It’s the baby shower, and Mom has registered for it all! The swing, the bouncer, the diaper pail, the carrier, the other carrier, the car seat with the stroller, the other stroller, the jogger, the booster, the convertible seat, the clothes, clothes, clothes, clothes, shoes, clothes, bibs, the socks- they’re so cute- more socks, bedding and lotions and soaps and baby-specific washcloths.
While all of this stuff is awesome and some of it necessary, there are always off-registry shoppers (Why? I don’t know.) and people who want to know what Mom really wants. So I compiled a list of 5 things that will help her out more than yet another $78 plastic thing to put baby down in, or more baby shoes. Babies. Don’t. Need. Shoes. No matter how cute. Here’s my Baby Shower Gift Guide!
1. Gift Cards
They seem so impersonal. They’re not. At least not in this case. Personally, one of the most fun things I got to do was shop for my own baby-to-be! A few friends grabbed a cute bib, or an inexpensive item off of my registry and added a gift card- it was perfect. A necessity (like a bottle washer and special safe-for-baby dish soap) and then a treat: I can shop for baby! Clothes are always fun… but really, on week 6 of parenthood, I needed $30 in breast pads, nipple cream and more bags to store my milk– all products I didn’t register for enough of, nor did I know which brand I would like best. For this reason, tapping into one of my gift cards to Target or Babies R Us or Amazon was perfect!
And don’t forget post-baby time for mama! I love Massage Envy and was lucky to have a gift card for a few massages this pregnancy. (There are Massage Envy locations everywhere, by the way!) Or find out where Mom goes for her nails or hair. A gift card to pamper her (or just wash… eeeer, trim her hair) is such a treat!
2. Meals
There are a few different websites that offer meal delivery services… set one up for mama and pick a few dates yourself! Meals in disposable containers are a bonus (bring a bottle of red wine with it, and I may try to keep you). Recently a friend set up Meal Train for me after Addie’s surgery. It saved me three nights of cooking, which gave me time to sit with Addie and give her the attention she needed during her recovery. Post-baby, having someone help out with the cooking (even a breakfast casserole for the mornings) is an invaluable gift!
3. Postpartum Doula
If you read regularly, you know that I love doulas, but did you know that there are more than one type? A postpartum doula comes to the house and helps Mom. She will hold the baby so she can shower, help with laundry, dishes, meal prep, naps… a whole slew of things so Mom can acclimate to motherhood (or motherhood with more!). Local doula Kristen Kardos helped me after Addie was born, and it was wonderful (also something I never would have thought of!). Having a list that you keep (when you notice something that needs to be done, like vacuuming or dishes or folding, write it down and leave it out for guests to see, too) will help you see what you need help with. It’s sometimes hard to ask people who come to visit for help (although if you’re a visitor, please ask Mom what she needs help with- trust me, she’s great at holding the baby, but maybe would like some help making lunch), but having someone come a few times after bringing baby home is so helpful! Book the minimum hours for Mom from a postpartum doula and she will surely thank you from behind those tired eyes!
4. Cleaning Service
I cannot express how awesome this is- there is just no reason to even try. With a new baby, having someone come to the house a few times to vacuum, or to do a BIG clean before the baby comes… whatever you think! Mom will surely appreciate some help getting things more than in order– getting them professionally clean!
5. Stick to the Registry
Still unsure? Just gift something Mom really (thinks she) needs! Not quite a gift idea, but I know before I became a mom for the first time, I panicked. I didn’t know what to do with all the clothes I didn’t register for, and bibs and socks (SO MANY SOCKS!), and a toothfairy pillow (kids don’t lose their teeth for a while)… but I didn’t have enough diapers or wipes or bottles. It’s fun to shop, of course… and I am SO thankful for all the gifts we got when Addie was born, but I can assure you- I didn’t need one more memory book or picture frame as much as I needed some more Pampers and baby wash! Try to mix it up if you’re shopping off the registry.
I hope this helps the next time you’re wondering what to get the mama-to-be! …and no matter what- thank you for helping out mamas. As a soon-to-be mom again, I can tell you that having that love and support to get it all together means so much, both financially and emotionally.
Here’s to more celebrations, more babies, a whole lot of love!
*Tip: include a gift receipt for everything, even diapers!
This post was not sponsored by anyone… I have received nothing for the links (or for Baby 2), and will not if you click them- but you can always send me a meal or gift card!
I agree about gift cards. They are always appreciated, because you get exactly what you want (or what you didn’t get from everyone else).
Laura “Lolli” Franklin recently posted…Grab the Goodies – Free App to Teach Kids About Underage Drinking
What a great gift guide! It’s more creative than the traditional cute outfit. Thanks for the ideas!
Deborah A. recently posted…How to Get Long Hair in 5 Easy Steps
These are all perfect ideas for any new mom. I gave a cleaning service as a gift once. It went over VERY well, indeed.
Stacey – Seattle Mom Blog recently posted…Ham, Sweet Corn, and Potato Chowder Recipe
Awesome list!! I remember when I was pregnant the first time I had NO CLUE what I needed. It helps when experienced moms get involved with the gift buying!
Great gift ideas! I wish I would’ve gotten a cleaning service as a gift. That would’ve been SWEET.
Dawn recently posted…20 Minute Pumpkin & Corn Cheddar Soup #FDKnorrDinner (Giveaway)
Great ideas! The cleaning service is superb especially for a tired new mama.
Elizabeth @ Being MVP recently posted…How to Handle a Picky Eater + #Giveaway #Enfagrow AD
Gift cards are my go to for baby showers. New parents never know just how many little things they are missing until the baby arrives.
Nolie recently posted…What To Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied
YES!!! This is one amazing list, GCs are always welcome. And, hubby got me a cleaning service when I had the twins. I have to admit, I still have it 6 years later – I love it!!!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…The Last Hurrah
This is a great list. I really could’ve used a cleaning service out of all of those!
Lori Pace recently posted…How to Make A Beach Tote Diaper Bag With Diapers at Walmart
Meal Train is something I need to look in to. I love a home cooked meal every night, but I don’t know how I will manage with three little ones. Thanks for the recommendation. Great list. I agree on all accounts!
candice recently posted…Summer Beach Vacation // Recap
My favorite thing to get was gift cards. I wasn’t up for cooking and my house was in chaos. A gift card saved both my husband and myself a ton of time and money.
Stefany recently posted…Top 5 reasons we love the GB Zuzu Stroller
This guide is so helpful! I know I always appreciated diapers.
Oh man, you must be so excited for your new blessing any day now!! I hope you will receive a few of these great ideas!
Amy D recently posted…Labels for Education: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Pork Chops Recipe #Labels4Edu #Cbias
A big YES to a cleaning service. After having 5 c-sections I so could have used this!
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Daddy’s Health & Skin Care For Babies (Giveaway)
What great ideas… I got my little sister 6 months worth of diapers and she said it was a life saver… the delivery service was easy to use and she just went in and asked for more when she needed them…
Meals for the first few weeks of being with baby are a great gift. I was definitely too tired and sick to eat, much less cook. People brought casseroles for me and my husband and it was so thoughtful.
Gift cards are one of the best things. You can get anything you need or maybe something you’ve been wanting to try.
Jenn Park recently posted…Internet Safety Tips for Email, Websites and Chat Rooms #KidsEmail
I don’t know that anyone would not love a gift card! Everyone thinks they know exactly what they need or want and then without fail their baby comes and they something else they need pops up!
Aimee Smith recently posted…Beginner’s Guide to Potty Training
Great list. I agree that gift cards or anything off the registry is good, esp. to include a gift receipt. What good is it if they already have something or don’t need that particular item?!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs recently posted…New See’s Candies Store Now Open in San Francisco, CA
So many baby showers this time of year for us! My favorite is gift cards, you can never go wrong with that!
Myrah – Coupon Mamacita recently posted…Clean Bum? Print $1.50 Cottonelle Coupon and Feel Fresh As a Baby’s Bum #LetsTalkBums
I didn’t think about it before, but I actually really love your meal delivery idea. That would be so welcome to a new mom.
Liz Mays recently posted…How To Pack Like a Pro
Awesome shower gift guide! Meals really helped up – especially after the twins!
Lisa recently posted…Baymont Inn & Suites Home Team Hospitality Sweepstakes
I love the idea of a cleaning service as a business. That would be such a great way to help out the parents.
This is a great list you have compiled. I do agree that gift cards do come in handy for the things you aren’t prepared on buying. A cleaning service is also an awesome idea, especially when I had c-sections and it hurt to get up and down after delivery.
Stefani Tolson recently posted…Making Meals With The Ronco Ready Grill
These are great tips! I never thought to provide a gift receipt for diapers!
A clean house and cleaning service is a must. Don’t forget about the car too! My husband’s friend bought us a year of car cleanings when we had our first child. It was awesome. Nothing ruins a car faster than a little one!