Need Baby-Shower-by-Mail Ideas :)

[happybratpack]

My brain is fried tonight, help me out. I have a great friend who is adopting a 2 year old little girl from China. (Bella) She's in NM, I'm in Texas and I know she is feeling down because her family isn't being too supportive. I want to do a baby shower box for her to get next week since she'll be getting her travel dates hopefully in the next couple days.

I know her family isn't doing a shower for her and it's not that she needs anything really, I just want to perk her up. I figured I'd send an outfit for the little one but after that I'm drawing a blank. (it's all mail so preferable nothing huge or bulky) I want to do stuff for her as well as Bella.

I've never actually even BEEN to a baby shower, how sad is that? Any ideas would be great!

 

[MoniqueU]

Childrens books?

 

[mrsltg]

ohohohoh.... Barbara Walters wrote a book called "I conceived you in My Heart" I think... something like that about adopting her daughter. Gymboree is having a HUGE baby sale right now - everything is either 10 or 20 dollars. How about a nice blanket for the Bella? Maybe a pretty doll? As far as your friend, new moms need pampering, too! How about a gift basket from Bath & Body Works or a couple of magazines for the plane? WOW!!! I could have so much fun with this!!!

Erin

 

[poohluvrs]

As a mom of 2 two yr olds, they LOVE anything dress up tutu/princess stuff, books are super...a pretty frame for their "1st moments together" photo....have fun w/it...you are very sweet to do that

 

[mommytotwo]

How about a decorated child size coat rack with a theme or color that goes with the room. Or, you could have the child's name written on it.
My daughter has one and it is very useful.

 

[kdibattista]

How sweet of you!!!! I would also suggest children's books and maybe a journal for her. I started keeping a journal and plan to give it to my daughter when she's old enough to understand.

Good luck

 

[mickeyfan2]

How about a Belle doll for a 3 year old. Children's books, education toy to develop motor skills, gift certificate to a baby store or hooded princess towel.

 

[SC Minnie]

I received a calendar that I could use to mark the baby's milestones. It was easier to keep up with that the book.

 

[scarlett873]

That is so thoughtful of you!!

As mentioned, Gymboree is having a huge sale...adorable ladybug stuff there...

Books are always good...

What about a "care package" for her flight over? Maybe some magazines...some of that Evian mineral water spritzer stuff to refresh her during the long flight (I know that sephora.com sells it as well as in the sephora stores)...a travel pillow for her neck...some snacks/goodies...if she's got an iPod or something, maybe one of those iTunes gift cards to download music before her trip...

I'm sure she'll be appreciative of whatever you decide to send her! Have fun shopping!!

 

[BrinxFam]

How about some small bath stuff for the new mommy. I know when I was pregnant with dd one of hubbys coworkers made me an Easter basket full of stuff to pamper me (bubble baths, bath gel, foot and leg gel, small candle, lotion,bath pillow, etc.) It was all for me to help me relax and relieve stress. Sounds like you friend could use some destressing too.
Just a thought. Good luck.

 

[wuv tigger]

I loved the books about adoption by Mr. Rogers & Jamie Lee Curtis.

I saw a really neat Memory book at Target that would be wonderful for an adoptive child. I saw it in the card section.

How about a beautiful package of t/y notes along with a pretty new pen and stamps too?

My friends little girls from China were VERY small for their age & the clothes folks bought were TOO big for a long period of time.

hth,
Judy

 

[nliedel]

Congratulations to your friend! I have two adopted boys.

When we got our babies no showers were offered and the excuse was, "Well you were not really pregnant" grrrr.. I would have loved this.

Practical things are best. Socks are good, stretchies etc. But what she would really love, with all her heart, is just to know this is a joyous and anticipated event. That she is "normal" because when you adopt it's usually because you cannot do it the old fashioned way and to be honest it can make you feel like a freak. Just a letter from your heart. Telling her daughter how wonderful it is that she is joining this wonderful Mom and how excited you are as a friend. Something the Mom can read now but her daughter can cherish later.

Write about why your friend is going to be a great Mom and why her daugher is lucky to have her. How much she wanted a daughter and how excited she is. Include snippets from e-mail, if she would like that, where your friend talks about her happiness and her fear. Frame it and gift it to your friend. You don't have to be a great writer, just do it from your heart.

If I could frame in words the moment when I first held my adopted boys. The fear and joy and gratitude to their birth parents that would be a gift my kids would cherish. I know your friend and daughter would too.

 

[mrsltg]

That is so thoughtful of you!!

As mentioned, Gymboree is having a huge sale...adorable ladybug stuff there...

Books are always good...

What about a "care package" for her flight over? Maybe some magazines...some of that Evian mineral water spritzer stuff to refresh her during the long flight (I know that sephora.com sells it as well as in the sephora stores)...a travel pillow for her neck...some snacks/goodies...if she's got an iPod or something, maybe one of those iTunes gift cards to download music before her trip...

I'm sure she'll be appreciative of whatever you decide to send her! Have fun shopping!!

Scarlett-

CONGRATULATIONS on your impending arrival!!! I remember you and your dh were having a hard time - I am SO HAPPY for you!!!!! Fantastic news!

Erin

 

[Daisy Duck 5]

How about some robeez slippers everyone I know says their kids love them.
www.robeez.com

 

[kdibattista]

I thought of something else. It's called the Toasty Teddy. You can custom blend the scents you want (I would definitely recommend lavendar only as it is very calming and soothing). The teddy bear can be put in the microwave to make him warm. He is very cute...

http://www.scottnscott.com/Toasty_Pastel_Bear_p/toasty pastel.htm

 

[scarlett873]

Scarlett-

CONGRATULATIONS on your impending arrival!!! I remember you and your dh were having a hard time - I am SO HAPPY for you!!!!! Fantastic news!

Erin

Thanks!!

 

[malibuconlee]

Here is a list I found from a family that have been to China to adopt. Maybe you could go thru this and find things to send.

We have friends that went last year to adopt in China. They got a list of suggested items from the adoption agency. I think some of those things were to give to the orphanage, but I"m not sure.

They did take a lot of stuff.

It's great that you're doing this for her.

 

[happybratpack]

You guys are THE best!! I was just going to bump this thread because I figured I'd have no responses!

I'm making a list of everything on here and going at lunch. I think I'll add some goodies in there as our "shower snacks".