Selecting a present for a new mom or dad can be a challenging task. Baby showers are a great way to help support a new mother with her new baby. New mothers can sign up at a gift registry to avoid duplicate gifts and to indicate her gift preferences. Here are some good gift ideas for baby showers:
A Diaper Cake is very easy to make and a great all in one gift.
To begin making the cake, you start by rolling diapers and securing each diaper with a rubber band. Stand the diapers up around a paper towel tube. Secure the diapers by tying ribbon, yarn or string around the first row of diapers. Next add a second row around the first the same way. Repeat these steps until you have the desired amount of rows.
For the second cake layer, roll more diapers and attach around the tube just as you did the first layer. Also, do the same for the third layer of the diaper cake. Once you finish each row, you could wrap a thicker type of ribbon around each layer. This will help keep the layers secure.
Now, you can add baby items like rattlers, pacifiers, teething rings, socks or anything a baby may need into the ribbon around the cake. You could also place a teddy bear or some type of stuffed animal on the top. You could even take small soaps wrapped in ribbon and secure them around.
How about a "baby themed" gift basket? I made a gift basket one year for my sister-in-law and she loved it. I simply took a huge white wicker basket and stuffed it with all kinds of goodies. I included towels, washcloths, socks, boxed cereal, bottles, stuffed animals, one of my handmade picture frames, two cross stitch burp cloths and whatever else I could fit in the basket.
A cute centerpiece would be a decorative can filled with goodies or a big plastic baby bottle. You could decorate the can with scrapbook paper, clip art and pictures printed from your computer. You could add all kinds of little goodies into these.
Music also makes a wonderful baby shower gift.
There are many music CDs on the market. These make nice baby shower gifts because music is entertaining as well as soothing. You can chose from music baby shower gifts that are rousing or quiet. Musical baby shower gifts may feature vocalists or instrumentalists
Parents are very concerned about providing quality videos for even the youngest of children. There are baby shower gifts that are made especially for infants. These baby shower gifts are videos and DVDs that feature vivid colors and cool sounds. Babies as young as one month old are captivated by these videos and DVDs. Baby shower gifts that stimulate the youngest of children make great gifts.
Don’t forget about Mom. I’m sure she could use a "relaxation" gift. Fill a basket with a soothing CD, candles (maybe Lavender scented), a bath pillow, a bath set, eye mask, a good book or anything that Mommy could use for a time out.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Baby Shower Gift Baskets
So you have received a special invitation to attend a friend's baby shower party, now headache time wondering what gift to purchase for the expectant mother. Do not worry you will have no problem in deciding as the list for what to buy for new born babies are endless.
More and more people are turning to baby shower gift baskets as an alternative to picking out one special baby gift. Baby shower gift baskets make perfect sense, because they are the perfect gift when filled with practical and playful things a baby needs.
The best idea worth considering when giving presents is to give several of them in a baby shower gift basket. You will be certain that one of the goodies you placed into the basket will surprise and excite the receiver. In a Gift basket expect to find all sorts from blankets, undergarments, changing pads, teething toy, soft toys, hats, sleeping gowns, cuddly bears and more.
Contents of a gift basket are very useful for mum-to-be for when she brings the new arrival home. Your particular gift basket can be made up by yourself but if you prefer there are people who are trained in this department and fully aware of the needs of mother/baby. Expect to find gift basket organizers to be mothers themselves which is better as they know what is best to help mother when raising the baby.
Baby gift shower baskets are a wonderful present to bestow. The variety of essentials contained in the basket for baby's well being is warmly welcomed.
Themes and styles are normally used in the presentation of a Baby shower gift basket. You have bath time goody baskets filled with towels, comb, hairbrush, baby soaps and smellies like talcum powder. Then we have the beddy bye creel laden with hanging mobiles, cuddly toys, bedding, and fairy tale books.
Prices of a gift basket differ total cost depends on items chosen to fill the baby shower gift basket.
White lemon and peach are colours that trail behind blue and pink for most popular shades behind a theme. If the sex of the baby is unknown when you place your order for the baby gift basket then opt for white or lemon this way you can not go wrong.
Baby shower gift baskets can be bought online if time is a problem for you. Online shopping for gift baskets is so simple you even get to see what is included in the baby gift basket before you make a purchase. Prettily packaged, gift wrapped and tied with bows is how the finished product looks. Do not forget to place a card inside with a personal greeting from you to mother and baby wishing them both well.
I would like to put my penny worth in and break tradition. I would fill the basket with envelopes containing gift vouchers for different mother/baby shops. This way no headache trying to decide on what gifts for inside the basket and no headache for the mother in returning presents that are not to her taste. A happy Mother-to-be is one with a fist full of vouchers before the birth or after.
More and more people are turning to baby shower gift baskets as an alternative to picking out one special baby gift. Baby shower gift baskets make perfect sense, because they are the perfect gift when filled with practical and playful things a baby needs.
The best idea worth considering when giving presents is to give several of them in a baby shower gift basket. You will be certain that one of the goodies you placed into the basket will surprise and excite the receiver. In a Gift basket expect to find all sorts from blankets, undergarments, changing pads, teething toy, soft toys, hats, sleeping gowns, cuddly bears and more.
Contents of a gift basket are very useful for mum-to-be for when she brings the new arrival home. Your particular gift basket can be made up by yourself but if you prefer there are people who are trained in this department and fully aware of the needs of mother/baby. Expect to find gift basket organizers to be mothers themselves which is better as they know what is best to help mother when raising the baby.
Baby gift shower baskets are a wonderful present to bestow. The variety of essentials contained in the basket for baby's well being is warmly welcomed.
Themes and styles are normally used in the presentation of a Baby shower gift basket. You have bath time goody baskets filled with towels, comb, hairbrush, baby soaps and smellies like talcum powder. Then we have the beddy bye creel laden with hanging mobiles, cuddly toys, bedding, and fairy tale books.
Prices of a gift basket differ total cost depends on items chosen to fill the baby shower gift basket.
White lemon and peach are colours that trail behind blue and pink for most popular shades behind a theme. If the sex of the baby is unknown when you place your order for the baby gift basket then opt for white or lemon this way you can not go wrong.
Baby shower gift baskets can be bought online if time is a problem for you. Online shopping for gift baskets is so simple you even get to see what is included in the baby gift basket before you make a purchase. Prettily packaged, gift wrapped and tied with bows is how the finished product looks. Do not forget to place a card inside with a personal greeting from you to mother and baby wishing them both well.
I would like to put my penny worth in and break tradition. I would fill the basket with envelopes containing gift vouchers for different mother/baby shops. This way no headache trying to decide on what gifts for inside the basket and no headache for the mother in returning presents that are not to her taste. A happy Mother-to-be is one with a fist full of vouchers before the birth or after.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Host a Unique Baby Shower
Host a Unique Baby Shower - Four Fun and Fabulous Ideas to Honor Mom-to-Be!
By Cheryl Salto
Baby showers can unfortunately be so formulaic, we’ve all been to one or even thrown one that has similar decorations, plays similar games (usually accompanied by many groans), and gives all the guests similar personalized baby shower favors that were given at the last one we all attended. So why not get away from the “usual” and try something different that everyone will remember – especially the mom-to-be!
Party décor and baby shower favors don’t necessarily have to be baby themed. Although we tend to immediately think of pink or blue, tiny little feet, storks or cradles, this isn’t the only way to represent the little one at the shower. Choose one of these four creative ideas or use them for inspiration:
Baby, It’s YOU! – Tribute the mom-to-be – when she was a baby! This is an especially great shower if lots of family will be present who can help you carry this off. It’s a delightful way to connect the dots of the generations and remember back. Use her baby picture on invitations and choose a personalized baby shower favor that fits her character. To customize it, use the same or a different picture and add a “did you know” quote about something endearing she did as a baby such as “did you know one of Amy’s first phrases was “who bought this?” or “…her favorite book was The Gingerbread Man”. You can use her favorite colors to decorate and serve her favorite foods, if they’re available blow up pictures of when she was little for centerpieces or to hang and if her mom has saved them, pull out the treasure box of her childhood artwork and toys and have them displayed around. During the shower, have family members or lifelong friends tell stories about when she was little using phrases like “I hope your baby takes after you (or doesn’t!) because when you were little you ____” It should be a fun filled time and a pleasant trip down memory lane for everyone!
It Takes A Village -- Have a project focused baby shower - what could you do to help the mother-to-be that would be a boost? Has she been focusing so much on the baby coming, or maybe been having a tough pregnancy that she hasn’t had time to paint a room she’s been wanting to paint in her home, do spring cleaning, plant the vegetable or flower garden or maybe even decorate the baby’s room? Just like an old-fashioned barn raising, coming together is a powerful way of showing your support for the guest of honor as well as rewarding for all that participate. You may need to bring her into the planning on this one – but it is something that can be a real gift to her and a lot of fun for everyone at the same time. As hostess you’ll have to be very organized in advance with tasks thought through and supplies gathered to make things go most smoothly. Set up the schedule for the day realistically, make sure the guests know there will be an activity involved and to dress accordingly and then relax all together after the project is done and celebrate the group accomplishment and honor mom-to-be with a light meal or coffee and cake. Send guests home with a baby shower favor that is a treat for them to enjoy after their efforts – maybe a cocktail mix and special glass to enjoy it in or a yummy custom cookie treat personalized with the date and a nice phrase. It’s all about YOU! -- Does mom-to-be have a favorite hobby that would be appropriate for a shower theme? – For example, does she love gardening? Use a garden related theme complete with décor and personalized baby shower favors that represent her hobby. Include the little one by decorating with child size garden tools and gloves usually available at any garden center. They’ll add a cute flair and will be useful when Mom passes along her green thumb in the future and will bring back memories of this special day. A rose to be planted in honor of the baby is a lovely thing for everyone to chip in on and present as a reminder of the day. As hostess, or together with a couple of other guests, your baby gift could be other gardening type clothing for baby that could also be used to decorate such as tiny overalls and t-shirts or sun hats or items with garden theme prints on them. They don’t have to be infant size – up to a year is great and gives mom clothes to look forward to putting baby into after those initial growth spurts. Send everyone home with personalized baby shower favors of seeds to plant in their own garden to honor Mom and baby on the way. Several other hobbies or interests of the mom-to-be work great with a shower like this – think Beach or Travel – lots of possibilities for a fun event.
Take a Deep Breath…it’s Spa time! This is a wonderful time to be nurturing Mommy-to-be in anticipation of the down time she’s likely to lose soon! Create a spa day at home for mom and her guests. Be as luxurious as bringing in a couple of massage therapists for neck and shoulder, or hand and foot rubs for those who would like them or have a masseuse (or you reading from a book) give instruction to all the guests while demonstrating on mom-to-be. (This way you all can take the knowledge home with you too.) You can practice on one another while tranquil spa music plays and you sip on herbal tea, sparkling waters or a refreshing mint julep. Have a few friends or as hostess, put together a mommy gift that she can use in the future to keep the relaxation going – a nice bubble bath, a meditative CD (great also for putting baby to sleep) – calming bath products for baby (that will work on mom as well when she slips into the tub with the little one) or perhaps mommy and baby hooded terry robes to be cozy in. You can decorate with soothing colors, flowers and candles and serve light and healthy spa cuisine. Personalized baby shower favors could be spa candles customized with an inspirational phrase instead of just the traditional mom’s name and date of the shower. It can be a girl’s day for pampering all together.
Although every group of family and friends will be different, as hostess you will likely be able to choose what type of event will be most appropriate for your guest of honor’s special day. Of course the baby shower is meant to honor baby too – gifts should still be baby focused, (especially if the mom-to-be has registered for things she would like or needs) but as you may have noticed in each idea above, it’s also lovely to give a special little something for the guest of honor personally to recognize that she is doing a lot of work herself over these nine months! Just think “Mommy and Me” as you work out your event plans and it becomes easy to have the little one be included in all ways on this special day for Mom. It is baby’s pending arrival that has you gathered after all!
Copyright 2006 AllInOneFunFavors.com
About The Author
Cheryl Salto loves helping to make celebrations personal and meaningful as the owner of AllInOneFunFavors.com specializing in providing an extensive online selection of event favors for life’s special celebrations. http://www.allinonefunfavors.com
By Cheryl Salto
Baby showers can unfortunately be so formulaic, we’ve all been to one or even thrown one that has similar decorations, plays similar games (usually accompanied by many groans), and gives all the guests similar personalized baby shower favors that were given at the last one we all attended. So why not get away from the “usual” and try something different that everyone will remember – especially the mom-to-be!
Party décor and baby shower favors don’t necessarily have to be baby themed. Although we tend to immediately think of pink or blue, tiny little feet, storks or cradles, this isn’t the only way to represent the little one at the shower. Choose one of these four creative ideas or use them for inspiration:
Baby, It’s YOU! – Tribute the mom-to-be – when she was a baby! This is an especially great shower if lots of family will be present who can help you carry this off. It’s a delightful way to connect the dots of the generations and remember back. Use her baby picture on invitations and choose a personalized baby shower favor that fits her character. To customize it, use the same or a different picture and add a “did you know” quote about something endearing she did as a baby such as “did you know one of Amy’s first phrases was “who bought this?” or “…her favorite book was The Gingerbread Man”. You can use her favorite colors to decorate and serve her favorite foods, if they’re available blow up pictures of when she was little for centerpieces or to hang and if her mom has saved them, pull out the treasure box of her childhood artwork and toys and have them displayed around. During the shower, have family members or lifelong friends tell stories about when she was little using phrases like “I hope your baby takes after you (or doesn’t!) because when you were little you ____” It should be a fun filled time and a pleasant trip down memory lane for everyone!
It Takes A Village -- Have a project focused baby shower - what could you do to help the mother-to-be that would be a boost? Has she been focusing so much on the baby coming, or maybe been having a tough pregnancy that she hasn’t had time to paint a room she’s been wanting to paint in her home, do spring cleaning, plant the vegetable or flower garden or maybe even decorate the baby’s room? Just like an old-fashioned barn raising, coming together is a powerful way of showing your support for the guest of honor as well as rewarding for all that participate. You may need to bring her into the planning on this one – but it is something that can be a real gift to her and a lot of fun for everyone at the same time. As hostess you’ll have to be very organized in advance with tasks thought through and supplies gathered to make things go most smoothly. Set up the schedule for the day realistically, make sure the guests know there will be an activity involved and to dress accordingly and then relax all together after the project is done and celebrate the group accomplishment and honor mom-to-be with a light meal or coffee and cake. Send guests home with a baby shower favor that is a treat for them to enjoy after their efforts – maybe a cocktail mix and special glass to enjoy it in or a yummy custom cookie treat personalized with the date and a nice phrase. It’s all about YOU! -- Does mom-to-be have a favorite hobby that would be appropriate for a shower theme? – For example, does she love gardening? Use a garden related theme complete with décor and personalized baby shower favors that represent her hobby. Include the little one by decorating with child size garden tools and gloves usually available at any garden center. They’ll add a cute flair and will be useful when Mom passes along her green thumb in the future and will bring back memories of this special day. A rose to be planted in honor of the baby is a lovely thing for everyone to chip in on and present as a reminder of the day. As hostess, or together with a couple of other guests, your baby gift could be other gardening type clothing for baby that could also be used to decorate such as tiny overalls and t-shirts or sun hats or items with garden theme prints on them. They don’t have to be infant size – up to a year is great and gives mom clothes to look forward to putting baby into after those initial growth spurts. Send everyone home with personalized baby shower favors of seeds to plant in their own garden to honor Mom and baby on the way. Several other hobbies or interests of the mom-to-be work great with a shower like this – think Beach or Travel – lots of possibilities for a fun event.
Take a Deep Breath…it’s Spa time! This is a wonderful time to be nurturing Mommy-to-be in anticipation of the down time she’s likely to lose soon! Create a spa day at home for mom and her guests. Be as luxurious as bringing in a couple of massage therapists for neck and shoulder, or hand and foot rubs for those who would like them or have a masseuse (or you reading from a book) give instruction to all the guests while demonstrating on mom-to-be. (This way you all can take the knowledge home with you too.) You can practice on one another while tranquil spa music plays and you sip on herbal tea, sparkling waters or a refreshing mint julep. Have a few friends or as hostess, put together a mommy gift that she can use in the future to keep the relaxation going – a nice bubble bath, a meditative CD (great also for putting baby to sleep) – calming bath products for baby (that will work on mom as well when she slips into the tub with the little one) or perhaps mommy and baby hooded terry robes to be cozy in. You can decorate with soothing colors, flowers and candles and serve light and healthy spa cuisine. Personalized baby shower favors could be spa candles customized with an inspirational phrase instead of just the traditional mom’s name and date of the shower. It can be a girl’s day for pampering all together.
Although every group of family and friends will be different, as hostess you will likely be able to choose what type of event will be most appropriate for your guest of honor’s special day. Of course the baby shower is meant to honor baby too – gifts should still be baby focused, (especially if the mom-to-be has registered for things she would like or needs) but as you may have noticed in each idea above, it’s also lovely to give a special little something for the guest of honor personally to recognize that she is doing a lot of work herself over these nine months! Just think “Mommy and Me” as you work out your event plans and it becomes easy to have the little one be included in all ways on this special day for Mom. It is baby’s pending arrival that has you gathered after all!
Copyright 2006 AllInOneFunFavors.com
About The Author
Cheryl Salto loves helping to make celebrations personal and meaningful as the owner of AllInOneFunFavors.com specializing in providing an extensive online selection of event favors for life’s special celebrations. http://www.allinonefunfavors.com
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