Unconventional shower gifts

cakebatter27 · May 2014

DH'S grandma asked if there's anything we want /need for baby not on our registry. TBH I can't think of anything and keep racking my brain. We have all the furniture, DH's old toy chest is being refinished, we have a 4th generation baby rocking chair, and we bought a lot of stuff ourselves early on when we found sales (monitors, car seat and bases, jogging stroller, etc)

Does anyone have a recommendation of a gift they received that they either found super useful or a gift they/the baby loved? Multiple prices ranges are appreciated too. Thanks!

Skeemer · May 2014

Someone gave DS a nice little Bible with his name engraved on it as a keepsake. It's nice memorable gift even if you're not religious.

Could you find a really pretty picture or print that you want for your baby's room? Maybe on Etsy or somewhere then they could have it framed really nice at Michael's or Hobby Lobby.

Does she knit? If so a nice blanket, hat or etc would be lovely.

Would she want to purchase a newborn photography session for you? Or purchase a nice canvas of your LO once the session is finished?

Hope this helps. It's very sweet of her to offer.

Skeemer · May 2014

MSUDucks said:

Hmm... Are they looking for something sentimental or like an heirloom? If that's the case and you are religious they could buy the baptism outfit, or a bible. If you are not religious perhaps they could donate toward a newborn or one year photo shoot? My grandma knits and made the cutest sweater set and blanket for DS. My grandpa bought DS his first football and wrote his name on it and I really treasure it. That's all I can think of this early.

@msuducks Too funny! I must have took a long time typing mine because I didn't even see your reply! Lol, yeah we did post a ton of the same things! Lol.

This can only confirm one thing - we are awesome. :P

bullybutt · May 2014

Seriously, a Nose Frieda or those Sophie the Giraffe toys (for the store bought, lower end stuff). Also, if you use a Boppy Pillow, maybe they can make you covers for it instead of the ugly store bought ones. My mom made me multiple covers for our pillow since there was lots of leakage and spit up on them.

TugboatSheila · May 2014

My first thought was, if you had any sort of fund set up for baby's future they could contribute to that? I'm not sure how weird that sounds or not but it's practical, good for the baby and no pressure as far as an amount. Even just 10 dollars contributed to that is generous and appreciated.

katnipeverclean · May 2014

I've heard of grandparents buying small universal life policies for their great grands. You can't do that until after the baby is about 6 weeks old I believe.

If you plan on Baptizing or Dedicating your LO the outfit for that would be very sweet.

My best friend made DD a beautiful shadow box frame with her name on it and lady bugs. If it wasn't in storage I would post a picture of it. It's very special to me.

On the level of 'stuff we loved that's not sentimental" are the tommee tippee milk feeding bibs. They have a ring around the neck that keeps milk/formula that dribbles out of baby's mouth from getting in their neck rolls and making that stinky cottage cheese. I think I got scan happy and registered for these not knowing how awesome they were! I loved them so much I always pick up a pack for my new mom friends in addition to a gift from their registry!

Skeemer · May 2014

I've seen a few people get single framed stock for gifts that are unusual. There are various kinds depending on your interest. Some of them look really nice too especially if they're framed.

Here's the Disney one -

https://www.giveashare.com/stock.asp?buy=Disney-stock

Here's a cheaper Build A Bear -

https://www.giveashare.com/stock.asp?buy=Build-A-Bear-stock

This is cool if Dad or Mom are gear heads -

https://www.giveashare.com/stock.asp?buy=Ford-stock

cakebatter27 · May 2014

bullybutt said:
Seriously, a Nose Frieda or those Sophie the Giraffe toys (for the store bought, lower end stuff). Also, if you use a Boppy Pillow, maybe they can make you covers for it instead of the ugly store bought ones. My mom made me multiple covers for our pillow since there was lots of leakage and spit up on them.

I have both the nose frieda and Sophie on the registry. I mentioned I really want a boppy, car seat covers, mattress pad covers...practical stuff that's boring and not fun to buy. I also want a monogrammed blanket but that's hard bc DH doesn't want to reveal the sex and therefore the name either.

I mentioned without giving away the sex we need some cute storage bins I could use a gift card for or against contribution to wars newborn photos.

She's 76 years old and NOT crafty so she won't be making anything. I think she wants to buy something.

jnnfrrose6 · May 2014

Would it be awkward to ask for a prenatal massage for yourself? That's my go to for an unusual shower gift idea, but may not really make sense to ask grandma for it. I know it's not technically "for the baby" but will definitely help you, who's carrying the baby feel good. Otherwise, PPs gave great suggestions.

Huahine · May 2014

Skeemer said:

I've seen a few people get single framed stock for gifts that are unusual. There are various kinds depending on your interest. Some of them look really nice too especially if they're framed.
Here's the Disney one -
https://www.giveashare.com/stock.asp?buy=Disney-stock
Here's a cheaper Build A Bear -
https://www.giveashare.com/stock.asp?buy=Build-A-Bear-stock
This is cool if Dad or Mom are gear heads -
https://www.giveashare.com/stock.asp?buy=Ford-stock

I've never seen this before. Pretty cool!

kxk243 · May 2014

Gift cards? While not sentimental, very useful. Amazon.com or Etsy.com would be great. Etsy is fun because you can get all sorts of neat personalized things there... I've gotten birth info poster and a growth chart that I just adore.

honeybee434 · May 2014

I wish I had asked for some decorations for the baby room to those who asked for more "special" gift ideas than what is on my registry. There are a few things (mainly pictures for the walls, etc) that I know I want to get that are at various stores and for some reason it didn't even cross my mind to suggest it to anyone.

velvethearts · May 2014

Coming out from lurking so please excuse me for not posting a lot....

I bought my best friend a gift certificate for $100 for her to get family photos done. I think she really appreciated it.

abundancenow · May 2014

These coin sets from the year baby is born are cool and usually raises in value each year if kept in the package. I like the idea of buying a few, one to keep and others to possibly sell in the future.

cakebatter27 · May 2014

abundancenow said:
These coin sets from the year baby is born are cool and usually raises in value each year if kept in the package. I like the idea of buying a few, one to keep and others to possibly sell in the future.

My FIL buys these for each nephew and niece for Christmas plus dh and my BIL so I'm almost positive he'll start buying for LO.

I really want an Etsy gift card. There's a wooden pallet I would love for the nursery!

email2ash · May 2014

THIS!!!!

alyssa719 · May 2014

What about a maid service to come in and clean for a couple times or whatever either before the baby comes home (we're deep cleaning our carpets, for example), or in the first couple weeks following? Or a meal delivery service or something? They're kind of things you wouldn't really register for, but would be super helpful (unless you already have a maid and a cook and stuff).

cakebatter27 · May 2014

alyssa719 said:
What about a maid service to come in and clean for a couple times or whatever either before the baby comes home (we're deep cleaning our carpets, for example), or in the first couple weeks following? Or a meal delivery service or something? They're kind of things you wouldn't really register for, but would be super helpful (unless you already have a maid and a cook and stuff).

This would be amazing but would go over like a fart in church knowing her. She had 4 kids "the hard way" meaning no help. She definitely won't go for that.

Damn, now I want to register for a maid.

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