A recent US News article gave some great tips on throwing a baby shower on a budget, but what about the gifts? Many expectant mothers register for large and expensive items, such as cribs, strollers and baby monitors. If you don’t have the funds to shell out for a costly gift, use your creativity to shop for something meaningful that doesn’t have to break the bank. Below are five places you can shop for a baby shower gift on a budget.
The Drugstore
Although you can find services that provide baskets for new moms complete with everything they need for their newborn, you can put one together yourself for less money. Shop the pharmacy when items are on sale to gather a collection of products to pamper mom or necessities for a new baby. You can put together a massage kit for dad to help mom relax after an tiring night of not sleeping or a baby bum kit complete with diapers, diaper cream and baby powder.
The Craft Store
If you have an idea of what the nursery is going to look like, you can customize it with a handmade gift. Spell out the baby’s name in wooden letters and paint them in the same color scheme as the room. If you know how to knit or crochet, create a baby blanket that will serve as a keepsake for years to come. This option may take some of your time, but the new mom will appreciate the gesture, and you’ll save money.
Etsy
If you’re not crafty or don’t have time to create something from scratch, buy a gift that shows you put thought into it by shopping on Etsy, an online handmade marketplace. You’ll find unique ideas for baby shower gifts and many that can be customized.
The Grocery Store
Put together a basket of snacks for busy parents to eat when they’re starving, exhausted and don’t have enough time to think about a meal. Pack things that are easy to eat with one hand while the other is holding the baby, like granola bars, trail mix and dried fruit. Don’t forget the chocolate.
The Local Spa
Many spas offer packages and specials, and mom is going to be sore in strange places after giving birth and holding a new baby for hours on end. Get her the gift of massage for her baby shower. If you know a massage therapist, maybe you can barter for a gift certificate. Even if you don’t, go in on a massage package with a few friends and give the expectant mother a gift she would never think to give herself but fully deserves.
Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, you can shower an expectant mother with gifts that show your creativity and thoughtfulness. Make her feel special by giving her something meaningful and let grandma get her that expensive car seat.