Welcoming the New Life & Baby Showers
T
hrough the ages humans have regarded childbirth as a time of celebration and gift-giving. From the time of ancient civilization, people have engaged in celebrating this important event by bringing presents for the new-born. These rituals were typically given after the birth of the child. In Victorian times, women would hold tea-parties for new mothers and their babies.
Wiki/Baby showers can give you more information on traditions and history.
The baby showers we are familiar with today began after World War ll with the Baby Boomers. North America gave birth to the tradition (excuse the pun) of "showering" expectant mothers with baby items that may be needed after birth. Usually hosted by a close female friend or relative and attended only by women, the mother-to-be is seated in a decorated chair and opens the gifts.
First timers at a baby shower often have no idea what to buy for this kind of event. These days the baby's gender is usually known so this facilitates purchasing a gender-appropriate gift. If the mother is registered with a baby
registry or is using our GyftBuddy system, then all the better.
Let's have a look at some baby shower gifts.
The most obvious gifts would be baby outfits — onesies, tops, pants, socks,
gowns, etc. — but remember, the baby outgrows clothes very fast, so a variety
of different sizes will be appreciated. If you like shopping online check out these web sites: amazon.ca,or amazon.com
gapcanada.ca,
bedbathandbeyond.ca,
patpat.com,
www2.hm.com,
babiesrus.ca.
When all else fails, diapers are a savior. Babies can't have enough diapers. A variety of sizes is a good idea as the baby will grow out of them quickly. If you do give diapers, check if the parents are ecologically conscious and would rather have cloth diapers.
If giving simple diapers as a gift is not your cup of tea then check out the Diaper Cake (not an edible product)! These are either handmade or can be purchased online. Yes, it's cake shaped and made with diapers including a variety of tiny products attached. These websites should give you a better idea of this unique gift idea. amazon.ca/ABC Blocks Baby Shower Centerpiece, or amazon.com/ABC Blocks Baby Shower Centerpiece and amazon.ca/more diaper cake, amazon.com/diaper gift
Here are a few more interesting gifts you can find on the Internet:
The Baby Banana Bendable Training Toothbrush is available at amazon.ca/Baby Banana Toothbrush. This a great way to introduce the baby to what it feels like when teeth are brushed. It is flexible, soft, easy to use and very cute — making it a fun activity for both baby and mom.
Here is a very versatile activity gym — the Fisher-Price Kick'n'Play designed with many toys that hang over the baby's head. A piano set is at foot level and starts music when kicked. It even has a mirror so babies can watch themselves. A great gift and available at amazon.com/Kick-Play-Piano
Babies need to be comfortable to sleep soundly. A swaddle blanket is cozy and warm and is said to recreate the security of the womb. There are now modern swaddle blankets that are wearable and recommended for safer swaddling. amazon.ca/swaddle or amazon.com/swaddle Check out this article on the do's and dont's of swaddling. kippins.co
Nothing smells so nice as baby's skin, but it needs to be cared for. The Personalized Dove Baby Products line is perfect to use on the gentle skin of a baby while the skin is still developing. This gift can even have the baby's name on the bottle. dove.com
And for more baby shower gift ideas check out these websites: buzzfeed.com beau-coup.com parents.com.
Here is another website that has loads of information about baby showers involving colleagues or co-workers. lovetoknow.com
Expecting a baby can be a stressful time for the mother. A wonderful idea is to include her also and bring a smile to her face by making up a gift basket…or combine gifts for both mother and baby in a diaper caddy. Include a foot massager, bath soak and some belly butter so she can pamper herself. Google "Earth Mama Angel Baby" for a selection of wonderful organic products.
Websites like baskits.com, amazon.ca/mom-gifts and amazon.com/mom-gifts will give you ideas to choose from.
For those mothers who like to keep diaries or journals, get them a journal set. You can find one at: amazon.ca/journal or amazon.com/journal
However excited you may be to meet the new arrival, wait for an invitation and don't just show up. It also goes without saying that you shouldn't visit if you have a cold or feel unwell. And don't bring along your pets! In most cultures when visiting first-time parents, it is traditional to bring a present for the new baby. Make sure any toys are age-appropriate — find out before buying something that the baby has already outgrown or something that has to be stored for years. Go online to: familyliving.com
A personalized gift is a keepsake that will evoke fond memories and be treasured for many years to come by both parents and child. personalizationmall.com
This type of gift is usually given at naming ceremonies such as baptisms, christenings or any kind of event where the baby is the centre of attention. All religions and cultures have some sort of ceremony, for this truly is a gift-giving occasion.
Note: Make sure you know the family's religion if you want to give a religious item. Sometimes the family is of two different faiths but will raise the child in only one. A family may also be non-religious and the gift you give may not be appropriate. It's really important you know some of these facts, otherwise play it safe and present the baby with a universal baby toy.
Even if you've never been invited to a baby shower or are long past the time when friends are having babies, why not consider a donation to a charity that helps mothers and their children? These charities would greatly appreciate a helping hand. Here are few that may not be on everyone's charity giving radar. www.mother, newmomproject.ca, , moorelands.ca, Old Navy/baby, parents.com, huffpost.com, canadahelps.org.
Mothers all over the world are in need of necessities for their babies and if you have baby items no longer needed or outgrown, don't throw them out and clutter the environment — donate them to your local Goodwill or a similar charity in your town or city. You'll feel good and so will the child cuddling that blanket your own child once loved so much.
By D Revelins
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements