Very special gift for very little money?

[ilovemygirl]

I need ideas!!!!
My sister just gave birth to her second son. Her first is barely 2 y/o so there's no -need- for any baby things.
We are both pretty practical people. She wouldn't want to get cutesy useless things and I couldn't afford them anyway but I would like to get something special for the baby.
I don't knit or sew or really do anything crafty so I can't make him anything myself. We live hours away so I can't offer cooking/cleaning/babysitting ... which wouldn't really be for the baby anyway.
What do all you frugal ladies do?

[daytripper75]

I like these as sentimental gifts: http://www.craftefamily.com/craft/block_baby.asp

[NiteNicole]

Basic embroidery is so simple. Anytime I'm hard up for a baby gift, I get pack of bibs or some burp clothes and get going. Even diaper covers. You can go to www.sublimestitching.com (also for tute on basic stitches and really, if you can thread a needle you can do it, it's SO EASY) for ideas and you can use just about anything cute drawing (even one of your own) for a pattern. Days of the week bibs and burp cloths are cute...and you can do them in your own handwriting if you want.

There's a neat idea on younghouselove.com where they're doing weekly pics of their baby in onesies that say Week One, Week Two, etc. I think it would be pretty easy to get a pack of white onesies and use your printer do do iron ons or embroider the words.

[SunRise]

I had my second baby 5 months ago (first child is 7 years old) and two "special" things I would have really liked were a Baby Record book and a brush/comb set. (I ended up buying these two things myself)

[honeybunmom]

I like the baby block - a friend of mine received one and they are very nice.

My most memorable, practical gift for my first born was a pair of leather, fabric lined baby booties. Loved.them. For my son's first birthday, I didn't want any gifts as we really had all the toys we needed and had plenty of hand me downs from my nephew. What he didn't have was basic socks and undershirts. My aunt gave us some and I really appreciate having them.

Also, if they are in a cold climate, a good winter cap and mitts might be nice. A dear friend gave me a cashmere set for ds - hat, sweater and footed leggins. I always knew his head was warm and, although lightweight, that the sweater kept him warm, too. It was a nice layering piece. One of these items from an etsy shop would probably by reasonable.

My kids are different genders so, if that is an issue, something practical and gender specific would be a good way to go.

[texmati]

I'm super practical too... Is your sis still in your hometown. Do you know a favorite restaurant or anything-- i know you can't make a meal, but perhaps arranged to have something delicious that she loves delivered to her house one day a week for a few weeks.

When I read your post... All I could think of was mashed potatoes. I would have kissed the feet of anyone who had brought me mashed potatoes post partum.

[doubledutch]

oops! i posted and then realized you aren't local. what about a picture frame or brag book? especially if she has posted photos online and you could have (at least) one printed.

[simplemama32]

Have you ever heard of Wordle? You can create a "word cloud" featuring the name of the child and words that describe him, print it out on nice paper, and frame it. It's all free, except for whatever paper you use to print and the frame. You can find an example here... http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/art...d-cloud-109749.

[texmati]

Originally Posted by simplemama32

Have you ever heard of Wordle? You can create a "word cloud" featuring the name of the child and words that describe him, print it out on nice paper, and frame it. It's all free, except for whatever paper you use to print and the frame. You can find an example here... http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/art...d-cloud-109749.

this is so cool!!!! Apologies! I didn't realize you were looking for thing for the baby-- I must have been really hungry when I read your post.

[LaughingHyena]

I'm planning to get some kids cutlery engraved with the babies name for my sisters LO. I don't know how much the engraving will add but the cutlery is pretty reasonable, small and easy to post.

I also like the iron on t shirt transfers that you can use in your printer, just find some clipart you like, print it out and iron it onto anything cotton. My shirts have withstood a few years of washing now although the colour is beginning to fade.

[ilovemygirl]

Thanks so much ladies. I think I'm going to go with the word cloud although I really liked the block too! I've never seen either before. They are both very cute, unique and inexpensive .. exactly what I was looking for