Best Baby Shower Gift You Received

I hosted a baby shower for my sister in law ans she received the cutest gift. It was a baby gift bag and there was a small piece of cloth closeline hanging out the side of the bag. Attached to the end was a not that said pull slowly. As she pulled the closeline out of the bag, there was a onesie attached to the rope by blue clothes pins. As she continued to pull, there was a sock, and another and then another onsie. She got about for or five onsies and for or five pairs of socks. That gift was the most talked about the whole rest of the shower.
Hope that this gives you a great idea that does not cost much but will be the talk of the baby shower.
Best of luck!
J.

I received a diaper cake and it was definitely one of the most good looking gifts I received. You can attach bibs and socks and pacifiers to the cake if you want to add a little something. The diaper cake I received had only two layers, and it was very cute. I found this link for you: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Diaper-Cake

Well, I haven't received this at my baby shower but my friend made me a sling: she just went out and bought a nice piece of cotton fabric (a little stretchy, for example at JoAnnes Craft Store), two rings at any craft store (Michaels, Hobby Lobby) and I got this beautiful sling. It truly is awesome, I even made my own and I get compliments on it every time!! If you'd like to get the instructions (there is no sewing involved!), you can email me and I'd be happy to send them to you.
K. Stewart

I had lots of really memorable gifts that I received. Someone took a package of good cloth diapers and sewed cute fabrics and adornments (pom-pon fringe, rick-rack, etc.)on them to make stylish burp cloths. She tied them together with a toole bow and a cute little plastic baby bracelet--I really loved this one AND people went crazy for them! If you are really handy you could take some ribbon that matches the fabric used on the burp cloths and make pacifier attachers.

Another idea is a "Letter to my son" kit. You could gtake a pretty glass bottle, fill it with a little blue or white sand, roll up some fancy paper from the hobby store and stuff it in. Hot glue some type of boyish item on to a cork that fits the bottle--mine has a ceramic bunny, but I have a daughter. Make a cute tag that says "Letter To My Son", loop some cute ribbon through it and attach it to the neck of the bottle! Really cute and easy idea!!

One time a friend of mine bought a dozen cloth diapers (the ones with the thicker middle) and sewed some appliques on them to be used as burp rags. They were so cute. You could roll them up and put them in a basket or something. YOu could even do like someone else said and have her name embroidered on them.

It's actually the best one I've given...a beautiful box that has 21 letters that the mom & dad write to the child, once a year. The child doesn't know! Twenty-one days before his or her 21st birthday, they start mailing a letter every day, with the last letter and the box arriving on that special birthday.

Killer!!! (where's the Kleenex?)

S.

i have seen the diaper cake.... i made my pediatrician cry when i gace her a mommy pot, a tiny little clay pot that holds the hand picked flowers of kids (aka weeds); you can search mommy pots by gail on google. they are 5 bucks each. i got one and love it and my kids love it. what could these folks possible need anyway... just my two cents I never had any showers!! good luck.

Hi J.,

First of all, why worry so much about making an impression? When giving a gift, it's the thought that counts not the material item. I teach financial ministry through my church, and the majority of folks in the U.S. are so deep debt. It may appear that your friend could go out and buy anything but underneath the exterior layer, there is a great possibility that they are also living paycheck to paycheck. Lots of folks put on a great facade to impress others.

From my different baby showers (I have two daughters and am expecting #3), the best baby gifts that I received from some guests were different children story books with personal notes enclosed. All the other gifts are either long gone or have been put away in bins, but I still get to look at these books day after day since they are on the bookshelves in my daughters' rooms. These really touched my heart since they were personalized with handwritten notes inside and it is neat to go back and read the thoughts that my friends and family shared with us before the arrival of my children. These books will always be priceless!

If this idea doesn't float your boat, then other practical items such as diapers, wipes, bath items, gift cards, etc. make excellent gifts since you know they will be used. They will not go to waste.

Every gift should come from the heart and if the recipient doesn't feel this way when she opens up her gifts, I only feel sorry for the shallowness within her.

Hope this helps!
K.

Has she registered? If so, PLEASE get a gift off the registry. These are things Mom's want and need. They don't need more clothes or knick-knacks that they will never use.

Don't give clothes. Such a waste. Everyone makes the mistake of buying size "newborn" and those are rarely worn since the baby is usually in those little snap t-shirts until the umbilical cord drops off.

Your question is a little tough b/c you want a helpful gift (like a great thermometer that she will use for years and years) but you also want something that will get "cheers" which is usually something fancy or frivolous.

A friend gave me a embroidered hooded towel (a nice one). I used that more than anything and used it for years and years. I have seen them at Costco, cheap, and you could get the child's name embroidered yourself. Unless you wanna fork out $40, go to Pottery Barn Kids (or on line).

Latte Tots located on Murphey Road, just north of Hwy. 6 (next to Black Eyed Pea) has amazing but very pricey gift ideas. If you are at all crafty, you could go there, get some ideas for something special and "do it yourself".

Also, Doodles off Kirby in the Village is the same type of store. Awesome for unique, special gifts but not cheap.

Maybe a nice baby's first year book or photo album. You could get a picture of her, pregnant, blow it up to a 5x7 or 8x10 and have that for the cover or the first photo. That would be special.

I think that diapers for a second shower are always a good option. To make it a little more "presentable" you can make it into a diaper cake and add little things, toys or booties, or wipes, ect.
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Diaper-Cake
You can make these out of cute little towels also. The towel cake is cheaper and easier to make and still gives a great WOW factor.
http://www.creative-baby-shower-ideas.com/how-to-make-a-t...
These are always the centerpiece of the gift table. And so useful.

This wasn't a shower gift- but by far my hubby got the best gift for our son for Christmas. It is a lullaby sound spa that plays nature sounds (he loves the ocean) and has a projector that lights up the ceiling. Had my son sleeping through the night at 2 months. You can get it at walmart for 19.99 people will ooh and ah for sure- cause now that is what I get everyone for a shower gift!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5913...

Hope this helps!

Definitely go homemade and personalized. Those knotted/tie blankets are super easy, a printed sign with the meaning of the baby's name framed, cross stitched with the name/birthdate. You could also give a free babysitting coupon for the older child while mom is recuperating. Anything that is consumable is great-a food coupon or coupon for a free meal are great ideas also.
I do agree that she can probably buy anything she needs/wants but this gift also honors/recognizes the blessing of a new child. This mom may be overwhelmed since this is her 1st child in years and may not be able to chase an older child with energy so remember your time is the best gift!!

Hey J....
Go to Michaels, or the other craft store (Hobby Lobby)...and get those iron-on transfers that you can iron on to your shirts...
Get a tshirt - either long sleeve or no sleeve top at target or walmart - and iron on one of those baby transfers...
I got my best friend a couple of little baby hands, and another transfer that resembled a bar code that said 'priceless'...and ironed them onto a couple of shirts, low by the belly section...everyone had something to say!!! It was the most original gift she received and cost me about $12-$15 all together for the 2 shirts and the 2 transfers...
Just an idea! :)

My mom sews ribbon on the edge of cloth diapers and turns them into SUPER CUTE burp rags! If you don't have access to a sewing machine or don't want to hand stitch the ribbon you can also use iron-on adhesive to secure the ribbon in place. That is a inexpensive and very needed gift.

Hi J.,

It doesn't matter how much they can afford. You have to buy something that you can afford. Where is she registered? Anything on her list would be fine. I liked it when people gave me diapers. I was grateful for ANY gift that was on my list. You might consider a toy for baby and there are inexpensive, cool rattles and links to hold baby toys at www.cindystoybox.com. I also have a great "Big Brother" book.

Good luck!
C.

The best one by far was a lady in my church congregation wrote down every word that was in my infant's baby blessing and she typed it up and printed it on cardstock and laminated it. It truly was meaningful and thoughtful and something I will always treasure. But one of my favorite gifts a friend of mine made was a homemade bathtowel animal and it was adorable! She sewed some towels together with colorful fabric to make the ears, etc, and it was always a favorite with my children. I'd wished I'd had one for each of them, it was really cute. I liked it more than the "perfect"looking designer ones, and there might be some cute patterns to make them online or in family magazines at the library, or even in a Simplicity pattern book at the fabric store (I know I saw one a few years ago in there or in Butterick). Good luck! Also, take the time to make inexpensive wrapping really cute and it will give it some zing. And a little rubber duckie with the baby's name painted on it could be a cute nametag on the present (and you can make this bathtowel larger for when he's a toddler or small child, it doesn't have to be tiny for a baby size guy). Kudos to you for your thoughtfulness, creativity and resourcefulness!

Hi, J.,

That's thoughtful of you to make something for your friend.
If the family is registered somewhere, you may be able to get ideas of things you can make based on their registry.
Some of the best gifts our family have received are: diapers, baby wash, cloth diapers/burp cloths, a nursing cover (you may be able to find a pattern online), nice, big swaddle blankets, and meals after our baby was born. One of my girlfriends made the nursing cover for me based on a store-bought one, and a friend made a beautiful swaddle blanket just from a yard or two of some playfully-printed fabric. Or maybe you could make a certificate or coupon book good for making a meal or two after the baby is born. Friends and family who brought meals to us after the birth were a HUGE help and gift to us!
I hope this will give you some ideas. Have fun!

Go to www.stuckonyou.biz and get the sticky name labels with the new baby's name on it. I love them!! You can put the child's name and then pick any colors and a cute pic to go on it from their large selection. They don't come off in the dishwasher or soaking in the sink (I handwashed my daughters bottles) They are pretty cheap and no one else thinks about it. You do need to give yourself about 2 weeks so you can pick it and it's delivered. Good luck!

A woman from my church made a tie blanket for my baby. She took it around to different people from my church and every body tied one knot and as they did they said a prayer for my daughter. After my daughter was born she had to go in for surgery. I brought the blanket in to the hospital with us. It was such a comfort to know that she was wrapped up in prayer. And that was the most amazing gift ever!

For my sister-in-law's baby shower I got a lined wicker laundry hamper & put a bow on the lid. You could probably find an inexpensive one @ Marshall's, Hobby Lobby, or Tuesday Morning. Then I got a bottle of Dreft (Baby All is out now & less expensive) & put it in the bottom. Then I got a long piece of ribbon & some clothes pins & onesies, socks, burps cloths, etc on the ribbon with the clothes pins. To make it a little more cost effective, you could buy a pack of plain Gerber Onesies at Walmart & a pack of socks & open them & hang them individually on the ribbon. Then you lay the "clothes line" you created in the hamper & either tie one end of the ribbon to the lid or tie a little sign on the end (so the mom can see it when she opens the basket) that says "pull me". So when she opens the laundry basket a cute line of clothes comes trailing out & then at the bottom there is a bottle of baby detergent. This got lots of oohs & aahs & was super cute & handy!

I have a friend that monograms all kinds of things and it is not really expensive. It's called Ohh LaLa Bags(ohhlalabagsnmore.com). She does burp cloths, diaper bags just about anything. Good luck. I really wouldn't worry about what everyone else will think it's the thought that counts.

Here are the things that I received that I liked best:

1. a hand-knitted or crocheted blanket (make sure it is large enough to grow with baby - some people make them newborn sized and then they don't last. We have two we are still using for my 2 year old.)

2. cotton/flannel baby blankets made out of a simple square of fabric - just hem the edges either by hand or with a machine (same thing about size though - I received some that were too small, but I have three that my 2 year old still uses and carries to day care with her.)

3. a diaper cake - someone already mentioned this, but these are neat and useful. You can use disposable diapers, cloth diapers, washcloths, etc. - all will be useful. simply roll each one into a cylinder - secure with a small rubber band or safety pin and then create a circle of cylinders and secure with a larger rubber band or ribbon. make 2-3 different sized layers to stack. You can embellish your cake with pacifiers, rattles, baby safety pins, baby barrettes, or even tuck sample sizes of baby shampoo, etc. in the crevices. I received two of these and used both of them - as beautiful as they were, I just took photos and then took them apart. I used almost everything.

Hope this helps!

-N.

My aunt made hooded towels from a wash cloth and a towel for each of my 3 kids. Thy're super cute and easy to make, according to her. I've never tried it, but I imagine it would be easy and cheap. You could even sew a piece of ribbon across the bottom or even across the hood if you wanted.

Go to the Dollar Store-buy a couple of Baby things (lotion, cleaner, etc.) wrap it in a diaper w/ a baby pin.

You could do a coupon book on the computer: Exp.: Good for 1 night of babysitting.

Since I am into photography, I made coupons for photo sessions and just burned a disk and gave them that.

Also, you don't have to go. Just write a really sweet note wishing her the best, place it in a card, and send it. Good luck, as I've been in your shoes before and it was tough. (Remember, the oohs and aahs are short lived.)

I haven't looked, but I'm sure there are patterns for the cute baby liners that you put in the shopping cart to keep your baby from touching what might be really yucky stuff! The best ones are those that are basically oval-shaped with holes cut for the baby's legs and with elastic all around the edge to grip the cart.

Although this wouldn't be used for a while, it is an absolute MUST when she starts taking her little older baby out with her (and baby is too big for the carrier).

I know these items are available ready-made, but you could personalize the one you make, and it would be really special.

I know you have a bunch of great ideas, but here is one more. The best gift I got for my shower was a wreath with my baby's name on it. It was decorated in pink and brown ribbons and had cute little baby accents like a small teddy bear. There was a pink and brown ribbon hanging from a big pink bow with her name spelled out in silver stickon letters.
You can do one for a little boy to hang on the nursary door. It would be cute and from the heart. If that doesn't work then you can never have enough onesies! LOL

If you know how to knit, perhaps you can make the new baby a blanket. Anything hand made seems to get the oohs and ahhs. (not sure what kind of time you want to invest in the project) I am sure that no matter what you give will be appreciated. Good luck.

Make a coupon booklet promising to take her 6 year old out for playdates after the baby comes and to bring meals in the early weeks. Food was always the best gift when I had a new baby! If you are a quilter or can knit or sew, make something by hand. Gifts like that cost less and really do mean more.

Give her a book. Give her two books. They're amazingly inexpensive for children, always greatly appreciated and of unquestionable taste. I don't know a mom who doesn't appreciate getting great reading for her kids. I know that I did. And these are the gifts that my daughter goes to again and again. Her Wheels on the Bus book with pull tab pictures is a nightly favorite and I always think of the friend who gave it to us with gratitude and affection. Good luck!

A sling a sling!!! Most moms don't think about registering for one but they can be a lifesaver! You can buy one between 30 and 50 dollars, OR you can make one. My mom made mine and I LOVE it! Just Google free baby sling patterns. You then just buy the metal rings, material, and thread and its done!
Good luck!
A.

It has been a long time since I received baby shower gifts, but a memory frame (picture frame w/decorations) just waiting for that 1st wonderful picture is nice.

Also, if you quilt or knit those make nice presents and it shows that you put more thought into it than just going out and getting a gift. I know that when I get gifts I appreciate those that come from the heart and the hands more than others. If she can afford to buy anything she wants, she probably might too. Perhaps, a memory book that she can fill in - or a "Your Mother's/Father's" type book that she can fill in for the child.

You could give the mom some coupons good for taking the six year old sometimes for play dates and group activities. You could also give her coupons and cook some meals for her (that can be frozen and just thawed out).

Good Luck
GJKBEAR

Have you ever made a pamper cake? They are super inexpensive and you can make them as cute as can be!! Just go to a dollar store buy a pack of name brand pampers and onsies and a few toys, decorate it very cute.. and BAM!! Perfect gift!! lol

I never felt like I had bandwidth to get anything done right after my DD was born. I would have loved if someone would have just watched her or given me a break.

I hear that juggling 2 can get overwhelming in the weeks after a new baby comes home... Why don't you give her a book of coupons so she can take a break, like taking her son to the park with yours, taking her son to dinner or breakfast, to the movies... or you can make her a casserole/dinner once a week for 4 weeks after the baby is born... coupons to watch the baby while she get a pedicure, etc..

Although time intensive, it would be relatively inexpensive.

Can you knit? Baby blankets or socks or hats are good. There is a kit at walmart that is a loom for making infant hats. It is really easy and can be used over and over. the kit is about $15 and you will need one small knitting hook but you can use whatever yarn and make an adorable hat for every shower. Also no one will oooh or aaah, but diapers are always useful and the cheap white cloud ones always worked best for us! Good luck.

If you can sew, make some cute burp clothes. I got some made from white cloth diapers that had printed minky sewn down the middle section with matching ribbon running along the bottom edge. People on Ebay charge $20 for a 3 pack for this type, but if you can sew you could make her several for much less. I loved showing these off and always had one out for all that new baby spit-up :> Another idea, if you know she is going to be nursing, either make or buy a cute nursing cover. This is one of the things I wished I had been given with my first one. It makes nursing out in public so much easier, especially when you are out with your first child.

honestly, the best gift I received was diapers, wipes, baby shampoo/soap/lotion...all those things that you will use over and over again! I got so many diapers from my baby showers I had with my first daughter, I literally didn't have to buy diapers for about 6 weeks! I would suggest buying size 1s and 2s instead of newborn diapers, though, because some babies are so big (mine were both over 8lbs!) they don't use newborn diapers long, if at all!

My best baby gifts have been homemade-one was a hand crotched blanket that was so beautiful, and the other was a receiving blanket made of seersucker print & solid that had been embroidered with my son's name. Both of those were keepers after the babies outgrew all the clothes, ect. In my opinion anything that takes time is all the more special because time is so precious to us all. I understand the part about living paycheck to paycheck-you have just been reading my mail too! Don't worry about trying to impress anyone though, just give a give from your heart! There is also a wonderful poem about motherhood by Erma Bombeck that I have been known to print on my computer, use some of my scrap booking embellishments to decorate it and frame it-ready made frame, standard size, not very expensive at all.

Maybe some stuff for mom and not baby. Bath oil or bath salts. A foot bath tub. House shoes and a night mask. For me I was given this container of floor play mates that connect together on the edges. They were bold primary colors and about 2 feet square and 1 inch thick. They made a big area all together. Great for taking outside and putting down for the family to play on or picnic. The plastic could be wiped or sprayed clean and air dried. I took 3 of them and laid them down in the kitchen floor in front of the sink and stove. With the baby and all I was usually running around the house barefooted and would stand on the tile. The mates made kitchen work much much much better. The mates turned out to be more valuable in the kitchen than for play. Any kitchen mess and I would just take them outside and spray clean. Also dropped dishes don't break on the spongy stuff. My feet felt great.
Just a thought yet unconventional.
God Bless

Of all the showers I've been to and have had for my own, the most impressive and memorable are the hand made quilts and knitted baby clothes. I did go to a shower a few weeks ago and I'm into buying the necessities that they don't put on their registries like onsies, socks, receiving blankets. So I went to target to buy some these things and I found a soft fluffy blanket lined with a satin like material and the mom to be and her guest loved it. Hey their was a family member there who got alot of ahh and oohs, she owns a embroidery shop and the baby's name is already picked so all the clothes she brought had her name on it, plus what I was going to tell you is she had the baby's name but on burb rags that she had made out of cloth diapers. My sister sort of done that for me when I had my first and it may have just been a burb rag but it was one of my favs along with all the handmade things. My sister had sewed the ends down and the bought fabric decals and sewed them on the rag where the baby would see it. At old town spring you can find alot of hand made things for babies.

I don't know if she has one for her first child, but we really got a lot of the mileage out of the rubber restaurant mat we got. It's by Kiddopotamus (sp?) and is available at Babies R Us. They make it in yellow, pink, and blue. I think it sells for $10.99 and was located near the bibs. We liked this a LOT more than the inflatable Dora one we got at Target (suction cups didn't work AT ALL) or the thin disposable ones we found at Wal-Mart. They didn't stay on well enough either. I don't know what your price range is, but $11 isn't TOO terribly expensive. The last time I bought a baby gift at BRU, they gift wrapped it for free. :) I wonder if they still do that? It's been a few years...

Tag blanket. I received one and love it and now my son loves it. When we go out it is the perfect size for the car seat and gives him something he loves - tags. You can make them or buy them. Here is a site where everything is homemade.

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_ti...

I have found that the best gifts that get the OOHHHHS and AHHHS are home make gifts.

I simple home made quilt or baby blanket (they have easy kits for them at Walmart and other craft stores) and also Diaper cakes!
http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_make-diaper-cake.html

http://megan.kiwi.gen.nz/NappyCake/

I always love the specialness of a homemade gift more than the cost of a store bought one!

There have been lots of good ideas, and I'll agree with a couple that I have personally received. The diaper cake is super cute and a great decoration or centerpiece at a shower. The monogrammed burp cloths or cloth diapers are fantastic and people always comment on how cute they are! But you have to know what she's going to name her little one!

The most memorable I received were handmade, quilts, burp clothes, and flannel blankets from friends/family who could sew! These are the things that really touched my heart, I used for both of my boys, and the first things that I put into my "save forever" trunk! Something I did for a friend who was having her first, that was inexpensive and everyone at the shower said "wow, why didn't i think of that!", was a simple, clear plastic Sterilite fliptop box filled with infant meds (tylenol, mylicon drops, orajel, A & D ointment, baby wash,lotion, sunscreen), and thermometer, nail clippers, suction bulb, etc. Even if she has an older child, she may not still have all these infant essentials! Oh, and I learned from my pediatrician that it's much easier to use a fine grain sandpaper for sharp baby nails rather than clippers...a good thing to add to the box :)

I found the most meaningful gifts I received were a handmade blanket, a personalized engraved frame, and coupons to come babysit.
If you're crafty you can buy a scrapbook album and start a few pages eg, "I was born on, coming home from the hospital, first smile, etc."
I find those are very unique and special.
Hope this helps.

I personally like to personalize things. I get the thicker cloth diapers from Walmart and take them to have the babys name embroidered on them. They make great burp rags. Depends on where you go, that can be pricey.I have also done this on the computer on tshirt transfer paper and then ironed it on the diaper. You get a lot more for your money there and you can put picture designs with the name. I also like to get that blanky animal and have their name put on that.
If you live in the New Braunfels area the BEST place to go for embroidery is Logos To Go. Very reasonable and great people. Otherwise just a gift basket full of the travel size lotion, powder, etc would be great. Good luck...

I would say a photographer. Like a gift certificate for a first year package. Most photographers will allow both children to be photographed rather than just the one.

www.farroutphotography.com

Farr-Out is always running specials. You could even get a gift certificate for the sitting fee's on a first year package for very reasonable (way cheaper than you would think) and then they can order the prints they want.

Do you knit? Crochet? I teach both, and my students and I always get oohs and aahs from any handmade gift, from the simplest little jacket or plain blanket to the most intricate hats I make. There are lots of inexpensive washable baby yarns out there which are still beautiful.

If her baby is going to be born before Christmas, maybe you could get a Baby's First Christmas tree ornament, with his name on it? I went to a shower just yesterday where one of the ladies had gotten that, and it was really awesome!! Very, very special and definitely something she won't forget soon!

A mobile that plays classical music and spins for 15 minutes! Long enough for a decent shower! :-) I forgot what it was called though.

How about a cute little pair of baby shoes! They are not that much and can be found at Target and Walmart. They are so tiny that it will make anyone's heart gush. Gook luck, and remember, it's more important to be there to support your friend than to buy her something she may or may not want.

Blankets or quilts with the name embroidered on it are always special and well received.

There weren't that many cool things when I had my baby showers, but for my grandson, I found these little name bands for drinks. I know most labels on sippy cups, bottles, etc, get washed off, but these personalized bands will not fade, shrink, etc. You can find them here: http://www.inchbug.com/
and you get 4 for 12.95, plus shipping. (If you have time to get them back before the shower.) Or just print off a picture from the website, wrap it up and tell the mom its on the way.
I agree that the personalized items are also a big hit.

Buy the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". It's an awesome gift for parents because it teaches sleep training very clearly. I always buy it, and parents always tell me how much it has helped them. It's less than $20. If you don't get that, just get her something practical, like diapers and a small toy or a blanket (they have great ones at Target for about $10). People with money generally will not judge how much a gift cost-don't even worry about it! Don't take away from your kids, just give her something from the heart. Or you could always give her a certificate for a dinner delivered whenever she wants it. That's always appreciated.

One of the most well received things I do for parents of newborns is to make them a meal and deliver it to them. You can make some things for their freezer for when they need it or give them a "coupon" for a meal after the baby is born. Then follow up with them after the baby is born and arrange a time. It is the gift of time and food which is always a winner.

Take care.

Hand made is always the most special, it shows time...which in turn shows love.
If you sew, you can make a diaper bag, carseat caddy, shopping cart cover etc...
If you do not sew you can do a tie together fleece blanket. Those are always cute and somewhat inexpensive depending on the size and quality of the fleece. Walmart has the best prices ...
My two kids are 9 yrs and 6 years...and honestly the ONLY things I kept from their baby years were the home made gifts.
I have never bought a shower gift and always get ooohhs and aaahhhs. I have never seen one of my creations in a thrift store.

For about $20 buck you can buy what is called the "Itzbeen" . They have them on line but you can pick it up in the store at USA baby. It's awesome! What it is is a little hand held electronic timer. It has buttons for diaper change, sleeping, feeding, and an other. ( I used the other for keeping track of when I gave my child medicine.) It has a toggle switch at the bottom to remind you which breast you just fed from. And it has a night light that is pretty handy. It's small enough to clip on the car seat or the diaper bag but big enough not to lose. When ever you do something like change a diaper or feed the baby you hit the button that is related to this and start the counter over. It sounds simple but when your lost in a haze of no sleep vs. baby it was a blessing! I decided after using it with my daughter that I would never give another traditional gift again to any woman at a baby shower. It's the Itzbeen or diapers and thats it! I really don't know if I could have survived early babyhood without it. What was also fun about it was my husband wanted to use it since it was an electronic toy. He may not have been able to feed our baby but he could remember to hit the button for me. Best gift ever for any mom, not just a new one. We started using it at the hospital. The doctors and nurses would always come in and ask us how long it had been since a diaper change or feeding and I was so pooped I couldn't remember. My dear hubby ran home and got the Itzbeen and that problem was solved.

Good luck!

I had the same problem with my sister-in-law. I decided to give the "gift" to her. I bought her a really nice set of nursing pajamas and robe. Everyone was so surprised and commented on how cool the gift was. You could give a basket of things for her...lotion, etc. She can be pampered along with the baby. Best wishes.

I am telling you- these name labels are too cute- and they last for years- provided you don't lose them- bottles- sippy cups- water bottles- plus they come with several to a package. But you have to know the baby's name .. check them ____@____.com - I give them to every shower I go to (not a budget buster.)
On the budget note- have you ever heard of the TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER and DAVE RAMSEY? We listen to his show her in SA- in afternoons on 55KTSA and you can listen on his site. Or read his books- we did a class at church teaching his baby steps- it was the best thing that ever happened to our family- our marriage- our future- getting on the same page with our money. ENJOY the bottle labels!

K.

If you like to scrapbook you can make a very inexpensive scrapbook. I have given and received them and they are great because in the early weeks you might take pictures but don't have time to scrapbook them. To cut down on cost and time and make them extra special, I have one page for a picture and the opposite page for journaling. I get very small books at the Dollar Tree.

Gift cards to fast food places are great- you can make the gift cute by putting them in a special gift basket or maybe a stuffed kangaroo with pouch!

I recently gave my inlaws Burger King cards and a blockbuster card in a microwave popcorn popper with a bag of popping corn and marshmallow burgers and fries I bought at the dollar tree. It was adorable and a big hit!

I second the idea of looking at her gift registry. I have never received things from my registry and I always have a garbage bag full of clothes and gifts I won't ever use that I save for baby gifts for OTHER PEOPLE! The poster that said that she regifted a wipe warmer and the other person loved it...well she didn't keep it herself. You want to give her something she'll keep, not regift.

I make diaper cakes and they are fun and sweet. I roll up baby washcloths to look like candles and put them in the top layer. I use burp cloths and receiving blankets to wrap larger layers and little toys (check a local thrift store for these items!) tied with cheap package ribbon to decorate it. I keep it very simple and cheap and yet people always talk about how beautiful it is. I think some tule (cheap at a craft store) wrapping it up with a pretty ribbon on top really dresses it up!

I know you've received a million responses, but my friends have enjoyed the gift I've given them...I got a blank calendar for the 1st year of the baby's life at Babies R Us ~$20 (you'll want to ask in advance for all birthdays/anniversaries of her family) and then when the baby is born, use the 1st month to start the calendar. Write in all the birthdays/anniversaries of the family for her & put the stickers for the holidays. You'll have to write in the dates as well, but it's nice because you can customize the calendar!! Just tell her you need it for her baby gift & she'll understand later. The calendar should be put by the changing table & whenever they change a diaper (which will be often), they can document the 'firsts' of everything!! It's an easy way to keep track of the 1sts of that baby (especially since 2nd+ children tend to not get all the devotion of the 1st b/c of time) & can be put in a scrapbook later & it's already done!! It's a thoughtful gift & I highly doubt (altho I didn't read all the responses) she'll receive a similar gift!!! Good luck!!

I know someone else already mentioned it, but I most of the time I give monogramed burp clothes and people ooh and ahh over them. A lady I know does it for $5.00 a burp cloth, but I have also purchased them off of Ebay and with the cost of the shipping and burp cloth ended up spending about $5.00 each. I think I am invied to showers just because of the burp clothes I give. ;)

Depends on your budget. You have $20.00 bucks? That will get you a lot! $Dollar$ store>> Get a baby bag and some tissue paper = $2.50>>> Burlington has a section of Dollar items and all item are useful and cheap... ie: hand sanitizer, baby spoons, baby bows, baby take-a-long snack case, bibs, pacifiers, bottles, teething toys, socks, wipes, baby blocke etc. I just did this for a baby shower, it's a great idea because she is pulling out some many baby items from one bag!
And who cares if she can afford EVERYTHING!.... I'm sure she would be happy with ay gift!

Some of my favorite gifts were small hard-to-find things. A beautifully soft chenille baby blanket; a silver baby photo album; and a set of hand-made receiving blankets that were actually large enough to swaddle the baby! Also, most people give 3 or 6 month size baby clothes as gifts, and I never seemed to have clothing that would fit my babies when they came home from the hospital. A newborn size outfit might not be used for very long, but it definitely comes in handy in those early weeks!

The best gift I ever received was a laundry basket filled with baby items.(laundry detergent, wipes, diapers, shampoo, powder) All things you can get at the dollar store! I continue to give this basket at every shower I go to. You can dress the basket up with ribbons and big bow, wrap it in celophane, put it in a big box, or in a big gift bag. Hope this helps!

Books are always lovely gifts. My mother-in-law gave us a book entitled, Twighlight Verses, Moonlight Rhymes. I have read it many, many times and cherish it immensely.

What I do for nearly every baby shower I go to now is make an outfit for the baby. I am a seamstress and have lots of fabric that I can use and know how to make patterns, so even if I have to buy fabric, my expenses are minimal. Homemade outfits that look cute always get plenty of oohs and ahs. :)

If you don't sew, you could try knitting or crocheting a hat/booties set. It's easy to learn how to crochet, and there are some pretty easy patterns out there.

If you can sew, but not a lot, you could make flannel burp clothes. All you would need to do is buy some flannel (sometimes Walmart has some in the $1 a yard pile), cut it to the size you want (double if you want), and zigzag the edges. You could even overcast with a needle and thread. These could be embellished with lace or a bit of ribbon if you want to. But lace can get expensive--ribbon bows that you make yourself (cut the ribbon diagonally to keep it from fraying later) are probably cheaper and you can buy a package of ribbon pretty cheap, especially if it's narrow (1/4").

Some things you could buy that would be very helpful would be a nail care; a window shade (get the kind that has only one suction cup, not two--it will be easier to fit into exactly the place where it is needed, as I learned the hard way); a set of bottles if she plans on bottle feeding; baby shoes for later (size 2 and above).

I know what it's like to live on a budget--hence the homemade outfits. Don't worry too much about it. She probably knows you're not loaded, and probably isn't expecting a big fancy gift. It's the thought that counts the most, and your presence at the shower. The exact gift is incidental. So even if it costs you less than $5 and is the smallest gift there, don't feel bad. Add a nice card and she'll be glad you cared enough to get something. :)

A friend gave me a handmade light weight blanket that still rides around in my car even tho my kids are 10,13 and 16. It is made of two lightweight pieces of cotton fabric, sewn together w/ a piece of rick-rack edging. No stuffing or filling inside. On mine- one side is pink gingham, the other is pink flowers- with white rick-rack. Very simple but it is the perfect weight for Texas year round and was the BEST for throwing over the car seat in the summer so the plastic parts didn't get hot. Also very nice for just covering a sleeping baby so the A/C doesn't blow on them too much. It's probably 42 by 36-basically a yard of each fabric. Because it folds up so small it still is in my car- the kids pull it out when it's damp out and the A/C seems too high or when they are tired and just want to cover up (even tho it can only cover up legs or arms- not both- at this point)- or sometimes it gets used to wipe up spills- but it washes well so that is OK, too.
My other suggestion is baby books-but maybe best for a first baby. Love the Sandra Boynton collections-my girls still like me to read those to them at night some times. Goodnight Gorrilla- ask the older child if he has some of these. A book for the older one to read (maybe to the baby) would also be nice. Sometimes it is not the gift but the presentation or the thought/note that comes with it.
AND- Origins makes two lotions that are a little pricey but that I have given to many moms. One is a Lavender "Sleep Time" gel that one mom confessed to putting on her baby- to help it sleep. The other is "Peace of Mind" stress relieving lotion.
Good luck-you have lots of good suggestions. Cute burp towels are a great idea, too......

Well I got a wipe warmer at my shower but never even opened it so I gave it to a friend who was kind of like your friend. She and her husband would just go and buy whatever they thought seemed cool. So since I knew that I gave her the wipe warmer kit and she loved it. I think you can get it at babies r us and I don't think it is too expensive. Best wishes!! :)

Hi J.,,,,
there are 2 things 1 is buy the spot remover ,,for babys cloths i've only found it in larger store's ,,its always with the baby things.2 if you can sew get some hand toels or diapers cloth ang put trim on them,,or stencil them,,put cute lil patches on them for burp rags
good luck L.

A gift in never received but saw another friend of mine that had these were monogramed burp cloths. The ones my friend had were cloth diapers with her baby's name monogramed on both ends of the diaper. For example it would look like...
Gloria ~ Gloria ~ Gloria ~ Gloria ~ Gloria ~ Gloria ~ Gloria
It was done in pink thread on a machine. You can check monogram prices in your area and if that is too much you could just have one larger monogram done on each end of the cloth diaper; printed in blue with the name of her son. Hope this helps; I remember the "penny-pinching" days. And I also remember all those special ways that I wanted to show off my beloved new son. Blessings, D.

My best baby shower gifts were handmade burp cloths and a beautiful "baby's first year" frame. Later on, I received a mahogany baby keepsake box, which I cherish.

My advice would be to either give a handmade gift or an engraved gift. My handmade burp cloths had blue crochet on the ends. I still have them! Another option is to find a reasonably priced gift at Things Remembered and have it engraved for her.

Wanted to give you some ideas on items to make for a baby shower. I have made a baby clothing bouquet basket the clothing looked like little roses, and I just made a diaper wreath. http://www.creative-baby-shower-ideas.com/diaper-wreath.html http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=1255 http://www.cutest-baby-shower-ideas.com/baby-shower-craft...
Hope those websites will help you out. I got many compliments from the baby clothing bouquet I made for a lady at our church who adopted a little boy. My mom and sister really liked the diaper wreath I did. Wish you luck!

Barefoot Dreams makes the best travel blankets. They are around $25 each but they are luxuriously soft and small so they fit baby in the carseat perfectly. (I use mine for my newborn everyday) Everyone loves them. I also give the Barefoot Dreams Blanket Buddies. They have boy or girl specific ones. A white bunny attached to a pink blanket or a brown puppy attached to a blue one. Everyone I have given those to really enjoys them. I am not crafty so these are my tried and true baby gifts. I usually buy them from www.whatshebuys.com. They offer free shipping and no tax to Texas. They also gift wrap if you want. Good luck!

Diapers! make'em into a cake, boat, whatever...but diapers!! can't have tooooo many and most places will trade sizes if needed!
my 2nd fave baby shower gift was 3 diff gift cards for takeout! (papa john's, chili's, and a burger joint)

Maybe consider getting whatever kind of baby gift you think she would like and then make a "big brother" scrapbook to go with it. When our first son became a big brother, it was important to me that HE felt important, too! (To my surprise, it drew all kinds of Oooh and Aahs!) I also made a T-shirt (about $5 for plain shirt and one bottle of t-shirt paint) that said, "I'm in charge of hugs, kisses and teaching cool stuff... 'cause I'm the BIG BROTHER."

Wal-Mart has scrapbooks for about $7 or $8 (or used to.) We had all of the guests/relatives at our shower write special notes to the big brother and some even thought to bring a gift for him, too. (We scrapbooked the wrapping paper and cards.) I included pictures of Connor with his friends, playing that would show all of the fun things he could teach his new sister. (If you can't get your hands on pictures, you could just title the pages! "Things I'll teach you to do..." "Friends You'll Meet..." "Favorite Movies We'll Watch Together..." and so on.) It might let you buy a less expensive baby gift and still have the "awww" affect for being so thoughtful. (Smile!)

Hope this helps! Blessings,
M.

I went to a shower recently that one person gave the mom-to-be addressed thank you cards to the attendees of the shower and I think she had already put stamps on them. As you know, this is a time saver for busy new moms.

Also, maybe coupons for playdates with the other children after the baby arrives or a meal after the baby arrives.

Another idea, bath and body stuff for mom!

Good luck!

My favorite affordable gift is......... trial size toothpaste for MOM, travel toothbrush, buy the empty bottle sets so she can take her own Little things to the hospital, add a set of socks or slippers to the bag!! Its a different WOW, cause no one thinks of MOM!!!

The best gift I have been given or given to a friend for her baby shower didn't come from me at all. Originally my mother made my husband a blanket for our child it was called a baby and me blanket. For those cuddle times. My daughter (age 9 at the time) made one for our friend. To this day my friend and her daughter use the blanket to cuddle together and my daughter still has her blanket too. Maybe you can "borrow" your friends older child and the two of you can do it together for all three of them to share. It will help to make the older child feel like he's contributing to the baby too! Just get inexpensive material sew it together or tie it and there you go. Inexpensive but priceless. Good luck

How about a set of this year's coins, either framed or in a coin presentation container that can be purchased at a coin store.

At my sister's shower she received these really cool homemade bibs. They were a really cute material and the bib extended all the way down to the toes of the baby. I'm not sure if you have seen them before, I hadn't, but they look like the shape of a body. They are made so that they baby doesn't get food on any part of the clothes. They velcro around the neck and have strips of material that go over the legs and then a little strap to attach under the shoe to hold them there. It didn't look like it costs anything to make and everyone made a huge fuss over them at the shower!

Home-made gifts are always special!! Blankets or burp cloths are easy to make (if you are so inclined!) and relatively inexpensive. I have also done baskets - you can pick up baskets - EVEN at Goodwill - and fill with cute and useful products from dollar stores and it is always a hit - plus the baskets can be used afterwards for storage. Throw in a small can of Folgers for a laugh (since the parents will NEED it!) After all, it would have to be a pretty shallow person to not appreciate something that a friend made for their baby!

Good luck!

Find a friend that is also going and pool your money together and buy 1 gift from both of you. I have done this and know others that do that also.
I loved the other ideas you have have been getting. I have also made a bath towel with hood. Also, I have made the burp pads as well by buying terry cloth (or hand towel) and lining it in the colors the mom has chossen for the babys room. They loved that also, but the diapers trimed for burp pads was such a good idea, I am going to do that next time.
Also, I used to make a bib for boys that resembled a shirt and vest with now tie. I have never seen anyone else make these and they are so cute.
I have also, purchased a set of baby lalabys and they would only $10 and they loved it.

J., your request has touched me. Here are a few thoughts. Creativeness counts. Keep your eye on the happy occasion, the blessed event. A personal touch will be remembered. If you live in Austin, try Family Christian Store. Their prices are right and they have a table of gift items especially for baby. Remember the saying, "Great things come in small packages" ..... or something like that. One of my friends gives framed prayers. Another frames a piece of cross-stitch she had made. I think baskets are fun to put together and make a neat presentation. Again, if you live in Austin, I think I could help you put together a gift basket that would be within your budget. How soon do you need the gift? ____@____.com

I agree with the mom who wrote about the t-shirt but with a little twist, make one for the older child that says "I am the big brother" or "proud big brother". Of course add something for the baby, maybe a t-shirt that says "little brother". It will bless her that you thought of her older child.

Also in these economic times don't assume because someone appears to have everything, can afford anything, that they can, appearances can deceive.

I agree also, coupons for babysitting and meals are wonderful.

I had a baby bag with the child's name embroidered on it in the theme colors of the baby's room for a friend. It only cost me about $30 and it came with the travel diaper wipe covered in the same material. It got the oh's and awe's! I then filled it with little travel items for baby. (tylenol, gas drops, teething tablets, traveling changing pads, etc) Little things people forget about. I can't remember the ladies email address that did it but I found her on www.kingwoodyardsales.com. Good luck.

From another penny pinching mom!

One thing I didn't receive but have seen and thought it was a cute idea was a diaper cake. I don't think it would cost that much to do and there are tutorials on the 'net on how to make it.

Here's a link to instructions: http://entertaining.about.com/cs/showers/a/diapercake.htm

And you can make it as fancy or simple as you like: http://www.plan-the-perfect-baby-shower.com/baby-shower-d...

Remember just because someone looks like they have alot of money dosent mean there up to there necks in debt! One of my favorite gifts was a crazy quilt that a neighbor lady made for us. It was antique childrens patterns and fit perfectly in his room. My boss made me some bumpers and a bed skirt with very nutral colors exactly what I wanted and couldnt find. Another favorite was a basket of baby shampoo, powder, towels... all the tolitery things. Stick to the list if all else fails. Things I never used was a bottle warmer, wipe warmer, and the diaper genie didnt keep the smell at bay either. We got way too many infant outfits (for a 9.1 lbs baby) and too many receiving blankets. Shoes are also a good one as they grow out of them quickly. And johnny socks they look like little shoes but they are socks and pee pee tee pees little tents for his business so he dosent drinch the place. oh and dont foget to look at this place sooooo cute. http://rarebirdfinds.typepad.com/rare_bird_finds/unique_b...

A U.S. Savings Bond for any amount.
It will increase in value over the years and help pay for the little man to go to college.

The best item ever was the binky bib. It is a bib that a binky snaps on the end. I have 2 of these, they catch the drool and keep something to chew on close. I bought mine off ebay, there is a wonderful woman who makes them. http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/nonnagrams

You can pick out the fabric and have them monogrammed. She also makes tag blankets, the blankies with ribbons all over.

i've been to a couple of showers where someone makes something out of diapers....it can look like a cake, or a baby (a baby outfit filled w/ diapers).. i know it sounds kinda cheezy...but seriously, everyone loves it! plus, everyone needs diapers, so that's always the perfect gift for someone who has everything. i'm sure if you look online, you can find sites to teach you...probably even on youtube....have fun!

It may look like they can buy whatever they want when they wanted but they could be in debt with credit cards. Diapers were the best gift I ever got or gift cards which I used for diapers Also a couple of my friends offered to keep the kids for a Mom and Dad's night out

The best gift I can come up with is one you can make. If you know how to croquet, make a baby blanket. Anything that you spent your time with to make is always something that some will like.

I just went to a ababy shower last night and I got the mother to be (and family) a stuff your own animal kit. They are really cute becaue the whole family can stuff it and they each get to make a wish on a star for the new baby and put it into the bear or animal.
This is something different and unique and it doesnt cost alot.

The best gift I received for my second child was a clean house. A few of my friends went together and had a lady come and clean my house. I had to call her when I was ready but it felt good to know that I would get a super clean house.

Another idea is something a very good friend received. It was a box with cards and such. An assortment of birthday, different holidays, thank yous, etc. I think it came with a pen and a monthly organizer thing too. I have seen them at Target for about $10. I just thought it was super cleaver and helpful for mom. I wanted one too. LOL

Good luck! I think whatever you give she will be grateful for!

I recieved a baby shirt with my older kids picture on it that said They think I am awsome with an arrow pointing up at them. for my youngest it is framed in his room I think it cost twenty dollars to make are my daughter was born I got a shirt for her that said mommys little angel. My mom went to a craft store and got an iron on bought a little t- shirt and made it her self.

I don't know how soon you need a gift, but I ran across something called a "mommy pot by gail" it is a short flower vase, perfect for the flowers that the kids pick. Since I couldn't find these available anywhere local, I'm guessing she doesn't have one yet.
I just called and ordered 4, they are $8.50 a piece and the lady offered to ship today. Here's the website, if you are interested http://greenbowgifts.com/products.html

Call me cheap, but I give a pkg of diapers, pkg of butt wipes, something for mom - i.e. bath salts, and decorate present with a baby bottle full of candy.

Baby always need diapers and butt wipes and getting something for mom is good b/c she is normally forgotten during a pregnancy andnew baby time.

Good Luck

I love what sally wrote: ("It's actually the best one I've given...a beautiful box that has 21 letters that the mom & dad write to the child, once a year. The child doesn't know! Twenty-one days before his or her 21st birthday, they start mailing a letter every day, with the last letter and the box arriving on that special birthday.")

They have cute keepsake boxes at clearance places with Higher quality looks at places like ROSS and Marshals. I think this would be a fabulous gift!

Hey J. :) hun you can go to the dollar store or 99 cent store and purchase a small photo album. Cover it with baby boy material to be found at walmart for anywhere from a $1 a yard to $3.00 a yard. It won't even take a yard to cover the album. Find inexpensive items like stickers, small baby decor items, to embellish the album. Ev1 loves pics and an album for this lil angel would be perfect.

Good Luck ! I am sure she will love whatever you give, as I know it is coming from the heart with love and you are thinking about it .

A fantastic place to go for a great shower gift is Tuesday Morning. There is one in the Fiesta parking lot at ____@____.com, if you've never been. Girls are easier - you can by a tea set or Madame Alexander doll. For a boy, you could get a first curl/first tooth box set which can also be found at Dickensons (near Grant off Louetta next to Baskin Robins) for about $22.00 or at TaTa gifts in the HEB shopping center near the Vintage at 249 and Louetta. Maybe purchase an inexpensive bath towel set and add a fun bath toy. I also love the first hand print kits that you can find at Target or maybe even Hobby Lobby. If you know what the baby's name will be, you could buy some stationary and have it printed or run it through your own printer to personlize it. He will have plenty of thank you notes to send out! If you sew, you could buy some inexpensive onesies and personalize them with monogramming or put "John's Little Brother" (obviously with the proper name - ha). Happy shopping! - S.

The best gift is a gift from the heart.

For my son, Born in December, a lady at work gave me 3 swim trucks 12 mo, 24 months and 36 months. One for each year, and a swim ring. Good news, everyone right now has swim trunks on sales since it's off season. You can get them for under $4 easy at babies are us etc. It was super super cute, less than $15 and creative.

Okay, so I had a baby 5 months ago, and there were two really cute ideas I got, one was a blanket cake, she used cloth diapers and bought two blankets that matched our theme and made a cake with them. It was great, in fact it is so cute I haven't unwrapped it. The other one I got was a disposable diaper wreath. She bought a wire wreath frame, wired disposable diapers around it, and then attached cute things that went with our theme. I thought those were great.
Another great thing I got was a blue light bulb for the babies room, when he is up at night I don't have to turn on a big light, the blue light bulb is just enough and we don't all wake totally up.
Good luck,
A.

Okay I remembered one more, one lady made a flower pot with washcloths and spoons, you roll the washcloths up from end to end, then you make them into a swirl (coil) then attach the spoon to the backside as a stick using a rubberband, use cellophane to wrap each one tie them with a great ribbon and stick them into a flower pot. It was soooo cute.

my standard gift to moms is a spoon, baby hangers and electrical plug covers. These are necessary items and cost maybe $10 -$12. Go to the Dollar Tree for gift wrap and cards. BINGO!

The best shower gift I've ever gotten or given has been one of those almost horeshoe shaped pillows. It helps to old baby in place while nursing, and when you can't hold them and they want to see what's going on instead of the ceiling. They have them in stores to buy, but they are a little pricey for me, as my family also is paycheck to paycheck. So I have made them a couple of times. If you sew at all it is an easy project that only takes an hour or so and comes in VERY handy for a new mommy.

J., I know that you've already received a thousand responses but here's one I didn't see. A lullaby CD. No one ever thinks of it. I have given and received them as gifts and they are greatly appreciated. I'm one of those who used to put headsets on my belly when I was pregnant and also play music for infants for bedtime and nap time, and my kids (all under 6) still love to hear music to go to sleep to. You can find them anywhere that music is sold or at the Christian stores. One of my favorites (a Christian one) is by Michael Card. If she is Christian, she will love this one. He has two volumes and an accompanying book that is sold separately. The songs are beautiful and will touch the hearts of mom and dad. But any kind of lullaby, classical, or soothing music would be great. You could even buy some sing-a-long children's songs for when the baby gets a little older. Oh, and books, books, books. A classic Pooh collection, or Dr. Seuss collection, or Shel Silverstein. You can find great buys in the reduced section at Barnes and Noble, Borders, or Half Price books. Just be careful that there isn't already an inscription in the book if you purchase from Half Price. Just because it's a small package doesn't mean anything, it's the kind of gift that will be giving for years to come. Long after all the cute little baby clothes are sold at a yard sale.
L.

I make hooded towels(you need a sewing machine) for the gift and also a diaper cake out of diapers. My sister showed me how to do these because she makes baskets. You can probably look it up on the internet. The hooded towels are so much better and bigger than the ones you buy at the store. The child uses it until they are about 3-4 because it is the perfect size to grow with the baby. It is only two seams and a washcloth and towel. YOu sew one seam on the washcloth and then attach the washcloth to the towel. It was my favorite gift and it is very inexpensive depending on the towel you buy. I try to get the softer ones of course, but have used others when I am really strapped for money. The mom opens the gift and likes it because no one else usually gives this home made gift. Also you will definitely hear about it later when they realize how wonderful it is. I even have had requests to make more because the child uses the towel so much and likes to pretend the towel is their cape. YOu can make it girly or boyish. I have also used the cute decorated towel from Wal Mart that have frogs etc. on them. The diaper cake consists of two pkgs. of different size diapers and some ribbon. Try looking this up on the internet as it is hard to explain how to do it. I hope this helps.

C.

Casseroles, desserts, and breakfast pastries. Different friends picked a day of the week and brought us food. I had one friend who would call each time she was going to the grocery store to see if I needed anything. This was all a lifesaver. They did this the first few weeks and then once I felt a little more in control, I told them they could stop. I did the same for them each time they had a child.