It’s happening people. You scroll through your social media feeds to find that pictures from fraternity parties have been replaced by engagement photos and pregnancy announcements. It won’t be long until the baby shower and first birthday invitations start rolling in. What is a (barely) grown up millennial to do?!

Never fear, #MillennialMama is here!

With the holidays right around the corner, the last thing anyone wants is another Holiday Gift Guide.

Think of this instead as your

“Holy S*** We’re Old and Need to Go to Things Like Baby Showers and First Birthday Parties” Guide.

I’ve focused mostly on handmade, customizable products from (female run!) small businesses, for the individualization that Millennial Parents have come to know and love. All you have to do is follow these simple steps, to cement your place at the top of the God Parent short list.

1.) Skip the Blankets

They’re cute, cheap, and easy. They can be monogrammed in a second. Here’s the problem: after I had my two kids, we have amassed over 45 baby blankets (and those are just the ones in storage bins in my basement).

It’s more than likely, especially with first time parents, that they have had baby’s nursery and bedding picked out for months. Not only that, but it is all but forbidden to put blankets in the crib or basinet, for fear of SIDS. Check out these items instead:

The Sonshine Mermaid

 These beautiful custom crochet pieces from The Sonshine Mermaid make the perfect addition to any nursery of playroom. Her personalized mermaids ensure that your gift will be one of a kind, and won’t be thrown in a storage bin without a second thought. Find her on Instagram too (@thesonshinemermaid), for more updates and pictures of her wide range of products.

Link to the Sonshine Mermaid Facebook Page

 Buccio Baby

With a focus on “naturally beautiful, modern, handcrafted newborn and teething essentials”, this shop has a little bit of everything. You can choose from a selection of teethers, loveys, bibs, and more! Can’t decide on just one? Gift boxes are available for a one time purchase, or a monthly subscription. If you really want to get personal, they are more than willing to work with you on custom projects. Great products from a company that more than understands what mamas and babies want.

Click Here for Purchasing Details

2.) Don’t Bother with Newborn Sizes

My children were able to fit into newborn sized clothing for about 2 weeks.

A few months later, after the novelty of having a newborn wears off, motherhood gets real. It’s also when the gifts, meals, and cards stop arriving.

If you want to give the gift of clothing, only buy sizes 6 months and up. I know, it sounds crazy. But trust me. Babies grow extremely quickly. It was also such a blessing to have a few outfits prepared in the closet for when my kids got older, and I got more exhausted.

Here are some of my personal favorites:

The Path Less Raveled

I first came across these beautiful, handmade creations at a small craft fair in my town. It turns out the woman behind the seams (get it?), actually goes to my church! So I can assure you that she is the real deal. Her site is filled with garments that will make any tot Instagram ready.

Click Here for “The Path Less Raveled” on Etsy

Fiream

Full disclosure, I found this company through Amazon, and I’m pretty sure it is run through the black market in China. However, they have clothes that remind me a lot of Boden, but at like, a third of the price. I would describe the style as whimsical, so it’s perfect for finding pieces that are guaranteed to turn heads.

 (If you’re worried about my 6 months and Up rule, comfy and stylish sets like this can easily transition from for fall all the way to spring.)

Click Here for Purchasing Details

 

3.)When in Doubt…Gift Cards

When in doubt, GIFT CARDS, PEOPLE. Personally, I know that I am particular. Ok, I am a control freak. Getting to pick out my own kid’s clothing, or a nursery décor item is huge for me. A heartfelt note of congratulations, and a gift card can go a loooooong way.

Click Here for Purchasing Details

(Also accepted at Bed, Bath, and Beyond)

Click Here for Purchasing Details

 

By following these simple guidelines, you are sure to make an impression at your next baby-centric gathering. Tune in next week for the #MillennialMama guide to picking gifts for Kids (that won’t leave the parents cursing you every time the sounds go off in the middle of the night…I’m looking at you, Melissa and Doug Farm Puzzle).

Happy Shopping!

Love Always,

#MillennialMama