**MrsTerry**

Hooray2005

Saw your post from earlier about an "I'm broke" shower gift and had an idea that costs basically nothing except a bit of your time and a bit of paper (and perhaps a few key questions to the ladies on here for ideas).

Could you put together a thoughtful "new parent" handbook for her? Perhaps on some pretty paper if you have it, tied together with a ribbon or something - things like:

- How to swaddle a newborn
- Tips on how to soothe a fussy infant
- "Sage words of advice" from a mom of three about how to take care of herself during this crazy time
- Recipes for things like how to make things play dough, ooblik (cornstarch and water!), fingerpainting with shaving cream or whipped cream or other fun/easy toddler activities
- Easy dinner (crockpot) recipes

Just about anything to make it seem substantial enough to "count" as a book.  I'm thinking if you simply posted questions like "tell me your favorite  "go to" new baby meal, you'd have at least a dozen responses from nesties - then just cut, paste and print and in no time at all you'd have a great gift

Just an idea...  (and totally support the re-gift idea, too!)
 

mrsterry

Thanks!  That's a great idea.  I'm going to the store tomorrow and if I come home empty-handed I may very well use that idea.