Present for a Second Baby

I need some help here. My step-sister is having her second baby, she does not find out the sex of her kids. Her sister, mom and mother-in-law are throwing her a shower for this baby, too. I have no idea what to get. I didn't think I would have to think about what to buy for a second baby shower. For her oldest, I was still paper-scrapping and made a huge 1st year album that she could just pop the photos in and write down some journaling on. It cost me $100. I would just offer to make her a 1st year album digitally, but I gave that to her for her wedding last year and have yet to get any pictures from her to do it for, so I don't want to do that again. Anyway, what do you think? Any suggestions? I also don't think I will spend nearly the same amount of money, do you think that's ok?

I'd probably get a basket of baby things that she will always need-washcloths, baby wash, some small toys, etc. and just package it up pretty.

I'd get a cutesy basket and fill it full of the must haves- onesies, wash clothes, hooded towels, baby wash, lotion, wipes, diapers, maybe a cute outfit, etc. Personally, I think it's fine that you don't send as much money on the gift for the second child- I doubt she'll sit and think hmmm.. she only spent about $50 on this and $100 on my 1st child.

IMO you definitely do not have to spend that kind of money. You didn't say how far apart the 2nd baby is from the first but I'm assuming she already has stuff from the 1st baby?

In my neck of the woods people would not expect a shower for a 2nd baby. A 2nd baby is different unless there is something like 10 years in between and they have given away the crib, stroller, etc. We would usually bring a small gift (clothes, etc.) after the baby is born.

I like Jen's suggestions. Maybe a hooded bath towel. A gift card for clothes. Or you could even go more practical with diapers, baby wipes, baby shampoo, etc. Stuff that she will need and that will really be used.

I had some friends who threw a shower for their 3rd, but all they asked for was diapers and formula.

My thought was a to do like the name for the wall? Hybrid or paper with the letters all neat.
Or I would probably stick with diapers/wipes. You go threw a lot. Did she keep all her stuff from the first? If not maybe more clothes and mittens/booties.

What about making a diaper cake? My mom made a really cute one for my baby shower, and filled it with lots of useful stuff! It had rattles, spoons, & washcloths stuck into it, along with a bunch of size 1 diapers. It was SOOOOO cute!

Here's a picture of it:


Or what about something like this:
http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2690704

I was going through a bunch of my baby things, organizing, and putting away. I noticed that I need new washcloths (mine are filthy now that Ava is 2, and we use them for cleaning her up after meals), onesies (stains appear where there were none before while they sit in storage), burp clothes & receiving blankets. Every baby needs it's own lovey, so maybe a stuffed bear or special blanket.

If I think of anything else I'll let you know! Around here it is the norm to have a baby shower for each baby, regardless of how many kids you've had. I love it! It really says that each baby is special & worth a party. Maybe there won't be big ticket items, but its a fun time, and fun to open all the presents!!

diapers, wipes, burp cloths embellished with gender neutral fabric and ribbon, maybe a cute gender neutral tote bag and then when the baby arrives, get something embroidered with his/her name.

sorry so brief, typing one-handed w/ my nondominant hand while holding a sleeping baby.

I say get a basket and fill it with all those little things that they will definitely need!!!

Thats a great idea, girls! My co-workers got together and made a huge basket like that and I loved it. I still use the basket in my living room.

For my cousin's second baby, I knit a baby blanket that was very large and washable - that way she could put it down on the floor for the baby to crawl all over it. She loved it! Maybe you could buy a blanket for that purpose in neutral colors (I did mine in a variegated yarn with all neutral pastel-ly colors, like blue, green, yellow, purple and white).

I'm another one for basket filled baby shower gifts!!! things that they will ALWAYS use no matter what...wipes, diapers, onesises, lotions, butt paste, shampoo, body wash... another thing I never had enough of was socks!!! and I HIGHLY recommend baby socks from Old Navy!!!!! my kids still wear them and they are 4 and 2 1/2!!!!

My aunts wanted to throw a shower for my second baby and me. My favorite gifts were the diapers, wipes and the big fuzzy soft Carters blankets. Another great thing is baby medicines, like mylicon and infant tylenol. And don't worry about spending as much. I felt uncomfortable having a second shower and did not expect a lot. I looked at it as another nice day to get together withclose friends and family to celebrate the joy of another new baby cominhg into our life.

Another idea is a gift certificate to a photo studio.

coopert said:

..... My favorite gifts were the diapers, wipes and the big fuzzy soft Carters blankets. Another great thing is baby medicines, like mylicon and infant tylenol. And don't worry about spending as much. I felt uncomfortable having a second shower and did not expect a lot. I looked at it as another nice day to get together withclose friends and family to celebrate the joy of another new baby cominhg into our life.

Another idea is a gift certificate to a photo studio.

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I felt the same way, I was given showers for all 3 of my kids & they will all be born within a 3 year span. We looked at it as a special way to celebrate each new life. Of course we didn't expect or even ask/register for the 2nd two. It was a nice day to get together with friends & enjoy some adult company.

The best gifts were: diapers, wipes, bathing supplies, blankies, onesies & getting a dinner certificate & the offer to babysit the kids so we could go to dinner & a pedicure.

ETA: I also loved the new Carters receiving blankets, they are actually big enough to use beyond newborn stage, not just little squares.