I love TimeHop. I’m often texting photos from it to my husband and sister, highlighting the funny, touching or weird things I posted on my Facebook through the years. I also love looking back at all the photos and remembering where we were as a family at that point in life. As a mom of three, my youngest in Kindergarten, I’m celebrating being out of the baby stage (we just moved our youngest out of her 5-point-harness, the last of the infant items). Of course, there is a touch of sadness there because that part of our life is now behind us, but with that journey of pregnancy and babyhood complete I also have some wisdom to offer new moms.
I think I’m the more practical gift-giver at baby showers now that I’ve raised three babies and have a better appreciation of why a new mom doesn’t need 18 crib blankets but does need 18 burp cloths. I know that cute 0-3 month outfits will make a great photo, but spending an outrageous amount of money on that is best left for the great-grandma to do (because let’s face it, there is no way you can talk a new grandma out of that adorable over-priced over-laced 0-3m dress!)
Research from TripleScoop Premium Market Research on behalf of PlaytexBaby™ found that almost half of gift givers (forty-two per cent) are unaware that they may actually be gifting something completely impractical. While the intention is nice, if you really want to help a new mom, there are ways to ensure your gifts are going to be useful for mom and baby, instead of tucked away in a closet. For example, the research found that just over six-in-10 Canadian moms consider gift cards to be useful gifts. While it may feel impersonal, you can always wrap the gift card up with a PlaytexBaby™ bottle or sippy cup to dress it up! Then mom can use the gift-card to get what she really needs even months down the road.
Seventy percent of moms surveyed said that diapers were considered useful gifts, and I agree with that! In fact, for my third baby’s shower, it was a diapers and formula gifting party and I was thrilled! Sure, some friends still brought adorable outfits and other items as well, but I was so grateful for all that help with essentials before she arrived. Other small, useful items I’d suggest with a gift card or diapers include bottles, soothers, sippy-cups and other feeding items.
If you have a pregnant friend or family member, first hug her and tell her that it will all be worth it very soon, then take note of a great promotion at Babies R Us in stores and online starting today! From September 30 to October 31, 2016 spend $40 or more before tax on PlaytexBaby™ products (excluding all Playtex® Diaper Genie® products) at Babies “R” Us and you will receive a bonus $10 gift card to use on your next purchase! Use that gift card as a bonus for mom to complete the shopping she needs, or keep it for yourself to pick up something the next time you’re in for someone in your family.
I’m always looking for sales, love rewards programs, and love a bonus with purchase so if you’re going to be shopping for baby items in the near future, consider this great deal from PlaytexBaby™ and Babies R Us!
This post is sponsored by Playtex Baby. All opinions and witty remarks, as always, remain my own.
That’s such a great deal! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Love sales and I agree, diapers are always a great shower gift choice!
I love a good deal and practical gifts are the best!
Nice. I 10 dollar gift card right before Christmas is always a great thing
Thanks for the suggestions about the best or most useful gifts for moms-to-be. I want to know that what I am giving is really going to help the new mom.
i have to agree. practical gifts are the best in my opinion. yes its nice to get actual gifts too, but if you aren’t purchasing a specific item than i always give gift cards, subscriptions or supplies.
I gave my nieces diapers and wipes. Awesome, practical idea!
Gift cards are great; but so are the practical gifts; every Mama appreciates having a good supply of diapers and wipes on hand.
A practical gift is always appreciated! I was always thankful for one!
I never gift outfits because of the size and the parents may not like it, I try to gift items like the thermometer, brush and comb, powder, lotion, diaper cream, items like that, something that they can use!!
You cant’t go wrong with diapers as a shower gift choice!
I usually make a basket up with cream, baby oil, powder, soothers, a rattle and lots of other things like baby wipes and things the new mother can use. Diapers are always great too.
I love rewards like gift cards when shopping. Thanks for sharing.
Great advice! I love gift cards – so practical!
Great tips!! I always give gift cards just so that the new mom and dad can purchase what they want (either the big things or the small things.) There are so many different bottles/soothers/bouncers/etc. I know when I was pregnant with my 4, I already knew which product I wanted. I read reviews and saw many videos about the items. lol, so I think gift cards is the best options for the new parent
Thanks for all the information, I will have to try this out!
I also aim for practical useful gifts.
Time to stock up on Baby presents! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve given diapers and the diaper genie to several people and I’ve given cloth diapers to some people as well. I prefer people tell me what they want or need instead of me getting something they won’t want.
Gift cards are definitely a great gift and easy to buy too!
Great deal and I agree, gifts that will be well used are the best.
Gift cards are always lovely to give and get!
Always hard to decide between practical and cute 🙂
Gift cards are great from the business point of view.
I like the old fashion gift cards that don’t have restrictions. They called it “cash”.
Good practical ideas. I sometimes give an outfit that is a bigger size such as 18-24 months with some diapers.
it’s always a challenge to find that right meaningful gift
YOu look so cute!
I think diapers are a great gift
Great program going on at Babies r us .. $10 when you need to buy the stuff anyways is a great bonus.
Yes, gift cards or actual practical gifts are so much better than cute outfits!
I know personally that Gift cards are the best gift!! They may be impersonal but often most useful!
I agree that gift cards and practical items make great gifts because they can use them.Someties we mean well but don’t know what they truly need.
thats a great deal! will pass the info on to my sister in law!
Great ideas; I know it’s true that the newborn outfits are adorable, but some clothes never get worn. I know that gift cards do feel impersonal but they’re one gift that I enjoy receiving.
I think diapers(provided they plan to use disposables) and gift cards are the best presents for new parents. And Diaper Genie was our life saver!
Can’t go wrong with gift cards and subscription boxes! I loved getting those, and learning/trying new products!
I always give diapers and wipes as shower gifts. You can never have too many, and unlike some clothing, you know it will get used
Such a great idea
I try to stay away from the cute outfits and go with more practical items. The last baby gift I put together had a homemade knit blanket, bottles & pacifiers in it.
First of all you look adorable pregnant. secondly that is awesome! every little bit counts so $10 off your purchase of $40 or more is awesome!!
I’m ready to have my daughter’s baby shower. I really think diapers are a thoughtful gift. They are so expensive.
My friend just had a baby – this is excellent advice
I love the “hug her” recommendation! Pregnancy can be so challenging – but you are right – so very worth it!
I check their wish list or give diapers/wipes/gift cards.
What a great deal and gift idea! Thanks!
Fancy gifts are not always the best option.. it’s the useful daily necessities that new moms really need & appreciate most! Good promotion from Babies r Us & PlaytexBaby.
This is a novel idea! I always think of the homeless but this is a new thought that hadn’t occurred to me!
I miss having a baby.
Oh wow! That is a really amazing deal! Thank you
You really made me re think shower gifts now! Thanks for the great deal too!
My daughters got loads of diapers at their showers and were very appreciative!
Diapers for sure. Practical gifts are the way to go
I love giving and receiving practical gifts. This looks like a great deal.
PS: You looked incredible at 39 weeks pregnant! What’s your secret?