by Nikki-AC

Created on: April 20, 2009

I love going to baby shower parties and shopping for gifts. All the cute teeny tiny newborn infant clothes and fuzzy little blankets are fun to look at and "ooh and aah" over. Then I look at the price tag of these adorable newborn goodies and realize I can make a baby shower gift basket with less cost and get more for my money. It also allows me to put a personal touch on the present for the expectant mother and father.

There is no end to the list of infant related goodies you can stuff into a baby shower gift basket. I go to several parties a year and like to shop the clearance racks all throughout the year to stock up on bits and pieces as I find them. So I always have a ready supply of non-perishable items such as sleeping outfits, newborn clothing, receiving blankets, rattles, pacifiers, bibs, diapers, teething rings, plush toys like a teddy bear or duck or bunny, warm booties, soft fluffy socks, children's books of fairy tales or farm animals, photo frames, eating utensils or bowls, hair bows, and hats. Then there are the standard always appreciated supplies you can pick up at the last minute such as Vaseline, baby lotion, powder, shampoo, Orajel or other medicine for teething pain, diaper rash cream, and other nurturing child care and maintenance items.

You could also pick a theme for your baby shower gift basket. Pick a fun character theme such as Cinderella or Disney princess, Barbie, Thomas the Train, Mother Goose or other fairy tale characters, Bob the Builder, Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, or Dora the Explorer. Alternatively, ask the parents what color the nursery and use those colors to picks gifts only in those colors.

Along with the baby-related items, you can include some treats for the expectant mother or father as well. Things such as books on parenting tips, gift cards for dining out, relaxing bath oils, soothing music, chocolate candy, or "coupons" offering to babysit for the couple should they want a night out on the town or some alone time.

Before picking a container to hold the contents, consider the size, shape, and number of items you will be putting into the holder. You can use a wicker or wire basket, a diaper pail, a clothes hamper, a wooden toy box, a cute kid sized wastebasket, or even a little red wagon. Just make sure the size of the receptacle is large enough to accommodate the size and shape of the goodies you'll be putting into it.

Once you decide on the container and gather all the gift goodies, all that's left to do is arrange everything neatly inside the container and top it off with some colorful ribbon, tissue paper, or balloons and a card. The main idea for a baby shower gift basket is to be creative and put your own personal stamp on the creation - making it a present that is both useful and memorable.

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