When it comes to babies, it can get a bit tricky. Either you find a toy they can play with 6 months from now, or you give something more useful to the parents. Take a page from the baby shower playbook and focus on a beautiful modern blanket or quilt this year. There are lots of options, and it's a great chance to splurge on something a little decadent, original, or even handmade for the holidays. Plus, every little baby needs a little extra warm this time of year!
- Lime and Grey Baby Blanket, Oxhill Crafts
- Graphic Modern Baby Quilt, B Perrino Quilts
- Galaxy Dusk Knit Blanket, Dwell Studio
- Bu! Pirate Blanket with eyeholes, Deuz
- Baby Abacus Quilt, Quilts By Design
(Images: as linked)
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This is my standard baby gift. It's wonderful to make and take or send to the new baby. You also avoid the "somebody already gave this" trap. Lion's Brand Yarn has lots of free patterns for a never-ending source of crochet or knit patterns...
I'm a little torn on the blanket as a gift. Even if it's not the exact same blanket--everyone loves to give blankets. I'm a lot less likely to use the beautiful handmade quilts and afghans than the practical lightweight lame-o flannel ones. I say this because we were blessed with incredibly sweet friends who gave our daughter 5 (or more) beautiful and unique blankets and quilts. We have used them as a place for her to play on the carpet but she only stayed put for a few months. Now she roll, scoots and 'hops' away from the blankets. I do treasure them. Gift givers remember the registry is boring but practical and all the things that they will need and use :)
You can't go wrong with a good blanket but I always give throw blankets to the parents. Babies get a lot of things and they'll outgrow baby blankets too fast.
I'm a big fan of the down-filled baby sleepsacks made by The Blue Monkey Baby Emporium. They are GREAT for babies, keeps them nice-and-cozy at night, and there's no need for what can be "dangerous" blankets. Also, you can use it when you take your baby for a walk in her/his stroller. They also make a really wonderful gift (although they are pricey), but for those special babies in your life, they are really worth it.