Gift baskets have grown in popularity. They make an interesting, thoughtful gift that can be made to suit almost any occasion. A baby gift basket gives you a chance to make a unique and personal gift. You can give a baby gift basket either at the baby shower or after the baby is born as a homecoming gift.
You can buy professionally made gift baskets or ready made gift baskets, but there is something a little special about making the gift basket yourself. When you make it yourself you can add whatever you like and style it how you want. You can watch the cost by making your own because you can make it as big or as small as you desire, plus you can seek out specials that will give you discounts on what you fill the basket with. Making your own gift basket just makes sense.
Themed gift baskets are great gifts. There are many theme ideas for baby gift baskets. The following list is just the beginning of ideas. Use your own creativity to come up with a unique theme for your basket.
- bath time basket: You can use a baby tub as the basket and fill it with washcloths, a cute hooded towel and bath supplies.
- clothing basket: Using a cute wicker laundry basket and filling it with socks, onesies, shoes and a cute outfit makes this theme.
- feeding basket: For the bottle-fed baby, you can put in a can of formula or coupons for formula, bottles, a bottle cleaner, burp cloths and extra nipples.
- Health and safety: Something often forgotten about until the need arises, this basket can include, a thermometer, medicine dropper, nail care kit and some childproofing items.
The basic supplies you need are easy to find at a craft or discount store. You need a basket or other container of your choice to make the foundation of the basket. You will also need some sort of filler, like tissue paper, raffia or a fabric item. You can also buy cellophane to enclose the basket when you are finished. Finally you need the items that you will put inside. You can base these on a theme or just buy various items you think the baby needs. That is all you need to make an effective baby gift basket.
Arranging your baby gift basket is a matter of taste. Generally you will keep larger items in the back and smaller items in front. Try to make everything visible and keep items from falling under or behind other items. Once you think you have it, stand back and take a good look. It may take some adjusting, but the whole process of making your gift basket shouldn’t take an extreme amount of time.
Tips For Giving Baby Gift Baskets
What Does My New Baby Really Need? A Guide To Shopping For Your New Baby
What is it do I really need to buy for my new baby? While writing my latest book found at BabyCenter.com I found that this is a question a lot of new moms must ask themselves. Having a new baby is a huge expense, and it is hard to stay on budget when you see all of the cute outfits in the stores. While all of the tiny things are really tempting to buy, please keep in mind that babies grow really fast. One of the biggest mistakes that new parents make is over shopping for clothes. Remember, you will probably keep baby in a lot during those first few months so cute outfits with matching hats and shoes may not get any use. Plus if you are going to have a baby shower you will receive a lot of cute outfits fit for your little bundle of joy. Below is a list of things that I put together as a guide for you to use while doing your shopping. Remember to do your shopping after your baby shower this way you will only buy what you need.
Health and Safety
digital thermometer
nasal aspirator
infant acetaminophen drops
baby monitor
night lightBaby Care Products
baby shampoo/baby wash
diaper cream
baby nail clippers or safety scissors
baby oil/lotion
baby brush and comb
a couple of pacifiers (even if you don't plan to use!)
Layette and Diapering
newborn diapers/cloth diapers/wraps or set up diaper service
baby wipes and/or extra baby washcloths
diaper pail
burp cloths or extra cloth diapers
gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers (4-6)
receiving blankets (4-6)
swaddling blankets (2-3)
crib blanket or quilt
newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair)
newborn cap (1-2)
hooded bath towels and wash cloth
4-6 T-shirts or all-in-ones
1-2 sweaters or bunting (depending upon season)
Baby Equipment
baby carrier (sling, wrap or pack carrier)
infant seat (have to bring it to the hospital!)
stroller or carriage
bouncer seat or swing
diaper bag
Furniture and Accessories
co-sleeper/bassinet/cradle or crib
mattress, waterproof pads, at least two sheets and other bedding
changing table or other safe changing area
mobile for the crib and/or changing area
changing pad and 2 coversNursing Necessities
nursing pillow
washable or disposable nursing pads
rental, electric or manual breast pump and storage bottles or bags if you plan to pump milk
feeding bottles (2-4 4 oz to start), nipples, and bottle brush if you plan to use bottles
Below you will find a short list of things new moms will need to have on hand.
New Mother Care
sitzbath herbs
big box of extra-long maxi pads for locchia
nursing nightgown or comfy cotton pajamas
small tube of modified lanolin or other product to soothe sore nipples
nursing bras (1-2 comfy nursing bras plus a sleep bra to take to the hospital -- you can get more when your milk comes in, in case your size changes)
Other Good Ideas
pick out birth announcements (address envelopes before baby comes, if possible)
make a Belly Cast to remember this amazing time!
Also a good thing to know is that some of these accessories and gadgets are fun to have. Some of them even help make your life easier. However these are not must haves, all your baby really needs is your love and affection and your baby will grow and flourish. Remember you must have a car seat for baby, because the hospital will not let you leave without it! Plus you want to protect your little miracle in any way possible. Relax and enjoy this time with your precious baby because this time will never return.
If possible line up friends and family who will bring meals or come help you out at home after the baby is born (and a good friend to coordinate) and/or hire a doula to help. This way you can spend even more time just worrying about the baby, while someone else worries about YOU!