Hi everyone! Some friends of ours are having their first baby - a girl. We were thinking about giving them the Moses basket we had made for our baby. It is handmade and cost well over $200. I could sell it now on ebay for $100 or more. It looks brand new and we could never afford to buy them something this nice. But is it ok to give them something that isn't new? Or should I also get a token 'new' gift.
UPDATE #2 - We gave our friends the basket last night. Mommy to be actually cried when she read the card from Jordan. So you were right! It was a big success!
Thanks so much for all of your suggestions! I decided to put a new teddy bear in the basket. Also, since it's really large and hard to wrap, I bought a pack of receiving blankets and pinned them all together using decorative diaper pins. I'm using that to 'wrap' the present. That ended up being cheaper than buying one of those huge gift bags - and she can use it all. I also created a little photo card with a picture of Jordan in the basket and a message from her to the baby.
Dear Baby,
Hi! My name is Jordan. I know it can be very scary when you first get here! Everything is so big and open and you’re used to being snug and cozy. Aside from Mommy’s arms, this little basket was my favorite place to be for awhile ‘cuz it was warm and cozy and safe. Now I want you to have it, so you’ll have your own cozy hideaway. I hope you love it as much as I did.
Love,
Jordan
PS – Once you get used to this place, it’s a lot of fun!
I think the Moses basket is a WONDERFUL idea. I like being creative and giving gifts that don't cost me a lot of money, but the meaning behind them is priceless. This will probably be her favorite gift of all!! If you want to make it more personal and "new", i agreee with some of the others....buy some inexpensive receiving blankets, books, etc. to place in the basket.
I think the gift would be WONDERFUL...but only if you think it would be truly appreciated AND if they understand the value and story behind it. If you think for a second they won't don't give it to them. I'd hate for something so beautiful and meaningful to just sit in a closet somewhere.
I love the idea. I have on occasion done similar. I would get a couple inexpensive small things to go with it. Blankets, stuffed animal, ect.
I think that giving them your moses basket is a great idea. I gave a friend my moses basket when her grandson was born. We never used it, it was very nice but we never had a need for it since we used a basinet. When my friend's grandson was born, I put a few new items in the basket and gave the whole thing to her. They loved it and they got a lot of use out of it since they never had a basinet to use. I think you could do the same thing. On the other hand, if you really need the money and you don't think they'll ever get any use out of the basket, then selling it is a better idea and you can get them something they really need.
-B.
Well, I honestly think that this gift would mean MUCH more to them than something you just bought in the store. I think it's a wonderful idea! Very thoughtful and sentimental and practical, you can't beat that!! I think the idea of adding a stuffed animal to it is a great idea also. Good Luck!!
I think it's a wonderful gift. I would add some cheap but wonderful new books to put into the basket. In the card I would tell the story of the basket and how special it was to you. You could mention that the daughter could always use it for her dolls as she grows.
I think this would be a lovely gift for your friend but I'd also put a "token" gift in as well; only because some people wouldn't consider something used to be worthy as a gift. Personally, I think your friend will treasure this more than any of the other gifts she gets! Simply because of how special it is.
R.:)
Ok, maybe it's just me, but I have always been "the thought that counts" kind of person. It also depends on how close of friends you are. I would do it like this: Offer the moses basket as something you loved using and that you think they could use too. If, like you say, it's almost new then they should love it and not view it as a cheap "hand me down" or anything and if they do, I wouldn't waste my money on them anyway...ha! Gook luck and Bod Bless! -J.
That sounds great! Do you have a picture of your baby in the basket? You could buy a little baby frame and put the pic in the basket with a stuffed animal or a couple of blankets. This way it is personalizing the gift with your baby too. :)
That is a wonderful gift. If I were in your situation, I would buy some accessories such as sheets or blankets. That way, it is personal to the new baby. Of course you could also give them your old stuff if it is in usable condition. I wouldn't worry about stains because the new baby will stain the sheets as well. Good luck.
You could give them the basket and put some things in it like a thing of diapers, wipes,tylenol,shampoo etc. Or you could get a couple of blankets to go with it.
This stuff doesn' have to be too expensive and even if the basket is second hand.If you can't add anything, I wouldnt worry about it the new mom will appreciate it I am sure.
M.
I gave my friend a basket like this. My boys both slept in the basket when they were newborns and she was very happy to recieve the basket they slept in. Her little boy sleeps in it now and it was very special to her to have this. I am sure your friend will be honored to recieve such a gift.
I think it completely appropriate. Many of the gifts I got for my daughter were hand-me-downs or from consignment shops. They were just as useful and appreciated. Besides, you obviously care for them or you wouldn't want to give them something that is important to you. I am sure that basket is as precious a memory to you as your friendship with this couple. Gifts are about what you are feeling and not how much you spent or did not spend. If it would make you feel better about buying something, try finding a cute stuffed animal to hold the baby's place in the basket until she arrives. Either way, I think your friends will know that you are thinking of them and wishing them the best of luck. Good luck with your decision.
