Help Mommies!

[greysangel]

No no, not for me :D

Someone I work with and am friends with is pregnant and expecting in October. There is going to be a surprise work shower for her sometime in late September and I'm sort of obsessing on gift ideas now. Except I am completely overwhelmed with cute stuff. I'm also torn between getting something that she will totally appreciate ie practical/useful and forgetting about a baby gift and go the pampering mom route. She doesn't know the sex of her baby to be so that's a factor too.

Any ideas? Moms, what gifts did you like most? Did you appreciate the little onesie pajamas or did you like the stuffed animals and blankets? Or would you have preferred a basket just for you?

JeAnne

[HejazSunKat]

Well, I'm not a mommy but I can think of 2 things: A taggie blanket and/or some CD's from the Baby Mozart line.

[cangoss]

I'm not a mommy but all my friends have had babies in the last couple of years, so I think I'm getting to be a pro at baby stuff. One thing I've heard from my friends is to not buy newborn clothes, and any clothes are risky because you never know what size the baby is going to be in the appropriate season. One friend who had a small baby has a closet full of clothes that still have tags on because the baby never fit in them in the right season, and the kid is now 2. Things off the registry, if there is one, are always appreciated. Books are good.

My standard gift for a shower is a Comfort Silkie (http://www.comfortsilkie.com/) blanket for the baby and some Body Shop Shea Body Butter for the mommy's growing tummy.

I've never seen anyone else show up with either item, and they always seem to be appreciated.

[leebee]

Some of my favorites:
*A Burt's Bees baby care assortment (I still use the apricot baby oil for myself)
*A "Boppy" pillow--great for nursing, but also wonderful for propping baby for tummy time & face/play time
*I got seven hand-made baby blankets--some crocheted, some knitted, some quilted, and I used every one of them (babies spit up a LOT!)
*One friend gave me a baby bath tub filled w/ washclothes, towels, etc
*A bouncy seat (one that looks like a combo sling/lawnchair--a lot of them have a little motor so they vibrate and play music)

You NEVER have enough socks/booties. Onesies are always great. A lot of baby brands have matching lines & you can put together a cute assortment from a onesie on up--Carters still does this the best, IMHO. I used to work in a dept store in the baby department, and we would do a box full of onesies, booties, PJs, blakets, etc, that still didn't break the bank. I only remember one thing I got that I didn't like from my shower (a Precious Moments baby book--just not my style), and I got a couple of duplicates, but that was not a problem (mostly I regifted). Good luck--I'm sure she'll like whatever you come up with.

[Canice]

Another non-mommy checking in!
I just wanted to say that for me it can depend on the financial situation of the parents. Not that I quiz them, obviously, but some people can really use what you'd get from a blitz through Mervyn's or Target, while some have all the basics covered and you can go the more luxury or "nice to have" route. Just my .02
BTW, for the "basics" (and when I have no money) I often give OshKosh overalls in a size 18 months with a couple of t-shirts. Seems most kids can wear them at 1 year, and they are very flexible season-wise.

[erinl]

I got a million blankets, many homemade so I couldn't even return them. I've only ever used a couple. That's just my experience, though. My favorite gift was a Gymini play mat--the kind with the bar hanging over with toys attached. I didn't register for it, but an experienced grandma bought it for me anyway. Hanne loved it. I bought one for my nephew and he's gotten a ton of use out of it, too. I often give a book like The Portable Pediatrician (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060938471/qid=1091552777/sr=ka-1/ref=pd_ka_1/002-2992530-4000047) or Caring for your Child... (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0553379623/ref=pd_sim_books_5/002-2992530-4000047?v=glance&s=books) along with some infant Tylenol. (I have the second book and like it a lot. My pediatrician recommended it to me.)

A note about mom pampering stuff: avoid heavy fragrances. I received some nice things that were pretty strong. I never used them because I was afraid that it would bother the baby.

[greysangel]

thanks for some of these ideas :D They are great and a better starting point then going to something like baby universe and just flipping out :o I dont want to go the "really nice" route because there will be several attorneys attending the shower and I could definitely see them going the Tiffany's baby rattle/spoon route ...not that there's anything wrong with that :D But she's an administrator like me, recently bought a house that they are doing renovation to..so she has a lot on her plate and a sort of mid level income. I may put together a basket that has some stuff for the baby and some for her. If I were to attempt to crochet a blanket, it would not be so pretty :p

[AnnaSue]

These are probably going to sound like really boring gift ideas, but two things that I really liked were the formula dispenser (a container with 4 different compartments to pre-measure formula to take when going out somewhere), and this little battery operated formula mixer gadget that you can stick right in the bottle to mix the formula. My son was on a formula that was very hard to mix or shake by hand since it always clumped up a lot, so that formula mixer was great! Those are things that I really liked, and I'm not sure how long it would have taken me to discover them on my own. You could always get a cute outfit or two, and then throw in some gadgets or other little things. Oh... I also really liked the baby medicine kit (the one with a thermometer, saline spray, Tylenol, gas drops etc.) I was a bit disorganized and hadn't bought these things ahead of time, so they came in very handy when I needed them.

[hrk]

Originally posted by erinl
I got a million blankets, many homemade so I couldn't even return them. I've only ever used a couple. That's just my experience, though. My favorite gift was a Gymini play mat--the kind with the bar hanging over with toys attached.
I second what Erin suggested. I got the Gymini as well and my DS loved it. He used it for many months and it was certainly one of his favorite toys.

Another gift I got that I loved was a gift certificate for photos from a place called the picture people. It is a one year membership, you can go as often as you like in that year, and you can get up to 3 free photos as well. I took my DS at least 5 times that first year, and if I didn't like the photos it didn't cost me anything.

And finally a gift I have started giving to people is a piggy bank. It seems to be something off the beaten path, but certainly something that the child will use for a long time.

HEather

[jellyben]

Personally, I always liked the mommy pampering kits! Everyone buys for the baby, and mom can be overlooked, so now I always include something for the mom-bubble bath, candles, chocolates. And if you are inclined to also give a trinket after the baby is born, you can give a pink rattle or some blue socks. (Not that you have to give something after!)

[RunnerKim]

Clothes can be a really personal thing too and I received a ton of hand-me-downs and didn't need much in that respect. But people love to buy clothes.

One of my favorite things to give are Robeez shoes (http://www.robeez.com) - they are amazing. They actually stay on for one thing and come in many basic and cute patterns. Most of the infants in my daughter's daycare wear them and I received tons of questions about them when Lainey wore them.

Sleepers with fold-over mittens. I had such a hard time keeping my daughter's hands warm (she was born the end of Sept). Lands End had some for around $25 but you have to call to order them, they don't have them on the web site for some reason. Pricey, but the mitten feature is worth it, and thus a great gift.

The formula dispenser that AnnaSue mentioned was a great find when I found out about it too (but could be a tricky gift if the mom is planning to breastfeed).

Kim

[greysangel]

OMG I want a pair of those shoes!!! :D :D Those are awesome!

JeAnne

[luckylori]

I like to go out and find the cutest books I can find. Ones like Pat The Bunny, or bath books...a variety. They're always a hit and no one else ever thinks of it.

[LaraW]

If you want to give some books, my DD (8 months) loves board books. They're great because she can chew on them and the pages don't rip out. Sandra Boynton is a favorite author of ours. Some of the titles we have are "The Going to Bed Book", "Pajama Time", "Hippos Go Berserk", and "Moo, Baa, La La La".

[greysangel]

ok I was all set on the Gymini, but I can't get past those shoes! So I'm thinking a pr of those, a comfort silkie (butterfly shaped one) and a board book or two. What do you all think?

ok..now I have to do a poll because I can't decide on which shoes. :o :D

[RunnerKim]

I love the shoes and since I recommended them I'm a sure vote for them! Plus I find many people don't know about them. Do you know what colors they're doing the nursery in - or a theme? That could help you decide on a design.

Kim

[greysangel]

I think they are going pastel earth like tans/creams and greens.

[Terri_A]

I was most appreciative of the "need to have" things I received as gifts. I knew I was having a girl and was given enough clothes that I didn't have to buy any for a YEAR!!! Yet, when I ended up having her early, my mom had to go buy crib sheets because I didn't have any!!!! Just my two cents.

[mlr73]

I'm a new mom - my daughter is 4 months old. Bibs are nice to have. We go through several a day. I'd suggest nice, thick ones if you go that route. I also got way too many blankets to ever use. If you get the packages of onesies, I'd suggest getting 6-9 months or even 9-12 months or later. Those are things that babies can wear in any weather - alone if it is hot and under clothes if it is cold. The bouncy seats (Fisher-Price Kick-n-Play) and Boppy pillows are 2 gifts I am grateful I got. Books are always a good thing, too.

The pampering gifts are good, too. I did get some, but honestely, I didn't use them. I had other things going on - work, getting ready for the baby, etc. So, I didn't really have a chance to use them. I wasn't one to really use them anyway, regardless of the pregnancy. If your friend is someone who enjoys that sort of thing, I'd say go for it. You might want to toss in a few things for the baby. If you get your friend a gift basket with bath stuff, you could toss in a few bath toys for the baby.

As for the shoes, I've heard that a baby shouldn't really wear shoes until s/he starts walking. But, I think that might be more for harder soled shoes. I don't see that it should be too much of a problem if the shoes are soft and pliable, more like socks.

[MrsReber]

My favorite gift and something I still use- a small laundry basket filled with necessities- baby bath, shampoo (I like the Aveeno stuff, very good for baby skin), spray stain remover, some spoons that change color to tell you if the food is too hot, a couple of teething rings, a rubber duckie that tells you if the water is too hot, a baby ice pack for all those bumps when they start crawling, and some other little things.

I love the Carters onesie sets- I'd buy 3-6 month size or 6-9 month size.

Blankets- I had a ton, too. Books are always good. Women end up getting the cute clothes or baby necessities and people do forget that the babies need things to do, too- those little plastic rings are great and only a couple of bucks.

Something else I really loved was a BIG hooded towel. They make them so thin and small that you can't use them past about 6 months. I have one really nice, thick, big hooded towel that I can still use on both kids.

Have fun shopping!

[DebGo]

hi jeanne,

as for me -- i have a ton of blankets (both nice, personalized, tagged, comfort and receiving) and onesies (yes, one CAN have TOO many!). my favorite new mommy gift is called Miracle Blanket (http://www.miracleblanket.com/) . it is for swaddling (although i have many blankets, most don't fit right for swaddling). this is wonderful. i recently ordered 2 as shower gifts and they are 15% off presently. i guarantee this will be a hit with the new mom! it goes with the book, The Happiest Baby on the Block (you can give it as a joint gift if you like).

also love to include a cardboard copy of Goodnight Moon in my gifts!

shopping for babies is so much fun! enjoy!
debbie

[Abby]

Originally posted by LaraW
If you want to give some books, my DD (8 months) loves board books. They're great because she can chew on them and the pages don't rip out. Sandra Boynton is a favorite author of ours. Some of the titles we have are "The Going to Bed Book", "Pajama Time", "Hippos Go Berserk", and "Moo, Baa, La La La".

Lara - We love the Sandra Boynton books, too. Maddy (17 m.o. dd) loves "Barnyard Dance" the best. I'll have to look for the titles you've mentioned.

[lhall]

I'm a practical gal myself. I loved getting as supply of baby care stuff. In fact DD1 had such thin hair that the big bottle of shampoo I was given lasted 3 years! :eek: :D

I like to give lotions, shampoo, medicine, thermometer, etc. Although, I'll third or fourth the gymini playmat.

Leigh

[paula]

I love the Robeez shoes and strongly suggest them. We use them for shower gifts and welcome to baby gifts for all of our out of town friends because we can ship them directly.

I also received tons of newborn clothes and stuff - far more than I could have ever used. In fact, I donated several large bags of mostly brand new newborn clothes/stuff to a local shelter when my twins were about 4 months old. I have decided never to buy infant stuff for anyone...

However, at 4-5 months, my kids started with solid foods, and I was totally unprepared. I would have loved to receive, as a shower gift, a basket filled with baby spoons, small plastic bowls, sippy cups, plastic lined, large bibs, and a copy of Child of Mine by Ellyn Satter - the best guide I have seen for children and nutrition, and regularly recommended on this board. If the mother-to-be is likely to make her own baby food, you can include a small food processor, a food sieve, some ice cube trays, and/or a baby food recipe book. Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron is very popular, but most of the baby food cookbooks are pretty similar.

Paula

[MrsReber]

Originally posted by paula

However, at 4-5 months, my kids started with solid foods, and I was totally unprepared. I would have loved to receive, as a shower gift, a basket filled with baby spoons, small plastic bowls, sippy cups, plastic lined, large bibs, and a copy of Child of Mine by Ellyn Satter - the best guide I have seen for children and nutrition, and regularly recommended on this board. If the mother-to-be is likely to make her own baby food, you can include a small food processor, a food sieve, some ice cube trays, and/or a baby food recipe book. Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron is very popular, but most of the baby food cookbooks are pretty similar.

Paula

Ditto! That's why I like to give bowls, spoons, etc. Most moms and shower guests don't think this far ahead. Then you find yourself running out to buy feeding stuff at the last minute.

[greysangel]

hmmm I like the bowl and spoon idea...maybe I'll swap a blankie for some of that stuff.

Decisions decisions...

[Gracie]

Originally posted by greysangel
OMG I want a pair of those shoes!!! :D :D Those are awesome!

JeAnne

Yeah, just what you need - more shoes!!! :D

Loren

[greysangel]

Originally posted by Gracie


Yeah, just what you need - more shoes!!! :D

Loren

:D :D :D

well if the shoe fits.... :o :D

[KimKelly]

For my neighbor we did a "Post Baby Basket". This was her second child and she pretty much had everything. We did chocolates, wine, candles, and other things that I've forgotten now. You could put in anything that appeals to you.

That being said, if you want to go for baby things one of the things I give a lot is books. There are some really adorable picture books that we've given to infants that have become their favorite books as they just happened to be on hand when they became interested in books. I also received a basket of baby lotions, diaper creams, washcloths, medicine cups, thermometers.

Ah... that's another idea! I gave a thermometer that you just drag over the baby's head and it give a temp. It was a big hit! I think it's called ThermoScan or something like that. I'll have to see if I can find a link to one. I used one and it was wonderful as you can even use it when the baby is asleep.

Best of luck!

K

[KimKelly]

Thermometer (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/baby/B00005UMZS/qid=1091666016/sr=ka-1/ref=pd_ka_1/104-3731477-4625559)

Here ya go. This was a favorite of mine.

Kim

[Blissful_in_TX]

Well I just had a baby not long ago (3 months), so I can pipe in. Please, please, please stay away from any clothes, blankets or stuffed animals! If money is tight for her, I would try to stick to her registry if there is one or things that she could really use. The shoes are a good idea, but I would wait and get a size for when they’re walking, so that could be a ways down the road.

Like someone else said, I never thought to register for the Gymini play mat, but I wish we would have b/c I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. Debbie also mentioned the Miracle Blanket, and I LOVE mine! Wish I would have discovered it sooner. And pairing it with The Happiest Baby on the Block is a great idea, too. (Also wish I would have gotten that sooner so I didn’t have to read it right in the midst of colic.)

And I’m just now realizing that we hardly got any toys, and since DS is starting to show more of an interest in that I’ve had to go out and buy a whole slew of things to keep him entertained. I’d recommend Lamaze toys (either Celeste the Sun, the Turtle or Pupsqueak) or Manhattan toys (such as Skwish or Winkel).

[cniles]

Books, books and books! LOVE the board books - Sandra Boynton, Dr. Suess:)

[RunnerKim]

I love the thermoscan (temporal/forehead) thermometer too. So fast and easy compared to doing it under the arm. It's been worth the money for us.

Just wanted to mention for those that don't know the Robeez shoes are more like slippers - they're not hard-soled shoes. So they're excellent for just keeping feet warm (or clean - great for when we took Lainey camping when she was crawling). There's information on their web site about how they're really good for foot development as kids learned to walk (compared to hard-soled shoes).

Kim