Sep. 22, 2009 - Lists for Gifts, Parties, and Avoiding Debt...
Ah, what a weird title...but seriously, a combination of these things have been knocking around in my head for awhile, and I wanted to get some of it 'on paper'...
I went to a baby shower for my cousin last Saturday, and a good time was had by all. Of all showers, I think baby showers are my favorite. And, you'll know from a previous post that I have definite opinions about how little it really can take to make baby, mom, and dad comfortable.
So why did I buy a bunch of stuff NOT on that list and wrap it up in a pretty bag to present to my cousin?
Ok, Ok -- it wasn't ALL junk. But some of it wasn't as much useful or helpful. It will probably be, at least a few of the items, what gets donated to the thrift store when baby #2 (God-willing) comes along. Such as, nursery decor (definitely don't NEED that), and a hand-mold-kit (Ok, they are cute, but if you do one for one kid, you feel bad if you don't do it for all your kids. Case in point, none of my kids have this. #4 will not have one either. Unless someone gives me a kit....maybe...)
Now, a saving grace for me is that this is my cousin's first baby. She is blissfully ignorant of many things (and I don't say this to slight her -- but that's just how it is with the first baby! Was for me, too!), and doesn't really know what she'll need. So, it was all received cheerfully with giggles, as we sipped coffee and ate cookies and oohed and aahed over all the cute little pink things (she's having a girl).
But, what will I do differently next time?
I'd really like to develop more of a personal handmade gift for showers -- like a default baby-shower-gift plan. Besides the fact that money is tight, and the pressure to give a gift (when you can't afford it) really rankles me -- personal gifts, and homemade gifts, are generally appreciated, maybe more so. There is thought that went into them -- more so than picking up a hunk of plastic made in China that plays "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" until a parent wants to throw it out a window!
Some thoughts on homemade gifts I may, in the future, attempt:
- a decorated book of blank pages that parents can put photos in -- sized for a small purse. Or, a book where they can put pictures of relatives and friends, that is baby friendly. Or, alternately, a gift certificate for photo developing, so they don't have to put it off because of lack of funds -- which can happen when you get the hospital bill. Whew!
- index cards printed with quotes, advice (both from well-known parenting people, etc, and myself) and prayers to be kept by a nursing mom's chair, for a little pick me up, and maybe some special treats to munch on -- homemade biscotti is my speciality!
- homemade good-smelling bath salts, for a new mom
- homemade baby wipes of flannel or terry cloth
- meals, easy and uncomplicated, that a dad or friend or older child could assemble while mom naps, or a coupon for a Meal In of their choice, make it like a neat menu, and they can check off what they'd like, and I'll deliver!
Okay, now onto the next subject. Parties. Home parties. Home selling parties. We all on the same page?
I used to think they were fun. Sometimes they are. Occasionally I'm interested in the product being sold, or even NEED something. But lately, I've seriously been invited to one home party each week -- one week there were two in the same week. Pampered Chef. Dove Chocolate. Norwex. Tupperware. Lia Sophia. Tastefully SImple. Southern Home Living Decor. Oh my goodness gracious! I must know the right combination of people and be such a glittering super popular lady to garner all these invitations, but honestly, it's overwhelming.
I know people say, "Just go, have fun, don't feel like you have to buy anything." But dude, I just don't 'buy' it -- literally. The point of the party is to buy things. And, though some could just shrug off the sales pitch, and find something useful to do and ignore the consultant who stares you down until you go over with your slip to the corner where she's calculating shipping and handling -- I feel like if you show up, you should buy something. I just do.
I must admit, though I'm a sucker for Tupperware, I really don't need much of anything from any other place, at the moment. I'm just too dang frugal these days to buy unneeded items. There's also the part of me that feels like if I go to one, and buy something, I should equally support other friends who are hosting parties (which in my opinion is quite a lot of work), and wanting to purchase little things themselves. I want to be fair.
Hence, I'm just not going to any.
The last little thread is, avoiding debt. Blah blah blah the economy, recession/depression, etc etc. You know the story. We're all living it here, people.
I was at a newly discovered blog, Crunchy Chicken, and have totally embraced a challenge from the blog hostess -- to buy all our Christmas gifts either - handmade from someone else, handmade by me, used/thrift store/Craigslist/freecycle finds ( I would also include donations to charitable organizations -- many times I'm stuck for a gift for someone I perceive "has everything". So, someone else, like a pro-life non-profit organization, can benefit, in their honor. Sweet!) . I'm signing up, and I would encourage others to think about it, too. I do like to give gifts, and yet I know that to be a good steward of what God has entrusted to our family, buying expensive gifts on credit doesn't 'fit the bill'. But, I'm totally psyched for the challenge, and thrilled to set this example for our kids. If we're shopping at consignment and thrift stores, and making presents, they can be more involved, too. Versus shopping at Target, where they really don't have much of a budget, and it's a frusterating exercise for all of us.
I had, last night, a very successful shopping trip to an area consignment store, looking for some birthday gifts for 4 cousins, which further encouraged my resolve to DO THIS. I got each child a book (just happened to be buy one, get one free! yes!), got a pair of PJ's for Jo-Jo (he was sleeping naked most of the time, which he likes, but, enough is enough. He's only 2, and fall weather is likely to rear its crisp head any day now), and even found a gift that I have cleverly hidden from aforementioned son (a Sesame Street guitar with his favorite characters - though he's never seen the show, just played - ahem - "educational games" on the website with me -- oh, and did I mention it lights up, and is noisy? I know he'll love it, though I may live to regret the purchase)
-- I spent a grand total of - TA DA - 7.25.
I know. Awesome, huh?
What gifts do you give to others, especially kids/newborns? Do you believe (as I tend to) that it is the thought that counts most, not how much you spend? Do you ever hand-make wrapping paper or cards? How does God enter into your gift-giving? Share some ideas. I could write another post, and I believe I will, soon, about the pressures of kids' birthday parties -- aurgh -- but this post is already ranty enough.
Comment
Sep. 23, 2009 - Great post!
Posted by chris36
I do agree that it is the thought that counts. Plus, it does mean so much more when it is handmade. It means a lot to know that someone took so much time to make something just for me. You have some really great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Love,
Chris
Sep. 24, 2009 - Baby gifts
Posted by suzie
Most often, I give The Baby Book by Dr. Sears. All those I've given it to really appreciate it. I've also made flannel blankets - with satin binding - as baby gifts. Every baby can use a new blanket, first or fifth!
Sep. 24, 2009 - Hi Laura
Posted by chris36
This is the first time that I was able to make the first day a big deal. It's hard when you have little ones. I love the idea of that bread. I would love the recipe if you want to share :}
Love,
Chris
