Wednesday, August 16, 2006

bundle of joy

Rich's baby sister, Beth, just gave birth to her first little one, Samantha. We met her tonight. I love brand new babies. Well, I love all babies to be sure. But the newest ones, the way they nudge and smile and are like just little baby birds! And Samantha is so very sweet. She slept the whole time but made sweet little noises and faces.

I thought maybe I would show you how I put together the basket of gifts for mama and baby.

Here's what I bought:



It was one-stop shopping at my neighborhood discount store. If there are a lot of babies due to arrive in your life, I recommend frequenting their baby section for good buys.






Here are some tips for putting together a basket like this:
Keep an open mind. Look in areas other than the baby section. For instance, I found a beautiful quilted throw that I thought would make a wonderful play blanket for the floor.

Take all of the hangers off the clothes. They just make the clothes look cheap. Fold the clothes with a piece of tissue either inside them or behind them. It'll give the clothes a little body. And tie each bundle with a pretty bow.

Think of covering these bases...something practical, something heirloom-quality, something cute, and something to read.

Add details (like her name in the bin's slot)

Get the cutest and softest stuffed animal you can find. Take off any annoying tags that detract from his look. Use him as the anchor for your basket and put things in his arms, tie things to his wrists. You could even put some of the gifts on him, like a bib, hat, booties.

Use items like blankets to "fill" the bottom of the basket so that the items don't sink.

Don't just mark through the tags, especially if they are from a discount store like these were. Just remove the whole price tag. It looks better without 'em.

I didn't have time for this, but it's extra cute to use yards of tulle in baby-shades to "wrap" the basket. Put the basket in the center of the length of tulle. Bring the shorter sides in and tuck into the basket if you can. Bring the two longer ends together, making sure to keep the shorter ends tucked inside. Use a rubber band to secure the two longer ends together. Tie with a pretty satin bow. Tulle also makes a wonderful veil for Easter baskets and the result is so much softer than shiny plastic.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jeez, Powers! You can make TJ Maxx look like a million bucks. I'm totally inspired. Now if only someone would have a girl instead of a boy around here. . . .

I miss you! I'll call you tomorrow.

xo, a

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful package! There are a few Mums-to-be that I know are going to benefit from this post!

Thanks Muchly Lady!

Mama Urchin said...

Very sweet. I love how you also stuck to a simple color palette. Samantha is lucky to have such a thoughtful Auntie.

Terri said...

Just beautiful! And wonderful ideas! Thanks-

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful! My mother always finds the most wonderful things for my little girl at TJ Maxx, at unbelievable prices!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to your family on the new addition! Baby girls are so sweet and wonderful.

You have the most awesome skills at presentation. Thank you for sharing your secrets!

Boxwood Cottage said...

Oh my this is so lovely! Thanks for the great advices! Samantha and her mum are very lucky to have someone as thoughtful and creative as you are!

Anonymous said...

How cute basket. Sure she will love it! Good tips also!

Saucy said...

What a thoughtful and generous Auntie Samantha has - and with good taste, too!

Gillian said...

Oh my goodness... that is the most GORGEOUS baby package I have EVER seen. What a thoughtful/beautiful gift!

Unknown said...

Beautiful gift! Any new mom would be happy to receive that. Can I be honest though? When I was getting gifts of clothing for my new baby I appreciated having the tags left on so I could exchange the clothing if needed. I got several duplicate items and it was wonderful to be able to exchange for a different size or a different item. I know it detracts from the *look*, but it's much more practical.

Anonymous said...

you are just the best auntie EVER..they will be thrilled..LOVE IT!
p.s. I found the most darlin "bee" tea glasses there TODAY..just like ones I have seen in Rest Hardware and Ballard catalog! Gotta love that!

hummmlan said...

That is just sooo cute!

Sarah and Jack said...

Oh my, that is really a beautiful gift! I am only sorry you weren't coming to visit us when my son was born.... :0)

Anonymous said...

Love, Love, Love it!!

Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

Oh what a dreamy perfect package!