Another Season of Gift Giving

"I really like making diaper cakes, and they can be a really affordable gift that is always the hit of a baby shower. For my girlfriends whose weddings I've been in, I like to give them ornaments the first Christmas after their wedding with the flowers from my bridesmaid bouquet and ribbon to match their wedding colors. I buy the plastic irridescent globes that snap together and they turn out beautifully and make a nice keepsake. I shop year round for gifts I think friends and family will like, particularly after holidays when things get marked way down. We also have a small house, though, so space is a constraint. Great post, Amy! I love the magnet idea, I am definitely going to have to try that :)"

"I am a diaper cake maker too, and they ARE always a hit. I also make diaper wreaths which are a cute welcome home baby gift.

I also scrapbook so mini books make cute recipe books for gifts!

:)"

"I love to give a big glass jar ($6 or so at Target or Wal-Mart) filled with something--I like coordinating kitchen towels, or baby blankets, or whatever the occasion calls for. Frugal and pretty!"

"I have seen your tutorial on the diaper cake - though I've never used it. I have a baby shower coming up this summer, though - and that'll be just perfect!

My favorite baby shower gift to give (and one that is ALWAYS a hit) is an inexpensive basket (usually one I already have around the house) filled with paper plates, napkins & plastic cutlery. I enclose a coupon for a week's worth of freezer meals for when the baby arrives. Since I always shop on sale & keep a stocked pantry & freezer, this is easy for me.

I just wanted to add to remember to check your dollar store. Yesterday I found some GREAT deals on items for Mother's Day - gifts and wrapping. The one thing I will caution, though, is to make sure that the sticker comes off and is not made into the product."

"For graduation gifts - I purchase a magnetic memo center (and sometimes the matching magnetic cup) and put in pencils, a note pad, and stamped postcards addressed to parents and grandparents (who may not be technically savvy or have email) so that the graduate will keep in touch or drop a quick note to say hello to their parents/grandparents. I also enclose a gift card for a free pizza or something small like that. This way they have something fun to get for themselves and always have a handy place for a note pad and pencils on the fridge. You can find these at The Container Store. Everything is less than $20."