trying to decide on a gift it’s easy to get overwhelmed – especially if it’s a couple’s first child. Should you chip in with other friends or family members to get one of those big tickets items like a crib or a deluxe stroller? And if you get clothes, should you get stuff they can use right away, or those great toddler options that are out there?

Here are six other fun and functional baby gift ideas that won’t put a strain on your busy schedule OR your budget:

Baby Album of Firsts

While the pregnancy itself may seem to take an eternity, once the baby is born, time flies by at warp speed! As new parents, they’re going to feel a longing to capture as many of the “firsts” as possible — the baby’s first smile, laugh, roll over, solid food, crawl, word, step, tooth, etc. The list of events is endless, and so will the memories with a baby photo album of firsts. That’s why, as Founder of Adesso Albums I am passionate about helping parents capture the “Now” of their children’s most precious moments.

Bib-a-Day

Okay, we know that once babies start eating “real” food it’s more like a bib-a-minute, but don’t you think that new parents would appreciate a week’s worth of bibs? Check out the choices at your local baby or department or discount store. You can get the same bib in a variety of colors, go for a cute animal theme or get seven bibs that are completely different from one another. Does Dad or Mom have a favorite sport? Check online and you’re sure to have an instant winner with an “official” team bib.

Bundle of Basics

Many essential baby products are small and inexpensive, and combining a whole bunch of them can make a terrific and useful gift. Baby lotion, shampoo, mild soap, diaper rash ointment, Vaseline, washcloths, itsy-bitsy fingernail clippers, a brush and comb set, tub toys, a teething ring … the list goes on and on! You can put the goodies in a pretty basket, a small hamper, or just wrap it all up in a receiving blanket and you’re good to go!

A Heap o’ Wipes

Any experienced parent knows that you can never have too many diaper wipes. So go to your local club/warehouse store and buy the biggest package of baby wipes you can find. (Go ahead, splurge, buy two!) Throw in an economy-sized box or two of diapers, wrap it all up with a big bow, and just like that you’ll have made things easier for harried new parents. It may not be the prettiest present they get, but it’s for sure the most practical!

Baby’s First Book

What was your favorite book when you were growing up? Odds are it was a classic that is still delighting youngsters today. If you still have that book and it’s in good condition you can add a handwritten inscription and you’ll have an instant heirloom. Or pick up a nice, new hardcover edition and add an inscription about what this book has meant to you. Since it will be a while before the baby will be able to appreciate the special book, consider adding a few inexpensive toddler board books that can be enjoyed sooner.

Gift Card

In a rush? Out of ideas? How about getting a gift card that the new parents can use at their local baby or department or discount store? That way you’ll know for sure that they’re getting what they want and need. Or for a sure-to-be-appreciated change of pace, buy a gift certificate for a nice local restaurant and offer to baby-sit one evening so that Mom and Dad can get some quality time for themselves… and make SURE they go!

About the Author: Founder of Adesso Albums, Lesley Mattos, is passionate about helping people capture “Now” in life’s important moments. Of all the ways to welcome a new baby the Adesso Album is the only baby album keepsake. To create a memory keepsake in your child’s life, visit http://www.adessoalbums.com/baby.html

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What Should You Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

By Amy Fadden

Are you expecting a baby? You might be tempted to buy baby’s clothes, although you know most of the time baby will always sleeping and crying during their first months, which obviously don’t need fancy clothes to wear. But still you find dressing your baby with cute outfit will be an unforgotten moment.

You will find various kind of cute baby outfit. Dresses, jumpers, pajamas, and swimsuits are popular baby clothes most parents would like to have. Colors choices can be anything, but mostly baby girl wear pink color and baby boy wear blue color. But do not think, however, that this is the only color in which you can find for baby clothes. You can find baby outfits in almost all other colors.

The designs are also awesome for baby. You can find several designs, featuring flowers animals, toys, etc. You can also find many several pieces from brand name designers. Basically, baby clothes are not really expensive. But when it comes to branded baby clothes, you may find that they are rather expensive in comparison to lesser-known manufacturers of clothing. Though they may last a little bit longer, you will have to decide if the name on the label really justifies the price difference.

People spend a large portion of income on clothes, include for their baby. But, since babies are growing, you are unlikely to get as much use out of this clothing as you would like, right? So, you need to buy baby clothes carefully and hopefully it will last long although not from branded name.

Here is what you should consider when buying baby clothes:

• Choose baby clothes with an ease of changing where you can change it anytime.

• Make sure that the clothes have an easy access for diaper changes as well.

• Try to get clothing with a stretchy neckline or those having a snap to widen the opening, as it will facilitate the changing of clothes. Clothing with snap crotches is great for diaper changes.

• In addition to ease of changing, it is also important to consider the location of decorative items like snaps, buttons etc. verses baby’s comfort.

• You should give a thought to how the baby will be laying on these decorative items of clothing and how these accessories may be annoying.

• Prepare for a set of long johns for winter so that you can keep your baby warm.

If you want to save money, and also knowing that your baby will grow rapidly, it’s okay if you consider to buy used baby clothes as long as it still good and clean. You can also sell your baby clothes at the thrift stores or directly to other parents who are looking for baby clothing after you realize that your baby has grown up bigger.

About the Author: Amy Fadden, author of “Newborn Guide, Nursing A Baby in Its First Month.” Visit her Website http://www.newborn-clothing.info
and http://www.newborn-clothes.info

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Raising Baby On The Cheap

By Carrie Lauth

Have you ever read those reports on the cost of raising a child?

The last time I checked, I was told that it would cost the astronomical figure of $430,470 to raise my baby… and that didn’t include college tuition!

The people who come up with these figures must not be very creative. Some of the best things you can do for your child are free or very inexpensive. Here are some tips for raising kids on the cheap.

1) Breastfeed

You can save roughly $1,000 in formula costs alone in your baby’s first year by breastfeeding. Check out this report: http://www.natural-moms.com/cost_of_baby_formula.html

This figure doesn’t include the extra costs you would incur from Doctor visits and medications. Breastfed babies are less likely to need medical care and don’t get sick as often as their formula fed peers.

Formula feeding increases a baby’s risk of both acute and chronic health problems not only during childhood but well into adulthood. If you’re a working and breastfeeding Mother, you’re less likely to miss work than if you were formula feeding.

In addition, a breastfed baby can go straight from the breast to an open cup, thus eliminating pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups.

Even baby food is not necessary. The healthiest first foods for baby are fresh fork-mashed avocado, banana, sweet potato and the like. If you’re breastfeeding, you may be able to delay the introduction of solids until as late as 8 or 9 months.

2) Use Cloth Diapers

All I am saying…is give cloth a chance!

The modern cloth diapers are nothing like Grandma’s. The nicer ones are made from high tech materials that wick moisture away from baby, and utilize snaps or velcro to close instead of pins.

They save you a lot of money especially if you save them and use them again for subsequent children. You can buy them cheaply at thrift stores, online auctions, and diaper services (check your phone book for listings). Or ask for cloth diapers as shower gifts.

3) Rethink your Needs

Think about what you REALLY need to raise your baby. A lot of the expensive items sold in baby stores are completely unnecessary and some are even harmful. Most of the people raising children on the planet today do so without cribs, walkers (which Pediatricians recommend against anyway!), playpens, changing tables, swings, “educational” toys, etc.

Many Moms have found that a soft cloth carrier or baby sling was the only gadget they really needed. Baby is happy, stimulated by your activities and entertained. And Mom can get stuff done!

The best toys are simple and classic and require imagination. These are often the least expensive too! And most kids do best with few toys that are rotated. Think back to your own childhood…what were your favorite toys? If you can even remember them, they were probably not loud, flashy electronic battery powered gadgets. Your best childhood memories probably come from activities…playing in Grandma’s backyard, going places with Mom and Dad, the simple things.

For the baby stuff you really can’t live without…

4) Buy or Obtain Used

Let friends know that you welcome hand-me-downs and you’ll be blessed with all sorts of great stuff!

High quality clothing and baby equipment generally doesn’t wear out from just one child’s use. For safety, check to make sure items haven’t been recalled and get the owner’s manuals from the manufacturer’s websites. (The one exception would be child safety seats. Always buy those new.)

Shop at thrift and consignment shops and online auctions. Some of the very best deals can be found at regional consignment sales. Check local parenting magazines and websites for the locations of these.

Personally, I prefer used clothing because much new clothing has been treated with flame retardants and other scary chemicals that can be absorbed into children’s softer skin.

Being a frugal parent minimizes the impact on the environment, saves you money and models a healthy lifestyle to your kids. Teach your kids what really matters in life…people, not things!

About the Author: Carrie Lauth publishes an informative newsletter for Moms doing things the natural way. Get your free issue at http://www.natural-moms.com

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