Conversation, ideas and events for parents in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County

Baby Shower gifts

When I was pregnant with my daughter, my best friend threw me a fabulous shower. She provided foods like soda and juice with scoops of sherbet in it, dainty sandwiches, fruit with yogurt to dip it in, and of course, a scrumptious cake. We played games where we couldn’t cross our legs, and the guests had to guess the size of my enormous belly. And then we opened gifts.

As an almost brand new mom, I wasn’t really sure about what I would need for a baby. Of course, I knew that I would need a stroller, a carseat, and a crib. But what of everything else? What kind of clothes does a baby wear, do I need toys for her, how many blankets does she really need? And what about all those new gadgets that are being marketed to keep them from moving around in their crib or that allow them to jump around while hanging in a doorjamb? Luckily there were plenty of other seasoned moms at my shower that knew a thing or two about what a baby needs, and I received many nice gifts that served me well for my daughter, and later my son.

Besides getting a couple of the bigger items crossed off my list, there were lots of little gifts that were given that I found to be tremendously useful? The most useful one of all? A Costco size box of diapers. I believe we got through that bad boy in a matter of weeks.

As a mom, what kinds of items are best for giving at a baby shower? What would you like to receive, and what kinds of gifts do you give?

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Permalink Reply by Jeney Pribyl on July 26, 2010 at 4:54pm

I think it's a good idea to buy from their register, if they have one. But aside from that, I love the things from this etsy seller I buy from. Truly Bella (http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrulyBella).

When I was pregnant with my youngest, a friend of mine organized a surprise diaper drive for me. One day, I opened my door to the fedex guy with a box of diapers. And the next day, another. And so on. By the time it was all done, I had enough diapers to get through the first year of diapering. And diapering two kids! They also sent me diaper wipes and some nursing pads. The best gift ever!

I think it's nice to get something for the mom, too. Some spa items, or a nice journal/pen. Just something thoughtful.

Oh, and hey - if they have older kids, I'm pretty sure offering to take them either before or after the new baby arrives would be an awesome gift!

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Permalink Reply by Zoe Neely on July 28, 2010 at 5:15am

Diapers, diapers, diapers, wipes, a diaper bag, burp towels and a boppy pillow. Those were by far the most useful gifts. I told my gift-giving friends to hit the thrift shop for clothes, too.

After the birth, friends & coworkers came over with meals we could reheat. That was a lifesaver. That pan of lasagna fed us for two days. A gift certificate for pizza fed us for another two.

Now that I'm done having kids, I have three friends who are expecting so I get to pass on the items I received. It's awesome. Parents needs to save all the money they possibly can.