Bring together some vintage Hungarian decorative arts for a unique gift bag combination. Recently, a savvy customer combined tissue paper printed with a traditional embroidery design with a gift bag of another design.
Artwork from an old woodcut pictured a Magyar couple, which I colored in traditional colors after researching similar folk costumes was used to create the gift bag. The tissue paper and gift bag made a unique and memorable combination.
Known for their love of decoration and color, Hungarian are traditionally renowned for the exquisite embroidery they have produced for centuries. This is still in demand toady, although machine made items are most likely the ones for sale here in the USA. It is still possible to get handmade examples, however. The tissue paper has a vintage floral that is representative of the Kalocsa region. Interestingly, the regions of Hungary each have their own style and colors of embroidery, although each is clearly Hungarian! For a look at the different styles check out this overview (filled with colorful examples of Magyar needle arts!)
The tissue paper is printed with the colors and motifs found in Kalocsa Embroidery. this is presently the most popular of all the regional designs.
Weddings and Anniversaries
The wedding couple, with the motto “congratulations”, make the gift bag perfect for wedding or anniversary gifts. The bright cheerful colors speak of happiness and celebration- something Hungarians are always ready for!
This example of combining two different, but harmonious, designs together represents how unique and memorable just a few details can become. Extend this idea to invitations or party details if you are planning to hostess such an event.
Pastels, brushes, markers… so much to choose from!
Maybe you are like me, or maybe this sounds like someone on your gift list :
One of the hardest things for me to come through on has been the promise I made to myself a number of years ago:
I determined I would once again create art.
Instead, it seems that all my time is spent writing, or cleaning house, or doing a hundred other things. I love writing about gardening, writing about art, writing about computer related things… but there is something about sitting down with some fresh art supplies and creating something with that media that is calming, restoring, and satisfying.
For a few years I have been collecting art supplies.
Here are is a collection of those I most want, if I don’t already have them.
Watch my additions, soon I will write about what I want to do with the paints, pencils, papers, etc.
This might be the ultimate procrastinator’s tale…. however, let this lens function as my wish list for art supplies, as well as my record of whether I actually follow through on the dream. Perhaps you have helpful hints that will motivate and inspire me to stop only writing about it and actually create a brick and mortar oeuvre. Just note them in the comments, and all of us artist wannabees will be grateful. (Oh yes, included in this post are examples of inspiring art that is fun to look at, AND a number of informative videos.)
For presents, either birthday or Christmas, art supplies might be the perfect choice. Artistic people seem to constantly need resupplying.
Top Choices?
paper
sketching supplies
water soluble supplies
pans and palettes
Know your artist: that is the best bet for choosing presents well.
Little Rembrandts
Children benefit from all the things that encourage them to be creative. Basics are welcome. School supply lists can give you ideas, too.
Artist Paper – that stands up to water
For watercolor or pen and inks, a paper that is strong enough to handle the water and hold its surface texture.
Pen Techniques and Supply Suggestions
Know Your Papers
Sketch pads are usually made for dry utensils like pencil or charcoal, but the intended use is listed on the description that is found on the front. when giving a gift for an artist, and you aren’t sure which is their favorite medium, use one that is suitable for a broad range. Stillman & Birn Delta Wirebound Sketchbook, Heavyweight 180lb, Ivory White, 25 Sheets, 7×7 Gorgeous heavyweight paper. archival quality multi-media paper. This is top of my own personal wishlist.
Your Talent
If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don’t hoard it. Don’t dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke. – Brendan Francis
Pen nib photo by Charlotte L
Pen And Ink
Pen and ink was my forte in drawing. Working with it, alone and with watercolors, was the way I best expressed the art that resided in my mind. Later in life, encouraging my children to learn calligraphy meant giving up ownership to my pens. And while I do not regret that, since some of my girls developed real skills in calligraphic writing, I now find a desire for the high quality pens and inks that give the best results.
So guess what supplies are now high on my list? Yes, quill pens and inks.
I Love To Draw With Pen and Ink
I let my children have all my pens…. now, what about me?
Supplies For Pen And Ink Artists
Winsor and Newton India ink
Speedball Standard Point Dip Pen and Nibs
Faber-Castell Pitt Artist’s Pens
Strathmore Bristol Vellum Paper Pad
Pens and Watercolor Wash
What’s On The Artist Gift List?
This is the short list for gifts that I would be personally happy to receive, make your own for you or someone you know. An adult Artist who loves watercolors and pen and ink. Also draws sketches with pencils.
Paper for pencil, also for watercolor work.
Derwent pencil set
Kneaded eraser
Winsor & Newton or Rembrandt watercolors
Art Gifts For Children
If I were buying a selection of child art supplies I would start out with a large sketchpad of drawing paper, a beginners set of pencils, including a gum eraser. Then I would add a small set of watercolors with some extra brushes (you always need more than one brush!), and a set of good markers.
Did you know that Mary Engelbreit started out with just markers to make her wonderful drawings? And look where she ended up- an Empire and a Career.
An Artist Easel
I like desk easels the best, but any easel helps to hold the paper and paints while working.
All media easel set Delightful start to getting ready to draw or paint, and easel keeps you art ready to work on, and provides the perfect space to keep your utensils handy.
Use It Or Lose It Is The Rule For Your Talents
If you (or giftee) are just starting out, be sure to check out the tutorial videos and the lists here. Slowly build your stock of supplies, but try to give free rein to your creativity.
There are times we waste by not using our paints. Let yourself liberally use the paint and papers, the pencils, the inks… don’t let them sit and languish.
For Those Who Paint
Each medium has its own set of techniques , brushes, and painting supplies. Which artist are you buying a gift for this year?
A whole new world of Adult coloring books has opened up and colored pencils as well as crayons are used to give hours of peaceful meditative coloring. Caran D’Ache Color Pencil Set – Supracolor II Watercolor Pencil Set of 120 Assorted Colors Yes, I want the WHOLE set of these fine watercolor pencils. I want to be able to take my watercolors wherever I go, and this will be perfect.
These work wonderfully for the new adult coloring books that are now available everywhere. Consider gifting someone with one of these pencil sets and a beautiful, intricately drawn coloring book.
Try Your Hand At Coloring
Here’s the how- to if you ever wondered why someone would love to sit and color.
Gift Ideas for Artists – Get your gift-giving creative juices flowing
There are many gifts that will make your artist happy! That is one of the things that makes this so much fun. It is easy to shop for artists when you don’t know what styles they prefer because you are supplying them with something they always need, will actually use, and they can create their own style.
When someone has been practiced in their craft, it does make sense to give quality supplies. You wouldn’t believe what a difference a well made paper or pigment produces in a finished piece.
Art Papers are always welcome
There are many types of papers for artists, but a basic sketchbook is always welcome. A good quality paper that will take a number of media is probably the best choice.
There are differing weights, whether they are suitable for wet medium (like watercolors), and differing component materials ( cotton, wood pulp, etc).
Luckily, most list on the cover or label which medium they are useful for, eliminating guesswork.
Display case is such a cool gift idea
My daughter-in-law uses this for displaying my grandchild’s masterpieces. It is a beautiful frame- such a great idea!
Children’s Gifts, And Those for Moms
Giving children art supplies of some sort is almost always welcome. Level of interest makes the sorting out of whether we get coloring books, markers and crayons, or oil paints, brushes, and canvas.
For moms- ways to organize and display the resulting art sparks many ideas for appropriate presents.
a wall-hung case
a metal wire with clips (I saw this idea at Ikea)
decorative magnets strong enough to hold artwork onto frig or magnetic board
Brushes and Pens If you know that the artist on your gift list paints in a certain medium or loves to create pen and ink drawings (Zentangle, anyone?), then gifting a great set of brushes or new pen nibs or inks is a very thoughtful thing to give.
Good quality is always appreciated, and to be considered much more than quantity. In other words, one bottle of excellent quality ink is better chosen than five bottles of less expensive, and thus less dependable inks.
This is why it pays ot now a little about the person. Young artists who are beginning to experiment might be the exception to this rule.
Why?
Beginners should feel free to use the supplies and not worry about mistakes. That is why pads of paper are always welcome, too. Plenty of room to practice and perfect their art. This is th ecase in which a gift of less expensive quality, but greater quantities are welcome. Paint Brush Set Acrylic Xpassion 10pcs Professional Paint Brushes Artist for Watercolor Oil Acrylic Painting
Which Brush for Acrylics?
This video will explain it all for you. Very helpful if you are faced with an array of choices and aren’t sure which to choose.
Are You an Artist? – What do you use?
What is your medium of choice?
pen and ink
watercolors
acrylic paints
oil paints
clay sculpture
graphic computer art
pencil sketching
oil pastels
charcoal
markers
collage findings
Another gift idea besides the art supplies would be lessons, either with a teacher or online. So many courses are available that are fun and easy. My son loved taking a class with others that resulted in an easy to accomplish oil painting to take home. Look for these which are often offered locally.
My Daughter Uses Mine, The Wacom Drawing Tablet
This is the way I create most of my art- with graphics software and a graphic tablet. The Wacom pen tablet is on your graphics artist wishlist, believe me!
Computer Graphics
Not all artists use hardcopy paper. Increasingly there are very fine pictures produced with software graphics.
When it is time to invest in something like a pen tablet, it may be out of budget for a young artists, particularly if they are trying to improve the quality of their chosen software. Buying Adobe Photoshop or other Creative programs leaves little room for the peripherals.
That is why this may be one of the best choices, if you know they have it on their wishlist. Wacom makes several types according to the output desired. Art, Photo, Comic?
Artist Drawing Board – When it is fun to go back to the drawing board!
Wow, someone is so lucky and going to be so happy this year when they go back to the drawing board. Especially a sleek high style one like this. I have a cheap drawing board, but this is the one I really want. It is a beautiful piece of furniture that really WORKS for an artist.
How Many of You Are Like Me?
Do you have talents you let go dormant?
I have talents, but I don’t have time
I have talents, but don’t have supplies and tools (or instruments)
I am unsure if I have talents
I secretly believe I have a talent, but I am afraid I will fail
I have been pursuing and developing my talents
I’ll think about this another day
Wherever you are on the spectrum, think about going into the coming year armed with all the supplies you need to accomplish your artistic dreams. Or help make that happen for the artist on your list.
If I were buying a gift for an artist that primarily created in pen and ink, watercolor, or colored pencils, I would choose a large kit.
A younger artist still experimenting with what they like, or someone who primarily works in sculpture, collage, or oil painting, would probably appreciate a smaller kit. Just see whether they liked the medium before investing lots of money in it.
An Ingenious Paint Accessory, the Masterson Sta-Wet Palette
I want one now. I have canvases, I have acrylics. I used to paint with tempera and watercolors, and occasionally oil paints, but have never actually used acrylic paints very much. I think it would suit me best to work with them… and I love the description of the palette.
My own method for keeping paints usable is to cover them with Saran wrap, but this is far superior for the purpose! Sta-Wet Palette Keeps Paints Fresh For Days With Airtight Lid.
Pressed Flowers Can Make Pictures
I’ve always admired Penny Black’s pressed flower art, so I could start making my own supplies for that, couldn’t I?
Unusual maybe, but if an artist likes to use mixed media, and often incorporates natural elements into their work, a flower press, along with an inspirational book of ideas could be an inspiring and welcome gift.
Pressed flower art
Penny Black’s the Book of Cards and Collages Art supplies are not only pens and pencils, or paints, brushes, and papers, they might also be such things as pressed flowers or found objects. Creating collage is one pursuit that many have found relaxing and expressive.
When I read Penny Black’s book on pressed flower pictures, it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of using such materials in creating art. Simpler uses make wonderful crafts for cards, too. Bits and bobs of buttons and lace are well known to scrapbookers for the way a collage can be created with the most ordinary of throwaway objects. We just have to use our imagination!
The first virtue of a painting is that it be a feast for the eyes. -Eugene Delacroix
I took bellydance lessons and performed, then became interested in costume. The historical relationship of dance and culture is fascinating. Let’s examine the way we think they look, with swirling skirts and ethnic jewelry.
Discover Gypsy’s performance art and their colorful costuming, then borrow the look for your own, for performance or Halloween dress-up.
Gypsy Dance, Colorful Costumes, Fiery Passion
A Gypsy Garb
We call them “Gypsies”, they call themselves “Roma” or “Rom”. They are a colorful people with a long history, who inspire a romantic view and enrich our cultures with their costume, crafts and dance. The first part of this post looks at the way we can put together a costume with Gypsy flavor; secondly, it is filled with gift ideas for the dancer in your life; winding up with examples of the styles of costume and dance.
This is a brief look at how their dance influences other cultures and costuming, because we all know that it is a favorite look whenever there is a costume party!
Picture Yourself
Immediately we think of a wild melange of color, but what are the essential elements?
Depending on which shape-shifting variation you wish to present:
Belly dancer…
Eastern European …
Flamenco dancer
Why Put Together This Style Costume?
If you attend Renaissance Fairs, take part in dance performances, (or that most loved time for dressing up) attend Halloween events, the costume ideas are all valuable.
Each of these occasions call for one of the variations of this highly identifiable outfit.
Whether it is for your own dance performance or for the classic Halloween costume, “The Gypsy” look is fun to put together. The common denominator is plenty of flash and color.
Costume Ideas from Gypsy Dancers All Over the World
The Quintessential Coif: Long Dark Hair and a Scarf
What do you think of when picturing a gypsy? Long black hair warn loosely, a bright scarf to wrap it up and gold coin jewelry.
Don’t have the long dark hair that is a signature style for under the bandana? Simply use a wig, many dancers do. If you find the idea of extensions too troublesome and costly, especially if just wanting to costume for a single event like Halloween, use an inexpensive wig just for the purpose.
Common Elements of this Mode of Costume
The jewelry: hoops, bangles, strands of beads, coin decorated scarves.
Scarves: for head and hip, and over the shoulder, as well
Skirts: full and colorful, combining prints and bright colors in a uniquely individual way.
Boots, high heels, stylish footwear, if possible. Take your pick.
Blouse that is full and feminine- peasant style.
Put Together Your Own Version
Gypsies brought their culture to many countries
Gypsy-Style D-I-Y Ensemble
Many parts of belly dance garb have been lifted from the wardrobe of performing Gypsies. The intention was to draw attention and impress with vivid and spectacular design. This makes for an impressive performance.
Except for real gold jewelry, it doesn’t take much wealth to produce an eye catching outfit.
Anyone wanting to make a splash in their Halloween plans can borrow these costume ideas. It isn’t hard to put together this ensemble.
Nowadays, we don’t need real gold to create shine and sparkle, anyway. There are plenty of costume jewelry choices: chandelier earrings, strands of golden metal and beads, fake coins, and ethnic looks.
Add them to beautiful skirts and blouses, and further outfit with heeled boots.
Voila! You’re done, with a more or less authentic look that brings theatre onto the scene.
Skirt Style and Accessories: Get the Look
Whether short or long, a skirt that flares and swirls is part of the traditional gypsy look.
Tiers of colored ruffles or one skirt over another, with the outer one hiked up to reveal the underskirt.
A full peasant blouse, sometimes with a wide neckline. Sometimes a bolero vest.
Set off the waist with a hip scarf or wide belt.
A headscarf and big hoop earrings. tie on bandana style
Bling, bling, bling when it comes to necklaces and bangle bracelets.
Dangling earrings bring more bling
Performance Costuming
Most of the bellydance performance bras and belts can be quite expensive, and must fit exactly, but there are plenty of stretchy and adjustable tops, and hip scarves that will work for almost any size. Look for those to give as a gift- they will be very welcome as most of the time a belly dancer spends dancing is practicing in a studio or at home.
While any dance-wear works, those with fringes and coins make the dance more fun and help visualize he way the movements look.
Fringed Coin Bra Top
Gift Idea
This is the ideal gift- a practice or tribal performance coin decorated top. Enough fringe to accentuate those important rolls and drops.
Any belly dancer would love this for an authentic feel when practicing and doing classes and rehearsals.
Dance Photographer – Brendan Lally
Gifts Ideas for your Favorite Belly Dancer
It is easy to shop for someone who discovers belly dance, they have all sorts of costuming and makeup ideas they want to try. But maybe it isn’t quite as easy for you to figure just what thrills the heart of a student of Oriental dance, and that is what this lens is for… to open the world of Middle Eastern souks, the exciting accessories of the look of the Orient, and suggest the perfect gift choices for a Belly Dancer.
It can be a birthday, it can be Christmas, or any special holiday that you wish to use to shower a dancer in a show of appreciation. With these suggestions you are sure to find something that thrills a special someone who loves to shake and shimmy to her favorite Raqs Sharqi music.
The Key To A Great Gift Choice
That is what a woman wants:Â to feel beautiful and cared for.
Find out what those key things are and you know what to give as a gift she will remember. As well as your thoughtfulness.
For a woman who enjoys the Baladi dance form, part of the fun is the feminine way it makes them feel, including the chance to dress up and use exotic makeup. Exploring other cultures through the music, and even a bit of the history is part of the entire experience.
Clue into these things and you will have a treasure trove of ideas that will make the perfect gift, unlike any others.
Jewelry Is Always A Welcome Addition
For dancing performance or anytime she wishes to dress up, there are some fun costume jewelry ideas here. There are lots of different styles – some with coins, silver tone, gold tone, some that totally different … but all are fun and add sparkle.
For any woman on your list, jewelry might be a safe bet for a welcomed and enjoyed gift, but the Belly Dancer is just a little bit different.
She not only likes lots of jewelry, she adores the sparkly, kind that is strung with coins, and makes a great show when she moves.
That is why eye-catching items such as slave bracelets, Cleopatra bib necklaces, and chandelier earrings are favorites. If you really want to get the perfect gift of costume adornments, check the colors of her favorite outfits to see if gold or silver are the metal color for her.
Gift Inspirations
Tribal jewelry is always welcome, because it can be used anytime. Artful and fun, tribal jewelry gives any outfit a unique and fashionable look. Ebay is the perfect place to pick up great pieces that any belly dance aficionado would love.
Chandelier earrings, bib necklaces, armbands, all these types of jewelry are used to give an exotic flavor to an outfit, or in a dance performance.
Spa gift cards are guaranteed to make most women happy, but especially when a dancer wants to look her best. Manicures, pedicures, facials, even a massage is a great way to give a gift that will be appreciated.
There is always room for one more coin hip scarf!
Dance wear for practice and workouts can be a unique gift.
Belly dance slippers
A 3.5 yard length of silk for a dance veil, hem the ends and it is a beautiful gift. Great for all sizes.
Fabulous Tribal Gifts
To find something truly authentic with a degree of craftmanship that is rare, try online auctions.
The beauty of some of these tribal pieces is sometimes astounding in the way they add to an outfit or a stage costume. Don’t miss out on the chance to get a gift that is beyond the run of the mill mall purchase!
Feeling Beautiful is Really Important
Spa gifts, manicure and pedicure sets, creams and lotions…
Cosmetics And Fragrance Gifts Are Classic
This classic combination is a good choice for any woman, but look for the cosmetics that are recommended for the stage. Mac or Stila brand eye makeup, Glittery eye-catching powders… things like that.
Gifts of cosmetics and fragrance can be the best kind, so long as they are the right kind. Do a little sleuthing, or get something a seasoned bellydancer recommends.
Try to find the type of eye makeup your belly dancer prefers, or any beauty treatment or luxury skin treatment is a welcome present.
Common Elements of Gypsy Dance and How It Influences Other Cultures
The history of the Roma and their dance is intertwined. A common denominator in many of the belly dances, folk dances and the Flamenco of Spain, are hip and hand movements. All these dance forms share some of the same movements and steps.
Today’s fusions have proven a little harder to “pull off”, because while the movements create a common bond, the other factors such as feeling and manner are much more difficult to meld well.
What are the elements of Gypsy dance?
Take a video tour of a few examples and enjoy the entertainment that Gypsy people have perfected in their artistry of music and dance.
Romani Style Belly Dance
Turkish Dance
Eastern European Dance Fusion
Making the Dance Moves
Pay attention to specific movements in this dance form.
What makes this style dancing so enthralling?
It is enthralling for one reason: the performance is infused with passion and intensity. The most technically well-articulated gypsy dance leaves the viewer flat if it does not vibrate with the emotional intensity of the Gypsy soul.
That is just part and parcel of this style of dance.
I am not sure if the dance can be separated from the music and interaction of the performers. It is an art form of inner fire, but also a response to the musicians and the story that is being portrayed. But like any particular cultural performance style, there is a vocabulary of movement and gesture that can be understood and appreciated by the audience.
Gestures, hand bumping, and skirt gestures might have meaning in certain cultural forms, but they are usually used as a way to accent percussive sounds in the music. Some of the gestures are obvious references to everyday activities like washing clothes or baking, etc.
Emotions Expressed
Happiness may be expressed by the dancer touching her fingertips to her forehead, or placing her fingertips just at the top of her ear.
For instance, an Egyptian gesture, “Al Assal”, is made with the dancer’s fingertips to the side of her chin, meaning “as sweet as honey.”
Flamenco Style
Spanish Gypsies, An Example of Culture and Costume
Arising from Spain, flamenco brings together many aspects of Gypsy culture, and is a particularly sophisticated costume. One of the most famous dancers, Carmen Amaya, demonstrated that the dress wasn’t always stereotypical.
Greatest performances
Connections with Flamenco
Flamenco dances, from the gypsies of Andalusia, are considered to be of fairly recent origin. It is believed these dances preserve many of the traditional characteristics of Spanish dancing.
“One can hear the strong Arabic influence in flamenco music….the dance moments in flamenco with the hips and the portrayal of strong emotion and passion are essentially Arabic.” -Hossam Ramzy
Spanish Styled Costuming
Red is a classic color choice for these dresses
Elements of the Flamenco ensemble for women include:
Diaper bags have really grown up. They are fun and fashionable and made by the best brands. Here is your ticket to finding the best travel with baby diaper bags – you will look and feel fashionable and organized with these gorgeous diaper bag choices.
Nothing helps more than a great diaper bag that is all packed with the essentials – you just pick up and go anywhere with your baby, knowing all the important things are covered for your outing.
Featuring The Cutest, Most Fashionable Baby Gear Bags
Roomy backpack style to free your arms for baby and to redistribute weight more evenly.
The Adorable Diaper Bag Gallery
(For convenience, affiliate links to Amazon)
Look for some of these brands when out shopping…
Skip Hop
Why choose a diaper bag by Timi and Leslie? Well, you couldn’t, unless you buy a used one ( Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Courtney Cox, Nicole Kidman, and Faith Hill used to have one)
But maybe because you want something stylish and sleek that has all the necessary pockets for everything to make your life easier.
Check out this one by Skip Hop on Amazon:
Skip Hop Diaper Bag Backpack
Maman Stylish Designer Tote
maman Designer Diaper Bag
Roomy with pockets for everything. Waterproof with multiple ways to carry: hand held, strap, and attach to stroller.
Kate Spade Designs Are Gorgeous.
large stylish tote
Kate Spade’s name is known for fun, modern, and chic design. No one will think this is a frumpy diaper bag. Instead it looks like a fashionable tote, but with all the room you need for special baby gear.
When I started having grandchildren join the family circle, I was amazed at how darling all the baby things are that my daughters and daughter-in-laws have in their nurseries. The diaper bag selection is just mind boggling in both style and choices.
There are so many, many fabulous diaper bag choices that I don’t envy anyone having to choose, but one brand stands out in the reviews and that is Storksak, because it looks great, carries all the gear, and is lightweight. All good qualities of a diaper bag that will make mommy happy.
…and you know what they say about the importance of that!
What to Stash Inside
contents
WHAT GOES INSIDE A DIAPER BAG?
all the baby diaper essential,
extra clothes,
feeding paraphernalia,
special things for breastfeeding,
a burp cloth,
a receiving blanket,
Play keys (so you don’t end up giving your yucky set of car keys to quiet them)
Most of today’s bags come with changing pads included.
Sometimes I felt like I was moving half my nursery items everywhere I went. But a a well stocked diaper bag can mean the difference between a successful shopping trip or a happy outing and the alternative.
Now, all that roominess is stylish- no more blocky bags with the drab vinyl prints.
Freshly Picked in Classic sophisticated Black – Take it Everywhere!
Freshly Picked Classic Diaper Bag
Pack It
https://youtu.be/6szaX6Nv7NU
Great Gift For A Mom
Great Gift for a Mom
Designers Make Diaper Bags Look Chic
And you look absolutely adorable
Everyone wants to create diaper bags, it seems, and some of the best designers have put their talents towards stylish bags to make taking baby out and about a fashion affair.
A Lineup of Cute Diaper Bags
Go Artsy
What To Look For In A Diaper Bag
It depends on you
One of the features of a diaper bag is the way you can just grab and go- without thinking about what to pack and perhaps forgetting an important item. You don’t want to run out of wipes, or that extra binkie when you need it.
Consider a versatile style, one that goes with most of what you wear.
Lots of use=lots of wear, is the material your diaper bag is made of up for the task? You will give it more wear than usual.
Washable? Hard wearing, constructed well?
Throwing lots of gear over your shoulder should not get you down. You will also be carrying your baby. Maybe you just want room for essentials in your every day diaper bag, and a second larger bag for travel.
Know a new mom? Surprise her with something really thoughtful – it will mean so much!
Here are some adorable ideas to make her the happiest holiday mommy (besides that cute bundle of joy, of course!).
It isn’t just the gift, but the encouragement, the warm supportive feeling of a gesture that helps celebrate one of the high points in a woman’s life: becoming a mother.
Celebrate with her!
A few ideas: tasty treats, relaxing cup of tea, encouragement
Celebrate Motherhood – Celebrate The New Mom!
The birth of a baby is one of the major landmarks of life. Help a new mommy celebrate with gifts that show her that you share her joy, and here are suggestions that any new mother would love.
There is such a broad spectrum of ways to show a new mom that you care.
I love these soothing songs, and you and your baby will, too.
When you are a new mom there is nothing you wish for more than some extra rest, and while it doesn’t guarantee that your baby will sleep, lullabies do help. Peaceful melodies create a calm atmosphere.
A Mother
“There is no velvet so soft as a mother’s lap, no rose as lovely as her smile, no path so flowery as that imprinted with her footsteps”~
~ Archibald Thompson ~
Choose the purpose of your gift:
Do you wish to inspire her?
Pamper the new mom
Make her feel important and special
Help her feel capable and a better mom
What is your wish for her… and what makes her feel special… combine the answer to those two things and you have found the perfect gift.
Make a New Mommy Feel Special – Give her something thoughtful and sweet
gifts for new mothers
It Can Be Little, It Might Cost Nothing
Give something adorable to help her feel that way!
It can be a time of wonderful ups, but certainly a few lows after you have your new baby… and most of the lows center about how you feel about your attractiveness. Your clothes don’t fit, and you are tired of wearing maternity outfits. You just plain feel tired… and that promises to be for the near foreseeable future. Besides all that, you have worked pretty hard… you need something that makes you feel pampered, and special, and yes, adorable again.
These gifts don’t have to be lavish, they can be small and thoughtful.
They don’t need to be expensive, they can be something homemade, a jar of jam with a special message, flowers from the garden, or a fresh picked bowl of berries. Just make sure their message is that the new mom is thought of and cherished.
Your Experience
The perfect book is available on Amazon. Affiliate link to buy it today. Source: Sally Placksin
That is how she feels, and now what are we going to do about it? I know how I felt when, right after my new baby arrived, I was given a few special gifts just for me. Wonderful! Elated, even. It is just such a nice and unexpected thing.
What would make her feel special? Maybe a new, pretty Bathrobe.
May your day be filled with gigglesanonymous
Beautiful Mother And Child Art
art, mother and child
Inspirational, Soul Lifting Stories – Give Her A Little Chicken Soup
… for her soul, that is. Perfect to read during feeding times, as a perky pick up for the day.
The “Chicken Soup” collection of books is famous for a reason: everyone needs a little nurturing now and then.
There is something about a well told story, especially when it is soul lifting and heart warming. Provide a little chicken soup just when someone needs it most by putting a book of favorite quotes and stories into their hands- there when they need it.
Sometimes a mom just wants to revel in the sweet thoughts that celebrate this new chapter in life… Chicken Soup books always uplift, and serve a gift of this book with a bowl of the real thing- homemade chicken soup from your kitchen.
How adorable of you!
Gallery of New Mommies – An age old story, a brand new chapter
A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.anonymous2
You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once.Polish Proverb
A Sweet Picture – Willow Family Sculpture Figurine
What a sweet commemoration of this wonderful event- the addition of your new baby into your family circle!
Sometimes We Need A Little Encouragement – Daily Guide To Inspire A New Mother
Loving is feelings, but loving is also a lot of little things and this guide will inspire you to increase you love vocabulary as a new mom. “What the world needs now is love,sweet love” – we can always use a little more.
A Bundle of Joy! Yes, yours! This for that new little one in your life. Natural products that you can feel good about using.
Burts Bees Products are darling gifts – natural new mom gifts for her and for baby
Will the gift make it easier to take care of the baby, does it create good feeling for a new mom? Give her a little luxury or something that helps the mommy baby bond.
Breastfeeding Help – Why not make up a basket to lend encouragement?
We all know that breastfeeding is better for both the new mother and the baby, but sometimes there are challenges that create barriers to success- not always, but the new mom can use some help and would love these thoughtful gifts for making everything a little smoother.
Beautiful Lullabies – Soothing music for new mommy and baby moments
Super Diaper Bags – Fashionable and Fun
Petunia Picklebottom and More! If you love this idea, be sure to check out some of the fabulous choices in Adorable Diaper Bags
Time for a Spa Treatment
No time for a Manicure?
If you have the skills, give her a manicure, here’s how:
If you don’t have the time, but have the money… give a gift card to a salon for the service. Still not what you had in mind?
How about…
Creamy hand lotion is the next best thing to a full manicure session at the salon. A gift certificate for her favorite spa treatment (pedicures are especially nice), and arrangements to watch the baby.
Of all the many things lobbed at us as parents, we are told a long laundry list of what we should give our children. From the esoteric to the practical, it is promised that if we but give our child … time, morals teaching, discipline, music lessons, the right school, no school, good examples, the best *you name it*… if we only give that, our child will be happy and successful.
We all want our children to be happy and successful. And it is there that we are hooked into the method, the gift, the lifestyle, whatever it is that has promised us this holy grail of parenting.
But the harder truth is that it is a recipe of many things, that translate as love and guidance, which become tools and guideposts for the hardest truth of all: that each child must make his/her own way through life. Just as we all must.
Are There No “Must-Have” Gifts?
That is not to say that some tools and ingredients in life are not imperative. Just because people may compensate and manage without a good start in life does not mean it is fine to ignore their inclusion.
What Should We Give Our Children?
Here is the short list:
Love and Security
Training in life skills and good character examples
Education, love of reading, love of learning
The methods are many, and none of these requirements in life demand lots of money.
If we give these things to our children, to the best of our ability, they can face the world well prepared. Even if we fail in some of the most important  ways, the resilience of the human race shows that often they can make up for the lack. For children, it is very important to see that the parents made the effort: that they tried their best on behalf of the child.
Is This A Secret Shortcut?
I wonder if instilling a love of books isn’t a secret shortcut to the twin efforts of training and having a love of learning? After all, great literature is a way to pass on important values, cultural traditions, and an appreciation of good character through the power of storytelling. It also teaches the ability to think about the big questions of life and engage critical thinking patterns.
All this starts at an early age with reading.
I’m Biased
As one who loves to read books, I have to say I am biased about their impact. Literature has always spoken so much to me, and certain fiction has molded my thinking in life long ways. I believe in its power to do so for others, including our children.
If we want to change the culture, providing time tested writings is surely one powerful and efficacious way to do it.
What Books Ought To Be On The Shelf?
Pin this list of great books
Start with a list of classic children’s selections I collated. (That page includes info on why reading is so important, creating a reading nook, and the best of the classic books that my own children loved).
These are 20 great character-building books
For various age groups:
Aesop’s Fables, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney -very young readers
The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats-very young readers
My family also uses Amazon Prime often, which saves us money on shipping and more.
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Perhaps you have helpful hints that will motivate and inspire me to stop only writing about it and actually create a brick and mortar 
For watercolor or pen and inks, a paper that is strong enough to handle the water and hold its surface texture.
Wow, someone is so lucky and going to be so happy this year when they go back to the drawing board. Especially a sleek high style one like this. 
Do you have talents you let go dormant?
