First, think about a theme. Then you can collect everything you need based on that theme. Some good ones are rubber duckies, Pooh, Hello Kitty, baby dolls, teddy bears, bunnies, monkeys, zoo animals, Mickey and Minnie, all rattles, trains, cars, puppies, and kittens. Think up your own theme and then plan to get ribbon and toys to coordinate with it. If there are twins coming, why not do two of everything on the wreath? It will look darling.

Here’s what you’ll need to complete one wreath:

• About 20 disposable diapers. You can use cloth diapers but it really is easiest to make this wreath with disposables. The folds in them are easy to maneuver and secure.
• A wire wreath form. You can find them at the craft or hobby store. An 18” frame works best but you can go smaller or larger if you like.
• Ribbon in the color of the baby shower’s theme. Or choose any happy baby friendly color and style. Just make sure the ribbon is sturdy.
• Toys such as rubber duckies, pacifiers, and rattles. You can also use small bottles of baby lotion or powder.
• One bigger toy to serve as the top decoration on the wreath.
• One big bow

To assemble the wreath, clear a space and lay the wreath form down on a table. Take a diaper and place it over the wreath form with the tab sides facing down. Secure it with a small length of ribbon around the middle. Do this for all the rest of the diapers around the form. Every bit of the form should be covered by diapers, so if you find you have gaps add a few more diapers.

Next, add the embellishments. Tie on the toys so that they are evenly spaced around the wreath. Use ribbon to secure them. Add the bow to either the top or the bottom of the wreath. Secure it using either a twist tie or a length of ribbon.

For the final touch, add the large toy. This will be the focal point of the wreath. Secure it to the wreath with ribbon. Stuffed toys and other cute animals look nice to complete the wreath.

The beauty of this gift is that the new mom can really use it. Every time she reaches for one of the diapers, she’ll thank you all over again. New moms go through at least seven or eight diapers a day, so don’t worry if someone else brings a diaper wreath to the shower too. It will definitely be appreciated. To really top it off, bring a baby diaper cake as well!

Diaper wreaths are perfect to bring to the hospital when visiting baby for the first time. They also make nice hanging decorations for the baby shower. Or, the new mom can hang it on her door as a nursery decoration.

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What is a layette, you may wonder? If you haven’t had a baby yourself, you may never even have heard the term layette until now. A layette is nothing more than a set of clothing and items that a newborn baby needs when they first come home from the hospital. It used to be that new moms had to have lots of items in the nursery bureau drawers because fabrics didn’t wash as well and couldn’t be washed as easily. Now, with the convenience of the washing machine, moms don’t need to stockpile so many things. They can just run a load of laundry.

Busy moms, even with the washing machine at their disposal, still want lovely clothing for their newborn to wear. They may not have the time to do a load of laundry, or they may want to pack for traveling. So it’s still a good idea to gift a new mother with a wonderful array of items in a baby layette.

What should you include in a layette gift? Well, first consider making it unique and personal. If you can, order items that can be monogrammed. A good specialty retailer, online or in person, can offer you personalized baby baskets. You might not be able to get the baby’s entire name, since names these days are so unique, from a stocked item. You should be able to find pretty initials, or even sayings, on store brand bibs or onesies that create a monogrammed or personalized look.

Include in your layette gift some or all of these items:

• Onesies with long and short sleeves
• Baby booties or socks
• Monogrammed baby bibs
• Diaper covers (if mom is going to use cloth diapers)
• Sleeping sacks or buntings (these are shirt dresses that have drawstring or elastic at the bottom to allow for easy midnight diaper changes)
• Baby hats

These are the basic items to start with. You can always add more or less to your gift. Some layettes also include baby bath soap and lotion, crib bedding, baby spoons, blankets, etc. These are add-on items that you can certainly go in for with a group of friends or if you want to give a larger present.  Don’t feel you have to include every single item in a layette in order for it to be a lovely gift. Do what you can.

As for monogramming or personalizing, you may not even know the baby’s name until after the shower. Mom and dad may not have picked one out or don’t know if they are having a girl or a boy. In that case, you can pick up items that have cute sayings already printed on them, or you can do the family’s last name initial to make it more unique.

An embroidery shop will do monogramming on just about anything you bring in. So bring in a baby blanket or onesies or hats if you want them monogrammed. It’s a nice little touch and doesn’t cost much in money or time. It will make your layette gift that much more special to the new mom and dad.

More Unique Baby Gift Ideas:

• Top 10 Personalized Baby Gifts
• Best Personalized Baby Gift Ideas
• Mommy and Baby Combination Gifts

First, choose two kinds of fabric. One fabric should be absorbent, like a terrycloth. Think washcloth fabric. The softer the better. The second fabric should be a cotton in a fun baby print for the back. This can be as silly and outrageous or colorful as you like. As long as it’s cotton and washable, it’s perfectly fine.

Now, you’ll need to create your own pattern or download one from online. You can type “baby bib pattern” into any search engine and you’ll find a pattern or two that you can print out. If you prefer to create your own pattern, you can simply draw a bib shape on an 8.5” x 11” piece of paper. Or you can trace a bib you already have.

Next, pin your pattern to a layer of terrycloth on top of a layer of cotton. Cut around the pattern edges. You’re going to sew the two layers together next. If you have a sewing machine, sew a basic stitch around the edges with the wrong sides of the fabric together. Leave an unsewn part so you can turn the bib right side out and hand stitch the gap. Or, for a more rustic, handmade look, just go ahead and sew with right sides out. Your finished bib will have nice stitches along the edges. If your sewing machine does fancy dog stitches or other designs, use one of those.

If you have never sewn a day in your life, you can still do this project. Simply use fusible webbing which you can find in any craft or sewing store. This miracle product allows you to use an iron to secure two pieces of fabric together. With the wrong sides of the fabric facing out, place a layer of the fusible webbing along the edges. Iron on leaving a small space so you can turn it right side out. When finished turn the bib so right sides of the fabric are out.

Next, you’re ready to add trim. If you’d like, use a binding in a cute baby print or check. Or, leave plain. As a closure you will need to add a snap or ties. If you are choosing the snap, hand-stitch each side of the snap to the bib. If you are using ties, sew on soft cording or string. Any washable string will work. Or choose a thick ribbon like grosgrain that will wear well.

Baby will have a whole new wardrobe of bibs when you realize how easy it is to make them. Personalize with baby’s name in iron on letters or fabric paint. Or use decals. Don’t, however, use sequins or beads as they can come loose if baby chews on the bib, or in the washing machine. Stick to soft, simple decals or embellishments.

Get Crafty! Here are some more fun craft ideas for a little one:

• Handmade Baby Gift Ideas
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There are different ways to make a baby memory blanket, depending on your level of comfort with sewing machines or embroidery needles.  But regardless of how you are going to make the quilt, whether it's for your baby or to give as a baby gift, the first step is to gather your fabric.  A 36-inch x 6-inch quilt will use about 30 articles of clothing, depending on the size.  Lay out the pieces you want to incorporate into the memory quilt to get an idea of the colors and patterns that are emerging.  Cut squares of the same size: for a 36x36" quilt, for instance, 6x6 inch squares are great. You can supplement your baby clothes with other fabrics: fleece and flannel are especially well-suited to baby quilts.

If you prefer not to use any of your baby’s clothes, you can use other fabrics and embroider them with names or special memories.  You can use fabric paints or pens to decorate the squares, or better yet, to have each family member make a square.  You can also buy photo fabric to incorporate pictures into your quilt or have fabric squares made by photo printing companies.  This certainly lets you remember all the special moments without sacrificing clothing that could be used again.

An easy way to complete the quilt is to sew your squares on a soft blanket.  This gives you the shape and form, not to mention the beautiful texture that you need.  It is a bit easier than assembling everything, basting, quilting, and binding a quilt, although that certainly is an option as well.  It is more time-intensive, but the results can be more traditional and lovely.

After the squares have been sewn or quilted, you can adorn the top by sewing on cute baby socks, hats, mittens, or bibs.  These are cute embellishments, and when your child is grown, you’ll marvel that his feet once fit in these tiny little socks.

If all this talk of sewing has put you in a panic, don’t worry.  You can still make a beautiful baby blanket. Ticche and Bea, for instance, sells a reasonably priced kit that comes with pre-cut squares, batting, cotton backing, templates, straight pins, safety pins, and very clear, detailed instructions.  You simply assemble the quilt, saving untold time.  If this is not calming your sewing fears either, you can send the squares you’ve made from your baby’s clothing back to Ticche and Bea, and they will sew the quilt for you.  This costs about $40 more, which may be well worth it to save you time and pricked fingers.

A baby memory blanket will allow you to preserve treasured memories while making entirely new ones.  They also make wonderful gifts when your baby is all grown up and expecting a baby of his or her own.

Love this article? Try this post on Handmade Baby Gift Ideas.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to a first birthday party is that it should be short.  You needn’t serve a five course meal to impress your guests.  Your guest of honor, in fact, will probably be more impressed with the bright balloons, first birthday gifts and gooey, messy cake.  This relieves the pressure of planning a menu.

To keep your little guests happy and fed, try the following toddler-friendly snacks:

• Cheerios.  These are an all-time favorite toddler finger food.  Chances are the adults won’t like picking at them much, but there are plenty of other foods to try.
• Animal crackers or Goldfish.  Fun for everyone, these are a great, minimally-messy choice.
• Apple wedges without the skin.
• Soft cheese cubes.
• Juice boxes.
• Cookies.

This will probably be more than enough to keep your little one satisfied.  You can always set a bowl of chips and dip, veggies, fruits, or candies out on the table or countertop for the adults and older children to enjoy.

If you want to serve a meal, or your party will work best at lunch or dinnertime, serve a meal that your child likes.  Well-cooked noodles are always great, and for the other guests, you can simply add a sauce so you don’t have to make separate meals.  You can also try chicken and steamed vegetables (soft enough for your child), pot pie, or other child-friendly foods.

The cake is the most important food you will serve at your child’s first birthday party.  You can always pick up a cake from your local bakery or a mix from the grocery store.  But if you want to continue the healthy eating habits that your baby has developed, why not try this healthier ice cream cake?

You will need:

• An angel food cake (which has less fat and fewer calories than regular cake)
• ½ gallon of vanilla frozen yogurt
• Fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or bananas
• Sugar to taste

Cut the angel food cake in half and tear one half into small pieces.  Set this aside and slice the other half into thin slices.  You’ll probably have 12 to 14.  Arrange the slices in the bottom of a baking pan lined with wax paper.  Spread the frozen yogurt over the cake.  Try to smooth it as much as possible.  Then press the cake bits into the yogurt.  Cover and put the dish into the freezer.  When it’s time to serve dessert, slice the strawberries (or bananas if you do not want to introduce berries to your child yet).  Cut the dessert into squares and put the fruit on top.  Light a candle, and you have a great dessert.

Planning a child’s birthday party can be stressful, but a one year old is very easy to please.  Give her some finger food, birthday party favors, some balloons and streamers, and a piece of cake, and you have the makings of a great first birthday party.

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These days most people forget to upload their digital photos or have them printed. Instead of letting your precious pictures linger in your camera unseen, choose one or two that are your favorites and print them out.  Then plan your baby picture frame around it.

Decide on your frame size, style, and color by the photo it’s going to house. If you’ve got a great black and white to showcase, you can work with any colors. If you’ve got a color photo, try to match one color in the photo and it will make that color really stand out. Don’t try to match every color or it will get too busy.

What can you make a photo frame out of? Just about anything! The first thing that may come to your mind is to buy a frame at a craft store. That’s fine and craft stores carry many different types and sizes. But start looking around your house for ideas, too. You can use recycled cardboard but why not think outside the box? Try different materials. Do you have an old glass frame that you’re not planning on using again? Why not make it into a baby photo frame. Are you sick of one of your old, outdated frames but don’t want to throw it out? Make it over for baby’s photo.

Use any materials you can find. You can cut a frame out of an old record album, a pretty storage bin, or an old box that has a vintage appeal. There’s nothing you can’t use as long as you can cut an opening for baby’s photo. Or, if you can’t cut the opening, you can lacquer baby’s photo onto it.

Say you want to use an old frame and revamp it. Think about all the materials that you can finish it with. Use paint to cover the old surface, but then add polymer clay details. Make bears or a train out of clay and glue to the frame. Or make the whole frame out of polymer clay and glue it on top of the old frame.

If you want to use a surface that isn’t right for cutting, use shellac designed for photos. You’ll find it at the craft store near the scrapbooking supplies.  Prepare your frame by sanding it down and painting it or cleaning the surface. Then, shellac your photo right on top of the surface. Decorate the edges of the photo with ribbon trim, paper cut outs, clay rolled into snakes and other embellishments.

There are so many frames out there that are just boring. Make your handmade frame exciting by spicing it up with details that could only come from you. No matter what you use, you’ll need a good easel back so that it stands. You can find them at craft stores. Or, just hang it on the wall without a stand.

Originally invented by two moms, Taggie blankets are fleece or cotton blankets that have loops or tags sewn around the edges. The allure? Babies love playing with tags more than the toys you buy them, so why not give them what they really want? A baby blanket that has tags all around the edges is a gift that will keep baby occupied for hours.

You can buy Taggies just about anywhere.  However, it’s so easy to make them yourself, why would you want to buy them? All you really need is a sewing machine, some fleece and ribbon, and a little creativity.

Supplies for Making a Fleece Taggie Blanket

• 2 squares of soft fleece material big enough for baby to lay on
• A few different kinds of ribbon. Use different textures, sizes and colors for the most appeal.
• A sewing machine
• Scissors

1.      Gather your fleece fabric and ribbons together on a table. You’re going to need 2 large squares of fleece. One will be for the front of the blanket and one will be for the back. Choose a fleece that is soft, cuddly, and will wash well. You might choose to wash it first to avoid shrinkage later.

2.      You’ll need ribbons of various sizes, textures and colors. The reason babies love these blankets is because the tags are so interesting to feel and to mouth. One thing you’ll want to ensure as a safety precaution is that your ribbons are thick enough so they won’t fray and turn into choking hazards. Choose grosgrain or other fat ribbons, so you can be sure they’ll stay intact. Stay away from shiny, thin ribbon whose threads may fray. You can also use strips of fabric that have a nice texture or feel. You’re going to make little loops out of the ribbon or fabric strips.

3.      Turn the right sides (the nice sides) of the fleece so that they face together. Lay ribbon loops down on the edges of the fabric and pin so that the loose ends are inside the blanket and the loop portions are facing out. You’ll sew over the ribbon so that they are secure and the loose ends remain inside.

4.      Once you have pinned the ribbon loops down, begin to sew around the edge of the blanket. Be sure you double stitch the loops down so there is no chance they can fall out or come undone while baby is chewing on them or playing with them. Sew until you come to about 4 inches from the final edge closure. Turn the blanket right side out and either hand sew or stitch the final 4 inches of the blanket closed.

You will end up with an adorable Taggie baby blanket that you can give to the little one in your life. The beauty of these blankets is that kids never outgrow them. You can also make pillows in the same way. Just use stuffing from the craft store instead of sewing the edges together without a filling.

You can give a mom to be a lovely set of hooded towels. The hooded towel is one item that you can never have too many of. It can always be put to good use.

There are many sources online for hooded baby towels. Try to select a set that’s made of lush terrycloth. You want an absorbent towel that will soak up lots of water. You also want one that’s big enough to wrap baby in now and when he’s older too. Babies don’t have to outgrow a good hooded towel until they’re toddlers if you purchase a big enough one.

Select colors that are appropriate for baby. You’ll find not only pink and blue but also yellow, purple and an assortment of adorable prints. If you know the type of nursery décor mom has selected, try to match it with the pattern of the towels. If not, just go for plush and cute.

You can easily make your own hooded towels to give as a great baby gift. It’s so easy and cheaper than purchasing pre-made hooded towels.

You will need a big towel such as a bath towel and a smaller washcloth in the same color. Try to buy the softest towels you can find. The plusher the towel, the better it will feel against baby’s skin. You may want to wash the towels first not only to get any shrinking out of the way, but also so that baby’s delicate skin won’t be irritated by any chemicals on the towels. Wash in light detergent meant for babies.

Cut your big towel in half vertically so you have two squares. Take the washcloth and fold it in half so that it forms a triangle. Sew the washcloth down to the center top of the square, larger towel. You want to make it a hood, so tie down the longest side of the triangle. You can sew a cute ribbon on each side of the hood so that mom can tie it around baby’s chin. You can also add piping to the outer edges of the towel so that it’s even more decorative.

When you make hooded baby towels, try to make them out of different colored towels. You can get two out of a big bath towel, but you will need to buy a second wash cloth. It’s cheap enough and easy enough so you can make three or four to give to the new mom. Include some other bath time treats and you’ve got yourself a present. Fold up the hoodies and stash some baby lotion, baby bath, a comb or little brush set, and a rubber ducky on top of the hoodies. Tie it all up with ribbon or arrange it in a decorative basket. Your thoughtfulness will be much appreciated every time baby’s busy splashing water out of the tub!

Go for items that have a cute saying or theme. Onesies and t-shirts are available with sayings just perfect for twin babies gifts. You can order them online with sayings such as “I’m with her” and “I’m with him” with arrows pointing to the other baby. Other shirts say “Older and Wiser” and “Younger and Cuter” on individual shirts. These items are darling and will definitely get a laugh at the baby shower. Choose any clothing items in a larger size (such as 6 months) so that the babies will get more wear out of them. Babies grow out of newborn sizes so quickly.

Equipment designed for twins also makes for great baby gifts. Get the new parents a twin jogging stroller and you’ll be on their gratitude list forever. These handy strollers are meant to ride twins around in comfort. You can get them with extra padded seats, special storage and folding options and more extras than you’d find on a new car. Choose from side by side seating or front and back. These strollers can be pricey, but there are other options than brand new. You can search Yard Sales and thrift stores. Often these strollers (which can run up and over $300) can be had for $20! Check the condition of any used stroller. Make sure the tires are not too worn and the fabric is not frayed. If there’s a spot or two on it, you can always use a fabric cleaner on it before you gift it. Depending on the mom, a used stroller can often be just as good a gift as a new one. And often moms of twins like to leave one stroller in the car and another at the grandparents’ home. So it’s a good source for an extra twin stroller as well.

Diapers are another good choice. Moms go through hundreds of diapers with newborns. Double that for moms of twins. She’ll thank you for providing boxes of diapers. This will mean one less trip to the store to stock up. Choose smaller as well as bigger sizes of diapers so mom can use them now and as the twins grow.

If the twins are going to be a boy and a girl, you can have fun with the personalization. Instead of getting identical items, get one in blue and one in pink. Consider making a baby gift basket for each. One can be filled with blue items and one can have pink. Choose romper outfits, toys, baby bath products, tiny shoes, and blankets in each child’s color. They make a great presentation because they look so cute side by side and it also shows that each child is an individual and you didn’t just group them together in one gift.

Mom’s going to need two of everything, so use your head. Can you and a friend chip in and get her two high chairs? Two car seats? Two winter coats? Two bouncy seats? Two baby bath tubs (one for mom to use with one child at bath time and one for dad to bathe the other child)? The more you can buy in duplicate the easier the first few weeks and months will be for the new mom and dad.

A Santa Suit

Nothing in the world is more adorable than a baby in a Santa suit. If it says “Baby’s First Christmas” on it, so much the better. A Santa hat, red pants, or skirt and a top trimmed in white fuzz are festive and fun on the littlest guests. Add some cute booties, and you’ve got yourself a gift.

PJ's

Christmas pajamas come in every design from reindeer suit to little elf feet pjs. Gift baby with a few sets she can wear through the winter holidays. Get a few in slightly bigger sizes so she can wear them as she grows. Try to avoid ones with bows and sequins that can fall off in the wash and opt for screen-printed or embroidered designs.

Ornaments

Step into any store that sells ornaments and you’ll be bombarded with “Baby’s First Christmas” ornaments. Make your way through the choices with an eye towards finding the cutest and best quality one they have. After all, you want it to last through the years. Most will come with a date already printed on it, but if yours doesn’t have the year, take a permanent marker and write the date on the bottom.

A Stocking

Chances are, they don’t have their own baby christmas stocking yet. Embroider one or purchase a ready-made one with her name on it. Choose a design that’s needlepointed for lasting heirloom appeal. Fill it with baby toys for a complete gift.

Lullabies of the Season

Get baby started listening to Christmas music by purchasing CDs of holiday music. There are collections made just for baby’s delicate ear. Or you can make a recording for baby of downloads of your favorite Christmas tunes from iTunes. If baby doesn’t have a CD player in her room, choose a model that’s made for babies so she can use it now in her nursery and later when she’s able to push buttons herself.

A Handprint Kit

Many keepsake kits come with plaster of Paris mix so you can make a print of baby’s tiny hand. Some use baby-safe gel. You can either give the kit as a gift or make the print for the new mom and dad to commemorate their first Christmas with their new bundle of joy. Some kits allow you to make handprints or footprints in ink or as castings. There’s even a kit with several tins that lets you take baby’s handprint several times as she grows. Check out what’s available and choose the one that looks best to you.

Personalized Toys

Any personalized baby toy will be a hit as baby learns to recognize and spell her name. Personalized kids furniture with her name on it will come in handy after she learns to walk. Wooden letters in the form of a train are fun for new walkers to pull as they toddle.  You might choose purely decorative items with baby’s name for the nursery such as plaques that detail what baby’s name means.