the art of gift giving...Guide to Baby Shower Gifting
- #SMOM
- Jun 28, 2018
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 24, 2018
You go to pick a gift out from the registry...only to realize the parents-to-be registry is 20pages long lol. Below is a guide to help you determine your gift giving style and the gift to match that style.
A dear friend of mine called me in a pickle...she was invited to a baby shower, but did not know what was the best gift to give.
I will admit, as a first time mom, I put pretty much put every.little.thing recommended and whatever "seemed like the baby needed" on my registry. Because I, and so many others do this, it can be hard to tell what makes for the RIGHT gift.
Let me say...I truly loved ALL the gifts we received. I used and still use almost all. The ones I do not are ONLY because Sloane is too big to either fit or play with the items.
Below are some items I have gifted and been given AND that my mom tribe agreed are FULLY FAIL Proof;-)
The Zen Gifter: HoMedics SoundSpa Relaxation Sound Machine Cost-$18.99
Sloane's sound machine was so loved that she has one at both her grandparents house, father's house, and, for some reason, at my sister's house - even though she has never spent the night at her house...think it is more for my sister than the #Minime lol:-)
We still use this every night. We use this so much, that when the #Minime wants to put her dolls to sleep, she request that they, too, go to sleep with the soothing sounds provided by her sound machine-SUPER PRECIOUS AND TRUE STORY!
Cool thing about the sound machine is that it acts as a signal to let the baby know it is time for bed-for those who plan on sleep training. (For the record, I tried to sleep train my daughter, it did not feel right for me, but we still used this sound machine.)
I have DEFINITELY paid this gift forward.
Alternatives:
Crystals...see previous post https://www.smominthecity.com/my-blog/crystals-are-a-girl-s-best-friend
Humidifier
Mani/Pedi for Mom-to-be
The #BacktotheBasics Gifter: Diapers and Wipes Cost-$8.99 - $34.99
Literally, there will NEVER be enough #diapers and #wipes. I preferred Huggies in the end, but getting a box of Huggies and Pampers could help new parents decide which work best for them.
Also, get different sizes of diapers. Babies grow at an alarming rate, and while we always remember they grow out of clothes. They also outgrow diapers...trust me...I learned this quickly and the hard messy explosive way:-0
When it came to wipes, the brand truly did not matter. I am a big fan of Target's Up and Up brand. Up and Up has some wipes for sensitive skin and, well, there is nothing more sensitive then the skin of a newborn.
This is a fairly inexpensive gift that does not require too much thought, BUT will always always be appreciated.
Alternatives:
Baby Bibs
Sensitive Skin Lotion
Aquaphor
The Stylish Gifter: Freshly Picked Moccasins
Cost-$29 and up
The #Minime lived in these her first year of life. (I am old school and believe in putting shoes on babies).
Freshly Picked has the cutest little shoes. What I loved most about them is the ability to showcase your little one's personality thru the Moccasins.
Also, these are going to be a more unique gift and even a luxury gift because it is something new parents will not feel they need, but will love them so much.
These are likely to only be worn the first year of a baby's life, but why not make it a stylish first year;-)
https://freshlypicked.com/collections/baby-2
Alternatives:
Cute Outfits
HairBows
The Organized Gifter: Cleaning Services before Baby Arrives
Cost-$60-145
I really did not nest until AFTER my daughter arrived, but most people go through some type of nesting phase before the arrival of the baby. One month out from my due date, I signed up for a weekly cleaning service through the Handy App. I kept them going after baby arrived and I still would, but I live in an apartment and just cannot justify hiring someone to clean my apartment, BUT to each its own.
To me, this was pretty darn cheap...to get my then home mopped, vacuumed, swept, bathrooms cleaned, kitchen cleaned, trash taken out, sheets taken off and bed remade, everything dusted, baseboards wiped...all for the low low price of $60 :-)
So....as much as I try to not support the machine...the machine does have a deep cleaning service. Amazon offers a deep cleaning service. It is a little costlier, but they do things like clean your fridge...although...if I had asked...a Handy cleaner could have done the same.
A clean home gives way to a clean and clear mind and NO ONE needs a more clear mind than a new parent.
Alternatives:
There is nothing better lol:-)
The Informed Gifter: Nose Frida
Cost-$15.99
No Bull...NoseFrida is DA BOMB
New parents may not know this, but Nose Frida is LEGIT. I had to run and purchase one in the wee hours of the morning and have not looked back. The amount of decongesting (I make up words...so what) that can be done with this little gadget is mind-blowing.
Do the parents-to-be a solid and get this for them, while also showing off your new baby research skills.
Also, I kinda...slick wish they made this for adults...Ok, BYE lol:-)
The distinctive Gifter: Whatever you want the new baby to associate with you
Cost: PRICELESS
The #Minime 's Godmother gifted her with a beautiful chandelier and butterfly lamp that we will honestly keep the rest of our lives. It will probably be something #Minime will be able to pass along to her children.
Additionally, my cousin gifted me with a super stylish diaper bag, that truly is a staple piece and matched my little one's personality.
What I love most about giving this type of gift is you give both the parents and the new baby something to always remember YOU;-)
The Awe-Inspiring Gifter: Homemade Treats
Cost: priceless
I did not have a baby shower, but I did have a Sip 'n See...totally recommend this IF you do not want or will not be able to have a baby shower. My family friends made it so perfect and one of the many things that truly touched my heart and inspired me was the homemade items we were gifted.
The #Diapers...they were preferred #Huggies btw...the #Bows...the #Headbands...the #Flowers...the #S...the #Pink...and last BUT NOT Least...the #BalletSlippers and #Tutu...to say we were left speechless is an understatement.
This type of gift allows for attention to details, personalization, meeting of basic needs, and being #TeamTooMuch all in one gift. We used every single item in this cake.
Below is a banner some of the ladies who threw the #SipnSee made for Sloane. Again, the level of detail in these gifts simply cannot be purchased.
Here is a #GiftBasket that I made for someone's #babyshower. This was created post the #Minime, so I had a really great take on what was needed in those first few months. Here are the items I included in this gift basket:
Diapers
Vaseline
Bibs
Baby Hangers
Mini decorations for baby's room
Flashcards
A Book
Baby bottle cleaner
Stuffed animal
Baby wipes
Boogie Wipes
The basket, bow, and cellophane wrap was purchased at Dollar Tree! :-o. They even have cellophane wrap specifically sized for creating gift baskets.
Similar to the reaction I had from receiving my personalized gift, mom-to-be had the same reaction. I have to say...it was nice to be able to pay the feeling forward:-)
Again, I seriously loved and used every gift that people sent our way. These are not my fave, as every gift was a fave because it came from the heart.
#GuidetoBabyShowerGiftGiving #SMOM #SMOMintheCity #ChicagoParent #ItsAlways #TheThoughtThatCounts #GiftGiving #HelpAParentOut #EachOne #TeachOne #HelpASistaorBrothaOut #ArtofGiftGiving #GiftingStyle
Liked the information Tiff!