Last Minute Baby Gifts

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I'll get to the point: When you need a baby gift fast, go to the grocery store or Target. Aside from gift cards, they have all the baby necessities.

Read on for exactly what to buy there and how to present it so it looks like a present.

1. At the Grocery Store: Baby Gift Idea #1: Make a Quick Baby Gift Basket

   a) Go to the stationery section and grab the biggest gift bag you can find and a small package of tissue paper.
   b) Go to the Baby aisle and get:

   • Diapers
   • Wipes
   • Baby wash (I like Johnson & Johnson lavender)
   • A sippy cup or two
   • Baby bowls and utensils
   • Pacifiers
   • Rattles
   • Baby food

   After you've paid for your loot, line the gift bag with the tissue paper, stuff with baby items, add some more tissue around the top, and sign the attached card.

2. At the Grocery Store: Baby Gift Idea #2: Grab a Giftcard.

   Go to the gift card kiosk at the grocery store and look for Baby Gap. What new mom doesn't love that place?

   To add a little character, fasten the card to a little teddy bear you can find in the toy section (every grocery store has one).

3. At Target: Get THIS.

   Target is a mecca for baby gear. You name it, they have it. But when you're trying to grab a last minute gift, endless choices are not what you need. You need to get in and out quickly, so here's what to focus on:

   
   • Onesies & blanket. Babies go through lots of onesies, those t-shirts that snap shut between the legs. Pick up a variety of colors and pair it with a soft blanket in a complementary color. Stuff it all in a gift bag and you're good to go.

   • Bibs. My oldest son was a real drooler and went through tons of these. The softer the better. Be sure and include some with phrases like "Chick magnet" or "I Mommy"

   • Clothes. They have so many cute little items here, you could really burn through a lot of time browsing if you're not careful! If you're unsure of size, bigger is always better.

     Resist buying the adorable tiny shoes-- nobody wears them except maybe 2 minutes for a picture.

   • Toys. Look for Lamaze and Parents brands. Newborns love things that are brightly colored and crinkly. You can also find these last minute baby gifts at Walgreen's, TJ Maxx, and Marshall's.

   • Board books. They're the books with thick cardboard pages that baby can't tear apart. I went to a baby shower where someone wrapped a stack of them in a soft blanket and tied it with a bow. Too cute.

     

   • Music. Pick up a lullabye CD or two. My kids are in grade school and they still like listening to these when they have trouble sleeping (don't tell their friends).

   • Gift sets. If you can find them, grab them. "Dwell" makes especially cute ones. They include a darling onesie with matching hat, socks, and blanket. You can add a lullabye CD to round it out.

   

4. Online:

   For adorable baby bedding, check out BeyondBedding.com. They have a variety of baby, children and toddler accessories and bedding sets.

Warning about last minute baby gifts: Stay away from Baby Gear. Unless you're buying off a registry, leave the car seat or high chair alone because chances are, the parents have their eye on a specific one. OR just get it but be sure and attach that return receipt.

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