Sometimes it seams as if everyone you know is having a baby. It may also seem that you are invited to all the baby showers, not to mention are expected give gifts after the baby is born. Here are some ideas you can use that will not break the bank.
Make items from cloth diapers: You can purchase inexpensive cloth diapers from your local baby store, or you can buy them in bulk online. If you have an embroidery sewing machine or can embroider by hand, you can add the child’s initials to the cloth diapers, and maybe sew on trim as well. These will make wonderful burp cloths. You can also make absorbent bibs from cloth diapers. Simply fold the diaper in half lengthwise, cut out a slit for the neck, and then cut a line from the slit to the back edge. Trim your raw edges with satin trim and add a ribbon for a bow at the back of the neck. Embroider the child’s name on the front. You can make burp cloths and bibs from hand towels as well.
Gift baskets: Making gift baskets yourself are far less expensive than purchasing them. You can make a gift basket bouquet out of onesie t-shirts by laying out each t-shirt, folding each side in, then rolling the t-shirt. Then place all of your rolled t-shirts tightly into a basket and it will resemble a bouquet of flowers. Add a colorful rattle to the center. You can do the same with diapers, bibs, blankets, or any other soft material. Keep a large roll of white netting fabric on hand to wrap each completed basket. Just like you would make a gift basket, you can also take inexpensive items purchased for the baby and form them into a wreath by tying them onto a wreath form. Add nail clippers, eyedroppers, thermometers, socks, mittens, hats, and any other small item you come across. You can even make a safety wreath by attaching items like outlet covers and cupboard locks.
Baby’s first holiday ornament: If you can make a holiday ornament, you can make a Baby’s First Ornament. All you need to do is take your completed picture frame, angel, or decorated ball ornament. Add the baby’s name, date and the saying Baby’s First Ornament” to it.
Baby blankets: You can make personalized blankets for the baby. If you crochet of knit, then it may even become the gift that is expected for your family and friends. If you can sew, trim a simple plain fleece blanket with satin or wide ribbon trim. Make sure the trim is washable and the blanket is pre-shrunk. If you cannot crochet, knit or sew, make a no-sew baby blanket. Start by choosing a solid and a patterned piece of fleece, approximately 60 inches square. Lay one on top of the other with the wrong sides together. Cut 5 inch fringes all the way around, then tie the front and back fringe together. You can then sew or attach a teething ring or soft teddy bear to your blanket to make it the child’s favorite.
A labor of love: You can give a babysitting I.O.U. as a gift, or you can offer to help decorate the baby’s room for the mom. If you have artistic talent, you can paint a mural or create a stained glass painting for the baby’s window. You can also surprise the mom by making a scrapbook of the pregnancy, baby shower, or the baby’s first day, week, or year.
