Okay, I have the unique pleasure of shopping for a new mom who literally has everything in the world. This creates a level of stress for me, because I am not sure what I should bestow upon her unborn child at the baby shower this weekend. Forget the diaper cake and other gadget necessities, I believe that those were probably bought the day they came home with the ultrasound announcing it was a boy. So, this leaves me trying to find a gift by being creative and ingenious. It is hard to buy gifts for people who have everything or who have a third, fourth or um, tenth child as inevitably the hand-me-downs floweth in those households. The last thing any parent really wants is more clutter to deal with. So I found some fun websites that offer unique gift ideas for those situations where you find yourself needing creative gifts.
THE CORNER STORK
The Corner Stork looked like it had some very clever, unique gifts, such as as sock octopus, soft plushes, rag dolls and baby jewelry. The items listed are reasonably priced and offer some unique ideas that are not too crazy or trendy for your more conventional family and friends.
THE NAP NANNY
The Nap Nanny is a unique gift used by stars, such as Sandra Bullock. These cozy beds are great for newborns and young infants to help them sleep and keep them safe when they are not in their parent’s arms. This is a great invention, as finding a comfortable place for your baby to sleep or sit while keeping them safe is always a challenge.
LOLLIPOP MOON GIFTS
Lollipop Moon has an amazing selection of gifts in all different price ranges. They offer everything from frilly tutus to outdoor play structures. One could literally get lost in this site because it offers so many unique and diverse products. I simply love shopping here. Lollipop Moon keeps up with the fashion trends for moms, babies and families and they pride themselves on always having something unique to offer.
FRUGAL FUN
Some of us simply don’t have the extra cash to bring the most remarkable, most unique gift any parent has ever seen. So, we need to be a bit more creative in order to give a unique and valuable gift. Four Hats and Frugal blog offered some great advice on giving gifts that were meaningful, but not costly.
Service Gifts: Make a handmade (or store bought) card that offers your services to the new mom. For example: make a gift certificate that gives them laundry services every Monday afternoon, for 3 loads of laundry, washed and put away for a month. Offer meals for a week, either by cooking them in the new family’s home, making them at your home and bringing them over or preparing them ahead of time and freezing them in ready to eat portions and containers. These cute fun containers can be bought at a dollar store and used to freeze meals for the whole family.
Family Fun Baskets: Instead of just diapers, create a basket that the whole family may enjoy, once the baby gets there. If the mom and dad are a couple and parents for the first time, you might want to put a movie package together with movie rental gift certificate, popcorn and snacks. If the family has older kids, think of creating a basket that has drawing materials, snacks, books on becoming a big sibling…etc. Most of these items can be bought at the grocery store or a dollar stores, without costing too much. Just remember make your package look festive and unique.
TRIED AND TRUE FAVORITES
Almost every baby in the world loves Sophie the Giraffe. This simple teething toy, while pricey at $17.99 and more, is a favorite of moms and babies. Something about the simple durable design made of organic rubber stimulates a babies sense of sight, sound, feelings and taste. Made of a food based paint and organic rubber, the manufactures encourage babies to explore Sophie with their mouths, fingers and minds.
GUND BABY BLANKET
The Gund Comfy Cozy 24″ Baby blanket (sold through Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Gund-Baby-Comfycozy-Lopsy-Blanket/dp/B0012XRTK8 ) is a must for babies. Made of soft fabric and sized to nestle nicely next to baby while they sleep, this blanket is safe and comforting for babies and young children. My daughter has a giraffe Gund Comfy Cozy blanket and to this day, will not sleep without it. This a nice gift for a baby shower as, like my daughter, the child can grow up with a little bedtime pal.
So here are some ideas to hopefully get those creative thoughts flowing in order to find the gift for someone who simply has everything.
