Baby Gift Basket

I love putting together a baby gift basket as a baby shower gift.  I think it looks fun and I like that instead of spending money on a bag, tissue paper and card that they will throw away, you can buy a basket or container that they can use.

Here's how to put one together.

1. Pick a theme for your basket.  My favorite is yellow/rubber duck/bath time, but I've also done a pink or blue theme.  If you know the nursery theme, you could choose that too.

2.  Pick a container that goes with your theme and could be useful to the recipient.  My containers have come from Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Target - home section, dollar section, craft section, garden section - you just have to keep your eyes open for unique possibilities and sales!

3. Find items to fill the basket with, related to the theme.  For the duck theme basket, I like to get towels, washcloths, Johnson's bath products and a rubber duck (they make ducks that will tell you if the water is too hot, so the duck is cute AND useful!).  Bathrobes, slippers and bath toys would also be fun to add.  For the pink or blue theme, you can choose receiving blankets, onesies and toys in that color.  My Etsy shop, TheBurlapFlower offers some really cute, handmade blankets that would be perfect in these baskets.  One other tip - fill two small bags with a favorite candy of each of the parents-to-be.  I've found this unexpected surprise is always very appreciated.

4. Arrange the items in the container.  Fill the bottom of the container with something (packing peanuts, crumbled newspaper, etc.).  Cover the filler with a sheet of tissue paper.  Then place the tallest item in back and the shortest items in front.

5.  Finally, place the container in a clear cello shrink wrap gift bag.  (You can find these at Hobby Lobby.)  Then tie the top with curling ribbon.  Then add a simple gift tag.  Then comes the fun part - get out your blow dryer and start from the bottom and the bag will shrink up around your gift.