Baby Shower Gifts
By Cathy Cripps, Fri Dec 9th

BABY SHOWER GIFTS

While you want guests to bring a gift of their choosing, it isalso important to encourage them to bring something that willmake the parent’s life easier, especially to use right after thebirth of the child. Therefore, let each guest know in person orvia the invitation that if they would like to bring a frozenmeal or coupons for baby products or even their services, itwould be greatly appreciated.

As a host, you need to consider the people that will be on theinvitation list. Sometimes, finances are tight and buying giftstough. You have a couple of options. First, you could set thetone on the invitations advising that while gifts areappreciated, they are not mandatory. This way, people know theycan attend the shower but not feel embarrassed if they comewithout a gift.

Another option is to purchase a few extra, inexpensive but nicegifts from the funds collected. As the host, if you know someoneis one a tight budget, you could tactfully let them know thatyou had extra gifts purchased so if they need one, they arecertainly more than welcome simply to take one to give thecouple. This way, that individual could choose a gift to givewithout feeling bad.

SIBLING GIFTS

For siblings, a new baby in the home can be a stressful andinsecure time. After all, they are used to getting all theattention and now, everyone who

comes to the door is offeringsomething to the new baby, completely looking past them. Toensure siblings are included, we would highly recommend thefollowing:

•Always speak to the sibling before making over the baby. Thesibling will know what is going on while the baby has no idea.Therefore, when you enter the home or place of the baby shower,take just a moment to greet the child. Instead of saying, “Doyou like your new sister/brother” put the focus on them.Something as simple as, “How are you, you look so cute! I betyou are the best big sister/brother in the world.” You would beamazed at how such a small gesture can make such a big impact.Not only is the child getting the recognition needed but also,the parents appreciate this since they too understand theinsecurities occurring with the sibling. •Bring a small,inexpensive gift for the sibling. Although the purpose of theshower is to celebrate the life of the newborn baby, a small $2gift is important. You can take a plain brown lunch bag, drawpictures or paste cartoons or stickers on it, and inside, add agranola bar, a coloring book and crayons, book, toy car, etc.All these items are inexpensive and can make the baby showermore enjoyable for the sibling.

About the author:Cathy is the Owner of Baby Shower ideasand the author of Baby Shower Moments A to Z Guide. If you arelooking for babyshower gift ideas pay Cathy a visit.