Gifts and such... what I need for baby.

Everyone keeps asking me what I need for baby and honestly, the answer is not a lot. I'm a simple sort AND I'm thrifty. I hate clutter and needless "stuff." When I found out I'm going to be a mom, I started prowling thrift stores, yard sales and consignment shops. I have almost everything I need, most of the basics covered. I'm a cheapo type of gal and the thought of spending 10 bucks or more on a child's outfit gives me the icks when I can pick most everything up secondhand for about a buck. I have almost everything I need for the nursery.

I don't need lots of baby items. What I do need is (I hate to say this, but money). Not cash, but gift certificates for the future. Diapers are not cheap and depending on how functional these gigantic breasts of mine are, I'll need formula. The biggest expense that will come along with baby for me is building a fence around the pool before she starts walking. I need to buy the items to baby proof my house. I need a new non-drafty window for her room. What I really need are gift certificates to Lowe's for fence construction. Gift Certificates to Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's and area grocery stores for baby needs in the future. I will need volunteers to help do projects around my house (such as installing that fence and those windows). And I will need TONS of support and I won't say no to baby-sitting.

Many people have scolded me for buying almost all of the baby items I need myself. I knew I would save money in the long run this way because I'm thrifty.

I say this sincerely... everyone's friendship, support and presence is enough of a gift for me. It really is. But so many people have asked what I need and I hate to think of people spending their hard earned money on things I won't need, or things the baby will wear once or not at all. I'm a practical sort.

For those who asked, here is a list of things I need for baby...

Gift Certificates:
Lowe's (for fence building and child proofing)
Wal-Mart/Sam's (misc items and diapers)
Target (for the remaining "big" items and for smart toys down the road)
McKay's (for books for baby. This child will have so many books...)
IKEA (they have awesome storage solutions for the babies room)
Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) They have super cheap prints and I'll be taking tons of baby pictures.


I am registered at Target.