How to Make Baby Gift Baskets

Baby showers and birthdays are filled with generic gifts. A few toys, a new blanket, some clothes. Why not spice up your next gift to a new mother and her little one by making them a beautiful baby gift basket.

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Steps

    1
    Choose a color scheme and theme. If you know the sex of the baby, this first step is very easy. Pink and purple for girls, blue and red for boys. If the sex is unknown, use gender neutral colors such as yellow, green, orange, and brown. No matter what colors you use,kept it pastel and light. You can then choose a baby-friendly theme for your basket. Some common themes include: Animals, polka dots, stripes, gingham/plaid, flowers, butterflies, circus, etc.
    2
    Pick a basket. You want to choose something smooth and soft, just in case the mother decided to use the basket in the home or the baby comes in direct contact with it. Fabric and plush baskets can be found in almost any craft or baby store, but soft wood ones will do. Traditional woven baskets can be found with varnish coatings and softer woods in most craft stores. Just run your hand over the material to check for splintering.
    3
    Gather your supplies. Pick up thick ribbon, foam or wood letters, bows, a card or tag, plastic wrap, and something to fill the bottom of the basket with. Make sure nothing is toxic or edible, and watch out for small pieces that can break of and be hazardous for the baby.

    4
    Decorate and fill the basket. It's time to get to work! Line the bottom of the basket with a thin tissue paper, letting the corners come just above the edge of the basket. One of the best bottom fillers is a soft, plush blanket. Babies love them, and they make wonderful gifts. It also eliminates the need for paper or plastic filling at the bottom. Wrap the handle in a thick ribbon and apply bows to the handle and front of the basket. Add a tag to the handle if you are using them. It is also a cute idea to use foam or wood letters to write out the baby's name at the front of the basket. Arrange the rest of your small gifts and card within the basket, with larger objects to the bottom and back and smaller ones towards the front.
    5
    Wrap the entire basket. Once you are finished, wrap the entire basket in clear or colored plastic. Do this by placing the basket over a large sheet of plastic, grabbing all four corners, and pulling them up and over the handle of the basket. Bunch the plastic together in one hand and secure it with ribbon. Tie the ribbon into a bow and allow the extra plastic to remain sticking up on top.

    6
    Some suggestions on what to include in your basket:
        A soft baby blanket.
        One-size baby clothing (unless the size of the baby is known.)
        Gift cards to baby stores for the Mother
        Small toys
        Stuffed animals
        Portable diaper bags
        Bottles and other feeding products
        Powder, lotion, and bath products for baby

Tips

    It is not necessary to wrap the individual items withing the basket if the basket itself is wrapped.
    Consider throwing in a little something for the mother or giving her own separate gift if you are not bringing food or a drink to her event. Remember, she's working hard too.

 Warnings

    Make sure all materials are non-toxic and baby safe. Check labels and buy from trusted companies. If you have any doubts, go with your gut feeling and get something else.
    Avoid using scented products in the gift basket. This usually adds a nice touch, but it can be irritating for baby's sensitive skin.
    Make sure the sex of the baby is correct and the name is spelled correctly. Don't be embarrassed to double-check. If the sex/name is still unknown, keep the colors gender neutral.