Why Personalised Presents Make the Best Baby Gifts
There are numerous baby gifts available on the market today, but in order to add a special touch to your gift, make it personal. When we search for baby gifts, many of us will habitually purchase baby toys and clothes. Whilst these gifts can make useful presents, they are commonplace and the chances are the new parents have already received these presents many times over.
By personalising your baby gift, you are not only making it original, but also ensuring it will stand head and shoulders above all the other gifts. Instead of buying normal clothes, you can buy clothes that have the baby’s name embroidered into the cloth. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the baby’s name either. You can embroider any words that relate to the family or even quote a famous line from history! Either way, the gift is sure to make a memorable impact.
Another great idea for personalised baby gifts is engraved trinkets or cutlery. This could be anything from plates with the baby’s name and date of birth to silver-plated money boxes. You can either engrave the baby’s individual details or a personal message on each ornament to add that personal touch.
If you have pictures of the new baby, then why not invest in silver-plated picture frames. Many of these frames not only include room for the picture, but also provide a number of small spaces around the picture to insert things like the baby’s details or the pictures of parents and siblings. This gift is sure to please the whole family and is likely to become a mantelpiece favourite!
These are just some of the ideas for personalised baby gifts. Buying a memorable personal gift requires some lateral thinking so be sure to have your thinking cap on whenever you are looking for baby gifts!
Top 10 Boys names for 2012
It close to the end of 2011 and people are preparing for 2012 already so we though we would buck the trend and provide a useful list of the 10 most popular boys names for 2012. If you are expecting a child or you have friends or family on Facebook and twitter then its well worth sharing this page. Who knows you might influence a new babies new name in 2012 for a couple struggling to find that special name suitable.
1. Alexander - The name was one of the titles ("epithets") given to the Greek goddess Hera and as such is usually taken to mean "one who comes to save warriors". In the Iliad, the character Paris is known also as Alexander.The name's popularity was spread throughout the Greek world by the military conquests of King Alexander III, commonly known as "Alexander the Great". Most later Alexanders in various countries were directly or indirectly named for him.
2. Jacob - Jacob is a common male first name and a less well-known surname. Since 1999 and through 2010, Jacob has been the most popular baby name for newborn boys in United States. It is a cognate of James. Jacob is derived from Late Latin Iacobus, from Greek Ἰάκωβος Iakobos, from Hebrew יַעֲקֹב (Yaʿqob, Yaʿaqov, Yaʿăqōḇ), the name of the Hebrew patriarch, Jacob son of Isaac. It is a speaking name, referring to the circumstances of Jacob's birth, meaning "heel-grabber" (from the Hebrew root עקב ʿqb "heel"; literally, it is a finite verb formed from this root, and would translate to something like "he heeled"), since he held on to the heel of his twin brother Esau inside Rebekah's womb.
3. Ethan - Ethan (or Eitan, Eytan or Etan in Hebrew) is a male given name meaning strong, firm, and safe.
photo credit: Carolina and John
4. Noah - was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the tenth and last of the antediluvian Patriarchs. The biblical story of Noah is contained in chapters 6–9 of the book of Genesis, where he saves his family (his wife, three sons, and their wives) and representatives of all animals from the flood by constructing an ark. He is also mentioned as the "first husbandman" and in the story of the Curse of Ham. Noah is the subject of much elaboration in later Abrahamic traditions. Noah is also mentioned several times in the Quran.
5. Logan - Logan is a given name derived from a Scottish place name meaning "Small, round hill" in Scottish Gaelic. It is also a fairly common surname. Did you know there is a coast town in Dumfries and Galloway called Logan.
6. Liam - Liam is a short form of the Irish Gaelic name Uilliam, itself a derivative of the Frankish Willahelm. The original name was made up of a compound of the Old German elements vila(will or resolution) and helma (helmet), and so means "helmet of will".When the Frankish Empire split in half, the name developed differently in each region. In the French part, Willahelm developed first into Guilielm, and then into Guillaume.
7. Lucas - Lukas or Lucas is the Latin form of the Greek name Loukas, meaning "from Lucania".Gained popularity from the biblical personality and gospel author Saint Luke.
8. Jake - Jake is a modern, short form of the male name Jacob, but can also be a name in itself, as is the case with many people.
9. Owen - St. Owen was bishop of Rouen, France in the 7th century. He was born in Sancy, near Soissons, about 600 AD of a Frankish family. While he was still a child, his family housed and entertained the exiled St. Columban, who greatly influenced his early education. In his youth Owen was sent to the court of St. Clotaire II where he became an outstanding student. He gained the favor of the King and his son, who appointed him chancellor. While in office, Owen steadily opposed the then prevalent practice of simony (the practice of buying and selling ecclesiastical privileges and positions in the Catholic Church).
photo credit: Jeffrey - D5000
10. Oliver - From the French Olivier, believed to be an old French version of the Germanic name Alfihar. The name is also associated with the olive tree and therefore peace. Oliver was the 173rd most popular boy's name in the US in 2006, but the third most popular in the UK in 2007. In literature, perhaps the most famous Oliver is Dickens' Oliver Twist.
Oliver Cromwell was the leader of the Parliamentarian army during the English Civil War, and became Lord Protector of England following the execution of Charles I. Other famous bearers include author Oliver Goldsmith, Oliver Hardy - one half of comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, film director Oliver Stone and German footballer Oliver Kahn.
Oliver Tambo was a South African anti-apartheid politician, who worked with Nelson Mandela to provide low-cost legal counsel to blacks prior to Mandela's arrest, and was made President of the African National Congress, the South African anti-apartheid political party, in 1985. Johannesburg International Airport was renamed after him.
Breast Milk Good for More Than Just Babies?
photo credit: tjsander
A Covent Garden ice cream parlour has had its latest controversial concoction confiscated by Westminster City Council. The ‘Baby Gaga’ ice-cream is produced from donated human breast milk, blended with lemon and vanilla flavouring!
After complaints by concerned members of the public, council officers visited the premises of the Icecreamists parlour in London, and took away all of the Baby Gaga flavoured ice-cream. The Health Protection Agency and the Food Standards Agency had also expressed concerns about the product, which is now being tested for its suitability for human consumption.
A council officer explained that the ice-cream was being tested because foodstuffs made from human bodily fluids could potentially contain viruses such as hepatitis. While it may seem like an unusual choice to use nature’s nutrient-rich gift to babies in the production of frozen dessert, Baby Gaga had actually been flying off the shelves prior to the council intervention.
Icecreamists began selling their newest flavour last week, with breast milk donated from 15 mothers, who were paid £15 per time for a third of a litre of milk. A spokesperson of the London parlour says all the donors were screened, and the ice-cream was fully pasteurised, so there was never any danger.
The parlour say they will protest at the removal of the Baby Gaga product if the current ban continues for any length of time, as they still have many customers asking for this unique flavour. They also claim to have 200 mothers lined up to donate milk for the new ice-cream.
Kylie May Adopt to Become a Mum
photo credit: basic_sounds
Pint-sized pop starlet Kylie Minogue has hinted at the idea of adoption in order to follow in the footsteps of famous sibling Danni Minogue in becoming a mum. The singer had previously suggested that she may struggle to conceive naturally after suffering from breast cancer.
Kylie is said to be considering either adoption or using a surrogate mother to fulfil her dream of parenthood. She admitted to being broody since her sister gave birth last year, and no doubt the bounty of baby gifts she bought for Danni would have stirred the desire for motherhood.
The star has also dropped hints that she may wed her boyfriend of three years, Spanish model Andres Velencoso Segura, who is 10 years her junior. She told Grazia magazine: “I have a very special man. I might get married, you never know.”
Kylie is about to start another of her trademark extravagant tours, performing 14 times across the UK, but at 42, she will be inevitably be considering her age as a factor in becoming a mother.
This is the first time Kylie has toured since getting the all clear from cancer five years ago, and described the prospect of returning to the road as, “exciting, but also surreal and momentous and a bit scary.”
Celebrity adoption has been well documented in the press in recent years, not always favourably, with the likes of Madonna and Angelina Jolie among the most famous names. However, if Kylie does choose to adopt, the popular star is likely to be given glowing approval all round.
Her situation is one that will be familiar to many women whose lives have been blighted by cancer or any other disease requiring surgeries that can affect the ability to have children. The gift of a baby is one that is sure to make her perfect smile glow even brighter.
Rod is Dad for the Eighth Time
Some guys have all the luck, he once sang, and rocker Rod Stewart must be feeling pretty lucky after his charming wife, the model Penny Lancaster, gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday 16 February. Baby Aiden Stewart is the second child of Rod, 66, and Penny, 39, who already have another son, 5 year old Alastair, but he his Rod’s eighth child in all, with six older step siblings from Rod’s previous marriages.
The couple turned to IVF treatment after unsuccessfully trying for a baby for some time, but all has turned out well in the end, as both mother and 7lb 12oz Aiden are said to be healthy and blissfully happy. Penny gave birth to baby Aiden on Wednesday, and released a statement via Hello! Magazine, with whom Penny had spoken previously about the difficulties they had in conceiving.
It’s pretty clear you can’t teach an old dog like Rod any new tricks, he knows most of them already! But fatherhood will be just as taxing on Rod as any other older father. What’s more intriguing is what friends of Rod and Penny will be buying as a newborn baby gift for the proud parents. With Rod’s millions in the bank, and seven kids already, there are forty years of potential hand-me-downs for baby Aiden!
Of course even the man who has everything doesn’t have quite everything, so with a bit of thought and ingenuity there are bound to be some excellent baby gifts being handed to Rod and Penny in the coming weeks from celebrity friends and well-wishers.
Healthy Foods for Smart Kids
Boffins at Bristol University have deduced something most parents could probably have figured out for themselves; that a better diet leads to better brain development in children. It has long been established that healthy eating has an effect on a child’s physical development, but researchers in Bristol have found evidence of a direct link between nutrition and IQ.
A diet that is high in fat and sugar content, as is the case with a lot of the processed convenience foods, has a negative effect on a child’s IQ and brain development in later life.
Nearly 4,000 children were involved in the study, which examined the eating habits of parents and their children at the ages of three, four, seven and eight and a half.
Children whose diet consisted of fresh produce such as meats, vegetables, salads and fruit had a higher average IQ than those raised
on convenience foods. The results of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children are hardly surprising, but this the first time such a widespread study has proved what most parents might already have guessed.
Other factors such as the parents’ level of education, social class and duration of breast feeding were also taken into account. Although the evidence of a link between diet and IQ was very strong, the actual difference in IQ levels is relatively small, only a few
IQ points, but dieticians say the research proves that healthy eating from an early age has significant long term benefits.
As well as a healthy diet, interacting with children and encouraging playful learning has been proven to have a positive influence on a child’s development. Educational toys are an excellent way for parents to nurture a child’s intellectual growth, by providing a
challenge that encourages them to learn as they play. Even for a newborn baby, gifts bought as birthday or Christmas presents can help to encourage a child's phenomenal learning ability and benefit them in later life.
Have your Say in Early Parenting Debate
photo credit: Matteo Bagnoli
There is still time to get involved in a House of Lords debate on early parenting, which is harnessing the communicative power of the
Internet to put the public in touch with decision makers. Mums and dads in the UK are invited to join the debate on Thursday 3 February, where they will be able to ask direct questions to House of Lords members taking part, including representatives from all three main parties.
The online initiative is intended to give members of the public a platform to have their voices heard, and engage directly with House
of Lords members, who in turn will gain insight into public feeling on key issues affecting parents. The debate could raise some fascinating talking points for parents who have recently had a new baby. Gift horse opportunities to speak to House of Lords members are few and far between.
The BBC’s ‘Have Your Say’ forum will host the debate, which is also being screened on BBC Parliament. Crossbench member Lord
NorthBourne, a regular speaker in the House of Lords, will present several strategies that are being proposed to help disadvantaged parents. He will also raise the important issue of the minority of the nation’s children who are failing to reach their potential in
school, and are subsequently being failed by the system.
Other Members taking part in the debate are Labour’s Baroness Crawley, Lord Hill of Oareford, a Conservative Member and Schools’ Minister at the Department for Education. The Liberal Democrat’s Baroness Benjamin, a former children’s TV presenter best known for her work on Play School, will also be taking part.
‘Mum Zen’ New Luxury Baby Gift For The Soul
A new luxury baby gift helps new mums cope with the baby blues through meditation.
The Mommy Meditations CD teaches new mums relaxation techniques to help them ease the mental and physical transition into motherhood and to cope with post-natal depression.
The CD consists of advice to new mothers, calming music, meditation guides and the makers' trademark MOMtras – mantras for mums to chant.
The disc promises to teach new mums how to make positive changes to her life that allow her to be a calmer, happier and more “balanced.”
Co-creator Devin Bailey found the inspiration for the CD during a visit to the doctor with his then-pregnant wife. The doctor told the couple that Mrs Bailey was at high risk of developing post-natal depression.
The couple began their own research into the 'baby blues'. They found that, beyond drug and psychological therapy, there was little help on offer for women undergoing the radical hormonal changes following childbirth.
The Baileys research eventually led them to obstetrician Dr Kerri Parks, a mother of four who had suffered from postnatal depression and tragically lost her husband in a car accident just days bfore the birth of her fourth child.
Dr Parks had used mediation to get through her ordeals and emerge as a happy, loving parent. She and Mr Bailey worked together to produce the Mommy Meditaitions CD.
Dr Parks said: “Mommy Meditations’ targeted meditation system provides women with a better chance of maintaining their emotional balance and fully appreciating the joys of motherhood.” 'Mum Zen' is considered to be one of the best baby gift for your soul mate.
visit our website for other Luxury Baby Gifts.
Classic Books Make The Perfect Luxury Baby Gift
New parents appreciate practical and luxury baby gifts during their first weeks with their new child. But how do you find a gift that will keep on giving?
Baby clothes will be outgrown in a few months, and cuddly toys will pile up in the corner of the nursery. But today's babies will enjoy books, especially children's classics like Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear, Peter Pan, Pinocchio and the works of Beatrix Potter and Dr Seuss, long after they have grown up and had kids themselves.
Quality hardback editions of these classics with plates of the often beautiful original illustrations will take pride of place on any bookshelf and last for years. The charm of the works is such that mum and dad will probably be reading them to pass the time and relive childhood memories long before baby is old enough for bedtime stories.
One oft-forgotten but enchanting children's tale is W Heath Robinson's 'The Adventures of Uncle Lubin', in which the hero sets out to rescue his infant nephew from the clutches of an evil pelican. Along the way Uncle Lubin builds a series of, well, Heath Robinson-esque contraptions which carry him across the seas and to the moon, battling fantastical monsters along the way, all depicted in exquisite drawings
Don’t Leave Siblings Out At Baby Showers
Baby showers are an American tradition, but they are a relatively new trend in Britain. Mums (and sometimes dads) are literally showered with new baby gifts, baby clothes, 'nappy cakes' and other delights of parenthood.
Parents who already have children and who wants to throw a baby shower should be careful that baby's brothers and sisters don't feel left out. Sibling rivalry rears its ugly head all too often and can be hard to resolve.
Here are some tips on how to involve older siblings in welcoming the new baby:
Dressing Up:
Give your children a special costume to wear for the occasion. For instance, custom-made t-shirts announcing the news (“I'm a Big Brother!”) involve them in the celebrations and can be kept as mementos for years to come.
Hosts with the Mosts:
Mum (and dad) will have enough on their plate at a baby shower, so why not give your children a little responsibility by having them answer the door and greet the guests? They can introduce themselves at the same time, letting them feel like it's their party as well.
Place of Honour:
While the mum is the guest of honour at a baby shower, there's always room at the head of the table for a few more. Set places for your other children beside mum so that they feel that they feel special, too.
While mum is getting showered with new baby gifts, make sure big bruv and sis don't get left out. Get them a little something too, or ask guests if they can bring a small gift like a colouring book or a puzzle for the older children.
Memories:
Most of all, make sure that all your children are included in the photos and videos of the day, and feature prominently in any scrapbooks, albums or online photo postings that you make to remember the day by.