Giving Gift Cards as Baby Shower Gifts

Gift cards (the size of a credit card) make very easy, and yet well-appreciated, gifts for Mommy-To-Be. Gift cards, in any dollar amount, mean that Mommy (and Daddy) can shop for what they really want...rather than what you think they might like.

Almost every store now offers gift cards, either in pre-established dollar amounts or "blank" so that you can designate a dollar amount when you purchase the gift card.

Gift cards to Babies 'R Us and Toys 'R Us are very popular, but don't forget gift cards to stores like Target and Wal-Mart. Even gift cards to the local supermarket can come in very handy when it comes time to start buying diapers and baby food.

You can also purchase "universal" gift cards that have either the VISA or MasterCard logo on them (ask at your local bank). These gift cards are good anywhere credit cards are taken. This allows Mommy-to-Be access to specialty shops that might not otherwise have their own gift cards.

Due to their size, gift cards make very small "gifts" in terms of having something to wrap and take to a baby shower. Of course, you can always find a small box and line it with tissue paper, nestling the gift card in the box. Or you can buy a very small gift, and tuck the gift card in with that.

Another way to present a gift card is to put it in a card or with a "gift card holder" (or certificate). A simple piece of cellophane tape, rolled into a donut-shape, and stuck to the back of the gift card will allow you to "stick" to the inside of a greeting card or onto a gift card certificate. Then tuck it into a box that has a few baby items, such as a baby bottle, baby wipes, and other little handy items you can find in your local market.

You can easily make your own certificate using Microsoft Word® or Microsoft Paint®. You can play with the clipart that comes with those programs and create a simple certificate-like document that prints on 8-1/2 x 11" computer paper. Put in a border, add a few lines of text, and stick on the gift card. Fold and put into a regular business envelope (#10), and there you have it!

If you aren't feeling terribly creative, then you can get free Baby Shower Gift Card Holders that you can download and print. These free baby shower cards are four different styles, and each print on 8-1/2 x 11" computer paper. For everything you need, go to:

Free Baby Shower Gift Card Holders (http://www.jansreadingroom.com/Baby_Shower/Baby-Gift-Card-Holders.htm)

Jan K., The Proofer is a freelance copyeditor and proofreader. Visit Jan’s Portal (http://www.jansportal.com) for more information about Jan's free crafts, recipes, tutorials, other resource sites, and free content articles, as well as Jan’s business services.