If you are soon to be throwing a baby shower, consider going the practical route with your gift giving. When money is tight, it benefits everyone to give purposefully instead of frivolously. Even if money isn’t tight, it’s always nice to give mom-to-be something she will truly put to good use.
Group gift card. Pool your funds (let everyone give what they are comfortable with) to the parent's to be favorite baby store. Then they can use that money to purchase what they need.
Supply stock up. Ask the mom-to-be what supplies she needs (diapers, hangers, pacifiers, formula, etc) and create a list on the invitation. Ask people to purchase these gifts instead of being left to their own devices. This is particularly good for the mom who already has all the clothes and strollers she needs.
The gift of time. Give the mom-to-be the gift of time. Give coupons for babysitting older siblings or the new baby to give the mom some well deserved rest or a few hours out and about.
Give food. Consider baking some casseroles to put in mom's freezer or ask the group to go in on a gift certificate to a ready made meal facility. That way the parents to be have one less thing to worry about when baby arrives!
Clean sweep. Consider getting the group to go in on a gift certificate for a house cleaning or two. Moms-to-be will definitely appreciate a little extra help in this department. If you really want to save money, gathering a group of family and friends to help get the house organized pre-baby and then offer some weekly help with laundry, vacuuming and bathroom cleaning.
Make a photobook: This is a great gift to give mom. It’s something she can treasure for years to come. Have everyone email the hostess and picture of themselves with the mom to be and a note of advice to her. Then the hostess can easily assemble the photographs and the notes in a special photo album to present to mom at her shower. Check out the PurpleTrail Photobooks – the design center is full of beautiful designs and easy to use tools.
It can be easier to just buy a stuffed animal and a cute little outfit. But giving gifts that moms really use can be rewarding for everyone. So think outside the pink or blue box and give something that the mom-to-be really needs!
Leslie is a work at home mom of one busy little guy. She is a freelance writer and covers a range of topics with a special focus on party planning. She is a regular contributor to PurpleTrail.com, a comprehensive party planning site and has also been featured on Birthday Girl Blog and The Craft Monkey. Her passion for entertaining has led her to become an expert on budget party planning without sacrificing style. From baby showers to back yard barbecues, she’s done it all – without breaking the bank.
Such cute ideas!
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