LilSugar

What Will You Spend on Your Kids' Holiday Gifts?

LilSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:30:48 -0800

The National Retail Federation is estimating the average household will lay out around $630.85 on gifts during the holidays this year. For most families, a major chunk of that budget goes to the kiddos who have been nice and, perhaps, a tad naughty. Whether or not you plan on going over or under the national average, parents not wanting to disappoint their little ones almost always find themselves spending more than they'd like during the festive celebrations.

Do tell, what's the gift budget for your tots this holiday season?

10 Traditional Gifts For Newborns

babysugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:10 -0700

When it comes to gifting baby, the opportunities are endless. Layette, plush toys, books and freshly baked dinner are always winners, but these tried and true presents will make a new mom swoon and will most likely never make the "donate" stack or the garbage bag.

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Tasty Treats For Labor and Delivery Staff

LilSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0700

If it takes a village to raise a child, it can take a handful of people to deliver one. Nurses, doctors, midwives and doulas often play instrumental roles in baby's debut. Though only 23 percent of lilsugar readers said they thanked their birth assistants with a gift, those who did made thoughtful purchases. Here are some sweet options perfect for saying thank you that can also be shared with the person's coworkers.

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Is Regifting Children's Gifts Clever or Tacky?

babysugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:27 -0700

What's a mom to do when her son winds up with three of the same toys at the end of his birthday party? Philanthropic parents donate their excess goodies to charities while others take the presents back to exchange for fresh loot. Then, there's always that inkling some people have to rewrap the unused gift and pass it off to another child. Regifting might have been considered tacky in the past, but in the current economy, do you think it's appropriate?

10 Items For Monogramming

babysugar — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 08:09:26 -0700

If you like it, then you should put a name on it. Labeling is good for keeping tabs on items, but a simple monogram can add a touch of personality and class to an ordinary gift. Pick up a basic item and pay a few extra bucks for a quick stitch job that makes the gift-giver look even more thoughtful.

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Ten Celebratory Gifts For New Siblings

LilSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:00:56 -0700

When a much anticipated baby makes his or her debut, don't forget to include their older sibling or siblings in the celebration! Including first time big sisters and brothers is especially important as they may not be used to sharing the spotlight. If you plan on bringing a gift for the new bundle of joy, consider the thoughtful gesture of also giving a lil something to the other tots. Check out the slideshow for ten of our favorite items! Source

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Lil Find: Hand-Embroidered Onesies

LilSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:00:07 -0800

When second and third children arrive, I like to buy them something a bit out of the ordinary. Their homes are already filled with baby bouncers, swings, board books and hooded towels from the first tot's arrival. I tend to go with something personalized. It allows that baby to have something of his own that is not just another sibling hand-me-down. Baby Gardner Hand-Embroidered Onesies ($38) are a sweet fit for this occasion. The vintage-inspired garment features an adorable baby elephant and the newborn's name, and comes in a personalized muslin drawstring bag that can be used long-after the lil one outgrows the gift.

Mommy Dearest: Rude to Tell That You Returned Gift?

LilSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:00:49 -0800

Mommy Dearest,

I sent my godson a scooter for his birthday and just received a thank-you note saying that he returned the present because he preferred something else. I don't mind that he exchanged the gift since I just guessed that the ride on was something a nine-year-old would like, but I thought mentioning it in the note was rather rude. We live in different states and I never would have known had he not told me. Am I right?

- Didn't Need to Know About Returned Gift

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Didn't Need to Know About Returned Gift,

I think the sole purpose of a thank-you note is to acknowledge a gift that has been given and show appreciation for the kind gesture. Mentioning a gift was returned or exchanged for whatever reason is not necessary unless the giver inquires about it.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Source

lil Tip: Scatter the Presents

LilSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:44 -0800

My kids make a killing at Christmas because we have an incredibly generous family and a large circle of friends. But after watching my tots be overwhelmed by gifts in past, this year I broke the rules and allowed them to open some presents early. When my sister came over with a sack of goodies for the lil ones, I let them tear into them. My son and daughter delighted in their loot and their auntie got a proper thank you watching them play with their new name puzzles and games.

There's still much for the kids to look forward to with Santa coming in a few days and family festivities, but in the mean time my son is having a blast circling our Christmas tree on the motorcycle my friend gave him.

Keri Russell Limits Her Son's Gifts, Do You?

LilSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:00:55 -0800

Keri Russell makes sure her lil guy River Deary knows the true meaning of Christmas. When asked about their plans, the Bedtime Stories star said:

We’re having all the parents at my house this Christmas and we told the grandparents, “No one go crazy. One gift for the kid,” which translates to like five. They don’t understand that. My gift is being home. It’s been so nice to be in our house in Brooklyn.

Do you try and limit the number of presents your kids receive, too?

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