Book Boxes &
Book Gift Ideas

When a friend of mine began planning my baby shower in 2017, I knew I wanted to build a beautiful library for my baby. To make it easy, I asked for the shower invites to include a note requesting books for baby instead of a card since I wouldn’t really be able to do much with the card past the shower anyway. Imagine my surprise when I received my invitation in the mail and it did not have this request included. Needless to say, I still have a stack of cards in my daughter’s room that we received at that baby shower. I can’t help but to think of how each of those cards could have easily been a new book in her baby library.

 

Books for Baby Trend

If you’re like me and are eager to raise little readers, you’ve probably heard of the “Books for Baby” trend that many new moms are adopting for their baby showers. Many times, guests include a card along with any other gifts they choose to bring. This trend relieves guests of the pressure to find the perfect baby shower card and instead, puts them at liberty to write a special note inside the cover of a book that mom and baby will likely keep much longer than the card. Each time mom and baby read the book together, they can also read the note from the gift giver as a sweet reminder of how loved they are.

 

How to ask for Books Instead of a Card

Asking for books in lieu of a card is super easy and hardly requires any extra effort on the part of the party planner. Here are three simple ways to ask for a baby book in lieu of a card.

 

1. Small Inclusion Card: One of the most popular ways to make this request is to include a separate card inclusion with the baby shower invitation. The inclusion is often smaller than the original invitation (think business card sized) and includes a short and sweet poem to make the request. An example is:

 

One small request, we hope it’s not too hard,

Please bring a book instead of a card,

By signing your book, we’ll remember and share

Your special gift, even when you’re not there.

 

When guests receive their invitations, they will also receive this small inclusion and know that the mom-to-be would like books instead of cards.

 

1. Simple Statement on Invitation: If adding an additional card in the shower invite isn’t your thing, don’t sweat it. Requesting books instead of a card can be as simple as adding a short note at the bottom of your original shower invite. For example, with the invitation shown below, the planner added a simple note that states, “Please bring a baby book in lieu of a card.”

2. Comment on Electronic Invitation and/or Registry: If you are doing away with printed baby shower invitations altogether, adding a comment to an electronic invitation is a super easy way to ensure your guests are aware of your Books for Baby request. When using an electronic invitation service like Paperless Post or Punchbowl, include a note in the comments section of the invite like the one below:

 

We are asking that everyone would bring a

baby book for Baby NAME in lieu of a card.

Please sign the inside of the book

(and include a sweet note for baby if you’d like)

so the parents will always be able to tell baby who the book was from.

This is an excellent way to start a library for Baby NAME! Thank you! 

 

You can also include a similar note in your baby registry along with a section in your registry of books you would like to add to baby’s library to make gifting books easy for your guests.

 

Benefits of Reading to Baby

Part of what plays into the “Books for Baby” in lieu of cards trend is that there has been a lot of research surrounding the benefits of reading to baby. When you read to your baby:

 

• Your baby hears you using many different emotions and expressive sounds. This supports social and emotional development.

• It encourages your baby to look, point, touch, and answer questions. This helps with social development and thinking skills.

• Your baby improves language skills by copying sounds, recognizing pictures, and learning words.

 

Reading to your baby offers a number of benefits that extend well beyond their first year. Some of these benefits include:

 

• Language skills: Hearing words read aloud helps babies’ blossoming language skills really start to bloom. Reading introduces them to a greater number of words and more complex language than they might otherwise hear in day-to-day conversation.

• Bonding: Snuggling up to read a book together signals safety, love and emotional connection. “Having that one-on-one attention with your baby strengthens your bond.”

• Emotional learning: Babies aren’t just looking at the pictures in their favorite books. They’re also watching you frown when a book character is frustrated or smile at the happy ending. Your baby mimics your expressions and the sounds you make, helping with early brain development.

• Establishing routines: Reading can be a great addition to the daily schedule. If you get in the habit of reading at bedtime, for example, a book can signal to a baby that it’s time to slow down and get ready for sleep. 

 

Reading to babies has also been found to help provide them with a solid foundation for academic success. Research has shown that about one third of kids start kindergarten without the language skills they need to learn to read. Reading to babies helps them develop those valuable skills early and often, preparing them for a successful school career.

 

How to give a Book Gift Basket

Creating a gift basket of books for a baby is a thoughtful and cherished present that can spark a love for reading from an early age. Whether you're attending a baby shower, celebrating a new arrival, or marking a special milestone, a book basket is a gift that keeps on giving. This comprehensive guide will help you design the perfect book basket for a baby, covering everything from selecting the right books to adding personalized and practical touches.

 

 

Selecting The Perfect Books for a Baby Book Gift Basket

Designing a gift basket of books for baby is a great baby shower gift idea, but picking the right books to grow baby’s library can be tricky. You don’t want to pick something obscure that they’ll never read, but you also don’t want to be gifting the fourth copy of a ‘Goodnight Moon’ (which, trust me, they’ve already got it). That said, choosing the right books is the most crucial part of creating a book gift basket for baby. Here are a few categories of books to consider when building your perfect baby book gift basket:

 

 

1. Board Books: Board books are durable and perfect for little hands. They can withstand chewing, tossing, and rough handling. Some popular board books include: "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. Since these books have been around for ages, mom and dad-to-be may already have a copy (or three) of these, including their own vintage copies from when they were babies! Opting for new, modern day classic board books may be a better way to go. 

2. Interactive Books: Interactive books engage a baby's senses with features like flaps to lift, textures to feel, or sounds to make. These books make reading a multi-sensory experience that keeps baby engaged as they grow and learn. Some books that fall into this category are: "Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt and "Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill.

3. Personalized Books: Personalized books add a unique touch by incorporating the baby’s name and other personal details into the story. These books can become treasured keepsakes. Books that fall into this category are “My Very Own Name" by I See Me! and "The Little Boy/Girl Who Lost Their Name" by Wonderbly.

4. Classic Stories: Classic stories are beloved by generations and often have beautiful illustrations and timeless messages. Classic stories many parents and children know and love are: "Winnie-the-Pooh" by A.A. Milne: Stories of friendship and adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood and "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney.

5. Picture Books: Though not commonly designed for children, picture books make great inclusions in a baby book gift basket. Picture books often include content for older children, but the colors, illustrations and stories found in these books can be timeless, allowing them to be relevant for many years longer than board books. Great picture books for babies include “Where You Belong” by Tyranika Abrams and “I Will Always Love You” by Michael Wong.

 

What to Include in a Baby Book Gift Basket

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Adding Personalized Touches

To make your gift basket extra special, consider adding personalized elements:

 

Personalized Book Plates

Include custom bookplates with the baby’s name to stick inside the cover of each book. This adds a personal touch and helps keep track of the books.

 

Customized Basket Liners

A basket liner with the baby’s name or initials embroidered on it can make the gift look more polished and personalized.

 

A Handwritten Note

Write a heartfelt message to the baby and parents, sharing your excitement and best wishes. You can also include a note about why you chose each book.

 

Practical Additions

Alongside the books, consider adding practical items that parents will appreciate:

 

Plush Toys

Include a soft, cuddly toy that complements the theme of one of the books. For example, a small stuffed bear can pair perfectly with "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"

 

Soft Blanket

A cozy blanket adds a comforting touch and can be used during storytime to create a snug, warm environment.

 

Teething Toys

Teething toys are always useful and can be included as a practical addition to the basket.

 

Decorative Elements

Make the basket visually appealing with some decorative elements:

 

Basket Selection

Choose a sturdy and attractive basket that can be reused for storage. Wicker baskets, fabric bins, or even a large gift box can work well.

 

Tissue Paper and Ribbon

Line the basket with colorful tissue paper and tie it with a ribbon. This adds a festive touch and makes the gift look more inviting.

 

Themed Decorations

Consider adding themed decorations like baby elephants, stars, or storybook characters to tie everything together.

 

Assembling the Basket

Now that you have all your items, it’s time to assemble the basket:

 

• Prepare the Basket: Line the bottom with tissue paper or a soft blanket to create a base.

• Arrange the Books: Place the books upright or stack them neatly. Make sure the covers are visible for a pleasing display.

• Add the Plush Toy and Practical Items: Position the plush toy and other practical items around the books.

• Finish with Decorative Touches: Add any final decorative elements, such as a ribbon or themed decorations.

• Include a Handwritten Note: Place your handwritten note in an envelope and tuck it into the basket.

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Creating a gift basket of books for a baby is a wonderful way to celebrate a new life and share the joy of reading. By carefully selecting the right books, adding personalized touches, and including practical items, you can craft a gift that is both thoughtful and cherished. Whether for a baby shower, a newborn celebration, or a special milestone, a book gift basket is a meaningful present that will be enjoyed for years to come. Happy gifting!