Gift Ideas for Every Occasion

Today, I’m sharing gift ideas for any occasion.  There are many occasions where you need to buy a gift. A birthday, a new baby, a wedding, a special occasion, or just because you care. Choosing the right gift can be stressful and overwhelming.  But, don’t worry.  Here have a few solutions. 

 

gift ideas

 

 

Here are a few gift ideas for every occasion:   

 

Birthday Gifts for Kids 

Most kids already have toys that get played with for a few minutes and then they lost interest and move to something else.  Other gift ideas for kids instead of another toy are sensory toys, subscription boxes, or tickets to an event. 

Sensory toys like a hanging indoor swing or balance board are great. They not only help children process their feelings and excess energy, but they can also give mom a break from their hyperactivity. 

Subscription boxes are another fun idea. Every month they will receive an activity to do in their mailbox. This is so exciting for a child and you can tailor the boxes to match their personalities. There are boxes that range from literary experiences to science experiments, cooking or baking, and STEM activities. 

Experiences are also a great way to give a gift to a child. Tickets or memberships to local events, museums, or zoos are gifts that they can remember forever.  

 

Baby Shower Gifts

New moms usually feel overwhelmed and sometimes may not even know what they need. What to get a new mother will depend on their situation.  A brand new mother will need different things than an experienced mother. 

So, if you are buying a gift for a brand new mother, it is important to think about things that saved your sanity.  Diapers and wipes are always a good idea since that can never be overused.  Furthermore, a gift card to be used at a later date is also a great idea.  Additionally, bring your favorite book from when you were a child to share with the new baby. 

The transition to motherhood or addition of a new baby to a family is always stressful on the mother. Getting a gift aimed at the mother instead of the baby can be a very thoughtful gesture as well. A day at the spa, some of her favorite items, or gift cards to eat out with hubby or her significant other.  

 

 

gift ideas

 

Wedding Gifts

Couples normally have a wedding registry, so that makes buying gifts easier. Sometimes there aren’t many things on the registry or the things in your price range have already been purchased. If this happens, then you need some ideas to fill in the gaps. 

One great idea is to get them either a subscription box or gift box that they can use for date night. If they are moving after the wedding, then they will probably appreciate something fun to do. Wine and cheese,  pretzel delivery boxes, or date night activities are a fun addition too.

15 Baby Shower Door Prize Ideas

Planning a baby shower and the date is quickly approaching?  The invitations are out, theme has been selected and the menu planned, but you completely forgotten about door prizes and the games.  Been there done that.   However, I have successfully hosted several baby showers for family and friends.  So, today I’m sharing parenting tips for baby shower door prize ideas.

 

baby shower door prizes

 

Great gifts to thank guests who are helping to make your baby shower the best ever is important.  After all,  your guests are the key to a successful shower and they’ve taken the time to honor the Mother To Be.  You don’t want them to leave empty handed.

 

 Baby Shower Door Prize Ideas:

  1. Candles – First, everyone loves candles.  You can find them in yummy scents or no scent.
  2. Set of Ice Cream Bowls or Sundae Cups – Great for family time.
  3. Coffee or Latte Mugs – Great for sipping coffee or tea.
  4. Kitchen towel set – So, who couldn’t use new kitchen towels.
  5. Loofah and Body Wash – Make someone’s day with a scented body wash and loofah.
  6. Stationary – Writing a personal note or thank you card never goes out of style.
  7. Coffee or Tea – Nice for week-ends when you can catch a moment to relax.
  8. Homemade Jam or Salsa – Bring out those jars of goodies that you’ve stored and share them.
  9. Gift Certificate – Everybody loves a free treat to Annie’s Pretzels, Dairy Queen, Rita’s Sweet Frog etc.
  10. Homemade Craft – Also, people love home made crafts.  Personally, I would rather have a homemade gift than a store brought one
  11. Pictures Frames – Look for frames that have family, friends Girls Night Out etc.  on them.
  12. Manicure or Pedicure Gift Card – This would be a great for someone who deserves to be or needs to be pampered.
  13. Premade Scrapbook Album –   I gave one of these to my daughter and she loved it.
  14. Matinee Movie Tickets – Great for date with hubby or significant other or a girlfriend.
  15. Consolation Gifts – Last, bake a batch of cookies or brownies and tie the bag with a pretty ribbon.

 

baby shower door prizes

 

Finally, check stores like Target, Big Lots, Dollar General, TJ Maxx, Michael’s etc for clearance items or the bargain bin.   I’ve scored baby shower door prize ideas there.  Use your imagination.  If you’re crafty, make a few of the gifts.

You may also like Baby Shower Game Ideas

Shopping Tips for Infant Car Seats and Strollers

Taking baby on the road? There are a number of things to keep in mind when you are shopping for strollers and infant car seats.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on infant car seats and strollers.  First, consider the age of the child.  Furthermore, how will you be using the stroller or car seat before you buy.

 

 

tips for infant car seats

 

 

Buckle up baby

First, you will start with a portable infant car seat.  It will also double as a carrier and a rocking chair in a pinch.  Infant car seats are designed to be rear-facing (the safest seating for a baby) and it snaps into a base. You will find all-in-one car seats on the market.  They are a tempting choice because they could potentially save you money. However, the one-size-fits-all design may not work for smaller babies or smaller cars.  For example, these infant car seats are big and bulky.  They are a good backup car seat or great for a caregiver. One car that can accommodate any kind of car seat is the Jeep Compass. Make sure the seat you are buying will actually fit in your vehicle.

Traveling with a toddler

Your next car seat will be a convertible model when your baby is about a year old. Experts advise you to keep the seat rear-facing until your child is at least two years old.  So, the seat has to be able to accommodate the extra leg room while facing backward. When your child has passed the 40 to 50lb. mark, you will want to change the seat to a forward-facing installation.

Toddler booster seats are also available, and they are cheaper than convertible seats.  However, they are only safe for a child who has reached the recommended front-facing age of two years old.  Next, basic booster seats are designed to “boost” your child up to the proper level for seatbelt coverage.  High-back versions are recommended as a safer and more comfortable option.  Be sure to check your state’s car seat regulations.  They could vary from state to state. 

Let’s go for a stroll

Before you buy a stroller, consider how you will be using it.  Will you be walking through the city or down a country road? You will need a durable, comfortable stroller with strong wheels and a safety harness. Some strollers collapse down into a lying position so baby can nap comfortably and safely.  This is perfect for trips to the mall or other events.

If you are moving baby from car to stroller for your walks, you may appreciate the kind where you can strap the car seat right into the frame. As baby grows and is able to sit up, walk and toddle away, you may want to switch to a lightweight, collapsible stroller that is easy to pack when not in use.

As with any baby equipment, it is important to take your time.  Most importantly, do your research and invest in a car seat or stroller that you feel good about. Once you do, pack up baby and hit the road.

The Cutie Bibs Review

product reviews, The Cutie Bibs

I received The Cutie Bibs to review in exchange for an honest review.  This post may contain affiliate links.  My blog may be compensated.  All funds will be used to sustain Mother 2 Mother.

I opened the box containing bibs and giggled. They are so cute.  The material is silicon rather than cotton or terry cloth.  That’s a bonus to me.  Cute little bibs end up dirty looking because of food and milk stains usually ended up in the trash can in my house.  I simply refused to use them on my children. That will not be a problem with The Cutie Bibs.  Withstanding food, dripping milk, and juice is what was in mind when these bibs were made.  There are three buttons on the strap that goes around the neck. It’s great for making adjustments when baby grows.  We know how quickly that happens.

They’re flexible and the colors are fun.  I love the yellow one with the giraffe. The elephant is adorable too, but the spots on the giraffe’s bib just sets it apart.  Children love colorful and fun items, so do moms.

The bibs are perfect for on the go trips.  Just wipe them clean with a cloth or wipes that most moms carry in their bag.  Place them on the first rack of the dishwasher or in the sink with hot soapy water when you’re home.  Personally, I recommend the hot soapy water.

Lets talk about the placemats.  Heaven sent.  They are perfect for setting the baby’s bottle, dish of baby food and spoon nearby.  They can be used well into the toddler years, which makes the purchase a great deal.  I highly recommend this product.  It will make a great baby shower gift or a practical purchase for moms who wish to eliminate terry cloth or cotton bibs.