But doesn't it seem like EVERYONE is pregnant? ...And with pregnancy of course comes baby showers! I don't know about you, but I know that pre-mommyhood I never had a stinking clue what to get people for baby showers.
BUT, who doesn't LOVE shopping for baby gifts??
My mom was recently talking to me about what makes a good baby gift these days. This got me to thinking, "Hey, why not put together a list of my favorite things and the stuff that new moms really NEED."So I did.
Here's my top picks:
1. At the risk of sounding like a health nut: get her a gift of liquid vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, and powdered probiotics. Do a little research (or ask me for recommendations) and get a decent brand. Even good brands will only run you about $50-60 for 6 months worth of all three supplements. There are just so many health benefits and so many diseases that can be prevented by these simple, inexpensive supplements. Better yet, give these as gifts along with some educational materials to encourage her to keep giving the supplements to her little one!
2. Diapers. SCHLOADS of diapers. And then more diapers. And Desitin--that stuff is a must have. Tip: the newborn size diapers are amazing because they have a little belly button cutout and they are actually small enough for the first month or so. I soo wish we had known about them sooner!!
3. If you must get clothes, get summer sized onesies, and winter sized footie pajamas (depending on baby's estimated birthday). You can't have too many of either of these things. Yes, yes we all love cute outfits, but lets be honest... They are gonna spend 90% of their time in jammie's. Unless she is a much trendier mom than I (which wouldn't be unlikely... But I digress).
4. Camilia teething liquid. This stuff is a life saver.
5. Bibs. Extra thick bibs if you can find them. The thin cotton ones last about 12 seconds when they are teething. The plastic bibs are also a must for when they start solids.
6. Photography gift certificates. Because who wouldn't love a chance to get baby pictures and not have to worry about the cost?? One of my favorite gifts was our newborn session with Viveria Photography. (They just happen to be my cousins. I'm incredibly blessed to know them... For so many reasons!)
7. The large items!! I know it's fun to get clothes and toys... But what new moms really need is often a stroller, changing table, car seat, and crib. Check her registry if she has one, chip in on the gift with a friend (or 5), and/or check out thrift stores. These items are so desperately needed when preparing for that first baby!
8. Books!!! Encourage reading, interactive playtime, and valuable bonding by buying a few hardcover books. We've recently been finding good books at our local thrift store for 10 cents each.
Seriously.
10 cents.
You have no excuse not to add a few to your next baby gift! ;)
9. Gifts for the big brothers/sisters (especially gifts they can share with the new baby. Get them excited about being a big sibling!) and/or gifts for mom and dad. Think bubble bath soap, a gift card for a massage, restaurant gift cards, or even a grocery store gift card! Or simply bring a home cooked meal that first week home with the new baby and offer to do a load of laundry if you can spare an hour or two. It will mean so much.
10. A baby bath tub filled with shampoo, washcloths (lots if washcloths!), a rubber ducky, towels, and other bath time accessories.
If you know the mommy will be nursing, these next items are also awesome:
1. Hooter hider or some sort of nursing cover up
2. Breast gel pads made by Medela. Best. Invention. EVER!!! Takes the pain out of nursing. A little spendy, but they can be reused and are TOTALLY worth every last penny.
3. Lanolin cream. Yeah... Nuff said.
4. Nursing tank tops and bras. Yes, rather intimate... I know... But these items are insanely expensive and incredibly necessary.
If you are crafty or a seamstress, some of my favorite homemade gifts were:
1. Bibs made from old terry cloth towels. LOVE these because they are so thick and yet comfy!!
2. Knit hats and booties for winter babies. I got 2 sets of these and they were amazing--warm, cozy and oh so cute!
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And please don't forget:
Get a gift receipt!!!!! ALWAYS!!!! Even if they love the item you got, they may get more of the same item. And who needs 12 copies of "Goodnight Moon"? (Well maybe.... Ok, fine... Probably not.)
Check out second hand stores (if you know the momma well and she is okay with this.) We got amazing, incredible deals on everything from a stroller to high chairs to completely unused baby clothes to nursing tank tops. Soooo worth it to check around. We've probably saved thousands already and our little dear is only 11 months old.
And my own little disclaimer:
If you are reading this and you bought me a gift that did not make the list... That does NOT mean I didn't like it or didn't think it was a good idea!!! We got so so many gifts and were so incredibly blessed... It would've taken me pages and pages to list them all. The purpose of this post was simply to give some ideas for people out there that may be curious or are looking for something a little less traditional. :) Really, I don't think I got a single gift that I haven't used and loved!
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