Cherished Teddies
Posted in Arts and Crafts on 10/21/2009 12:47 pm by adminCherished Teddies
When a friend, relative or colleague has a new baby it’s customary to buy a gift – either for the baby or for the parents.
If you’ve recently had children yourself, then you’ll probably have a good idea of what will be the perfect newborn gift. However, you’ll also know the type of gifts that were still in their original wrapper on your child’s first birthday.
For those without children, or whose children have grown and you’ve finally managed to blank the early sleepless years from your memory, we’ve put together a practical guide to new born baby gifts.
Flowers for Mum
After the birth of my first son, I always thought that antenatal lessons should include a module on flower arranging. The house looked like a florist shop on Valentine’s Day morning. Don’t get me wrong, I love flowers. They’re also a great way to send your congratulations if you don’t live close enough to visit in person but it might be a good idea to buy basket style arrangements or those that come in their own vase, pot or bulb of water, or the new Mum might quickly run out of containers!
Clothes for the baby
Clothes are great practical gifts for the parents, but please stop and think before you buy. Bigger babies will outgrow the newborn size quickly, some might even wear 0-3 month clothes immediately, so it might be worth finding out how big the baby is.
If you do decide to buy clothes for when the baby is older, remember to consider the season. A pretty summer dress may look gorgeous now, but if it’s the middle of winter before the baby is big enough to wear it, chances are it will go to waste. Similarly, a 6-9 month cosy winter coat might not get much wear if it’s July when the baby finally grows into it.
Baby equipment
It’s amazing the amount of equipment a new baby needs (or we think it needs). There are baby slings, baby baths, bottle warmers, not to mention the pram, cot and car seat – and that’s just for starters.
While it’s usual for the baby’s parents or extended family to buy the bigger items, even the smaller items, like sterilisers, change mats and change bags, can soon add up.
If you’re buying a gift for a work colleague, it might be nice to club together and buy a more expensive item like a baby monitor for the new parents. However, if you are thinking about buying baby equipment, it’s probably wise to let the parents know. For practical reasons, they may have a preference as to the type or brand of baby equipment. Different sterilisers take different sized bottles, for example.
If you are spending that little bit more money, it’s also wise to check that they don’t already have the item in question.
Teddies and toys
Teddy bears are a popular baby gift and they are often loved by the child for many years to come. Just make sure that you buy special baby teddy bears suitable from birth.
It won’t be long before the baby is doing more than just sleeping, feeding and crying. There are many toys on the market designed to stimulate new born babies. Brightly coloured toys that crunch, crackle, rattle and squeak can make lovely new born baby gifts. Play gyms, which entertain the baby with toys dangling from an overhead frame, can give mum a few precious moments to herself – even if it is so she can put the next load of washing in – can be a priceless gift.
Keepsakes
It’s amazing how quickly babies change (and how quickly you forget what they were like). From the moment their baby is born, parents want to cherish every moment.
Baby development books or keepsake boxes are a great gift for parents, giving them a useful way to record their memories as their baby grows.
Many specialist companies and department stores also sell vouchers for baby hand and footprints. These decorative gifts can be a lasting reminder for parents of how small their baby really was.
If your budget is a little higher, you could always treat the parents to a family portrait session with a local photographer.
Parenting guide books
While babies don’t come with instruction manuals, some new parents find it comforting to develop their parenting skills with help from books written by experts. However other people prefer to find their own way as new parents.
I’d suggest only buying a parenting guide book if you know that your friend or relative would welcome the gift. However there are some books that take a more light-hearted view on parenthood, which new parents (if they ever have a spare minute) might enjoy.
Not only can these books make you laugh out loud at some of the situations all parents find themselves in (usually involving bodily fluids at inappropriate times), but they can also help new parents to realise that it’s not just them – there are baby ups and downs that we all go through.
Baby goody hamper
Why not fill a decorative box, basket or hamper with a range of useful baby products? Baby shampoo, cotton buds, cotton wool, nail clippers, baby lotion, nappy rash cream, nappies, baby hair brush, teething gel,… the list goes on.
Not only will it be great fun to put together, but as a new parent it’s a handy gift to have around for when you run out of those absolute essentials.
Balloon in a box
Finally I can’t mention baby gifts without mentioning balloon gifts. One of the gifts I received when my first son was born was a helium balloon in a box.
I thought it was such a fun and unusual gift idea that that my husband and I established Big Fat Balloons.
One of the great things about sending a new baby balloon, is that it can be used to entertain any older siblings too.
Personally, I find buying gifts for new born babies one of the easiest things to do. Not only are there many great newborn baby gift ideas to choose from, but the gifts themselves are usually incredibly cute and endearing. So congratulations to any new parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, cousins and happy new born baby gift hunting!
Sophie Baxter lives in the UK with her husband and two children. She runs http://www.bigfatballoons.co.uk and online shop that sells helium balloons, teddy bear gifts and chocolates.
Do you still have any cherished toys from your childhood?
While I’m well into my 20′s, I still have a few of my toys from when I was a kid. My mother just told me that “dear ol’ dad” found and attempted to THROW AWAY my friend Wrinkles The Talking Dog.
Thankfully she rescued him from imminent DEATH!
My question: Do you still have any cherished toys from your childhood? and if so: How would you react if a parent tried to get rid of your: Mr Potato Head, GI Joe, Glow-Worm, Pound Puppie, Cabbage Patch Kid, Barbie, Talking Elmo, etc… or just plain Teddy Bear???
Meanie Hubbie made me give up my childhood teddy bear when my first child was born…..
Still haven’t forgiven him!
Nice cuffs….
Thoughts That Count
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Cherished Teddies Fabric Salior Bear QUILT SQUARES 12PC $12.00 |
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Janlynn Cherished Teddies Sports CCS Kit Soccer Player $9.99 |
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Janlynn BEAR CRACHIT Cherished Teddies Christmas Carol Counted Cross Stitch Kit $15.99 |
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CROSS STITCH – CHERISHED TEDDIES CIRCUS ON PARADE! $4.99 |
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1999 JANLYNN CHERISHED TEDDIES PINK BALLERINA COUNTED CROSS STITCH KIT NEW $7.99 |
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Cherished Teddies-Circus on Parade–Cross Stitch Pattern Book $5.99 |
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Cross Stitch~Cherished Teddies~for All Occasions $7.50 |
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“BETTY BUBBLES” BEAR/CHERISHED TEDDIES BATH TIME Rubber Stamp P.Hillman. $14.21 |
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Cherished Teddies Friendship Garden – cross stitch book $6.00 |
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Daisy Kingdom Cherished Teddy Easter Allover Doll Dress Kit fits American Girl $13.95 |
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Cherished Teddies Circus On Parade Cross Stitch Book Hobby Lobby Exclusive 15 OP $7.99 |
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Counted Cross Stitch Book, Cherished Teddies, USA, Spain, Italy, Canada w/BONUS $4.95 |
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Counted Cross Stitch Book, Cherished Teddies, Calendar Minis, afghan w/BONUS $4.95 |
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Counted Cross Stitch Book, Cherished Teddies, Mother Goose, Jack & Jill w/BONUS $4.95 |
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Counted Cross Stitch Book, Cherished Teddies, Nativity, Christmas w/BONUS $4.95 |
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Enesco Foundations Ballerina with Dog Figurine, 3-3/4-Inch $16.20 Ballerine with Dog Figurine… |
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Our Name Is Mud by Lorrie Veasey Social Butterfly Mug, 3-3/4-Inch $12.99 Sylvia Item #265810 “A Picture Perfect Friendship” Regional Event Figurine 1997… |
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Cherished Teddies Jack And Jill Collector Plate $24.00 6-1/2″. Enesco Cherished Teddies #114901 Jack and Jill Plate. Still in the original box with certificate… |
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Magic Cling 3 Pack Cherished Teddies Bear Window or Wall Stickers $3.99 Style: Happy Spring, Happy Spring Wishes! and Easter…. |
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Cherished Teddies Jumbo Stick-Ups $9.95 A quick, easy way to add instant decoration to any room. Jumbo Stick-Ups are appliques featuring different sizes and graphics printed on durable vinyl. With a clear background, each applique blends naturally onto any smooth wall surface. Each set of Jumbo Stick-Ups comes with 20+ self-stick, pre-cut, reusable wall appliques. These Stick-Ups will not harm walls! Look for coordinating Border Stick-U… |
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Patriotic, Military Service Wedding Theme : Cherished Teddies – Army Bear Figurine With his map in hand, this little soldier will lead the company to victory and you to a great collection. Military supporters of all types will love to receive this adorable teddy bear as either a beginning to a collection or an addition to the great pieces they already have. The Cherished Teddies Collection loves to show their military support and so should you. *Made of Stone Resin *Measure… |
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Patriotic, Military Service Wedding Theme : Cherished Teddies – Marines Bear Figurine This adorable Marines Figurine is the perfect addition to any Cherished Teddies Collection. This proud Marine soldier bear will melt the heart of all who see him. Show that you’re proud to be red, white and blue with a great American Teddy. *Made of Stone Resin *Measures 3 1/2″ tall. Brand : Enesco See other items from our: Cherished Teddies Collection Related Bridal People categories: … |
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Patriotic, Military Service Wedding Theme : Cherished Teddies – Navy Bear Figurine This adorable Navy teddy bear in his white U.S. Navy uniform is the perfect gift idea for your sailor. With his rucksack in hand, this little guy is ready for duty. Naval supporters of all kinds will be thrilled to receive this collectible figurine no matter what the occasion. *Made of Stone Resin *Measures 3 1/2″ tall. Brand : Enesco See other items from our: Cherished Teddies Collectio… |
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Cherished Teddies Computer Set $10.00 Cherished Teddies Computer Set… |
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Our Friendship is From Sea to Shining Sea Enesco’s Cherished International Teddies Bear Cherished Teddies Our Friendship is From Sea to Shining Sea Item #:202444 Status: Retired Description: USA Boy with Apple Pie – International Bears with Passport… |