Baby Shower Gifts Under $10

Don't Break the Bank for the New Baby

The pitter-patter of little feet is always a joyous sound to your ears, but all those baby shower gifts are draining your savings. You don't have to blow a bundle on adorable toys and outfits to create a memorable baby gift. The next time you get invited to a baby shower keep these great $10 or less gift ideas in mind:

1.)Babysitting Coupons: This gift will only cost a bit of your precious time. Print up cute certificates offering hour-long babysitting sessions. The mom-to-be will adore a baby-free afternoon and the chance for a pedicure or uninterrupted lunch.

2.)Movie Package: Buy a pre-owned DVD ($5 or less on Amazon or eBay) and package it with microwave popcorn - it could be awhile before the new parents can get back to a movie theater.

3.)Mix it Up: Burn a CD of your favorite, upbeat, baby-friendly tunes. The Beatles, ABBA and Simon and Garfunkel are always popular with kids. Your friends will thank you for saving them from suffering through an endless loop of Raffi.

4.) Subscription Prescription: Give the new parents a subscription to a parenting magazine like FamilyFun ($9.95 for ten issues), Parent & Child ($9.97 for six issues). This gift will outlast any clothing purchase and promises to deliver monthly tips on childrearing. Look for discount subscription offers online or special "2-for-1" subscriptions.

5.)Meal Solutions: Offer your personal chef services. The new parents will love having a night off from cooking or a break from the monotony of take-out cuisine. Make sure you show up with all the ingredients and clean up after yourself.

6.)Start a Baby Book: Carry a colorful notebook, Polaroid and colored pens to the baby shower. Snap away and while the mom-to-be is busy opening gifts, you'll have attached the first few photos in her new baby book.

7.)Pacifier Package: Pacifiers (a.k.a. binkies, nuk-nuks and soothers) are small and inexpensive, but extremely practical. Baby superstores sell two-packs for $3. Purchase two different brands and add a pacifier "leash" ($2.95). These little items always seem to get lost; any mom can use a plentiful supply.