Gifts at $10 and below
Are you on a tight budget, but have an important baby shower that you dare not miss? Don't worry...here are ten items that you can give as a gift, without breaking the bank.
1.Books. Buy baby board books online for less than $5 a pop (shipping included). Get discounted rates when buying on a bundle.
2.Baby Clothes. Any new Mom will appreciate a set of clothes as a baby shower gift. However, if you plan ahead, you can give the Mom-to-be toddler clothes instead of infant sets. She'll surely appreciate the vision. Another tip is to buy off-season, while the clothes are on clearance. You can surely fit more than a piece for under $10.
3. Engraved Charms. If a silver or gold bracelet is out of your budget, why not give a personalized jewelry charm? Choose from several shapes, with heart as being the most popular. It can be used as a pendant or bracelet charm. Have the baby's name and birth date engraved at the back of the charm.
4. Basket of Goodies. In dollar stores, purchase an inexpensive woven basket and decorate it with leftover holiday ribbons. Line the basket with pastel confetti and fill the basket with goodies, like purse versions of lotion, cologne, powder, diaper pins, wet tissues, anything that the baby needs. Some of these miniature items are grocery give-aways, so the over-all price comes really low.
5. Painted Pots. Paint clean clay pots with pastel colors and use stencils to place simple designs. Give a set of three to give the Mom-to-be a handy desktop storage for cotton balls, Qtips, diaper pins, etc.
6. Hand or footprint kit. These are kits that have materials to imprint the baby's hands or feet onto framed shadowboxes. Most kits are at $10.
7. Framed Cross-Stitch. For a personal touch, buy cross-stitch materials and sew the baby's name and birth date on a rectangle piece of cloth. Have it framed for a lasting gift. If you are short of time, give her a short and sweet note written on a copy of the pattern to say, "gift is work-in-progress, will be done in time for his/ her birth."
8. Plant a Tree. Various government-sponsored companies are promoting tree planting and this is definitely a great gift for a baby shower. Most tree planting gifts come with a certificate complete with the baby's name and a personalized dedication. Some companies offer a dollar for every tree, so your $10 can buy 10 trees. Now that's a guarantee of fresh air for the baby's future.
9. Baby Website. For the tech savvy Mom-to-be, create a free website for the future newborn. This gift will last until the baby grows up and can personally edit his or her website. If you know that the parents already have a web host, why not pay for the domain registration of the baby's name so for the next five years, the future new born will have his or her own e-niche.
10. Pamper Mom, Too! Who says baby shower gifts are only for babies? Be creative by giving the Mom-to-be a gift, instead of the baby. After all, the occasion is, in fact, a celebration of her strength and dedication in carrying another life for nine months. Dollar stores frequently offer pampering gift baskets or customize your own, similar to the basket of goodies described above.
Roger Mitchell has spent lots of years writing informative health articles on baby showers like ideas for baby showers. Other related subjects can also be found at http://www.HealthLifeBook.org/sitemap/index.html.
Showing posts with label baby cakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby cakes. Show all posts
Friday, February 1, 2008
Baby Shower Ideas To Make Your Party A Success
A baby shower can be the most happy of occasions full of a sense of happy expectancy for the new baby's arrival. The baby shower is a fairly new celebration, becoming popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Since then, these celebrations have developed a set of accepted traditions. Here are some guidelines to help organize the perfect baby shower.
Customary guidelines for showers have certainly changed since the 1940's. For years, a close friend or distant relative hosted the shower. Having a friend, cousin or aunt host the event typically meant that the immediate family escaped looking like they were out to collect gifts. Fortunately, this guideline doesn't apply anymore, as moms, sisters, and mother-in-laws are popular choices to host a shower.
Often a group of people will collaborate to put together the baby shower by helping with the arrangements and distributing costs out amongst more people.
Of all the preparations for a baby shower, the guest list is probably the most important. If you decide that the shower theme is to be a surprise, then you may have to do some extra footwork to gather up all the necessary names for the invitations. This might include talking to different friends and family members to discover who should be on the list. If the party isn't a surprise, then there is no reason why you and the new mother couldn't work on the guest list together.
Are you planning to throw a co-ed baby shower instead of the customary all-female gathering?
If the expectant father and other male guests are invited, will they be happy with the plan? Including male guests alters the entire tone of the party, and there are some important things to consider, such as baby shower games. If you intend to play games you'll likely want to ensure that the games you select are appropriate for mixed company. Some men are comfortable with sharing all of the aspects of the pregnancy, but for others, the baby shower could be a very uncomfortable experience.
The new parents-to-be should be able to let you know if this is a good idea or not. Should you opt for a co-ed gathering, it's often a good idea to make the party a celebration and gathering of friends without a lot of emphasis on the pregnancy itself.
More ideas for a successful baby shower include determining whether you want a theme to the shower, how you will incorporate the theme with invitations and shower gifts, and how you will extend those invitations. Should the invitations be written by hand, emailed, or will you use the telephone and personally talk to each guest? All of these are good methods for inviting guests, but written invitations are preferred so that guests have a reminder they can refer back to if needed. There are a number of potential options for your written invitations. You could have a professional calligrapher write them for you, hire a graphic designer to come up with a one-of-a-kind design you can then have printed, or you could make the invitations yourself using your computer.
The beautiful thing about a baby shower is the more contributors you have, the better the event will be. Your guests want to feel like they were able to do something to help make the day special for the new mother. By requesting each person bring a certain item for the party, whether food, a beverage or an item required for one of the games, you will help to make everyone feel included and share the sense that everyone had a hand in the success of the day.
Visit us for more information on baby shower trends, decorations for a baby shower and baby shower planning list
Customary guidelines for showers have certainly changed since the 1940's. For years, a close friend or distant relative hosted the shower. Having a friend, cousin or aunt host the event typically meant that the immediate family escaped looking like they were out to collect gifts. Fortunately, this guideline doesn't apply anymore, as moms, sisters, and mother-in-laws are popular choices to host a shower.
Often a group of people will collaborate to put together the baby shower by helping with the arrangements and distributing costs out amongst more people.
Of all the preparations for a baby shower, the guest list is probably the most important. If you decide that the shower theme is to be a surprise, then you may have to do some extra footwork to gather up all the necessary names for the invitations. This might include talking to different friends and family members to discover who should be on the list. If the party isn't a surprise, then there is no reason why you and the new mother couldn't work on the guest list together.
Are you planning to throw a co-ed baby shower instead of the customary all-female gathering?
If the expectant father and other male guests are invited, will they be happy with the plan? Including male guests alters the entire tone of the party, and there are some important things to consider, such as baby shower games. If you intend to play games you'll likely want to ensure that the games you select are appropriate for mixed company. Some men are comfortable with sharing all of the aspects of the pregnancy, but for others, the baby shower could be a very uncomfortable experience.
The new parents-to-be should be able to let you know if this is a good idea or not. Should you opt for a co-ed gathering, it's often a good idea to make the party a celebration and gathering of friends without a lot of emphasis on the pregnancy itself.
More ideas for a successful baby shower include determining whether you want a theme to the shower, how you will incorporate the theme with invitations and shower gifts, and how you will extend those invitations. Should the invitations be written by hand, emailed, or will you use the telephone and personally talk to each guest? All of these are good methods for inviting guests, but written invitations are preferred so that guests have a reminder they can refer back to if needed. There are a number of potential options for your written invitations. You could have a professional calligrapher write them for you, hire a graphic designer to come up with a one-of-a-kind design you can then have printed, or you could make the invitations yourself using your computer.
The beautiful thing about a baby shower is the more contributors you have, the better the event will be. Your guests want to feel like they were able to do something to help make the day special for the new mother. By requesting each person bring a certain item for the party, whether food, a beverage or an item required for one of the games, you will help to make everyone feel included and share the sense that everyone had a hand in the success of the day.
Visit us for more information on baby shower trends, decorations for a baby shower and baby shower planning list
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Alternative Clothing For Babies
Alternative Clothing For BabiesWhile the concept of "baby tees" has taken on a whole new meaning in the new millennium, some companies have made a real dedication to the original intent of the phrase. Of course there is always the basic "I Love My Mommy" and "Someone in Tallahassee Loves Me" t-shirts, but in keeping with the times, some companies have designed some shirts that really let baby and parent's personality shine through.
Take, for example, Wry Baby, a company that specializes in humorous baby t-shirts. Some of my favorites include "I'M NOT A BOY," "NEW," "SCENTED," and a special twin set that reads, "STOP COPYING ME." There are also onesies that come complete with baby care directions for everything from feeding to carrying.
For the breast feeding baby, there are shirts made in the style of the "I Love New York" shirts that read, 'I Love Big Boobies." A shirt that reads "Blankie, Boopie, or Bottle, Nobody Rides for Free" and features a picture of a tricycle is a nice take-off on a popular bumper sticker that's a little bit more PG rated than it's predecessor.At Baby Wit, online shoppers can find a wide range of baby and toddler t-shirts. Whether your baby wants to make a political statement, hang out with the cool kids, or just have a cute monkey on his or her shirt, there is something for them here.
Here you can find some more controversial t-shirt sayings, like "He Thinks He's My Daddy" or "My Mommy Drinks Because I Cry." There are also some amusing, but more tame shirts for the family set. Shirts like, "Come Closer So I Can Spit on You" and "Been Inside for Nine Months" (in prison suit font) make this site a well-rounded source of baby novelty bliss.For the most creative parents, there are sites that feature personalized t-shirts for babies. It is also pretty easy to pick up the paint and stencils necessary to create a super-personal look for your newborn fashion plate. So if you think you can come up with something better than "Look, Maybe Someday I'll Be Changing Your Diapers" than get thee to a craft store.
If you're politically minded, mypunkbaby.com, a company based out of Massachusetts, donates five percent of all proceeds to a different charity each month. All shoppers are given a ballot at the end of their checkout to decide which of the highlighted charities will receive the five percent donation for the month. This way, your money is not only helping a good cause, it's helping a good cause that you get a say in deciding.You can, of course, go with the method of using your baby's clothing as a way to instill the values that you hold nearest and dearest to you, like moral fiber, ethics, and rock and roll.
Recently, at a baby shower for a friend who had recently graduated from college, the new mother got a baby t-shirt that had the Guns'n'Roses logo with the words, "Sweet Child O' Mine" printed across it. It's good to know that the next generation will be a good, hearty stock.
About The Author
Bruce Hughbanks is Dedicated to helping others World Wide. Contributed to the Advancement of Self Improvement, Sefl Motivation, and Success. Build First a Stong Foundation. http://www.Hughbanks.com (Another TeagINC Network Production)
Friends and Family Should be Priority!Experience True Freedom! The Employment Alternative Group™http://www.TheEmploymentAlternativeGroup.com
Take, for example, Wry Baby, a company that specializes in humorous baby t-shirts. Some of my favorites include "I'M NOT A BOY," "NEW," "SCENTED," and a special twin set that reads, "STOP COPYING ME." There are also onesies that come complete with baby care directions for everything from feeding to carrying.
For the breast feeding baby, there are shirts made in the style of the "I Love New York" shirts that read, 'I Love Big Boobies." A shirt that reads "Blankie, Boopie, or Bottle, Nobody Rides for Free" and features a picture of a tricycle is a nice take-off on a popular bumper sticker that's a little bit more PG rated than it's predecessor.At Baby Wit, online shoppers can find a wide range of baby and toddler t-shirts. Whether your baby wants to make a political statement, hang out with the cool kids, or just have a cute monkey on his or her shirt, there is something for them here.
Here you can find some more controversial t-shirt sayings, like "He Thinks He's My Daddy" or "My Mommy Drinks Because I Cry." There are also some amusing, but more tame shirts for the family set. Shirts like, "Come Closer So I Can Spit on You" and "Been Inside for Nine Months" (in prison suit font) make this site a well-rounded source of baby novelty bliss.For the most creative parents, there are sites that feature personalized t-shirts for babies. It is also pretty easy to pick up the paint and stencils necessary to create a super-personal look for your newborn fashion plate. So if you think you can come up with something better than "Look, Maybe Someday I'll Be Changing Your Diapers" than get thee to a craft store.
If you're politically minded, mypunkbaby.com, a company based out of Massachusetts, donates five percent of all proceeds to a different charity each month. All shoppers are given a ballot at the end of their checkout to decide which of the highlighted charities will receive the five percent donation for the month. This way, your money is not only helping a good cause, it's helping a good cause that you get a say in deciding.You can, of course, go with the method of using your baby's clothing as a way to instill the values that you hold nearest and dearest to you, like moral fiber, ethics, and rock and roll.
Recently, at a baby shower for a friend who had recently graduated from college, the new mother got a baby t-shirt that had the Guns'n'Roses logo with the words, "Sweet Child O' Mine" printed across it. It's good to know that the next generation will be a good, hearty stock.
About The Author
Bruce Hughbanks is Dedicated to helping others World Wide. Contributed to the Advancement of Self Improvement, Sefl Motivation, and Success. Build First a Stong Foundation. http://www.Hughbanks.com (Another TeagINC Network Production)
Friends and Family Should be Priority!Experience True Freedom! The Employment Alternative Group™http://www.TheEmploymentAlternativeGroup.com
Homemade Baby Foods
Preparing baby foods at home helps to integrate preparation of your infant's meals into preparation of meals for the rest of the family. By making baby foods yourself, you will be in control of the quality of nutrients that your child eats, and also you will be able to provide her diet with a greater variety of healthy foods that taste much better than any jar baby food available at your local supermarket. While having a tremendous sense of satisfaction from having impact on your baby's health, you will also save money!
Essentials you need:
- stainless steel saucepan and steamer (avoid copper as it robs food from vitamin C)- food processor or blender- veggie/fruit peeler- paring knife - colander (for rinsing and draining)- fine mesh strainer- ice cube trays or muffin tins- pen, labels or masking tape- small freezer bags- instant-read meat thermometer
Fruits & Vegetables
With the exception of bananas and avocado, all fruits and vegetables have to be cooked. Cooking tenderizes them and kills bacteria that may be present on their surfaces. While cooking in water is the easiest way to prepare fruits and vegetables, it's not the healthiest, as it depletes many nutrients. To preserve all or most vitamins and minerals, steam your fruits and vegetables instead. Other healthy ways to prepare your foods are roasting and baking. You may roast or bake apples, winter squash, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. Dry heat will preserve all their nutrients and bring out their natural flavor.
Meat & Poultry
Roasting or baking meat or poultry are healthier methods than frying, broiling, or grilling. Frying leaves the food too greasy and fatty, while broiling and grilling can cause formation of carcinogens, the cancer-triggering substances. Always check if your meat is done with the meat thermometer.
You do not need to add salt to your baby's food. Also, refrain from adding spices in the baby's first year of life, as her delicate digestive system may not ready to handle them.
Freezing
Spoon your cooked and cooled baby food into clean ice cube tray (~ 2 tbs of food), or muffin tin for older infants. Leave room to allow for fluid expansion during freezing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. When frozen, transfer baby food cubes into small freezer bags. Label them with the name of food and the date of preparation. You may store the frozen cubes up t 1-2 months.
Thawing
Defrost the desired amount of baby food in the fridge overnight. You may microwave it for ~30 seconds per cube if you need the food right away. However, check the food's temperature before you serve it to your infant to prevent burns! Discard leftovers. Also any baby food left at room temperature for an hour or more needs to be discarded.
Sample recipes:
BANANA
1 small ripe bananabreast milk or formula
Break banana into pieces. Blend with a blender or food processor. Add breast milk or formula to thin it out.
CARROTS
½ lbs peeled and washed carrots
breast milk or formula
Steam carrots until tender (~10 minutes). Cool for ~ 10 minutes. Blend. Add breast milk or formula to thin it out.
MEAT/POULTRY
2 oz cooked and chopped chicken, turkey, beef, or porkbreast milk or formula
Blend the meat. Remove chunks. Add breast milk or formula to thin it out.
Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She works as a pediatric clinician and writes for Plugged in Parents. Plugged In Parents provides up-to-date info on pediatric health, safety and nutrition along with movie reviews, recipes, tech-savvy tips, and a parent's only forum. You can also contact Dr. Hillary for personal questions related to health and nutrition. Please visit http://www.pluggedinparents.com
Essentials you need:
- stainless steel saucepan and steamer (avoid copper as it robs food from vitamin C)- food processor or blender- veggie/fruit peeler- paring knife - colander (for rinsing and draining)- fine mesh strainer- ice cube trays or muffin tins- pen, labels or masking tape- small freezer bags- instant-read meat thermometer
Fruits & Vegetables
With the exception of bananas and avocado, all fruits and vegetables have to be cooked. Cooking tenderizes them and kills bacteria that may be present on their surfaces. While cooking in water is the easiest way to prepare fruits and vegetables, it's not the healthiest, as it depletes many nutrients. To preserve all or most vitamins and minerals, steam your fruits and vegetables instead. Other healthy ways to prepare your foods are roasting and baking. You may roast or bake apples, winter squash, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. Dry heat will preserve all their nutrients and bring out their natural flavor.
Meat & Poultry
Roasting or baking meat or poultry are healthier methods than frying, broiling, or grilling. Frying leaves the food too greasy and fatty, while broiling and grilling can cause formation of carcinogens, the cancer-triggering substances. Always check if your meat is done with the meat thermometer.
You do not need to add salt to your baby's food. Also, refrain from adding spices in the baby's first year of life, as her delicate digestive system may not ready to handle them.
Freezing
Spoon your cooked and cooled baby food into clean ice cube tray (~ 2 tbs of food), or muffin tin for older infants. Leave room to allow for fluid expansion during freezing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. When frozen, transfer baby food cubes into small freezer bags. Label them with the name of food and the date of preparation. You may store the frozen cubes up t 1-2 months.
Thawing
Defrost the desired amount of baby food in the fridge overnight. You may microwave it for ~30 seconds per cube if you need the food right away. However, check the food's temperature before you serve it to your infant to prevent burns! Discard leftovers. Also any baby food left at room temperature for an hour or more needs to be discarded.
Sample recipes:
BANANA
1 small ripe bananabreast milk or formula
Break banana into pieces. Blend with a blender or food processor. Add breast milk or formula to thin it out.
CARROTS
½ lbs peeled and washed carrots
breast milk or formula
Steam carrots until tender (~10 minutes). Cool for ~ 10 minutes. Blend. Add breast milk or formula to thin it out.
MEAT/POULTRY
2 oz cooked and chopped chicken, turkey, beef, or porkbreast milk or formula
Blend the meat. Remove chunks. Add breast milk or formula to thin it out.
Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She works as a pediatric clinician and writes for Plugged in Parents. Plugged In Parents provides up-to-date info on pediatric health, safety and nutrition along with movie reviews, recipes, tech-savvy tips, and a parent's only forum. You can also contact Dr. Hillary for personal questions related to health and nutrition. Please visit http://www.pluggedinparents.com
A Foolproof Source Of Great Baby Gift Ideas
When you get invited to a baby shower, it's an honor and a lot of fun too. You know there will be the regular baby shower fun and excitement and lots of admiration of the mommy to be and learning what she is in naming the child, learning its gender and all the other "giggly stuff" that is part of the fun of a shower.
But one area of anxiety you might have when getting ready for the shower is what to give for a baby gift. The last thing you want to do is to buy a bassinette only to find she is getting four of those at the shower. And there is that list of general baby gifts that are always given at a shower that you can draw on. But maybe you want your gift to be unique, to be the one that makes that mom to be smile and maybe squeal because it is just the right thing and the thing that before the shower said, "I sure hope someone thinks to give me...." And that thing she hoped for is what you brought.
But how do you go about finding out what that one great gift would be? Well there is one foolproof source of that information and that is the mom to be herself. You could just ask her. That seems to be an approach that is least often used and it might be the one that the expectant mom would most like to see used. If you just pick up the phone to RSVP that invitation to the shower, you can take a few minutes to laugh and enjoy the moment of celebration because of the excitement of the upcoming delivery of her child.
But then during that call, you can just casually ask what she has on hand already and what that really special thing someone who loves her should give. She will get the hint and realize you are the one guest of many who wants to find out what the perfect gift would be. Think of the sense of gratification and joy you will get if you are the one at the shower that gives the gift that is declared "perfect" for the baby soon to be here.
Sometimes an expectant mom is not as easy to read as that and the direct approach only leaves you with the regular list of supplies for baby that anyone can think of. Then you might need to get a little more clever in finding out what the perfect baby gift would be. So an invitation to brunch for you to celebrate her pregnancy and discuss how things are going is a great next step. During that lunch it will be easy to get your friend or relative talking about how the preparation of the baby room is coming along and any anxieties this new mom might be having about taking care of the new baby.
You might discern that the best gift would be a book on what to do when new baby comes. That is a gift that keeps on giving for sure and it might be an excellent gift for the dad to be as well. Or you might find out that there is a certain toy or accessory that the mom to be can remember from her upbringing that she would love to see given to the baby by a very special friend.
You can get a good list of unique gifts that would stand out at the shower and bless the expectant family in a very special way by just being attentive and use good listening skills when you are around the new mom. And by taking good notes well in advance of the delivery or even in advance of the shower, you will grab that one great baby gift idea that will be the gift that makes her cry at the shower. And that's the idea, isn't it?
If you are interested in learning more about babies gifts then visit us at http://www.BabiesGifts.org
But one area of anxiety you might have when getting ready for the shower is what to give for a baby gift. The last thing you want to do is to buy a bassinette only to find she is getting four of those at the shower. And there is that list of general baby gifts that are always given at a shower that you can draw on. But maybe you want your gift to be unique, to be the one that makes that mom to be smile and maybe squeal because it is just the right thing and the thing that before the shower said, "I sure hope someone thinks to give me...." And that thing she hoped for is what you brought.
But how do you go about finding out what that one great gift would be? Well there is one foolproof source of that information and that is the mom to be herself. You could just ask her. That seems to be an approach that is least often used and it might be the one that the expectant mom would most like to see used. If you just pick up the phone to RSVP that invitation to the shower, you can take a few minutes to laugh and enjoy the moment of celebration because of the excitement of the upcoming delivery of her child.
But then during that call, you can just casually ask what she has on hand already and what that really special thing someone who loves her should give. She will get the hint and realize you are the one guest of many who wants to find out what the perfect gift would be. Think of the sense of gratification and joy you will get if you are the one at the shower that gives the gift that is declared "perfect" for the baby soon to be here.
Sometimes an expectant mom is not as easy to read as that and the direct approach only leaves you with the regular list of supplies for baby that anyone can think of. Then you might need to get a little more clever in finding out what the perfect baby gift would be. So an invitation to brunch for you to celebrate her pregnancy and discuss how things are going is a great next step. During that lunch it will be easy to get your friend or relative talking about how the preparation of the baby room is coming along and any anxieties this new mom might be having about taking care of the new baby.
You might discern that the best gift would be a book on what to do when new baby comes. That is a gift that keeps on giving for sure and it might be an excellent gift for the dad to be as well. Or you might find out that there is a certain toy or accessory that the mom to be can remember from her upbringing that she would love to see given to the baby by a very special friend.
You can get a good list of unique gifts that would stand out at the shower and bless the expectant family in a very special way by just being attentive and use good listening skills when you are around the new mom. And by taking good notes well in advance of the delivery or even in advance of the shower, you will grab that one great baby gift idea that will be the gift that makes her cry at the shower. And that's the idea, isn't it?
If you are interested in learning more about babies gifts then visit us at http://www.BabiesGifts.org
Sunday, January 20, 2008
More Baby Shower Gift Ideas
A few guests can get together and get a big laundry basket. Place in it a long clothes line with outfits, diapers, bibs, etc. pinned to it. It can also be used as a room decoration. It has a bit of everything and something to carry it in!
Baby Quilt - here's a great gift from those that love to sew and quilt. Find an alphabet quilt pattern. Each square has a letter of the alphabet on it and a picture of an object that started with that letter. It can have numbers too. Each guest can be given/sent a square before the shower and can embroider, quilt, or embellish it according to her own taste. If the quilt is meant to be a wall hanging, guests can also attach little items like rattles and toys. Be sure that everyone signs their own block in some way and have the blocks returned by a certain date in order to have it put together. This can also be used as a decoration at the shower.
Make a scrapbook album. Take blank scrapbook pages and have everyone write down their well wishes (without Mom knowing it) for the new baby. This can be done at or before the shower and can be given at the shower or to Mom while she is in the hospital. If given after the shower, it can include photos taken there.
Pass out sheets of heavy paper decorated with baby related stamps, stickers, or pictures several lines drawn on. Have the guests write their name on the paper and then write down some baby/parenting advice. Once everyone is finished, collect them, add a cover, punch holes in it, and tie it together with some ribbon. Then hand it to Mom to read aloud. This will be entertaining as well as touching and is a nice keepsake. There is tons of room for creativity on this one.
Have each guest bring an extra gift (small item recommended) for Daddy-to-be and the host of the shower will then place them in large gift bag to present to him at the close of the party (usually after the main gifts are opened). He opens this with Mommy-to-be at home or in presence of close family or friends.
Diaper Shower – For a second (or more) baby, consider a diaper shower. Ask each guest to bring only a package of diapers as a gift. Some guests may bring other gifts also, but Mom will end up with a mountain of diapers … something she'll really need! Items could also include anything associated with diapering such as wipes, ointment, powder, etc.
Casserole Shower – For the mother who has everything already, how about a Casserole Shower? Have each guest bring a casserole or other ready-to-cook meal that can be frozen or stored until after the baby is born. Be sure to have the containers clearly labeled with contents and any cooking instructions. How helpful that will be when Mom and Baby come home!
Book Party – Have each guest purchase and give a copy of their favorite childhood book.
About The Author
Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you'll find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm
Baby Quilt - here's a great gift from those that love to sew and quilt. Find an alphabet quilt pattern. Each square has a letter of the alphabet on it and a picture of an object that started with that letter. It can have numbers too. Each guest can be given/sent a square before the shower and can embroider, quilt, or embellish it according to her own taste. If the quilt is meant to be a wall hanging, guests can also attach little items like rattles and toys. Be sure that everyone signs their own block in some way and have the blocks returned by a certain date in order to have it put together. This can also be used as a decoration at the shower.
Make a scrapbook album. Take blank scrapbook pages and have everyone write down their well wishes (without Mom knowing it) for the new baby. This can be done at or before the shower and can be given at the shower or to Mom while she is in the hospital. If given after the shower, it can include photos taken there.
Pass out sheets of heavy paper decorated with baby related stamps, stickers, or pictures several lines drawn on. Have the guests write their name on the paper and then write down some baby/parenting advice. Once everyone is finished, collect them, add a cover, punch holes in it, and tie it together with some ribbon. Then hand it to Mom to read aloud. This will be entertaining as well as touching and is a nice keepsake. There is tons of room for creativity on this one.
Have each guest bring an extra gift (small item recommended) for Daddy-to-be and the host of the shower will then place them in large gift bag to present to him at the close of the party (usually after the main gifts are opened). He opens this with Mommy-to-be at home or in presence of close family or friends.
Diaper Shower – For a second (or more) baby, consider a diaper shower. Ask each guest to bring only a package of diapers as a gift. Some guests may bring other gifts also, but Mom will end up with a mountain of diapers … something she'll really need! Items could also include anything associated with diapering such as wipes, ointment, powder, etc.
Casserole Shower – For the mother who has everything already, how about a Casserole Shower? Have each guest bring a casserole or other ready-to-cook meal that can be frozen or stored until after the baby is born. Be sure to have the containers clearly labeled with contents and any cooking instructions. How helpful that will be when Mom and Baby come home!
Book Party – Have each guest purchase and give a copy of their favorite childhood book.
About The Author
Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you'll find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm
Pregnancy’s Beautiful Stretch Marks
The minute you find out you are pregnant you know things are going to be changing, from your waist size to those little stretch marks that pop up. Stretch marks are exactly that, red or purple marks left in your skin because it has stretched. The most common areas for it to appear is the buttocks, thighs, stomach, breasts and even arms. 90 percent of all pregnant women will get them, whether they get a lot or a few depends on the body and how they are preventing them.
There are a ton of lotions out there that claim to help prevent stretch marks, such as scar serum, cocoa butter or Maderma. Make sure your skin is always moist, this helps in stretching the skin and not tearing it. There are new discoveries every day, ask your doctor what he/she recommends. Try them out yourself first and see if they work for you. This isn’t something you just put on one time during your pregnancy, you’ll have to make this a daily effort in order for it to work. That’s where most women fail, they just stop doing it.
During your pregnancy try to eat healthy and stay in shape. This can help to keep off any access weight. The recommended weight gain for the average, 25-35 healthy pregnancy is 25-35 pounds. Make sure you drink plenty of water, staying hydrated helps keep the skin healthy. The moment your skin dries out you can begin getting stretch marks.
If you’ve had one or more children your chances of getting more stretch marks will increase. Your skin has already been stretched out and you are about to do it again. Large babies and multiple babies can increase your chances of getting stretch marks too. Begin using preventing creams and lotions with vitamins A and E in them, as soon as you find out your are pregnant and try to lessen your chances of getting them.
After the pregnancy if you have any stretch marks you may still have a few stretch marks, even after all the care you took. These do fade over time, so don’t worry about the way you look. If they are unbearable to you and you’ve waited a while, you can choose to have a tummy tuck or laser removal. Make an appointment with a dermatologist to see what he/she has to tell you. You may discover that you can live with them after all.
Besides caring for your skin daily and eating right, there isn’t much you can do to prevent these beautiful pregnancy marks, however this doesn’t mean you don’t have to try. Take comfort in knowing that half the woman you know that have been pregnant probably have a mark or two, they may even have a little road map. Think about it as you’ve just been initiated into the gang of motherhood. No woman should ever feel ashamed of her stretch marks, they may not be the prettiest thing in the world but they do represent one thing…your child. Remember that the next time you are getting disgusted by them.
There are a ton of lotions out there that claim to help prevent stretch marks, such as scar serum, cocoa butter or Maderma. Make sure your skin is always moist, this helps in stretching the skin and not tearing it. There are new discoveries every day, ask your doctor what he/she recommends. Try them out yourself first and see if they work for you. This isn’t something you just put on one time during your pregnancy, you’ll have to make this a daily effort in order for it to work. That’s where most women fail, they just stop doing it.
During your pregnancy try to eat healthy and stay in shape. This can help to keep off any access weight. The recommended weight gain for the average, 25-35 healthy pregnancy is 25-35 pounds. Make sure you drink plenty of water, staying hydrated helps keep the skin healthy. The moment your skin dries out you can begin getting stretch marks.
If you’ve had one or more children your chances of getting more stretch marks will increase. Your skin has already been stretched out and you are about to do it again. Large babies and multiple babies can increase your chances of getting stretch marks too. Begin using preventing creams and lotions with vitamins A and E in them, as soon as you find out your are pregnant and try to lessen your chances of getting them.
After the pregnancy if you have any stretch marks you may still have a few stretch marks, even after all the care you took. These do fade over time, so don’t worry about the way you look. If they are unbearable to you and you’ve waited a while, you can choose to have a tummy tuck or laser removal. Make an appointment with a dermatologist to see what he/she has to tell you. You may discover that you can live with them after all.
Besides caring for your skin daily and eating right, there isn’t much you can do to prevent these beautiful pregnancy marks, however this doesn’t mean you don’t have to try. Take comfort in knowing that half the woman you know that have been pregnant probably have a mark or two, they may even have a little road map. Think about it as you’ve just been initiated into the gang of motherhood. No woman should ever feel ashamed of her stretch marks, they may not be the prettiest thing in the world but they do represent one thing…your child. Remember that the next time you are getting disgusted by them.
Planning a Baby Shower
Baby showers are a lot of fun, especially for pregnant mom-to-be. Not only is this something for the baby, but now she doesn‘t have to go out and buy. Before you throw a baby shower for someone there are a few things you should do to prepare. The first thing is figure out if this will be a surprise shower or not. There are benefits to both, the first one being if she knows she can help you with a list of people that she would like to be there. However, if it is a surprise she’ll be touched that you cared enough to throw her a baby shower, but be careful you don’t want to give her too much of surprise and put her in labor.
Making the Guest List
When it comes to making the guest list things can get a little tricky. Find out if there is anyone that would be upset if they weren't invited. Never leave out close family or friends, at least give them the option of showing up.
Games
Planning games for a shower can be a bit difficult when you have so many fun games and have a few gifts to pass out as prizes. Baby shower games are a lot of fun, here is a quick list.
Mommy’s belly- The mom-to-be stand in the center of the room and each guests get to decide how big her belly is using a string or a toilet paper sheets. Find out who guessed the closest.
Guess the nursery rhyme- Give each guest a sheet of nursery rhymes and have them guess the nursery rhyme or finish it. This will help everyone remember them and see who reads those bedtime stories.
Did you say Baby Game?- Each guest is giving small clothespins to wear around their neck on a necklace or on their shirt. Every time someone says “Baby” if someone catches them they get to take one pin. At the end of the party the guest with the most pins wins a prize.
Memory- Using a plastic tin of some sort place a bunch of baby items in it such as, bib, thermometer, baby spoon, diaper rash crème, etc. Anything you’d use on a baby. Let each guest get a chance to look in the bin for a few seconds and take it away. Once everyone is finished have them write down everything that was in the box. The person with the most correct answers wins.
Baby Food Tasting - Have a variety of baby food in jars, take off the outside wrapper and place a number at the bottom of the jar, on a separate piece of paper write the name of each jar. Each guest is dished out a spoonful of baby food to try. Have them write down what they think each one is. The one with the most correct answers wins a prize.
Have a great baby shower and don’t forget to bring a gift.
Making the Guest List
When it comes to making the guest list things can get a little tricky. Find out if there is anyone that would be upset if they weren't invited. Never leave out close family or friends, at least give them the option of showing up.
Games
Planning games for a shower can be a bit difficult when you have so many fun games and have a few gifts to pass out as prizes. Baby shower games are a lot of fun, here is a quick list.
Mommy’s belly- The mom-to-be stand in the center of the room and each guests get to decide how big her belly is using a string or a toilet paper sheets. Find out who guessed the closest.
Guess the nursery rhyme- Give each guest a sheet of nursery rhymes and have them guess the nursery rhyme or finish it. This will help everyone remember them and see who reads those bedtime stories.
Did you say Baby Game?- Each guest is giving small clothespins to wear around their neck on a necklace or on their shirt. Every time someone says “Baby” if someone catches them they get to take one pin. At the end of the party the guest with the most pins wins a prize.
Memory- Using a plastic tin of some sort place a bunch of baby items in it such as, bib, thermometer, baby spoon, diaper rash crème, etc. Anything you’d use on a baby. Let each guest get a chance to look in the bin for a few seconds and take it away. Once everyone is finished have them write down everything that was in the box. The person with the most correct answers wins.
Baby Food Tasting - Have a variety of baby food in jars, take off the outside wrapper and place a number at the bottom of the jar, on a separate piece of paper write the name of each jar. Each guest is dished out a spoonful of baby food to try. Have them write down what they think each one is. The one with the most correct answers wins a prize.
Have a great baby shower and don’t forget to bring a gift.
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