by Vanessa Bartlemus

Created on: September 30, 2009

Looking for a more unique gift than the standard baby clothes (which every new baby always ends up with too much of), bibs, or receiving blankets? Then try your hand at creating a gift basket. They are always lots of fun for both the giver and the receiver. It shows you put a lot of thought and love into your present. And for the new parents, it's like they're getting many gifts instead of just one big gift.

Start with the basket. You can get one in blue for a boy, pink for a girl, or yellow or green for a surprise baby. But don't limit yourself to a typical wicker basket. You can put baby's gifts in a watering can, a bucket, or even in a hollow baby item such as an infant tub. Get creative with this part!

Next, line the basket with some tissue paper, cellophane, or shredded paper. Using ribbon or a bunch of tulle, tie a bow around the basket or on the handle. Then comes the fun part: filling your basket up! Here are a few theme ideas to get you started:

-Bedtime basket:

Include a cute pair of PJ's, a cuddly teddy bear, some calming lavender lotion or massage gel, a CD of lullabies, and a bedtime story such as Goodnight Moon.

-Bath time basket:

Fill this one with baby shampoo, body wash, a rubber ducky (because every baby's got to have one!), rolled-up washcloths, and a few bath toys. You can use a hooded towel to line the basket in place of tissue paper.

-Play time basket:

Pick out an assortment of fun little toys for baby to play with. Some basics to include are a rattle, a doll, a ball, a toy that can be attached to baby's car seat or stroller, and a CD of fun, upbeat kids' songs.

-Sweet memories basket:

Include a handprint/footprint making set, some picture frames, a photo album, a baby record book, and a "baby's first year" calendar.

-Mealtime basket:

Include a bottle, a baby bowl, some soft-tipped baby spoons, a sippy cup, and a set of bibs.

-Going out with baby basket

This one is extra fun to give, because the parents think they're just getting a diaper bag, only to open it up and find lots of little goodies inside! Buy a diaper bag and fill it with some of the stuff the parents will need when going out with baby. Include: 3-4 diapers (just buy a small pack of them and put a few in the bag, give the rest to mom on the side), a travel wipes case, a waterproof changing pad, a small tube of diaper rash cream, a small bottle of lotion, hand sanitizer, and a brush and comb to keep baby looking his/her best!

It's always nice to include a little something for the parents in the gift basket. A gift card to a fancy restaurant, a voucher for cleaning services, or a box of chocolates are all good ideas. After I had my baby, my grandmother sent us a package that had lots of baby clothes and toys each wrapped up individually. At the bottom of the box was a nice surprise, a box of assorted gourmet teas and a note telling me and my husband to enjoy a hot cup of tea as a way to wind down each day!

Some other ideas for baskets are a color themed basket, animal themed basket, or a seasonal basket based on when the baby is due.

Most importantly, have fun, and show off your creativity! Your thoughtful gift will always stand out in the new parent's memories.

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