JeneralMom Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have dear friends who are expecting their first child at the end of Nov. They both work with my DH but I have known the guy for 11 years as we (DH, DF and I) went to grad school together. They are having a work baby shower today so I went out and bought a nice set of hoodie towels they had registered for for DH to bring. I am invited to the big shower at the end of October (just for ladies) and we will be giving our big present then. I am crocheting a Canadian flag baby blanket (DF is Canadian too and his wife is Aussie) and crocheting a stuffed beaver (see a theme? Someone has to represent the Canadian half of the family). My mother was aghast and said that hand made gifts should never be given at a shower because it looks cheap and like you didn't have enough money to get them what they really wanted from the store, and that if I insisted on doing it I should give it to her privately so she wouldn't be embarrassed opening it in front of everyone. I have never heard of that, but then I have also only seen one shower where people gave hand made gifts and they were tye-died onesies, and yes, the person was on a strict budget. It was my shower and I adored the gift and they actually went through all four of my kids, and two friends' babies as well (I think they have been passed on to a third person). So, is there some shower rule that says no hand made gifts? I'm still making them but I just wanted the Hive's opinion. I actually think hand made gifts are more personal and I will have spent alot of time on them. My friend is also one of those people who refuses to shop off of a gift registry and he got us a really nice baby gift for DS8 and incredible wedding gifts that I know he spent alot of time on, so I know he won't care that I didn't (for their big gift) shop off the registry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 (edited) I think handmade gifts are very touching. If time, thought, care and skill is put into it, I don't see any problem at all. A very elderly woman at our church often crochets the most dainty little bibs for new babies. I was terrified to use the one she gave us, it was just too precious. But she's on a very tight budget and has arthritis in her hands so it's really a sacrificial labor of love on her part. Some of our favorite baby blankets to use are the super soft handmade ones. We received some bibs made out of towels that we used to tatters because they were so practical and useful. Little handmade dresses have more creativity and style than anything you can get premade in a store. Edited October 20, 2011 by BigMamaBird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I think most people would love a handmade gift. I know I would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tangerine Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Oh, FIDDLESTICKS! First of all, who cares how it looks? Second of all, my favorite gifts have been handmade. At this point, knitting and the like is done out of love and enjoyment, NOT because it is cheaper. The baby blanket I want to knit for the one I'm expecting would be $100 if I purchase the recommended yarn. I could clearly buy a cheaper blanket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 The only baby blanket I have left was handmade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skirch Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I've never heard such a thing! I love to receive handmade gifts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2_girls_mommy Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have received hand made gifts at all of my showers. I think they are wonderful. I can't imagine someone thinking something is cheap instead of realizing the time and care and effort it takes to make something verses running to Target to buy a cheap blanket or pack of onesies. I have friends that sew little hats and make receiving blankets. I have friends who crochet. I have an aunt who always decorates the most adorable bibs for gifts. My mother quilts and always makes a beautiful baby quilt for new babies. I have seen people take a pack of diapers and make those cute diaper "cakes." I come from a family that has always been crafty and made things. That is just a weird mindset to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tohru Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I think most people would love a handmade gift. I know I would. :iagree: Prefer handmade over store bought any day. In fact, when we send out gift-giving event invitations for our dc, they always say "handmade gifts are appreciated" at the bottom in small print. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakarimom5 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love handmade gifts and I have been known to give them IF I feel the person will appreciate them. I spent a lot of time crocheting a baby set for my SIL first child (booties, onsie and hat). I was told that her son would not be wearing the hat since he did not like them and then SIL gave all of it to Goodwill! Had I known I would have asked for all of it back for my babies. Give your gifts with pride! Handmade is always better than mass market stuff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love getting and giving hand-made gifts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hwin Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Yes, I would love that, and I can't think of anyone who wouldn't. (Now there has been one handmade gift my older son has received that I could have done without - it was supposed to be an Elmo scarf but it looked like a feather boa. He put it on and said "look mama, I a dancing gail!" It was hilarious, but not what the gift giver had intended...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 BTW - I wanted to add that the only things I kept from when my kids were little were the handmade items (with the exception of the outfitsthey came home in). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Not only would I love a handmade gift, but it would be my favorite. The gift of time is huge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnaM Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I actually think handmade is "in style" at the moment. I mean look at Etsy. I got alot of handmade items and they are the items that stood the test of time with the babes. I LOVE handmade items. They show that the person cares enough to spend their time and energy making something especially for me! My son's favorite blanket is a small "taggie" blanket that I made with scraps of fleece and left over ribbon. Shame on anyone would look down on any heart felt gift anyways! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 My mother was aghast and said that hand made gifts should never be given at a shower because it looks cheap and like you didn't have enough money to get them what they really wanted from the store, and that if I insisted on doing it I should give it to her privately so she wouldn't be embarrassed opening it in front of everyone. . Your mother is wrong. I've been to many showers where there were homemade gifts. some of them were HIGHLY admired. (something you can't buy in a store.) expensive baby boutique's will stock items that someone made. I was even at one shower where one social climbing mom offered to pay the giver of a homemade item to make one for her too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zillymom Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 My shower ended up occurring after DD arrived (7 weeks early)...my favorite gift was a preemie-sized blanket that a friend knitted as soon as she heard DD had been born. It meant a lot to receive something that was just her size, and had all that love and thought behind it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 tye-died onesies :thumbup: Oh my. Possibly that is the cutest idea EVER. So glad it went over well with you and yours. As for the actual question, I received and loved handmade gifts, and I have given them. It would be much easier and cheaper to just buy something these days. Terri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Are you kidding me!? What an adorable gift idea. I love making baby gifts and I loved receiving handmade gifts even more. That sounds like many, many hours of work and sounds super cute given the couple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Your mother is wrong! Some of my favorite baby gifts were handmade and those are the ones I keep to hand down. I think it shows more care than just going to the store and buying something because you're giving your time (sometimes lots of it), money and your skills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennsmile Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love hand made gifts! Even the scratchy blanket somebody made my first born. It is really warm and I know a lot of time and effort went into as it was a beginner crocheter who blessed us with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfamilygal Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Your mother is nuts. I always give handmade and get oohs and ahhs. My favorite thing to give is a sling with a matching burp cloth. Only takes me about an hour and it makes me happy to see babies being worn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginevra Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have dear friends who are expecting their first child at the end of Nov. They both work with my DH but I have known the guy for 11 years as we (DH, DF and I) went to grad school together. They are having a work baby shower today so I went out and bought a nice set of hoodie towels they had registered for for DH to bring. I am invited to the big shower at the end of October (just for ladies) and we will be giving our big present then. I am crocheting a Canadian flag baby blanket (DF is Canadian too and his wife is Aussie) and crocheting a stuffed beaver (see a theme? Someone has to represent the Canadian half of the family). My mother was aghast and said that hand made gifts should never be given at a shower because it looks cheap and like you didn't have enough money to get them what they really wanted from the store, and that if I insisted on doing it I should give it to her privately so she wouldn't be embarrassed opening it in front of everyone. I have never heard of that, but then I have also only seen one shower where people gave hand made gifts and they were tye-died onesies, and yes, the person was on a strict budget. It was my shower and I adored the gift and they actually went through all four of my kids, and two friends' babies as well (I think they have been passed on to a third person). So, is there some shower rule that says no hand made gifts? I'm still making them but I just wanted the Hive's opinion. I actually think hand made gifts are more personal and I will have spent alot of time on them. My friend is also one of those people who refuses to shop off of a gift registry and he got us a really nice baby gift for DS8 and incredible wedding gifts that I know he spent alot of time on, so I know he won't care that I didn't (for their big gift) shop off the registry. I agree with the others. A well-made homemade baby gift is a wonderful gift. I absolutely cherish my hand-made baby blankets. My dd14 still keeps a little pillow on her bed that my dh's aunt made for my baby shower when she was born. I also think it's incredibly dear that you would honor your friends' baby when you have recently lost a baby. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0mmaBuck Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 The only baby blankets I kept as "keepsakes" for the kids were homemade ones. I think it sounds like an awesome gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I would have loved something handmade. Don't worry what your mom thinks - your gift will be the most ooohed and aaaahed over one at the shower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I thank everyone profusely for every single gift. I think you should do what you're going to do. If the recipient has good manners, she will love whatever you give her. Your mother should know better. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have dear friends who are expecting their first child at the end of Nov. They both work with my DH but I have known the guy for 11 years as we (DH, DF and I) went to grad school together. They are having a work baby shower today so I went out and bought a nice set of hoodie towels they had registered for for DH to bring. I am invited to the big shower at the end of October (just for ladies) and we will be giving our big present then. I am crocheting a Canadian flag baby blanket (DF is Canadian too and his wife is Aussie) and crocheting a stuffed beaver (see a theme? Someone has to represent the Canadian half of the family). My mother was aghast and said that hand made gifts should never be given at a shower because it looks cheap and like you didn't have enough money to get them what they really wanted from the store, and that if I insisted on doing it I should give it to her privately so she wouldn't be embarrassed opening it in front of everyone. I have never heard of that, but then I have also only seen one shower where people gave hand made gifts and they were tye-died onesies, and yes, the person was on a strict budget. It was my shower and I adored the gift and they actually went through all four of my kids, and two friends' babies as well (I think they have been passed on to a third person). So, is there some shower rule that says no hand made gifts? I'm still making them but I just wanted the Hive's opinion. I actually think hand made gifts are more personal and I will have spent alot of time on them. My friend is also one of those people who refuses to shop off of a gift registry and he got us a really nice baby gift for DS8 and incredible wedding gifts that I know he spent alot of time on, so I know he won't care that I didn't (for their big gift) shop off the registry. Heavens! Handmade are the best! There is a sentimental quality that you don't get when someone just buys off of a list. Plus, you are doing both...bought off the list for one and handmade for the other. I think they will love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Really? I have never heard of this. I almost always give a handmade gift at baby showers. It is usually a hooded towel that I make, but it could be a crochet baby blanket too. They are ALWAYs well recieved and I have even been asked to make one for the older sibblings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I gave handmade personalized baby bibs, when dh was in the military. they were well loved and saved gifts. That well made that they survived children. and 20 years later we met someone who had one and the dad remembered and told us how special it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I think your gifts are MARVELOUS. And I had a hyper involved MIL so at my shower, I ended up with 16 copies of "Goodnight Moon." Whatever you do, do NOT give that book!!! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HLDoll Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have given handmade gifts at numerous showers and I was never under the impression that it was considered cheap or tacky. When I was in a crocheting phase a few years ago, I made several blankets and pairs of booties for friends. I was pleased to see some of those booties on babies at their baptisms. And I agree with another poster who said that with the cost of patterns and yarn, not to mention the time involved, that really isn't a cheaper gift. More recently, I made about 6 or 7 of those nursing covers for showers. Those things cost around $40 new, and while it certainly didn't cost me that much to make them, I think my friend's appreciated getting something beautiful and useful that was out of my price range to purchase new as a gift, but that was lovingly made with them in mind. Ignore your mother and make your gift. It sounds lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I think most people would love a handmade gift. I know I would. :iagree: What could possibly be wrong with a handmade baby blanket? Now if you were giving a handmade breast pump, I might be a little concerned. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love handmade baby gifts. Of the items I received at my older son's shower nearly 18 years ago, it is the two which were handmade that I still have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 The only gift that I still have from either of my kid's birth is the one item that was handmade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Yes. This thread would have been more effective as a poll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marylou Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Your mom is wrong. And if she cares so much what people think, maybe you should show her this thread :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary in VA Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love receiving hand made gifts. To me they mean so much more because the giver put time and effort into it. On the opposite side, I only give hand made gifts to people I know will understand and appreciate them. Your mother wouldn't fall into that category! Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 The handmade gifts are always among the few special things that I've kept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeacefulChaos Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 What? No, handmade gifts are TOTALLY FINE. Most people (around here, that I know anyway) are very happy to receive something handmade. It shows a lot of thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Handmade gifts are may favorite. My hands down favorite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love receiving hand made gifts. To me they mean so much more because the giver put time and effort into it. On the opposite side, I only give hand made gifts to people I know will understand and appreciate them. Your mother wouldn't fall into that category! Mary :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love receiving handmade gifts. But, I will admit not all get used equally. For example the crochetted hat for my son got worn only once -- long enough to realize hats didn't work for either of us. Some of the homemade blankets are favorites -- others are more in the realm of "I love the thought but I can't quite find a place for this" It took me 4 years, but I do finally get more use out of the homemade baby towel made for my DS with my DD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beimao Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Handmade baby gifts are so unique, one of a kind, personal. Who really wants their kids to look like everyone else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 :iagree: What could possibly be wrong with a handmade baby blanket? Now if you were giving a handmade breast pump, I might be a little concerned. :D Oh dear. :001_huh: My imagination says coconut and bike pump? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love handmade gifts. I cherish some of the handmade blankets that my kids received as babies. I tell them about the friends and neighbors who made them, but we have moved away from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeeBeaks Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I love handmade. I have treasured the handmade items I received for my babies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I was just thinking about it, and I realized that the only gifts I saved from when ds was born, are the handmade ones -- even the ones from elderly friends of my MIL whom I barely knew. The handmade gifts meant so much more to me than the store-bought ones, and honestly, we got some incredibly expensive gifts. The idea that someone made something especially for my new baby was so special to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXMomof4 Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Handmade gifts are the only thing I keep after the baby has grown. A couple of onesies and towels I can replace easily have little value to me in the long term. The crocheted blankets, embroidered burp cloths, monogrammed clothes, towels - those are the things that took a lot of time and effort and mean a lot to me. ETA: Should have read the other replies first and just agreed! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 My son is 9 and is STILL using the Pooh Bear blankets with a "hood" at one end which can be folded into a triangular pillow. I'd like to thank the lady who gave them, but she died 5 years ago. In this day and age of pre-made everything, handmade is CLASSY. One nice snuggler I got was handmade by a woman who does this for a living, and it was the WOW of the shower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeaganS Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I've been to like 10 baby showers in the last few years and handmade gifts were some of the favorites and most oohed and ahhed over. In our society, time is something most people don't have, so a handmade gift seems more touching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 Handmade is automatically BETTER than store-bought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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