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Baby showers and parties are wonderful events, but sometimes for those of us on a tight budget they can get expensive. Here are a few tips on giving great baby gifts without emptying your wallet.
Think Ahead: Overall, people will buy infant clothes, onesies, baby booties, hats etc. If you think ahead you can really please the mom to be. Nothing is more welcome than a 2T, 3T, or up outfit amidst all those teeny tiny clothes. Also, if you buy toddler clothes, you can buy a 2T summer outfit on clearance during the fall for a fraction of the original price (or any other off season purchase). The same goes for toddler size sandals. You’re not only thinking ahead, but saving money, and you’re the only one who will know!
Go For Sentiment: You can get a handprint/footprint kit at most major discount stores for about $10. These are kits where the parents mix the plaster and make an imprint of the infant or toddlers hand and foot. This is an inexpensive thoughtful gift, as well as, an activity for the parents and baby to do together.
Picture frames are also great for sentimental gifts. A beautiful frame with a popular character (Pooh, Mickey Mouse, etc.) or baby themes can be had for under $15. And as any new parent can tell you, you can never have too many nice picture frames.
Practical Thoughts: Some of the best baby gifts can be the most obvious—essentials! If you buy an attractive basket and stock it with all the definite needs of a new baby, you’ll have a winner. A pack of receiving blankets, Vaseline, gas drops, onesies, cloth diapers for burping, a brush and comb set, baby shampoo and soap, a teething ring and to round it out—a pack of newborn diapers. The whole kit and kaboodle can be had for under $20 if you shop smart.
Literally Speaking:
Believe it or not, a great baby gift is a book. Any kind. There are books specifically for infants (meant to be chewed), Board books for toddler (indestructible—almost), or go for the keepsake. A classic like Charlotte’s Web is a great gift. Boxed sets are available for kids that come with the book and a stuffed animal, puppet, or some other item from the story (most under $20). Also, lots of major book chains offer special editions of classics printed by their own publisher for much less than the original cover price. It doesn’t hurt that often these editions are nicer than the other printings.
With a little imagination you can give a thoughtful gift for the baby to be without going broke!
Other baby ideas for under twenty dollars:
A bath seat
A set of bath toys with a drying net
An umbrella stroller (for easy traveling or quick trips)
A diaper bag (try to match the nursery theme)
A play mat (available with interlocking squares or texture/color/sound additions)
Memory box/book
Any of the infant toys manufactured by Lamaze Brand (educational and affordable)
Tooth Fairy Pillow
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