This post contains affiliate links – if you purchase using them, I make a small percentage.  Thank you for your support!

I asked a group of moms: “What was the best baby shower gift you remember getting that you did NOT register for?”

They came up with some great answers!  Here’s what the Mom’s are saying:

1. The Wubbanub

I’m putting this one first, because not only did one of the moms in the group I asked mention it – but this was given to me for our son and it was the BEST.GIFT.EVER!

It doesn’t get lost like the other ones.

Babies can find it on their own when they lose it at night because of how big it is.

It doesn’t fall out of the crib that often – again because of the size.

And, “baby ducky”, is my son’s favorite toy, object of comfort in the whole world!  He is four and even though we have removed the pacifier from it, he still sleeps with “baby ducky” every night!

“Baby Ducky” was not on our registry.  Matt’s aunt bought it for us.  I am still so grateful to Aunt Suzanne!

2. Baby food bowls and spoons

This too is on the top of the list because it was another gift I did not think to register for, but was grateful I received.  Another mom said the same.

We still use these bowls, and sometime even the spoons!

3. FridaBaby Nasal Aspirator

This was a very popular answer.  I had never even heard of it!  Apparently this is an awesome gift!  Check it out – it’s a best seller on Amazon, and included as an Amazon Prime purchase!

4. Child Go-Pod

This one another suggestion from a mom that I had never seen – but instantly know why it’s awesome!  How often a mom brings her baby to a house that is not “baby-proof”.  This is so perfect to have in the car and it folds up so compactly!  The big ones we all register for are not fitting out the door or in the car without taking them completely apart!  Great gift!

5. Aden and Anais Blankets

Apparently these blankets are worth the investment.  Great for swaddling, light weight, and tend to be used for everything  – up until baby is 3!

6. Baby’s First Christmas Ornament

This is another gift we were given and someone else mentioned.  It’s so awesome comparing how much bigger his hand is every year when we hang it up!  There are other options for Baby’s First Christmas ornaments on Amazon too – my favorites are the Hallmark Ornament (we got this for our son in 2013 – it was a Rocking Horse) the shoe one this year is also adorable! And the Lenox Rudolph is also really cute!

7. Zipper Sheets

It’s like someone is giving you sleep as a gift.  This is the best invention ever.  When you are already sleep deprived – and baby wet through her diaper.  Oh my goodness – quick and easy.  And honestly, changing crib sheets should be counted as going to the gym.  Genius invention.  Although the link above would be ideal, if they are not in your budget, here is a more affordable buy: QuickZip Crib Extra

8. Bath Books

Some moms mentioned books.  I added the bath books.  I never used them in the bath – but my son just LOVED holding them, looking at them and, yes, chewing on them.  I would have never thought to register for these books, but I was so grateful we were given some.  Any other book in his teething days couldn’t have been played with as much.  He would love those books all day long and that was fine with me!  Here are a few cute ones available on Amazon:

Sassy Book Set; Sassy First Sounds Book Set and Sesame Street Elmo’s World Books

9. Canvas/Fabric Storage Bin filled with STUFF

These bins are GREAT!  I kept diapers in them.  I use them for shoes.  Another mom said she got one and now puts her daughters legos in it. Here are some of the moms suggestions to put in the bin for an awesome gift:

• Little Remedies Kit
• American Red Cross Healthcare Kit
• Gift Certificate for Mom to get a massage, or a pedicure and manicure (this was a very popular answer!!)
• Photographer/Photo Club gift card – many photographers sell “baby’s first year” packages and moms LOVE this gift!
• Happiest Baby on the Block book
• Bath Rinser
• Lil’ Prayer Buddy

10. Hire a Cleaning Lady/Man or Service 

A few of the moms said they had this given to them and they couldn’t have been more grateful!  I gotta say – THAT is an awesome gift!

Now see Volume 2!!!! 10 MORE Baby Shower Gifts Not on Her Registry (that should be)!

What would you add to the list? Please share!

The post The 10 Best Baby Shower Gifts NOT on Her Registry appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.

There’s a phrase: “Go big or go home”!  When it comes to Mother’s Day, I think that is the perfect motto!

Before I was a mom, my one friend would say, “I only care about two days – my birthday and Mother’s Day.”  I didn’t really get it . . . until I became a mom.

So, if you are lucky enough to still have your mom in your life, or if you wife is the mother of your children, for Mother’s Day – GO BIG!

I write this from my own perspective and experience.  I killed my husband’s 30-year-old cactus.  No really, I did. I wish I could grow a beautiful garden.  I wish I enjoyed digging in dirt to get there.  I don’t. I want no parts of it . . .except the looking at it’s beauty.

If you know someone like me, or any mom, here are some ideas that will not give anyone anxiety about planting or gardening!

Step 1:  Get a BIG Basket!

These can be purchased at Michael’s or A.C.Moore!

Step 2:  Write a Letter

You are probably thinking I am going to say write your mom or wife a letter.  I’m not.  I’m going to strongly suggest you get out a pen and an nice piece of paper and write a letter to Our Lord.  Start just like any letter – Dear Lord, Dear Jesus, Dear God the Father, etc.  However you feel most comfortable.  Then write a letter to Our Creator thanking Him for the woman this gift is for.  Write all the reasons and memories that make your heart feel grateful for this woman.  Then, in your letter, ask God to bless this woman.  Ask Him to give her good health, ask Him to give her what she desires for herself, her children, her family and her friends.  Ask God to give her an amazing Mother’s Day and year.  Add whatever special prayer you have for her.  Then, fold up the letter and put it in the basket. The woman you prayed for will love reading that prayer!  And this cost nothing – added bonus!

Step 3:  Add Wine and Chocolate

Include a bottle of red and a bottle of white.  If your budget only allows for one bottle – red goes great with dark chocolate.  Personally, I recommend Sea Salt Truffles.  Here’s a link if you like to order from Amazon: Chocolate Sea Salt Truffles.  Although almost every mom loves wine, they almost all love some form of caffeine too!  Add in some Coffee and Tea to help with all the days they can’t sleep in!  Mystic Monk Coffee has a gift package made for Mom’s and a cute mug too.  Mugs are the perfect opportunity to add more chocolate!  Try to remember what your lovely lady was eating around Halloween – throw some of that candy in the basket to make her smile and feel nostalgic :).  If you want to add some unique chocolate, check out the delicious candy made by Trappistine nuns!

Step 4:  Provide Gift Cards and Time to Use Them!

We LOVE gift cards!  All women, not just moms!  Mothers want to have time to relax and feel beautiful.  Gift cards for a spa, nail salon, hair salon are total winners!  If you live in or near Philadelphia, I highly recommend a gift card to Salon Blush for a “bombshell makeover”.  My headshot on my “About Me” page was taken there – after they did my hair and make-up.  I felt like a celebrity.  How awesome is a gift that makes you feel like a celebrity!

Gift cards to restaurants are also AMAZING.  A night where a mom does not have to cook or clean up is such a gift!  If your budget is tight, make your own “gift card”.  Take a piece of paper and write, “I will make you dinner – and clean up”.  Or “One free breakfast in bed.”  If you are doing breakfast in bed – do it later in the morning – let her sleep in first.  She will LOVE the gift of sleep!

Step 5:  ADD GIFTS!

Adult coloring books are a big hit now.  DaySpring has a cute one: Whatever is Lovely Coloring Book. Don’t forget to add coloring pencils and put them in this adorable pencil case!  A journal would be a nice think to add in (check out my post 10 Best Journals for Busy Women {And Giveaway!} )    More ideas for gifts include:

• A new pair of pajamas – and a little note attached saying, “Take it easy and have a pj day!  I’ll take care of everything – you relax!”  These pajamas are super cute: wine pajamas!
• Something for Home  Christy makes custom wreaths – check out her Facebook page and consider purchasing from her: Adoorn by Christy
• Jewelry or any beauty/spa product – three companies I recommend are Bella Rose Handmade Jewelry by Michelle, Jewelry by Jen Hartigan and Energizing Lotion by Mary Kay
• Rosaries and Faith Jewelry by SaongJai Rosaries and Jewelry – buy today and use the code MOM30 for 30% off!
• Flowers – plant some for her (remember, she’ll kill them if she’s like me) or the kind you put in a vase.  I recommend you put them in the vase for her, because again, she may kill them. Just keepin’ it real.

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mom’s . . . and all those praying to become a Mom!

Love, Amy

The post Mother’s Day Gifts for Plant Killers appeared first on Prayer Wine Chocolate.