Need Baby Gift Suggestions

My hairdresser and aerobics instructor (she's a multi-talented lady), of whom I am VERY fond, is expecting a baby girl on 8/1/08.  I need suggestions for a baby gift. Monica has a year-old son.  I made a crib quilt for him and I'm not prepared to make a quilt for this little girl, but I like the idea of making something with my own hands.  I have a sewing machine and fairly advanced sewing skills, hand embroidery skills, and about $2,435,987.23 worth of rubber-stamping and scrapbooking supplies. If you were about to have your second baby, what kind of gift would make you happiest?  DON'T SAY FREE BABYSITTING - I'm not good at that.  Monica registered at Babys-R-Us, Wal-mart, etc. for her little boy but hasn't bothered for this baby, and I assume she has all the baby basics from the boy. thanks, Jean

" If you were about to have your second baby, what kind of gift would make you happiest?" A Ferrari

Sorry, Marc, that's a little bit beyond my means! Jean

Jean, We have a craft store here called Tall Mouse that has a large fabric section.  There were several sample items made up and the patterns for many different things.  I found a bunch of lap pads that I was able to stitch up quickly and then had quite a few to make a present.  My daughter-in-law loved them and used them so much for laying down to change the baby.  She also ended up using them as burping cloths as well as I remember. I found some sets, already pattern print coordinated, that all I had to do was cut them to the size given in the directions and sew them together.  I rolled them up and put them in a box in a row and wrapped it up. It was easy, hand-made, and greatly appreciated because they were unique! Kathi

I recently hosted a baby shower for a dear friend and wanted to use decorations she would be able to use for the baby.  I made a "diaper wreath" and a "diaper cake".  Both were very simple, even the non-crafter was able to handle it.  For the wreath, I bought a package of size 2 diapers and a wire wreath from the craft store and attached them around the wreath with clear, very small rubber bands.  Then I tied 3 colors of curling ribbon around each diaper and hung a 4 ounce baby bottle in the center with a rattle attached. The cake was made in 3 layers.  I used size 1 diapers (114 count I think) and rolled them up and again used a small rubber band around then took 7 or 8 to make a "flower" and attached them with a large rubber band.  For the bottom layer I used 5 flowers and then used a larger rubber band to attach.  With each layer I used 1 less flower to make it look like a tiered cake.  I took pretty ribbon to cover the large rubber bands and hid little surprises in any holes from the diapers.  I used things like burp cloths and 1 piece outfits and wash cloths.  Then I put a stuffed animal on the top.  You can decorate it anyway you chose I used a Winnie the Pooh theme for mine but I have seen them in many different varieties. I have pictures of them if you would like to see what I am talking about.  Don't know how to post them in here.  They were fabulous and she was able to use everything! Andrea

The quilt..... go for the quilt.... it will be made by hand and will be kept long after the baby has grown up. Nothing is as lasting as a homemade quilt... make a few burp rags too. Love the darling quilt patterns out now. Simple patterns with the right fabric can be stunning. As you can tell I'm into sewing... a little quilting but....

How about a gift certificate to take to J.C. Penney's, Sears, etc. Portrait Studio.  The second baby always gets skimped on when it comes to pictures.  I like the time capsules they make for babies.  It's big enough to store baby's favorite outfit, first walking shoes, etc.  You could probably make one with all your scrapbooking stuff.  Include some scrapbook pages for a girl and you must know what her name will be.  Maybe her name in wood letters.  Clean and paint/decorate a large popcorn tin. Happy crafting. Bev

I would use about $100 worth of scrapbook supplies and pre-make a baby album. I've done this before and after that everyone I know asked for one for themselves. I just made mats for standard photos and used cute baby papers and embellishments.  Julia

Hi All, I think I would go for the baby album...since you already have the supplies and this is a gift that would last forever. It is personal enough and something that would be shared with family and friends for many years. How nice of you to do this for her. Alice

An aunt (long since gone) started a tradition of taking double-sided flannel (good quality) and making a large square (width of fabric).  She put a very simple crocheted edging on them.  Each of the family got 2 of these great receiving blankets with each baby.  They wore like iron and were large enough to use until the baby was a toddler.  I have put the ones I received away for my sons to use for their babies and am making more exactly like them for extras.  It is a quick, inexpensive, lasting and handmade gift.