Archive for the ‘Gifts’ Category
Baby Shower Gifts
July 1st, 2009
The arrival of a baby is a very special event and calls for unique, creative gifts. Expecting parents are delighted to receive personalized, thought-out gifts for their newborn. They do not have to be overly elaborate and can be perfectly practical.
Ideas for any situation
Some of the most popular ideas include the following:
- Monogrammed baby blankets, towels, or wash cloths
- Specially embroidered bibs, towels, or bedding
- Home-made baby quilts
- Embroidered picture telling the name and birth information
- Pre-prepared scrapbook/baby-book awaiting pictures of specific dates and milestones
- Home-made teddy bears, dolls, or other stuffed animals
- Infant bathtub filled with newborn essentials such as baby shampoo, wash cloths, pacifiers, diapers, etc.
- Clothes that speak of parents’ inside jokes or special enjoyments, such as an adorable baseball
- Uniform for the baseball-loving parents or a t-shirt sporting the father’s favorite football team
- Baby “cakes”-baby blankets wrapped into circles filled with essentials such as diapers, lotions
- Safety pins
- A large picture frame with photo credits to print some of the baby’s first moments
Gift baskets
If you’re planning on getting a bunch of smaller items it might be a good idea to put together a gift basket. The following are a few important things that should be included.
- Baby shampoo
- Powder
- Body wash
- Tummy drops
- Diapers
- Fingernail clippers
- Toys
Sometimes gift baskets are not baskets at all. They can also be bottle shaped piggy banks, diaper bags, baby tubs, Moses baskets or large balloons with gifts tucked inside.
Where to look for Inexpensive Ideas
What if you’re on a limited budget? By using a few simple money saving techniques you’ll be able to offer a wonderful gift without breaking your bank account. The following are a few money saving ideas to consider when shopping:
- Discount stores: You’ll be surprised on what you may be able to find at your local dollar store. Many times you’ll be able to put together an entire gift basket, complete with bibs, rattles, diapers and more.
- Coupons: Keep an eye out in your local news paper for coupons or sales at your local baby supply store.
- Pictures: Many times it’s fun to show off your pictures when you were a baby. Frames are not only inexpensive but make an excellent gift.
- Ebay: If you’re a savvy Ebay shopper, you’ll easily be able to find great deals on all kind of merchandise. You don’t have settle on Ebay. There are other great online auction sites available if you look.
- Make it yourself: Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart. Knitting, painting, photography or scrapbooking are all useful in making your own gift.
- Time: If you’re completely broke, don’t worry. You can still offer one of the most valuable gifts of all - your time. New parents will need some time to themselves a few weeks after the baby is born. By offering up some free babysitting, you’ll make sure they get the time they need to run errands or have some quality time to themselves.
Think of the expecting parents, their pleasures and enjoyments, and aim to make them smile. Try to coordinate ideas, perhaps incorporating the baby’s name or even the colors of the nursery. Most importantly - be creative!
How to Plan a Long Distance Baby Shower
July 1st, 2009
Baby showers are a popular way for people to get together to celebrate the upcoming birth of a child. However, sometimes distance becomes a hindrance. It can be hard if the mother-to-be lives far away from friends and family. If this is a problem you’re facing, you should try planning a long distance baby shower. Below are 3 ideas to consider when planning the shower.
Have the party without the guest of honor
This isn’t nearly as cruel as it sounds. Guests should arrive with their gifts unwrapped, which will be wrapped at the party. You can still play the all the typical baby shower games and since the mom-to-be won’t be there you can take the opportunity to tell funny or interesting stories about her. Don’t forget to bring a video camera so you can have each guest say some words of love and support to the future mother. Afterward, you should send everything - the gifts, video, decorations and a piece of cake to the mother-to-be.
Send the gifts directly to the hostess
This is a good idea if all the guest live in different areas. After the hostess receives everything, she can send one big package to the mother-to-be. You can also play games that work through the mail, like “Who Will the Baby Look Like”. Since the hostess will be sending everything in one large shipment, don’t be afraid to suggest that the guest should send smaller gifts that are easy to ship.
Online baby shower
The hostess can register online. Invitations are sent out via email. The guests can then log into the site at their convenience. On the site you’ll be able to leave encouraging messages for the mother-to-me or purchase gifts from her registry. It’s also a good idea to post pictures of the belly, so guest can see the progress of the baby. Don’t worry; the party is by invitation only, so the pictures will be private.
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little imagination you’ll be able plan a shower that everyone will love, regardless of the distance that separates friends and family!
Tags: The Gift of Music – Perfect for Any Baby Shower
July 1st, 2009
Many people have trouble finding that perfect baby shower gift. One idea which is personal, yet every baby is guaranteed to love is the gift of music. Not only will music be enjoyable to both the mother and baby, but it also has a practical value that many people overlook.
The benefits of listening to music has on children
Music will offer the following benefits to the baby, both when it’s first born and latter on in life:
- Language skills: Music has been known to help develop both language and vocabulary skills in children.
- Education: By listening to music children will find it easier to memorize facts, learn math and phonics.
- Home life: Different music will stir up different emotions. This can be used to create a positive and nurturing environment around the house.
Studies have shown that early exposure to music can devolve a lifelong appreciation that can extend these benefits into adulthood.
The benefits for the rest of the family
Music also allows for quality family time. Not only is it an excellent alternative to television, but you can still have it play in the background while you’re doing other activities. The following are just a few of the family activities that can be enhanced through music:
- Reading
- Games
- Folding laundry
- Cleaning
- Baking
- Crafts
Even if some of these actives don’t seem like too much fun, music will always make it a more pleasant experience. It’s not uncommon for family members to start singing along when their favorite song is played. While television can sometimes be a distraction, music can enhance the time you spend around the house with your family.
Conclusion
Today there is such a large variety of music available. The internet gives us the opportunity to not only purchase music, but to learn about the artist, and even listen to samples. Since you may be giving it as a gift you want to make sure it will be acceptable to the mother & father.
Wireless Baby Monitors – Piece of Mind While Your Child Sleeps
July 1st, 2009
A baby sleep monitor is not only a practical gift that will be used for years, but it’s also important for the safety of the child. It allows mom or dad to hear if the baby cries while it’s sleeping in another room.
The good news is that they are versatile, meaning that they can be used in just about any type of sleeping arraignment. You just need to place the transmitter close to the baby’s crib and the receiver in the living area of the house. Many times they run either on batteries or they’re rechargeable so they’re easily portable.
Types of monitors
The 3 basic types of monitors are as follows:
- Audio: Picks up the baby’s sounds
- Video: You can watch the baby sleep
- Movement: Will go off when there’s any moment in the room
Audio monitors are by far the most popular and least expensive. The only drawback is that there may be some interference with radio or cell phones. However, this can usually be overcome if you make sure you place the monitors away from these objects.
Conclusion
This will practical gift will give the parents piece of mind which is why it makes an excellent gift.
Newborn Baby Clothes - Tips to Consider Before Buying
July 1st, 2009
Babies have a knack of getting their clothes filthy; it’s not uncommon for a baby to wear 3-4 outfits a day, not to mention babies grow fast. It’s easy to see how baby clothes make a popular baby shower gift. However many people are faced with choices that can seem rather confusing. It’s important find a balance between practical and cute, or fashionable verses comfortable. When considering what outfits to chose you should consider the following guidelines:
- The gender of the baby. Pink for girls and blue for boys!
- Consider ease of changing. The outfit should have easy access to the diaper (like snap crotches) so changes can be as painless as possible.
- Clothes should have snaps at the neckline or a stretchy collar. This will help mom change baby’s clothes.
- The location of decorative items like snaps & buttons should be considered. While these accessories can be cute, depending on the location, they may also be uncomfortable for the baby.
- Since the mother is bound to get an abundance of newborn clothing & babies grow fast, it’s also a good idea to purchase a 6 - 12 month outfit. This will give the baby something to grow into.