ajfries Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 My little sister is expecting her first baby in October. She's getting a ton of hand-me-downs from me: baby (and beyond!) clothes, jumper, walker, pack & play. But I definitely want to bring a gift to her shower. Most everyone else will probably get the baby bath tub & other thing she's registered for, I'd like to give her a jump start on her library :) I'd really love to cover a variety of "stages"; board books, touch & feel books, picture books, nursery rhymes...everything :) But I'd also love to get one or two parenting books for her. It would be fun, too, if I could get her kind of a humorous book about motherhood. Any recommendations? And, also, this is a good idea, right?? We've always been avid readers, but I don't want to be the one to bring the lame-o gift. I've always adored books, and honestly, if someone would have done this for me at my baby shower I probably would've cried (in a good way). :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Books are my go-to baby shower gift. People seem delighted. I go for classic type books--Dr. Seuss, A nursery rhyme book, maybe a big book of fairy tales colorfully illustrated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I think it would be great if you gave her some of the favorites at your house! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I think one of the worst things I've ever done as a parent is read a parenting book. They made feel wrong in my decisions to use a bottle, infant potty train, give food at a young age, etc. I'm a much better parent now that they're gone. I did like The Baby Owners Manual. Sorry for the negative post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carriede Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Great idea! Board books: Brown Bear Brown Bear, A Very Hungry Caterpillar Picture: Dr. Seuss, classic stories from Little Golden books Advanced Picture: McCloskey's Blueberries for Sal or Make Way for Ducklings or A Time of Wonder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajfries Posted July 17, 2014 Author Share Posted July 17, 2014 I think one of the worst things I've ever done as a parent is read a parenting book. They made feel wrong in my decisions to use a bottle, infant potty train, give food at a young age, etc. I'm a much better parent now that they're gone. I did like The Baby Owners Manual. Sorry for the negative post. No, please don't be sorry, that's a good reminder. I know exactly what you mean. I read The Baby Whisperer when my son was a baby & following the "baby should not need to eat more than every 4 hours" recommendations made for the worse 3 days of my life. I distinctly remember throwing that book away...probably the first book I've every actually trashed. The Baby Owner's Manual looks great! Something her DH might even pick up and read :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJ. Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Last year I gave a friend The Read Aloud Handbook and a few board books. It was well received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Congratulations to you and your sister! Your idea is awesome! I was always thrilled to receive books. Below are some of my favorites; many are available as board books. Favorite classics: The Big Red Barn The Very Hungry Caterpillar Is Your Mama a Llama? Good Night Moon Favorite bedtime books: The Going to Bed Book When the World Is Ready for Bed Bedtime in the Jungle Favorite picture books: Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm The Tiger Who Came to Tea Katy No Pocket Oh, Were They Ever Happy! The 14 Bears in Summer and Winter (sadly out of print and pricey now) Have fun! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I think one of the worst things I've ever done as a parent is read a parenting book. Me, too. I recommend avoiding the "Baby Wise" books like the plague. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applethyme Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I received books as a baby shower gift and think it was the best gift! It was something dd never outgrew. Some of our favorites are: I Love You Forever, I Love you as Much, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, The Little Red Hen, Llama Llama Mad at Mama, and Daddy's Girl. Maybe instead of parenting books consider giving a cookbook on quick and easy recipes. There is just so much in parenting books that make you second guess every decision (never in a good way). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 How has no one mentioned Harold And The Purple Crayon yet? Seriously people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 The favorite books I got for my first baby were those that were favorites of the kids of the parents who brought them. Not a "Dr. Seuss" book because it was Dr. Seuss. But "We had many fond hours reading Dr. Brown can Moo, can you. And its especially useful in a thunderstorm to make lightning and thunder sounds with your toddler!" Some of the books were even the self-same books used by their cousins! Very special and still being loved, 2 kids later. ETA: I'm not sure I'd give a parenting book. Everyone has their own style and can feel quite judged by gifts like that. "She didn't think I could do a good job" At the least, I'd give it with a story about how much it helped you or something. For example, we found the Baby Wise books already panned in this thread quite useful. I know they are generally down-played online, but there are good parents that use them and raise well adjusted kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Guess How Much I Love You Franklin the Turtle Books Paddington Bear Books Curious George Raggedy Ann and Andy A Read Aloud Treasury Winnie the Pooh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I gave my SIL a bunch of Eric Carle books at her shower--some board books, some paper backs, some nice hardback versions. I think it was about 15 books total. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Guess how much I love you (there is a board book edition) Jesse bear Corduroy Bear snores on Llama, llama red pajama Dr Seuss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 One of my best friends did this for me and it was great. Board Books I didn't see mentioned: Clip-Clop, any of the Eric Carle ones, Sandra Boynton books (Moo Moo Baa La La La is my favorite) There are so many picture books that I think it would be most meaningful if you picked your personal favorites. Maybe pick one that each of your own kids' loves. My SIL gave me a great present when I was in the hospital right after the baby was born. She bought a bunch of junky, guilty pleasure magazines, rolled them up and tied them each with a ribbon. The idea was that I could untie one a day to look at while breastfeeding, with the idea that you don't have a ton of brain power when you are all tired and with a newborn. It was very fun to have magazines I would never buy myself and to have a new one each day to look at. Maybe instead of parenting books you could do something similar or give her some books for her to read herself. Lighter, fun stuff to read in those early days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scuff Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Bear Snores On is my favorite picture book ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 How has no one mentioned Harold And The Purple Crayon yet? Seriously people. I love Harold and the Purple Crayon! Sam the Firefly was my favorite when I was little Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I love Harold and the Purple Crayon! Sam the Firefly was my favorite when I was little I don't know that one. I guess I had an underprivileged childhood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrittanyM Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I wouldn't give a parenting book either unless it was an overview of different styles or something. I often give books at showers or as baby gifts. One of my go-to's is The Little Blue Truck... My kids love it (and it comes as a board book)! Some already mentioned that are favorites are Curious George (the older ones), Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy and Eric Carle. Madeline is a good one too, if she is having a girl (or even if not, my son likes it too). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I think it would be great if you gave her some of the favorites at your house! We always give favorites! With books we might also include a favorite toy or favorite truly helpful "gadget". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood. Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh. The Frances books by Russell Hoban. I second the recommendation of Jim Trelease's The Read-Aloud Handbook. Might she homeschool? There's always The Well-Trained Mind! Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Kohl's often has children's classic picture books and Dr. Seuss-type books right near the checkout, with a stuffie for $5; proceeds go to some charity. Might be fun to include one of those. I've seen Put Me In The Zoo recently. You might also include a book you record! It'd be fun to have your voice "read" to the baby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medawyn Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 I love getting books as baby presents! A few books that I haven't seen mentioned that are a huge hit with my now 15 mo: Hippoposites Peek A Who Tails (Matthew Von Fleet) This is Not My Hat The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney The wheels on the Bus by Paul O Zelinski (I gave to hide this periodically because it is so well loved) the Spot books any of the Baby Lit series (Moby Dick and Jabberwocky have been particular favorites) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieMarie Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Both my kids loved the board book "Goodnight Gorilla". I had it in a box for goodwill last week and dd16 grabbed it and has it stashed in her room now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Good Night, Mr. Night is oh so sweet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Owl Babies (kids still like this one) Eric Carl Books The Giving Tree Chicka Chicka Boom Boom The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance52 Things Kids Need from a Mom Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul Playful Parenting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Another vote for anything Sandra Boynton. "Hippos Go Berserk" was my favorite, I have it memorized! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalLynn Posted July 17, 2014 Share Posted July 17, 2014 Guess How Much I Love You It took my husband weeks of reading it to our baby daughter before he could get through it without crying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incognito Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 I've done it - I put a onesie with it, though. :) A parenting book that is actually not a parenting book: A World of Babies Christine Gross-Loh has written a book recently that seems to touch on a similar theme - Parenting Without Borders. I haven't read it, but I did read her infant pottying book, and it was very affirming and open to the idea of "you have to do what works for you", so I would think this book would be similarly friendly. For Children's books - Press Here is a unique and fun one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 I wouldn't give a parenting book unless she had already mentioned wanting to breastfeed, in which case I'd get her either The Nursing Mother's Companion or the LLL book (although I haven't actually read that one, just heard that it's good), because at 3 am if she's having nursing trouble, she might find it easier to look in a book than to call someone. The encouragement of "you can do this" might be nice to have right there. A good book might also be useful if she encounters a doctor who is less than helpful. Otherwise, she'll find her own style and methods. I would give her favorite books of yours or your children's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGHEALTHYMOM Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 I would also check on the Imagination Library in her area. We just started receiving free books every month for our two youngest children. They do not send board books so I recommend any Usborne board books too. If it is not available, there is also the Children's book of the Month club where you get great deals when you sign up and then just order a few more books to fulfill your commitment. I have signed up a few times to get some great books! I would have loved an Amazon gift card for a shower gift to buy some books too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 Guess How Much I Love You It took my husband weeks of reading it to our baby daughter before he could get through it without crying. That is so sweet!! I still can't read Love You Forever without crying. I don't even like it, as I find it creepy. Guess How Much I Love You is an adorable book though, and is worth including! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 My go to gift is Kohl's cares for kids books with the coordinating stuffed animal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiMi 4under3 Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 It would be fun, too, if I could get her kind of a humorous book about motherhood. This is probably more meaningful to somebody who's been raising kids for a few years, but the book I Was a Really Good Mom Before I had Kids is funny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyThreeSons Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 But I'd also love to get one or two parenting books for her. It would be fun, too, if I could get her kind of a humorous book about motherhood. Any recommendations? I about wore out my copy of "What to Expect the First Year". It was invaluable for checking out things like when to call the doctor about a fever, general ideas of milestones, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 It would be fun, too, if I could get her kind of a humorous book about motherhood. When our daughter was about six weeks old, my husband gifted me with a copy of the first volume of the Baby Blues comic strip. We laughed until we cried! I recommend it. Baby Blues: This is Going to be Tougher Than We Thought by Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 A parenting book is only good if the recipient is on board with that particular parenting philosophy. If not, it could be interpreted as criticism or bossiness. I would be irritated is someone gave me What to Expect the First year as it's very mainstream American parenting and I'm decidedly crunchy, alternative medicine integrated and attachment parenting oriented. Others would love it. See the problem with parenting books? This is what I give "book people" when they have babies: Honey for a Child's Heart http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Childs-Heart-Gladys-Hunt/dp/0310242460/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405659441&sr=1-1&keywords=honey+for+a+child%27s+heart and a copy of a few of the children's books in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMD Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 i adore Alison Jay's 'if kisses were colours'. Beautiful book. For parenting I love Robin Barker's 'baby love'. Great for parents anywhere on the spectrum, though maybe that's an aussie specific book... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura in CA Posted July 18, 2014 Share Posted July 18, 2014 When our daughter was about six weeks old, my husband gifted me with a copy of the first volume of the Baby Blues comic strip. We laughed until we cried! I recommend it. Baby Blues: This is Going to be Tougher Than We Thought by Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott How funny! I was skimming this thread, and when I saw 'humorous,' I was about to post about this book! I have given it to many new parents. I too laughed until I cried at many of the strips. I'm not sure I could have made it through those first few months without it ... :) Most of my favorites have been mentioned -- Harold and the Purple Crayon; Sandra Boynton books; Winnie the Pooh (classic or, as my English friends say, 'proper' Pooh :) ); Eric Carle books; Frances; Curious George Also -- Margaret Wise Brown books (Goodnight Moon, etc.); Katie and the Big Snow; Pat the Bunny; Babar; Madeline; Peter Rabbit; Ferdinand (the bull) Mother Goose (2 vol.) illus. by Rosemary Wells Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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