4 of 28

Write now Article Tools

Your first instinct will be to go out and buy the cutest baby outfits that you can find. Not only will this push you way over the $20 mark but in the practicality stakes this won't be at the top. What it will get is a lot of ooh and aahs at the shower. Ultimately new mom's get more outfits then their baby can ever use and many of those really cute things end up sitting in the closet or drawer unused. As the Mom of three and grandmother of 8 I have had quite a bit of experience with babies and baby showers. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.

1. If you can get together with another of the guests and pool your $20, $40 is always better.

2. Look for a really cute basket, if you think ahead you can find one at a flea market or tag sale.

3. Buy 3 onesies in each size, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. Remove them from their packaging and wash and dry them using baby soap and softener. They will smell really good. If you think ahead you can buy these on sale and have them ready way in advance.

4. Buy a package of receiving blankets and also wash and dry them with the baby soap, like Dreft or Ivory.

5. Go to the local discount chain or drug store and get liquid infant Tylenol, a baby thermometer, nasal aspirator bulb syringe, baby nail clippers, infant Benadryl or other cold medicine and diaper rash ointment. While these items are not the sort to get the oohs and aahs they are essential items to have on hand. The Mom will be much more grateful the first time she needs these items than she would be for a cute outfit.

6. Use one of the receiving blankets to line the basket and roll the others. Place all the clothing items along the edge of the basket and the essentials in the center. If you have been lucky enough to have gotten the items on sale use any money you have left to buy a couple of pacifiers or teething rings to add color and the aah factor to the basket.

7. Another thing I like to add to the basket if there is money left is a small size of Ivory or Dreft and fabric softener. There is nothing like the smell of clean baby items and the Mom will want to know how you did it.

8. Another gift that will be greatly appreciated is an envelope filled with coupons for diapers and other baby products. Babies use an amazing number of diapers and coupons are a life saver.

If you have several friends who are pregnant it makes this type of gift even easier and more economical. You can buy larger discounted packages of onesies and receiving blankets and save even more.

If you have to do it on you own for $20 you will have to cut down on some of the items. You can choose only 6and 12 month onesies and decide which of the drug store items to loose. If you can't find a basket a plastic container like a lock and lock is also very practical and the Mom will have many uses for it after the shower

Learn more about this author, Belle Starr.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Thoughtful baby shower gifts under $20?
We want to hear your view. Write now!