oh, hello there!

How is everyone doing? I don’t know about you, but I have been feeling a bit restless lately and wanting to well…see people again. It’s been tough for us all, but I know my fellow extroverts are feeling this hard. We are entering phase two in Toronto, but that’s not changing much for us. We’re still mostly at home, or out walking or hangin’ in parks in the city with our little babe.

So, I’ve had this idea for a while, and being a new mom has really exposed me to all things BABY. Like, this sh*t is everywhere (lol). Something else I’ve learned? Everyone has an opinion one way or another it seems. It’s really tough to choose what to register for, what stroller to by + so much more! it can all be really overwhelming and it really doesn’t need to be.

Here’s the thing - some things will be amazing, can't live without type things, some won’t be worth the hype and some will not get used. You figure it out as you go, and honestly, it’s really fun to do so (at least I thought so!)

I’ve been to A LOT of baby showers in my day. I tend to be someone who stays away from a registry and makes a gift basket or some sort (obvi, I really really love gift giving!) Or gets something off the registry and make it a theme and add some fun little things.

Now that I know the things that I personally love most. it will really help me in the future when wanting to spoil friends as they celebrate the arrival of their little ones.

I’ve got a few different ideas for themed baby shower gifts! The first one is to do a little gift basket filled with essential things (even if they have some of these items already, they will still need more later on!) I kinda stole this idea from my besties. For my shower, they filled a giant basket of all things, baby! All of their favourite must-have items that they just knew I could not live without!

Here is a list of some of my favourite practical baby items:

// Oxy Clean - I’m not saying all your shirts or baby’s onesies will have spit up on them at some point, but I’m not not saying that. Oxy Clean works so well for any baby stains that may occur!

// Aveeno Baby Cream - You know that perfect baby smell? It only gets better after your moisturize that soft-as-can-be skin. I love Aveeno and we use it a lot and have loved their baby products.

// Pampers Diapers - We are a pampers family through and through. They have been so good to us, are a great product and I think really reasonably priced. There have been a few times we got other brands and Pete and I just complained about them the whole time.

// Tide-To-Go - This is just a nice mom must-have item. perfect for your little purse, stroller caddy or diaper bag. Just feels like such a mom thing to always have one of these on you too ;)

// The Mommy Hook - This! is! the! best! I honestly use my mommy hook almost every time I go out. I mean, more so pre-pandemic when I was out and about basically every single day. You can use your reusable bags attached to it on the stroller and it’s divine. I find the baggu bags are really perfect for it.

// Pacifier Wipes - What a great invention! These are perfect to just always have in your diaper bag or stroller caddy. If the soothie falls (gasp) or maybe a toy or teether. these are safe wipes to use on those items! Good for small toys and your high chair etc!

// Cocyntal Gas Drops - My bff swore by these with her two kids and not only is she an amazing mom, but she is a nurse too! (double the street cred) these are good and safe to use for your babe if they are really gassy and upset about it.

// Diaper Genie Refills - The Diaper Genie is a must-have item if you ask me. The bags last a long time but are something you will always need. Having some extras of these is never a bad idea.

// Desitin Diaper Cream - This diaper cream works so well. I had a few different ones at the start (which is when I found diaper rash a bit more common) and there were a few times we were so worried about our little baby’s red bum, but within two days it would be all better after using desitin

// Nose Frida - This is a classic, you don’t realize you need it, but you do kinda item. We got it at one of our showers and it works SO well. You basically suck your baby’s snot up through it! lol. Pete is the nose frida king and loves to see all the results (omg. #parentlife)

I hope you enjoy my first set of baby shower gift ideas. Next up? Just for Mama - gifts for moms-t0-be