I am invited to a co-workers baby shower, its her first baby. I was thinking of putting together a basket of baby items for her as a gift, but she told us she already has a ton of clothes, diapers, wipes and bath products. So what would you put in the basket? Or would a diaper bag or small tote be more useful then a basket? TIA

__________________
~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

I had DD 2 months ago. I got way too much stuff and I didn't even have a shower. I ended up returning a lot and and I wont' end up using a lot of what I couldn't return. If you do buy anything, please include a gift receipt. I really don't have any suggestions as it sounds like she has a lot of what she needs. You could maybe put together a gift basket of things for her, like soaps or bath oils. You could also buy things that most people don't think of, like if you know she is planning on breastfeeding, breast pads and milk storage bags.

Boppy pillow is always good to have !

__________________
Live, Love, Laugh

This is nice

Wood Signs - FAMILY / FRIENDS / KIDS / BABY - I MADE A WISH AND YOU CAME TRUE


Or some of the thick paged books.

__________________
Raising my baby RIGHT!!!!!!

All the cool babies are wearing cloth!

I would probably go the tote route.....you could put in a nice picture frame....she could put it on her desk at work. Or a gift cert to sears/penneys/photo store? Some baby music cd's?

__________________
"It's not about how much baggage you have, it's about whether or not you can carry your own baggage with grace and dignity."

One of the nicest gifts I got when I had my last baby years ago was a basket for me....bath oil, lotions, powder, a book, a dvd for those long nights awake with the baby, socks, stuff like that. It was thoughtful and the last thing I expected since the baby is who most people buy for but I loved it and was so touched to be thought of.

__________________
GO NAVY WRESTLING!!BEAT ARMY!!!
RJB 3/18/60 - 5/22/04
We miss you, sweet brother
God Bless the USA!!!!! Praying for my Youngster son at United States Naval Academy, class of 2014!!

http://mylifeundertheabaya.blogspot.com/

I alway like to buy clothes that are size 12 months to 18 months. So many people give 0-3months or 3-6 months that the baby sometimes doesn't even get to wear all the clothes. I also buy a bag of larger diapers. A gift card would also be nice. That way she can buy things she doesn't even know she needs yet. Hospital used to give small diaper bags out when I had my children so I don't think I would buy one.

I vote against a tote or diaper bag. If she has all those things, she undoubtedly has a diaper bag....AND, I think that you need to be confident that the style, color, etc of a diaper bag would fit what the parents would carry.

For someone who has most of what they think they need, I try to think ahead and go with a toy (stacking rings, blocks, etc) for a 9+ month old and/or board books. They may put it in the closet now, but will probably come back to it at a later date when the baby is ready for it. I hardly ever see people give toys and/or books at showers...usually the focus is on infant supplies and clothing. I know I rec'd just one gift of toys with two babies and it was much appreciated and ultimately well-used (but didn't receive a lot of "oohs" and "aahs" at the shower )

Oh, and a basket would be the perfect thing to fills with some toys/books. What mom doesn't have baskets of books/toys in every room or the house? Alternatively, it could be a colorful plastic tub of some sort.

HTH,
cj/

__________________
I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

The best thing I ever got was a little feeding seat thing. It was great! You could put the baby in it and flop the tray down if you needed to do something real fast. You could have the baby in it while you were doing things and even move them around in it. We also used it for feeding when the baby was still really to small to sit in a high chair.

Another great thing I got was a glow in the dark binkie. I'm not sure if they still make them (I think they might have said that they are not safe, which would explain some things about my 1st. . lol!) But it was great for those middle of the night fussies and it was easy to find when they spit it out.


ETA- The feeding seat we had was something like this:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...1&SKU=15130466

__________________
"No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?"
- George Orwell Animal Farm

Hambirg....I think it's great when a parent selects a gift of something that they found particularly useful with their own kids, along with a note explaining how it was so useful. Super idea!

cj/

__________________
I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

So true. . .and you made me think of another one. I loved those crib pad things. They were great for when you woke up in the middle of the night to find jr had a nice explosive case. . .lol! All you had to do was change the baby and the pad. . .no messing with the crib sheet in the middle of the night when you were already so sleep deprived that you were pretty sure you were a zombie.

__________________
"No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?"
- George Orwell Animal Farm

Couple of things come to mind:
A clothes basket w/ unscented laundry detergent, some of the child safe disinfectant cleaners, clothes pins, Oxiclean (absolutely worth it's weight in gold for stains!) etc.

A medium sized plastic tote (box) w/ some inexpensive toys, board books, quiet time CDs, etc.

A white noise machine. Fan-freaking-tastic when I had babies. That noise would lull them into relaxation.

CLOTH DIAPERS! They make the absolute best "burp rags", and are great for other things as well.

Or, how about a gift basket w/ snack type foods or all the ingredients so the new Dad can fix mom a meal while she's recovering.

__________________
Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

These are all great ideas! My sister is having a baby in July. While it is not her first, her youngest is 8, so it might feel that way a bit. I'm putting together a basket, as well, and will definitely incorporate some of these ideas.

One thing I really liked when I was pregnant was a silver cup with DS' name engraved on it. It's not useful at all, but I love it. It's sitting on a shelf with a few other special knicknacks - including my silver baby cup!

Let us know what you decide!

__________________
Kim

I just went to a 1st baby shower and I bought a laundry basket and included a package of diapers (size 1 not newborn), wipes, cloth diapers (for spit rags), onsies (size 3 mo) and 2 packs of baby hangers.

I don't care what she says, she doesn't have enough diapers! Buy size 2 or 3 even. I agree with the largers sized clothes - most people give the smaller sizes and they outgrow those so fast!

Lisa

__________________
"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

Or if you have a big baby--newborn stuff doesn't fit EVER!

__________________
Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

I'm a knitter, so I usually make a baby blanket for the first. If you happen to sew or crochet, you could also make receiving blankets or burp pads.

I think maybe the mom-to-be doesn't realize how fast babies go through diapers and wipes. I don't see how any mom could have too many diapers, ever. Even if she's using cloth, you could get her more covers. In the larger sizes, because babies fly right through those small ones. Or maybe you'd like to get her a gift certificate for a meal she can pick up one night for dinner? Or if you cook and live somewhat near her, a certificate for dinner for you to bring fully prepared one night for her and her husband. That might be one of the most useful things she'll get!

__________________

Reading is Fundamental.

A scrapbook and a few related items like baby themed paper, the scissors that cut funky instead of straight. glue, glitter, stickers, etc, etc.

Especially with a first born, they will likely use this I gave it, along with a photo album and my friend was really excited about it.

dl

FWIW...I would not have a clue of what to do with a scrapbook and funky scissors, nor the inclination to find out. Good gift if the person is into it.

__________________
I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Aw come on pal ! The first baby always has the most pictures, stuff, etc. Now personally, I am not into it either, but many people are immersed in "scrapping". It's like a very personalized photo album.

(when I 1st read scrapping, I thought dumpster diving a couple of yrs ago)

dl

One of the most useful gifts I got when my first one was born was one of those, on the counter lazy susan things that hold the jars of baby food. When I unwrapped it I thought it looked like something that would end up in a garage sale soon. Boy was I surprised. It took up very little space and was so easy to spin around and get the right veggie, fruit, or little dinner I was looking for.

I always pick one up and have it on hand for the next shower gift.

I have to also say you can never have to many diapers!! (or if you do you sure are lucky)

My favorite gift was a bathtub and inside were baby washclothes and baby towels.

I agree with another post that it was really nice to get a "me" gift basket full of lotions and creams. My aunt gave me this and even included the most beautiful gown and hair ribbon that I wore in the hospital. It made me feel really pretty and it was nice to have something pretty for the pictures.

__________________
John 14:1
GO GATORS!!
GO BEARS!!
Check out my pictures!! Just click below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gotjenks/

Amazon.com: Dr Mom Slimline Stainless LED Otoscope, Pocket Otoscope!: Health & Personal Care

I just ordered one of these for my son, who's about ten months old. I figure that anything that helps me tell the difference between an ear infection and someone who's just overdue for a poop is well worth it. I can pretty well guarantee she doesn't have one. Also, for a mom who plans to breastfeed, anything that shows you support that is awesome. Getting a nursing pillow counted for a lot when I was finding nursing tough.

I use cloth diapers, so I didn't find disposable ones useful.

You telling us about your gown reminded me that I always got a manicure close to my due date. I have the worst nails and I wanted them to look nice in all the pictures of me holding the baby. Silly, I know, but when I look back at those pictures I'm glad that I had it done. . .lol. Maybe a gift card for a manicure would be nice.

__________________
"No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?"
- George Orwell Animal Farm

Before having my kids, I went the mani/pedi route, too.... you do have to stare at your feet for an awful long time during labor. A gift certificate would be nice.

Diapers... sz 2 or 3. You can never have enough.

__________________
-Schane_dog

SAHM to:
Jonas -- 11/28/00
Elise -- 7/22/05
Schane_dog@yahoo.com

PITTSBURGH DEALS LIST --> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bullseye/

Thank you all for the ideas I think I am going to do a small basket that is just for her with some lotions and a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure. I was also going to make a small gift bag for her DH (who I never met) that has some candy and a "new dad" pin.

__________________
~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

I've done an "emergency diaper bag" before. I took a small backpack type purse and put in a couple of diapers, an empty bottle, sample sizes of lotion/shampoo/powder/wipes, a pacifier, small toy and bib.
My idea was this was a diaper bag to put in your car and leave it there just in case you ever had to leave your house in a big hurry(think extreme emergency)and had NO time whatsoever to grab supplies, just grab your baby, keys, purse and RUN! Luckily no one has ever had to use it and I stocked them with samples so the cost was very low.

I also like the idea to buy a couple books. The cloth and heavy page ones can often be had in the dollar spot at Target or at dollar stores. I like to give a couple of those for the baby to have and a couple books for a book collection. I recommend "The Birthday Book" and "The Lorax" by Dr. Suess, not that you can go wrong with just about anything he wrote!

__________________
Jesus SAVES by shopping smartly and using double coupons!

My favorite gift to give is the shopping cart cover. I saw this on TV when I was pregnant with my youngest and I HAD to have it.... Back then it was only available in 1 store but I got it!!! Loved it. I could never put a baby in those nasty shopping carts after that. I give them to everybody.

I'm having a shower for one of my good friends Saturday. She had wanted this tote thing to keep in her living room, with all the stuff to change a diaper, etc... So I got her a monogrammed "Market Tote", and filled it with a pack of diapers, wipes, baby wash and lotion. Then I wrapped it all up in celophane wrap and added a bow, looks like I spent an easy $100, but it was only about $50.

__________________
*** Find A Need , Fill A Need ***