Shopping Thread

[saraml13]

For those of us who need shopping help.

[saraml13]

Help me shop for a baby shower gift for my sister. I'd like to get her something sentimental versus items from her registry (plus I've already given her a huge pile of my baby gear). She likes "nice" things ($$, name brands). Her house isn't huge and I know she doesn't want a ton of purely decorative items, so things like silver or china baby bowls and cups are out. She's team green. Her nursery is grey and white with no real theme.

For DS1's baby shower, she gave me/him this Tiffany elephant piggy bank. www.tiffany.com/gifts/baby-gifts/elephant-bank-19328376?&&fromGrid=1&search_params=p+1-n+10000-c+288202-s+5-r+-t+-ni+1-x+-lr+-hr+-ri+-mi+-pp+0+5&search=0&origin=browse&searchkeyword=&trackpdp=bg&fromcid=288202&trackgridpos=2

Would it be lame to give the same item back to her or do you think it's cute to have matching ones? (DS2 does not have a piggy bank yet.) . Or are there other suggestions along this same vein?

Budget: $100-150

[2chatter]

Custom quilt s/he can use to play on the floor now, then on the couch, then take to college?

[billie]

I'm a fan of fancy bedding for the nursery. What about a beautiful quilt that can be used for decoration and later on for the child's bed?

[billie]

I swear I did not see 2chatter's response before typing mine. Great minds!

[waverly]

I need a birthday gift for my sister. I could get her clothing if I find a cheap nice top bonus points for Amazon. She likes birding and gardening. Hmm she does have an Amazon wish list. I should probably look there although it's usually $$$$ because she puts stuff she is saving up for on there.
She likes 80's hair band music. She likes paddleboarding and kayaking and nature. Budget $20-$30.

Also I need a birthday gift for my Grandma. She is moving into a nursing home, and getting rid of stuff. She has dementia. Maybe a nice plant? Same budget.

[mellym]

I don't think it would be lame to get her the same piggy bank since she obviously likes it and thought it was a great gift. I don't think I could ever spend that much $$$ on a piggy bank though!

[ilovelucyvv]

What is your sister's body type and clothing preferences waverly? Does she like fitted or flowy?

For your grandma I would suggest clothes too, just because I remember that was what my mom always got my grandmother because she didn't have space for much else. Or a nice picture frame with a meaningful picture in it?

[k3am]

We have that piggy bank. It stays in a box in the closet since I'm pretty terrified of it breaking. I love it, but I wouldn't give her the same thing since I don't like doing the same gifts.

I'm firmly in the camp of "no" to giving people blankets. In our case, the gift givers taste was always different from mine, we ended up with 2983742983 of them, and then I had to choose to either get rid of it or feel obligated to hold onto it. The only blanket we've kept for DS is the one I bought for him.

Honestly, my favorite sentimental gift was a picture frame we got with DD. It holds a 4x6 picture and then has two slots for a handprint and a foot print. Ended up getting one with DS since I liked it so much.

[186momx]

waverly, I love my rash guard shirts for under my life jacket when I kayak or SUP, could she use a new one or new straps to tie down her boats to the car? For your grandma I would do a wall framed photo of your and your family or a small photo book from Shutterfly with pictures and captions so she can sit and know who is who.

saraml13, I agree with the blanket/quilt idea. My sister made a blanket for my DD and she still cuddles up with it.

[186momx]

I need a b-day gift for a 1 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. The family also has a 5 year old girl. They have enough books for their own mini library and when I asked about ideas for the 5 year old 3 months ago they said they were overstocked with arts/crafts stuff so please don't send anything like that.

[twinmomma]

186momx, I'd go with a gift certificate for an experience. Throw in something like bubbles or chalk so they have something to open, if you feel that's necessary.

[waverly]

ilovelucyvv , She is blessed with great abs, so she can wear flowy or fitted. She trends to things with color and pattern, and likes things with a slight 80's feel, but not quite 80"s.

The rash guard is an interesting idea. I am pretty sure she just wears her swimsuit or bikini, so she could put rash guard over bikini top maybe. I like the shutterfly book idea because I need to do one for my family as well, so I could just make 2 copies.

I decided on a t-shirt that said I would rather be birding lol.  

[waverly]

saraml13, I like the ideas of a new mom care package type thing with a cheaper sentimental item. Personalized baby book, memory box, engraved ornament. I love the pottery barn towels with their names on them, of course you don't know the name yet. A personalized frame, personalized book or one of those books that you read to the baby in/ record your voice.

[saraml13]

I don't think a nice quilt is quite the right fit. Her taste is pretty modern (clean and simple furniture, abstract art) and I have a hard time picturing a quilt that is gender neutral and wouldn't clash with her style that isn't just completely generic / boring. Plus her nursery is small and I don't think there is any unclaimed wall space to hang a quilt for decor. And I know I got a million and one plush baby blankets that mostly sit in drawers.

k3am, DS1's elephant piggy bank actually is in his room on a (high) shelf and I do drop change in it occasionally. It definitely counts as one of those things I could never justify buying for myself, but is neat to give / receive as a gift. Would you feel that another Tiffany piggy bank of a different animal would still be too unoriginal? The duck is cute.
www.tiffany.com/gifts/baby-gifts/ducky-bank-18748053?&&fromGrid=1&search_params=p+1-n+10000-c+288202-s+5-r+-t+-ni+1-x+-lr+-hr+-ri+-mi+-pp+1733+5&search=0&origin=browse&searchkeyword=&trackpdp=bg&fromcid=288202&trackgridpos=39

waverly, I do like personalized sentimental items, but it's hard right now without knowing sex or name. Those are definitely items on my list for either post-birth gifts or baby's first Christmas.

[twinmomma]

saraml13, Work sends new babies some sort of personalized rocking horse. Do you think she'd go for something like that, or is it too traditional for the nursery style?

[k3am]

saraml13 , that DUCK is too cute for words. Seriously.

I would still be on the fence about choosing it though.

ETA: Omg. I have never felt a dick was cute. >.<

[waverly]

saraml13, www.amazon.com/Lady-Jayne-Journey-Memory-Keepsake/dp/B01BMSILGS/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501003971&sr=8-6&keywords=memory+box+for+baby

www.amazon.com/Carters-Keepsake-Box-Little-Memories/dp/B00UW3RI0K/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501004332&sr=8-2&keywords=memory+box+for+baby

www.amazon.com/Carters-Keepsake-Box-Little-Memories/dp/B00UW3RI0K/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501004332&sr=8-2&keywords=memory+box+for+baby

www.amazon.com/dp/B01BMQINJA/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_1_a_it?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2972357942&pd_rd_wg=NWIZy&pf_rd_r=NVWWA6A8EYEP1732RVQE&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B01BMQINJA&pd_rd_w=Np8SD&pf_rd_i=memory+box+for+baby&pd_rd_r=ES2GDJ2Z821PD6YBM5N1&ie=UTF8&qid=1501004332&sr=1

www.amazon.com/Pearhead-Babyprints-Newborn-Handprint-Footprint/dp/B01N4SDEND/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501004465&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+keepsakes

What about a professional photographer for newborn pictures? Mother's necklace?

[saraml13]

Jul 25, 2017 12:37:56 GMT -5 twinmomma said:

saraml13 , Work sends new babies some sort of personalized rocking horse. Do you think she'd go for something like that, or is it too traditional for the nursery style?

I think a nice rocking horse wouldn't necessarily clash, but her nursery is pretty small.  I know she was saying it was going to be tight to get a glider and ottoman in there, so I don't think she'd want to devote the space to having a rocking horse out on display.  Their house is not baby friendly and it's very likely they will move within a year of baby being born, so she'd prefer not to store bulky items that won't get immediate use.  Probably something I would give for a first birthday present instead.

[thatsfancy]

I'm in the same camp as k3am. I have held on to so many blankets for sentimental reasons when they are soooo nms. People put a lot of work into these quilts, but....

The exception is a blanket
blanket my friend knit for DS1. Not exactly my style, but not crazy. Both boys love it and I would use it sleep on the couch with both when they were little.

[thatsfancy]

saraml13 I was going to suggest some crazy expensive baby clothes that they will only wear once, but I think you might be looking for something more lasting. Though I did love when my boys would get all the cute Ralph Lauren stuff, etc.

[saraml13]

Jul 25, 2017 12:45:38 GMT -5 waverly said:

saraml13 , www.amazon.com/Lady-Jayne-Journey-Memory-Keepsake/dp/B01BMSILGS/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501003971&sr=8-6&keywords=memory+box+for+baby

www.amazon.com/Carters-Keepsake-Box-Little-Memories/dp/B00UW3RI0K/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501004332&sr=8-2&keywords=memory+box+for+baby

www.amazon.com/Carters-Keepsake-Box-Little-Memories/dp/B00UW3RI0K/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501004332&sr=8-2&keywords=memory+box+for+baby

www.amazon.com/dp/B01BMQINJA/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_1_a_it?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2972357942&pd_rd_wg=NWIZy&pf_rd_r=NVWWA6A8EYEP1732RVQE&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B01BMQINJA&pd_rd_w=Np8SD&pf_rd_i=memory+box+for+baby&pd_rd_r=ES2GDJ2Z821PD6YBM5N1&ie=UTF8&qid=1501004332&sr=1

www.amazon.com/Pearhead-Babyprints-Newborn-Handprint-Footprint/dp/B01N4SDEND/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501004465&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+keepsakes

What about a professional photographer for newborn pictures? Mother's necklace?

Those are really cute!  But I think I'm looking for a little more "wow" factor.  One option would be to do one of these and then pair it with a nice spa gift card for her.    (She already has her newborn photograph booked, and it's way out of my price range.)


thatsfancy, I think I'd like something a little more lasting than fancy clothes, and I think she'll get plenty of those once baby is born.

[2chatter]

I love the photos of kids in a shirt that has their graduation year - you could do a l/s polo T (unisex) and Senior 203x or whatever the year is...

A custom ring sling in modern colors?

You could start a tradition - like an annual trip to the zoo with you and your boys, and gift a zoo membership.

IDK if they registered for anything like this - but a modern high chair - we had a keekaroo and I loved it because it was like furniture, not a plastic monstrosity.

[k3am]

Here's the frame I have for both kids. I love them. If you go this route, buy the extra ink pad transfer kits. It's hard to get it right the first time. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKQMWTS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've also given this one, that I also love that doesn't have the requirement of trying to get wiggly feet and hands to cooperate. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKQUXG2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think the problem you're running into is that sentimental doesn't particularly translate well to someone with a minimalist style and/or limited space. And the gender neutral makes it harder, since you can't really personalize anything.

We have one of these for the family that I love: www.etsy.com/listing/201040825/beech-wood-ruler-growth-chart-engraved?ref=listing-shop-header-3 It's BIG, but it doesn't take up space (we have tiny house problems as well. No way could I fit a glider or ottoman in the nursery). But you'd have to know your sister's taste well enough to have any clue if it's something she'd really like. (It goes against my goal of preferring gifts that can easily exit the house unnoticed if it's not the recipient's taste)

[twinmomma]

So this is a really specific, sentimental gift that we received. But maybe it'll spark other ideas. My girls happen to be Geminis, aka the twins, so good friends gave us framed art of the gemini constellation. It's really simple, tasteful wall art and I love the special meaning behind it.

[saraml13]

Jul 25, 2017 13:16:28 GMT -5 k3am said:

Here's the frame I have for both kids. I love them. If you go this route, buy the extra ink pad transfer kits. It's hard to get it right the first time. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKQMWTS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've also given this one, that I also love that doesn't have the requirement of trying to get wiggly feet and hands to cooperate. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKQUXG2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think the problem you're running into is that sentimental doesn't particularly translate well to someone with a minimalist style and/or limited space. And the gender neutral makes it harder, since you can't really personalize anything.

We have one of these for the family that I love: www.etsy.com/listing/201040825/beech-wood-ruler-growth-chart-engraved?ref=listing-shop-header-3 It's BIG, but it doesn't take up space (we have tiny house problems as well. No way could I fit a glider or ottoman in the nursery). But you'd have to know your sister's taste well enough to have any clue if it's something she'd really like. (It goes against my goal of preferring gifts that can easily exit the house unnoticed if it's not the recipient's taste)

Yes, I know this is a hard gift choice between her style and gender neutral and limited space!  I do appreciate everyone's suggestions.

I do like the ruler measuring stick idea!  We have a very similar one with our family name engraved on it that was our gift to DS1 for his first birthday.  And you're right that it doesn't take up much wall space at all.  We have ours tucked behind where the door opens in DS1's room.  I think she would like it in white or pale beech.  I have to think about if I want to try to wrap something like that and drag it to shower.

[k3am]

saraml13, for big gifts (or where the shipping process makes them late gifts...), we sometimes just take a picture and wrap that. It also really stumps the person opening it, since it's pretty much an empty box.

[2chatter]

I love the ruler!

[mommyatty]

I love this blanket. www.amazon.com/dp/B0052OKZP4?th=1 We got one for DD from an outside law firm. It's incredibly lux. And also Angel Dear Pair and a Spare loveys. www.amazon.com/Angel-Dear-Spare-blanket-Giraffe/dp/B003D3O8C2?th=1. These are the most velvety soft loveys on the planet.

[mommyatty]

waverly , my grandmas always loved nice socks and robes (or dressing jackets, as they called them). In particular the socks with aloe are great. Very soft and moisturizing. Also, you can get some with grips on the bottom which are great for the elderly who are more likely to fall in slippery socks.