baby gifts

baby gifts

What Is the Time Limit on Thank-You Notes?

Once baby arrives, the gifts start pouring in.

Once baby arrives, the gifts start pouring in. In the early days, the UPS man practically needs a dolly to cart the packages to your door. You open the goodies, coo over all of the adorable outfits, put the cards in a pile on the table and say you will write the thank-you notes once the lil one goes down for a nap. One nap turns into two and three and before you know it, days have passed and the pile of cards has grown even larger.

Friends and family of new parents are usually very forgiving, understanding that between middle of the night feedings, non-stop diaper changes and constant laundry, there is little time to sit down and formally write a note or return a call. Emily Post says that notes should be written as soon as possible, and even if they seem late, they should still be sent because, "A late note is always better than no note at all."

How long did you take to send out the bulk of your baby's thank-you notes?

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baby gifts

Take the Guesswork Out of Monthly Photo Sessions

No need to put a caption on these photos.

No need to put a caption on these photos. The cost and ease of use of digital cameras allow new parents to photograph every first their child experiences. Gone are the days where moms would dress baby up and run to the local mall to have monthly photo sessions to capture their lil one's growth over the course of their first year. Now, mama can prop baby up on the couch and shoot endlessly, ultimately picking the single best shot to share with family and friends.

With Squigglybee's Today I Am onesies ($15), bibs ($10) and t-shirts ($13), there is no need to think about what baby will wear for her photo shoot, and no need to caption the photos for future reference. The spot-on pieces feature monthly and annual milestones making them great gifts for baby showers and hospital visits. Once a year's worth of photos has been taken, first-year photo frames can showcase just how much baby has grown. Check out some of our favorite frames below.

Baby

What Do You Prefer: Newborn Gift or Fresh Dinner?

Pop the cork — the baby has arrived!

Pop the cork — the baby has arrived! Celebrating the newborn life often begins with balloons, bubbly, blooms and a written sentiment or two. When the visitors start arriving at the new family's doorstep, they often come bearing gifts of layette, blankets or tiny toppers. Others show up with trays full of lasagna and other prepared meals so that the recovering mama can focus on her newest addition instead of the messy kitchen. Obviously both are appreciated and icing on the cake, but which type of gift do you think most mums prefer?

crafts

Hand Stitched Infant Gifts Leave an Impression

When it comes to the birth of a family's second, third or fourth child, many homes are already well stocked with baby gadgets and gear.  Consider presenting the infant with a baby gift made especially for them.

When it comes to the birth of a family's second, third or fourth child, many homes are already well stocked with baby gadgets and gear.  Consider presenting the infant with a baby gift made especially for them. Handmade items from knitted outfits to crocheted shawls are often cherished and become heirlooms.

For ladies that lack the talent to stitch their way through an entire blanket, there's a shortcut. Sublime Stitching's Baby Bib Embroidery Kit ($20) comes with two blank bibs, iron-on transfers, embroidery floss, needle, and a full-color, illustrated instructional booklet.  The patterns range from dress up clothing and fairies to rock bands and dancing vegetables, which can each be used several times over.

Baby Showers

Very Basic and Budget Friendly Baby Shower Gifts

Baby showers are a time to celebrate, but gift givers shouldn't feel that they have to break the bank!
Very Basic and Budget Friendly Baby Shower Gifts

Baby showers are a time to celebrate, but gift givers shouldn't feel that they have to break the bank! Yesterday we covered incredibly practical presents, and today we're getting truly basic. From onesies to crib sheets, new mamas and pops need it all, but stocking up can be tough in this economy. Help them prepare by purchasing one or some of the economical essentials. Check out our slideshow to see all the options!

Toys

Toy Box: Damhorst Toys

I still have a soft spot for traditional presents when gifting a newborn.

I still have a soft spot for traditional presents when gifting a newborn. I look for classics that the parents will cherish now and the child will continue to enjoy.

The family-owned Damhorst Toys began making wooden puzzles and stools in 1971. Their personalized puzzle stools are still some of the most beautifully crafted gifts I have come across. Modeled after jigsaw puzzles, they can be used to teach hand-eye coordination while providing your lil one with a sense of independence as she steps up to the toilet or the sink on her own. Though the business has grown out of their basement, the company's quality remains the same. The latest addition to their line is this adorable train puzzle stool ($99) with a usable engine. I especially like the engraving option that allows you to imprint a message for the recipient on the underside of the stools. Just don't ask me what sage words of advice to print there for all of eternity!

Fab Gift Guide

Fab Gift Guide: Stylish Baby Girl

You already receive endless oohs and aahs about your cutie pie.

You already receive endless oohs and aahs about your cutie pie. Here are a few things to keep the cooing coming. To see all of my gift guides, click here. To learn how to contribute you own fabulous finds to our Fab Gift Guide, click here.

Under $50

FitSugar brought this super cute organic baby brand to my attention. I love these Speesees booties. They are multi-colored cotton slip-ons and great as socks, shoes or legwarmers, $16, buy them here.


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