The holidays are coming faster then we can believe. There are always birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries, showers, weddings, babies; you name it where you feel bad about not bringing a gift. The budgets for most of us are hanging on by a wing and a prayer. What are we to do to provide our friends and family with thoughtful gifts when we are borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, or borrowing from Visa to pay MasterCard?
Here is a list of five ideas for baby gifts that will not break the budget, but they will still be well received and appreciated.
1. Diapers. Diapers are expensive when you are going through a pack a day or so. Even cloth diapering can add up. A gift of a pack of diapers or a couple cloth diapers will go a long way. Be sure not to pick the smallest size. Babies grow out of those newborn ones faster then you can use them, which is saying something. You can pair a package of diapers with a box of wipes, disposable changing table covers and a bottle of baby powder for a nice gift that is under $20. You can save even more with coupons. Mom and baby will be very pleased.
2. Photography “club” card. Most major studios now offer a club card of some sort. This card usually comes with a year of discounts and no sitting fees. JC Penny’s even offers a free 8X10 and discounted sheets every time pictures are taken. There is rarely a mom or dad that does not love pictures of the new blessing. Babies grow so fast and change so much that these photos become life-long treasures. Generally the cards run around $25 for a full year of unlimited use.
3. Books. Books are wonderful gifts because they will be loved for years to come. Baby’s first library can include some wonderful classics like Goodnight Moon and The Rainbow Fish. You can also include some fun paperback picture books. Stack some in a cute basket or storage bin and you have a superb gift that will last for years and be a joy for the family. The price will vary based on the number and value of the books.
4. Frozen home cooked meals. This is one of those gifts where everyone says, “Why didn’t I think of that?” and “I wish I would have had that when I had my baby!” Prepare several days’ worth of easy to reheat dinners such as soups, pastas and casseroles. Freeze them in marked disposable containers so that there is nothing to clean up or return. Then, put them in a cooler, pack with ice and give to the family. This gift will be a blessing for sure, and will provide the new family with nutritious meals at a time where cooking is the last thing on the mind. This gift does require a bit more effort, but can be the least expensive one of all based on your ingredients.
5. Toiletries for mom. Mom is going through a lot. Sometimes the only thing a new mom wants in the world is a hair band and a toothbrush. Hit your local dollar store or the travel section of a big box store and load up. Fill a cute little toiletries bag with lotion, hair bands, a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, mouthwash, and anything else you can think of that you believe mom would like. She can then just drop this bag into her hospital bag without a second thought. Also, this little bag will come in handy after baby is home. All of life’s little essentials can be found in one place – what a wonder! This gift can actually be less then $10!
Baby gifts do not have to dwindle your bank account into wee proportions. These gifts will be needed, wanted and probably repeated by others who will appreciate the thought that went into them.
