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Protect That Little Guy
You can never be too safe, especially when it comes to babies! Chances are that an expecting mommy will receive countless toys and baby accessories as baby shower gifts. Give a unique gift that could potentially be the most beneficial gift that the future mom receives. Make a safety kit. Buy a basket or container and fill it with things that will help the new parents to protect their new little one. Stumped on what to include? Here are some fantastic ideas:
Outlet plugs
Cabinet locks
Corner covers
Disinfectant wipes to clean off pacifiers and toys
Instant hand sanitizer to keep by the diaper changing station
These are just a few things that could improve that cute little guy's quality of life, or even save his life!
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Show You Really Care with a Personalized Gift
BlissLiving.com Tip: Kids love seeing their names on the things they own. It’s hard to imagine an older child when you’re shopping for a new baby gift, but time flies during early childhood. A personalized baby shower gift is a wonderful way to ensure a long-lasting keepsake that the new baby will grow to appreciate in time.
Personalized baby gifts let the new parents know that you took the time and effort to choose a truly thoughtful gift. Unlike a decade ago, personalized baby and kid items aren’t tacky. A wide variety of items can be personalized in a stylish and modern fashion.
Initials are a classic and subtle way to personalize a baby gift. Give the new mom a baby blanket with her child’s initial, or a gold pendant with the baby’s initials along with his or her siblings’ initials. When shopping for a keepsake, keep in mind that items like growth charts, picture frames and foot print frames can also be personalized with the baby’s name.
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The Sling of Things
Did you ever notice that many babies tend to be calmer when they are being held close to the body? Sure, it sounds like a nice idea to hold a baby close for long periods of time but who has the time (or the arm strength) to hold a baby in their arms all day? A new mother probably does not (keep that in mind when shopping for that baby shower gift). Look into giving a baby sling as a new baby gift at the shower. Babies like being held so close because they are calmed by the rhythmic movement of breathing. By using a sling, a new mommy can keep the baby close and achieve the same results while keeping her arms free to do other things. Everybody wins and she'll be thanking you later!
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Baby Shower Gifts That Bring Joy
BlissLiving.com Tip: Baby showers are joyful events. Most involve beautiful decorations, fun games, finger food and a glowing, happy mother. The highlight of many baby showers is when the excited new mom sits down to open all her gifts to a chorus of “oos” and “ahs.” Choose a thoughtful gift as a way to share your excitement and love for the growing family.
Next time you attend a baby shower, enjoy the opportunity to shop for something precious. Baby shower gifts come in all shapes and sizes. An elegant, traditional mom will love receiving a Moses basket to keep her little one tucked away safely. If you’d rather give her a lasting keepsake, try personalized baby shower gifts like monogrammed baby blankets or mommy jewelry.
It’s also acceptable to give the new mom necessities. Baby shower gifts can be practical and stylish. It’s all about the presentation. Even bibs, burp rags and onesies look gorgeous when carefully folded to resemble extravagant cakes or bouquets of flowers.
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String Them Along
If one thing's for sure it's that a new baby is going to need a new wardrobe. A baby shower is the perfect place for an expecting mommy to accumulate plenty of new outfits for her new little one. Why not turn her baby shower into a layette party?
To accomplish this you will need lots of clothesline or some sturdy yarn and a whole lot of clothespins. When you send out the invitations, specify that, as her gift, each attendee must bring an outfit for the baby. On the day of the party, string the clothesline around the room. Have all of the invitees show up before the guest of honor and, as they arrive, give them some clothespins. Tell each woman to hang her outfit somewhere on the clothesline. If all goes well, the clothesline will fill up and the room will be filled with an adorable new wardrobe. When the new mommy arrives she will be able to take in all of the new attire at once. And, everyone will be able to admire the gifts thoroughly throughout the event.
*This party will generally work better as a surprise party.
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Celebrate the Arrival of a Precious Newborn
BlissLiving.com Tip: Few events in life are as moving as the birth of a new baby. Whether the mother has had a baby shower or not, it’s traditional to honor the new baby’s birth with a gift. While a card or flowers are perfectly adequate, you’ll make a more long-lasting impression with a keepsake baby gift.
New baby gifts are often special items the parents may not have thought to purchase themselves. They’re busy changing diapers and learning the ropes. Surprise them with a special gift to help them remember those first magical days with baby.
New moms love personalized jewelry because they can keep their child close to them while they are working or away on trips. Personalized mothers jewelry is beautiful keepsake that they will cherish. So, take this opportunity to give her sparkly and gorgeous jewelry as a reminder to celebrate her children and her beauty as a mother. A footprint frame is also a wonderful way to capture those early memories and precious moments. New baby gifts are ultimately a special way to remind new parents to stop and enjoy the fleeting wonder of a newborn.
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Give Them Something to Chew
Ouch! Teething can hurt. Ask any baby what those new teeth breaking through the gums feel like and you're likely to get a screaming reply. While a newborn baby has some time before those new pearly whites start emerging, objects to soothe teething will be very useful to a new mother in the near future. Teething objects make very thoughtful and useful baby gifts to give at baby showers. You can always go with the usual teething rings but why not go for a more unique gift? Get that new little one a "Kammi Teething Doll" to help end those teething woes. The Kammi Doll is made of an absorbant terry material to soak up all that sloppy drool and it has multiple knots ties into it that are perfect for teething on.
*For best use, tell the new mommy to dampen the knots and place the doll in the freezer before use.
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Make Her Baby Shower Extra Special
BlissLiving.com Tip: It’s a huge honor to host a baby shower for a friend or relative. Don’t get too bogged down with the planning. You want the event to be memorable to everyone involved—including you! A few simple touches can make the event extraordinary.
The expecting mom has probably registered for practical baby items. Make her day extra special by arranging for her to receive a few surprise baby shower presents. Get together with a few of her close friends and pick out a beautiful baby gift basket full of keepsakes and necessities. Baby shower gift baskets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose a gift basket that looks classy and decorative, and use it as a centerpiece.
Close family members of the expecting mother may want to present her with a special keepsake. Mommy jewelry, personalized frames, footprint kits, and baby jewelry are just a few suggestions. Wait until she’s opened all of her gifts and then present her with the surprise gift. Have your camera ready and tissues on hand.
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Help her Make a Mold
The miracle of life is a beautiful thing and so are the changes that the female body undergoes throughout pregnancy. A pregnant belly is a special thing that won't be there forever and definitely something that a new mother will want to remember. While photographs may capture the image of that belly it won't fully capture the essence of it. For your baby shower gift, give the mommy-to-be something to help her remember the experience.
One of the most truly unique gifts to give to an expectant mother is a “ProudBody Pregnancy Belly Cast Kit.” This kit allows the expectant mother to make a mold of her pregnant belly or her entire torso that will enable her to vividly remember the transformation for the rest of her life. The kit comes with all of the necessary casting materials as well a drop cloth to prevent mess, gloves to keep hands clean, and a sanding screen to get the mold smooth. This gift will definitely take anyone by surprise!
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Think Pink for the New Baby Girl
BlissLiving.com Tip: The news is out. It’s a girl! Want to congratulate the new parents? Start looking for the perfect baby girl gift to celebrate.
Nothing says baby girl like the color pink. If you’re shopping for a traditional baby shower gift, look for pink layette items. Baby girl gifts don’t have to be boring. They can be downright luxurious thanks to stylish materials like pink cashmere and faux mink.
Remember, you don’t have to stick to clothes. For a baby girl gift that will really stand out, try a bouquet of “flowers” made of recycled paper and organic baby clothes. If you want to be practical, a hand painted wooden wastebasket makes a touching gift the parents may not have thought of. Parents will also get practical use out of a pink baby blanket. If you decide to celebrate the new baby girl with a gift for mom, try personalized jewelry for a unique baby shower gift that the new mom can treasure for years to come.
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Give Something Comforting
A newborn baby will spend the majority of his or her time sleeping and, as we all know, this is about the time when they begin to bond with their comfort object, or "transitional object" as many psychologists call them. While some might think that having one of these objects leads a child to form an unhealthy dependence, studies actually prove the opposite. According to research, bonding with one of these objects makes a child more independent as they can reach for this thing that they have control over when a parent is absent. Additionally, these objects have been proven to help a child adjust to situations that are new.
One of the best baby gifts you can give is something to become his or her comfort object. One great option is "My First Dolly" which is an extremely soft doll manufactured by Gund that even comes with its own baby blanket. Another is an "Ookie Newborn Doll" which is essentially a flannel blanket lined with satin. The Ookie Doll has knotted hands and a knotted head that allow a newborn to grasp it easily. And, a new mother can easily transfer her scent to the blanket by sleeping with it for a night.
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Celebrate Mom and Baby with a Unique Baby Gift
BlissLiving.com Tip: Having a baby is an important time in a woman’s life. Much of her time will be spent preparing her home for the newcomer. Help her out with some unique baby gifts that could spice up room décor. Custom, hand-painted canvas wall art is a great way to lend a hand in mom’s preparations while also personalizing the baby’s room and adding that certain flair.
Baby gift baskets are also a great way to conveniently give multiple gifts without the hassle of wrapping it yourself. Mom and dad will thank you for the thoughtful mix of practical items such as washcloths, bibs, spoon and fork, as well as fun items like the classic Radio Flyer, a rattle, and a plush teddy bear. The "Hello World!" line is customized for girl and boy, and both come in the time-honored Radio Flyer to make lasting memories.
It’s also important to celebrate mom as well as baby. You can do this with personalized jewelry and custom-inscribed charms to commemorate the baby’s name and birthday.
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Scrap it up
Having a baby is one of the most beautiful events that can take place in a woman's life and it is important that she documents each and every moment of the event from pregnancy through childhood. If you want to give an expecting mother a special baby gift, throw her a scrapbooking party and invite everyone close to her. Although the scrapbook will not be busting at the seams with photos and mementos at this point, it's a great time to get started.
To begin, send out invitations explaining the event and ask invitees to bring things to decorate the scrapbook (tiny charms, stickers, borders, stencils, etc.). If possible, contact the grandmothers of the new baby and ask for baby photos of the expecting parents (this makes a great first page to a baby scrapbook).
Next, contact the father-to-be (or someone close to the mother) and ask him or her to bring any sonogram images they can find to put in the book. On the day of the party, have everyone work together to come up with the layout for a fantastic scrapbook. Using a book with detachable pages works best so everyone can work on a page. Some key pages to include are:
Birth page with place for certificate and hand and feet prints
Growth chart page
First doctor visit
First hair cut
First tooth
First steps
First words
General likes and dislikes page
First day of school
PLENTY of picture pages
Get creative with the project and make sure that you make pages for all major events and leave space for pages that you may forget.
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Find Great Baby Shower Gifts Online
BlissLiving.com Tip: It’s hard to explain why shopping for baby gifts is so much fun. Maybe it’s the cute packaging or the tiny details like ribbons and embroidery. On the other hand, maybe it’s the idea of celebrating a new life. For many, the excitement comes from surprising new parents with something timeless and adorable. No matter what the reason, baby gifts are simply enchanting.
Choosing baby gifts can also be a little overwhelming. Some find it difficult to choose the right gift. However, online shopping makes it easy to find unique baby shower gifts. The wide selection of baby gifts available online can help you pick the perfect present. Many new parents love receiving baby shower presents that reflect their personalities. If you’re shopping for parents who are having their second or third baby, look for something special they don’t already have—like unique nursery décor, a stylish memo board for pictures, or framed art.
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A Rockin' Baby Gift
One of the best ways to calm a crying baby is by rocking it. Most babies are calmed by movement and will soothed by a rocking motion. For these reasons a rocking chair will make a useful baby gift to give at a baby shower. Aside from functionality, rocking chairs are timeless and, even when the baby is grown, are still likely to be kept around as reminders of childhood (or to rock new babies in). If you're sold on the idea of giving a rocking chair as a gift but want to make that chair extra special, have it personalized with the baby's name. And, if you really want to complete the gift, include a book of lullabies for the mother to sing to her child while rocking it to sleep. Also include a small pillow and a throw blanket to make the chair extra comfy.
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Make an Impression with a Baby Gift Basket
BlissLiving.com Tip: Looking to make a great impression at a baby shower or just after a new baby’s arrival? Try a baby gift basket! Not all of us are experts when it comes to choosing special gifts and creatively wrapping them. Luckily, baby gift baskets take care of the craftiness and cleverness for you.
Whether you’re shopping for traditional or quirky parents, it’s easy to find the perfect baby gift basket. You can even find baskets made especially for twins. Baby shower baskets often contain a nice mix of gifts, from everyday items like burp rags and bibs to keepsakes like ceramic photo frames and personalized baby blankets.
Depending on your budget, you can go big or small with a baby gift basket. A simple carryout box or stylized basket with wardrobe essentials makes a wonderful gift for young parents with a hip sense of style. For a more sophisticated, luxury gift basket, try a Moses basket stuffed with toys and all the layette items new baby will need.
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What Not To Give
There are plenty of tips out there for how to choose the best baby gifts, but let’s talk about the gifts you should avoid giving. When a woman is pregnant for the first time, it is like an emotional roller coaster. She is very nervous and sensitive, so you want to be as supportive as possible. While you might think that “how to” or “parenting tips” books will be helpful, she could be completely insulted. She might think you do not have confidence in her as a new parent.
In addition to being emotional, pregnant woman are also very sensitive about their weight. Don’t get her anything that has to do with weight-loss, like post partum workout videos or stretch mark creams. This will just make her feel even more self conscience.
Also, avoid anything that might embarrass her. Don’t give her any breast feeding accessories, like nursing bras or breast pads. Even if you know she will be breastfeeding, these gifts can be uncomfortable to open in front of others.
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Find the Perfect Baby Christening Gift
BlissLiving.com Tip: Many parents choose to baptize or christen their child during baby’s first year of life. During this special time, it’s customary for loved ones and friends to honor the special occasion with gifts and baby keepsakes. White is the traditional color for baby christening gifts.
Diaper cakes, a relatively new phenomenon, can make a unique baptism gift. Available in pure white, they can be used as a centerpiece during gatherings and receptions after the baby’s christening. Diaper cakes help parents out with the necessities that are often overlooked during gift giving.
The most traditional gift for a baby’s christening is baby jewelry. Tiny cross pendants and bracelets are popular. As an alternative, dainty personalized mommy jewelry will let the proud mother celebrate her child’s christening for years to come. A silver or ceramic picture frame is also a wonderful way to help parents remember their baby’s special occasion. For a gift that’s practical and luxurious, choose a personalized christening blanket.
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A Gift Basket in Disguise
If you are thinking of sending flowers to celebrate the birth of a new baby, you might want to reconsider. Many hospitals have banned flowers in patient’s rooms due to potential health risks. If this is the case, there are some creative baby gift ideas that are just as thoughtful.
An inventive idea is to give a gift basket that takes traditional baby gifts and disguises them as something else. For example, you can get a baby bouquet that features onesies, bibs, burp cloths and other baby essentials rolled-up to mimic roses. You can also send a gift basket that includes baby items folded and arranged to resemble a pizza. For a friend with a sweet tooth, you can send a box of onesies that look like cupcakes or a vase full of onesies wrapped up as lollipops.
In addition to being more inventive, these gifts are more practical since they include items the baby will actually use.
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Keep it Interesting
Everyone knows that if you plan on attending a baby shower, you need to be prepared to ooh and aah as the mom-to-be opens gift after gift. When you are choosing the baby gift you will give, think about how you can make it fun for the mom-to-be to open - and for the guest to watch.
If you buy one expensive item, the excitement last for about one second and then it is on to the next gift. If you buy too many little gifts, it can take forever for each one to be opened. To leave the best impression, try combining one big item with a few smaller items.
It is helpful if the items relate to one another so the gift is cohesive. There are a number of gift combinations that will work well together. You can buy a diaper bag and include some on-the-go baby essentials or maybe a crib set with some matching nursery accessories. Whatever combo you choose, just remember to keep it interesting.
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