Hello

I want to share a few ideas to consider when you choose that baby gift:

1. Where is that baby in the family? If the baby is the second in the family, there are probably many major purchases that have already been made. Use a high chair as an example. The second child probably does not need a new one. An exception would be when babies are a year or so apart. Then a second high chair might be a needed baby gift. If the baby is one of many, then the sibling's high chair may be ready for the junk pile. If in doubt, ask before making a major purchase, even for baby number one!

2. Give books. There is no better gift to give a child than the gift of reading. Being surrounded by books often a reader makes.

3. Give information about baby sign language. That is new rage and it works.

4. Consider the financial situation of the family. If the financial situation is grave, stick with some practical gifts such as warm clothing or a major purchase. If it is a family who has everything, try to be creative. They have already bought the obvious baby gifts.

5. Diapers. If all else fails, diapers or a few months of the more earth-friendly diaper service are always  welcome baby gifts.

6. Don't forget an older child. They are probably feeling left out and overwhelmed. A small gift for all of the older siblings is the order of the day.

Keep sharing reading please. 

 

 Book Showers are a big thing here with the young Moms. Also adding a book with a gift. Babs

 At baby showers, there are two types of gifts - sentimental and practical. Practical is great because it saves the new mother time and money. However, sentimental gifts
can reach the heart and will stay around a long time. If possible, it's a good idea to give one or two of each type of gift. Wrap a lovely 'baby's first book' along with a pack of
diapers and baby wipes. Or, include a baby blanket and outfit with an embroidered baby pillow.

I often make crocheted gifts out of acrylic baby yarn - afghans are quick and easy (for me, anyway) and are always appreciated; acrylic yarns go into the washer and dryer without problems.  I have also made up gift packs of items that will be needed when the baby is slightly older - baby spoon and fork, dishes, bibs, sippy cup, 6-12 month-old clothes, toys and/or other things that might be needed when the baby is 6 months old and no longer needs the newborn items most people give as gifts.

Babs,

What kinds of books make good gifts?

 

Don't forget that some new parents are sometimes Non-Conventional. My niece is having a baby next month. She and the father live and work on an Organic Farm. They are having the baby at home and prefer organic - natural - earth friendly items which you can't find just anywhere. I tried to consider their values and preferences when selecting their gifts.

I wish I had gotten/asked for more baby gowns when DD was born.  We only had two or three and just kept washing and re-using!  Diapers are wonderful gifts, but I needed more size 1,2,& 3, and not so many newborn.  Wal-Mart always took back any extra unopened packages I had & I just exchanged them for a larger size.

Another gift idea - a piggy bank with some money in it.  Buy an inexpensive one and use a pemanent marker or paint pen to personalize with a baby's name.  Hopefully,it will be the foundation for good money habits for the little one.

This idea was inspired by a baby dedication (a.k.a. christening or baprtism) service I attended a few years ago.  The pastor encouraged the congregation to contribute an offering, which was then split between the 3 babies/families, to be deposited (hopefully) in savings accounts/mutual funds etc for the babies.  I liked the idea of planting a seed for the babies' future prosperity.

timzagain:

Another gift idea - a piggy bank with some money in it.

I like that one.

 

Brandy:

timzagain:

Another gift idea - a piggy bank with some money in it.

I like that one.

 

Thanks! It's just occured to me that a personal finance book targeted at children could be included with or substituted for the piggy bank.