Personalized Baby Gift Baskets

There are lots of occasions to give gift baskets, but nothing is more enjoyable than sharing in the excitement and joy of someone bringing a new baby into the world. A gift basket is the perfect gift to give new parents to show how much you care. They can be given for baby showers, baptisms, christenings or as a congratulatory gift after the baby arrives. Whether it's a baby girl or baby boy, a gift basket for a new baby is always appreciated.

Baby gift baskets can be expensive, as professionally made baskets often cost well over $100. To avoid spending a lot, try putting one together yourself. Making gift baskets can be rewarding as well as thrifty, all while adding a distinctive personal touch to your gift. They present wonderful opportunities to show off your creative and imaginative side, too. By putting together your own baby gift basket and delivering it yourself, you will even get an opportunity to see the new arrival!

To create your own baby gift basket, first, determine what size of basket you need. If you don't think you will be able to fill a large basket, it is better to get a smaller one. Most craft stores offer baskets of various sizes, shapes, colors and prices. Raffia and tissue paper both make excellent filler for the bottom of the basket, along with baby blankets, fabric, shredded paper, straw or Easter grass.

When you are making a baby gift basket you need to consider whether the baby is a boy or a girl and what kinds of things the mother needs. You can also center the basket around a theme. If the basket is for a firstborn child, its parents will need just about anything you can think of, but if it's for a second or third child, the mom will most likely have the basics covered.

One of the really fun things to do with a new baby gift basket is to use a diaper bag, a small laundry basket that can sit on a dresser, a baby bath tub, a trunk, a pretty box or a small storage tub instead of an actual basket. Use your imagination!

You can make your baby gift basket practical, providing the new parents with all sorts of necessities for their baby. Baby toys, rattles, shampoo, lotion, powder, wash cloths, wipes, diapers, hooded towels, burp cloths, bibs, socks, diaper rash ointment, receiving blankets and baby clothes are all useful things to include.

You can make a themed gift basket using only baby clothing items, if you'd like. A small laundry basket would make a perfect container. Include things like sleepers, undershirts, bibs, booties, socks, mittens, sweaters, hats/caps, tights (if the basket is for a baby girl), baby hangers, shoes and onesies. Remember to add larger-sized baby clothes in your basket, since babies outgrow newborn clothes quickly.

You can make your basket more whimsical, offering small items that are just plain fun and add to the joy of having a baby. You can include baby hand/foot print kits, monogrammed items and other heirloom items in your basket, which will be treasured for generations.

A great idea for the second- or third-time mom is to create a smaller basket for her other children. That way, they won't feel left out and they will be kept occupied. You can fill it with coloring items, puzzles, toys, snacks, etc.

A really creative idea for expectant moms is a "labor basket" (or even a "pamper the mom-to-be basket"), full of items that will be needed at the hospital. Items you might include a relaxation tape or CD, slippers, a book/magazines, candy bars, perfume, lotion, robe, hair clips, candles, bubble bath, champagne/sparkling cider, a disposable camera, a calling card and gift certificates.

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