If you have a baby shower coming up, think about giving an unusual baby shower gift. With a little time and creativity, you can go beyond the usual rather than outfits, bottles and find something that really stands out
Financial gifts like bonds, or a savings account, are ideas, but it’s possible to make a financial gift more personal. If the child is going to daycare, find out if gift certificates for the facility are available or pay for some of the tuition in advance. For stay at home babies, check out local community centers, or other educational programs, in the area where the parents live. Pay for the cost of a “Mommy and Me” class for new babies and parents.
Parents love photos of their new babies and can never have too many! A photo album is a good gift but can be a bit common. Consider getting the parents a new camera or camcorder. Hire a photographer to take pictures of the baby or an artist to draw or paint the baby’s portrait.
If the parents haven’t picked out a name, give a book of baby names that lists their meanings and origins. It’s a simple, useful gift that is often overlooked.
Give a sampling of baby foods. When it’s time for the baby to start eating food, the parents will have a variety of food to try so they can find out what the baby likes best. Most baby food, when unopened, lasts for a long time. Check the date on the jars to be sure.
Music CDs to soothe babies are another gift that many people don’t think of, but they can really be useful. Choose one specifically created for babies, or just get some soothing classical music or nature sounds.
Another unusual gift is a set of mommy calling cards. Like business cards, they list the mom’s name and contact information and her children’s name. They’re useful for handing out at the park and other activities.
If you enjoy crafts, you can probably apply your talent to creating a very personal baby gift. For example, Crochet a baby blanket, create a scrapbook, or make a lamp or plate from ceramics or clay.
Here ‘s How To Make Your Own Baby Shower Gifts
It’s finally happened – your best friend or family member is having a baby and it is time for the baby shower. But you don’t want to buy some generic gift like baby clothes sets. You want to get them something special to show them how much you love and how excited you are about the impending birth. If you are crafty, you can make a special handmade baby shower gift that will stand out from the others.
All babies need blankets and while those that the stores sell are very nice, they aren’t usually personalized. If you are good at sewing, make your own baby blanket. You can find out the colors and theme of the baby’s room and use them for the blanket. Make a quilt and if your friends can sew, ask them to each contribute a personalized square. Even if you cannot sew, don’t fret. One of the cutest baby blankets easy to make is the no-sew fleece blanket!
Another crafty idea for baby shower gifts is a cross-stitch baby pattern. If the baby has already been born, you may want to add his or her details such as name, birth date, and birth weight to the cross-stitch pattern. You can find cute pattern ideas at any local craft store as well as the thread.
If you can’t sew or cross-stitch, but love to cook, make up several meals for the mother-to-be and her family. After cooking the meals, place the food in disposable microwave containers and freeze them. On the day of the baby shower, carry all the food to the mother-to-be and put it in her freezer. After the baby is born, all she has to do to cook dinner is warm it in the microwave. This gives her more time to pay attention to the baby while still feeding her family.
Bottom-line
Finally, if you cannot think of anything else, create your own coupon book. Add things like “Go to the grocery store” or “Come over to wash clothes” as coupons for errands or chores you can do for her once the baby arrives.
To come up with more unusual gift ideas, think about the parents’ hobbies and interests. If you are a parent yourself, remember things that made taking care of your baby easier. Chances are you can come up with the perfect, out of the ordinary gift idea.