by Adina T. Mason

Created on: February 06, 2008

So your friend is having a baby and you really want to buy her something but you have a limited budget. Don't worry, there are a ton of thoughtful baby items you could purchase for her that do not cost more than $20.

PHOTO ALBUM/SCRAPBOOK
You can purchase a photo album, scrapbook, or baby milestone book for her. Every new mother wants to keep track of their baby's new milestones so even if they received two or three of them, they will welcome yours as well. I have nine photo albums and counting filled with pictures of my three children.

PICTURE FRAMES
Just like photo albums, picture frames are a perfect gift. Your friend will be able to frame more pictures of their new little bundle of joy.

GIFT BASKET
You can purchase a basket from the dollar store and fill it with small newborn necessities. A good example would be pacifers, small bottle of power, lotion, soap, baby booties, mittens, nail clippers, and other small items that people forget that they need.

HANDPRINT KEEPSAKE
You can purchase a keepsake kit to allow your friend to make a handprint or footprint of her baby. These kits are inexpensive and are sure to be a hit. Who would not want this kind of memory?

GIFT CARD
A gift card to her favorite store is always a nice gift for a new mom. You can never fail with a Target or WalMart Gift Card. Be creative and get a gift card to Sears Photo or The Picture People so that she can save money on her baby's first photos.

MAGAZINES or BOOKS
I know you are thinking that new moms do not have time to read. Well actually, yes they do. There is a lot of time when they are feeding their new baby or simply holding a sleeping baby where they may have a few minutes to flip through a magazine or book.

DIAPERS AND WIPES
After the birth of my twins, I had tons of baby shower gifts that I did not need. What I really needed was a supply of diapers. You cannot go wrong with diapers or wipes.

FORMULA
If your friend is formula feeding, then pick up a can of formula. Baby formula is expensive and I am sure she will appreciate the gesture.

TIME
No money cannot buy time but I gurantee you that if you simply just spend time with a new mom she will appreciate the company. Most new moms are going through the baby blues and a friend to talk to for an hour or two can be uplifting and refreshing.

No matter what you decide to purchase, I am sure she will appreciate the thought. Just do not get to upset if she forgets the thank you cards; lets face it, she is busy with a newborn!

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