SisterSurveySays: Baby Shower Ideas

(c) Microsoft 2013

And here's part 2 of our shower ideas posts (click here for part 1 on Wedding Showers). Obviously there's no set "season" for baby showers, but for whatever reason, we at least seem to encounter more showers in the summertime. So hopefully these ideas will help if you are looking for some new or more helpful ways to shower your next Mom-to-be (MTB). 

(c) Amazon.com

CHANGING PAD CLUTCH - Jill received one of these for her little guy and absolutely loves it. Not only does it unfold into a changing pad, but the end pocket is large enough for diapers, wipes, and even a few tubes of rash cream. The clutch is also small enough, when folded, to fit into a medium-to-large purse as well as a diaper bag. If you don't need a changing pad, I'm sure Jill would be happy to make you a simple diaper & wipes case from her etsy shop. :-)

Ever seen this before? That's right, it's
one of CreativeSeams' caddies.
Great for diaper holding. 

ORGANIZING CADDY OR SMALL TOY BIN FULL OF DIAPERS/WIPES - We know. Diapers are not nearly as cute or interesting as those little baby outfits (with the matching jackets and hats). But (now that we're all moms) we also know that nobody is going to complain about having too many diapers - they do all eventually get used up. So if you're leaning towards the practical side, why not dress it up a bit? You can fill a really cute caddy (like this one here) with these essentials. And then maybe you'll still get the "awwww. how cute!" exclamation that accompanies that adorable Carter's outfit. 

BABY SHOES WITH A GIFT CARD - Of course a gift card can always be a huge blessing to a MTB. So if you want a fun way to "dress it up" a little bit (and give the MTB something to open besides a card), why not attach it to a pair of shoes? Cute shoes will also qualify you for the "awwww" factor. Our newest mom, Julie, loves to do this. And if you're wondering if babies even need shoes before they're walking, the answer is YES! They help hold their socks on! (So now you know. Practical AND visual). 

3-year-old trying out his
new towel from Aunt Joanne

HOMEMADE HOODED TOWELS - We mentioned this idea with our Holiday Gift Guide, but the idea originated for us when Joanne was given one of these hooded towels at her baby shower. She has since made them for the rest of our children, and we all agree: we LOVE them! I've personally used them on both my 6-month-old and my 3-year old. If you would rather put a personal touch and have the time to make these (and they don't take long), they really do make great gifts. (Tutorial for making these found here.)

Enjoying our first trip to the American Girl store -
Moby Wrap included (for both of our comforts).

MOBY WRAP - I can't conclude a post on Baby shower gifts without a plug for the Moby wrap. I realize there are a number of "carrier" and sling options out there - and the moby wrap is not necessarily the cheapest or easiest option to slip on. HOWEVER, I have yet to meet someone who owns a moby wrap and DOESN'T like it. So now, if I can go in together on a gift for someone (if the MTB doesn't already have one), I try to get her a moby. You can usually find the best deal for them here on Amazon.com (in a plethora of colors too). They are fantastic for getting fussy babies to sleep or calmed down. And they are by far the best feeling on the back (something about being ergonomical, etc.). Okay, advertisement over. 

(c) carseatcanopy.com

CARSEAT COVER/BOPPY PILLOW/NURSING COVER - I'm not sure of the overall company name, but whoever they are, you can get coupon codes regularly for free carseat covers, boppy pillows & covers, and nursing covers. Many of these codes are in the Pregnancy magazines in your doctor's office. And once you purchase one, they start emailing you more codes for other items. The catch is that you have to pay shipping, which is usually around $12. But that's not a bad deal for these very handy items. (Note: right now, almost every new mom in our church has a Carseat Canopy). So to get you started, here's a code [MOTHERHOOD13] I have for a Carseat Cover (which should lead you to other free things if you order, etc.). I have these and have kept ordering them to use as gifts for people. They really are great! Lots of gender-neutral colors & designs. 

That's all for now. We'd love to hear some of your ideas as well, so feel free to comment and add to the creativity. 

Megan for The Sisterhood