How To Build A Baby Shower In A Box

Sitting in the doctor’s office waiting for what felt like an eternity, I glanced through parenting magazines passing the time.  As I sat there with a room full of strangers, I couldn’t help but imagine what life was going to be like with our new little one.  We had tried to be pregnant for three years. The time had come and I was at my final appointment, when another young mom to be caught my eye. We started a conversation about pregnancy and due dates.  Once I talked with her it became clear our lives were very different.  I had just had a baby shower that was large and we received more than I could even use.  I learned she did not have family support and there was no dad involved. She hadn't been blessed by a shower of gifts from friends and family. We both were having boys. What could I do for this girl I had just met?

I left that day knowing I had to do something for her.  I only had a few days left before our own blessed event. I wanted to focus on my own needs,  but how could I let her be alone?  I decided to give her a baby shower in a box! I had read about it once and thought I could add my own special touch to it.

Here is what I did:

I found a huge box:  I wrapped it in baby paper and left the top open

Inside I made a large diaper cake.  This was one of my most favorite gifts I had received.  A diaper cake is not only cute, it is fun.  If you don’t think you can make a diaper cake order one online. You won’t regret it.

• A Diaper Cake
• A magazine about parenting
• A pacifier
• Baby Booties
  
• Add slippers.  Every new mom needs slippers
• Make sure to include a swaddling blanket for the new baby
• Include the essentials:  Baby shampoo, baby lotion, and baby diaper rash ointment
• Baby wash cloths are often forgotten and can serve both at bath time and as a great spit-up rag
• A gift certificate to a local coffee house is always a special treat

To Read More. Check out this page on Baby Shower Gift Ideas

How To Say Thank You To Your Pastor

October is officially pastor appreciation month. Most people don’t realize it.  It is a great chance for the congregation to pause and let their pastor know that they are valued and appreciated.  While no pastor is perfect I think we can all agree it is a tough, wonderful, difficult, and rewarding job.  Hours are never ending and as soon as you take on that calling someone will almost always be disappointed with you.  But words or acts of encouragement can go a long way.  So why not do something wonderful and special for your pastor and better yet for your pastor’s spouse as well?

A thank you gift basket can be created in many ways.  Ask different groups in the church to help out.  Place a huge basket in a hidden spot and have members fill the basket with coffees, teas, cookies, muffins, books, really the list is endless.   A gift certificate for a night away is an often wonderful treat for a pastor and their spouse.  Have the kids wing color thank you pictures.  The kids could even create their own thank you gift basket.  And if you are worried about perishable items and want to really surprise your pastor order a beautiful personalized thank you gift basket. 

They can be filled with all sorts of wonderful non perishable items.  Nothing is more memorable than a unique gift.  Order personalized items or messages that are designed just for your pastor.  You can order a basket personalized with your pastors favorite verse.  You can even have a frame with a message from your church congregation placed on it.  The possibilities are endless.  No matter how you decide to create it, make sure you take the time to bless this special person for the role they serve.

 A thank you gift basket can be from a family or an entire church body.  The important thing is that you do something to let your pastor know that the role they serve makes a huge difference in your and others lives.  So get started……….the blessings will be overwhelming and it can be a barrel of fun too.