How to Make a Welcome to Pregnancy Basket

So you've just found out that someone you're close to is pregnant. It's an exciting time for any new mom-to-be, but the unknown can kind of be scary, too. Why not show your support with a cool gift basket? It's an inexpensive and appropriate for your friend, your sister-in-law, your co-worker, or anyone you want to welcome into the world of first-time pregnancy.

The Basics
Start with a base for your gift by getting a large basket or box. You can always dress it up with ribbons, bows and tissue paper as you build it.

Readable Material
Some great gifts include things that are readable. You could pick up some classic books like What To Expect When You're Expecting and baby name books. Picking up a magazine like American Baby, Baby Talk, or Fit Pregnancy can also be a special treat.

Eatable Material
Considering that women will often reveal the news of their pregnancy within the first few months, it's a perfect time to give them a few eatable treats that may help with any morning sickness, heartburn, or cravings that may be occurring. A sleeve of Saltines, a container of Tums, and Preggie Pops are all great staples for the pregnant woman.

Wearable Material
There are a few items that some pregnant women would love to have on hand that most people don't think of. For instance, if you have a pregnant woman who is enduring morning sickness (which can hit any time of day, really), something like Sea Bands can help greatly, and they're not very expensive. Also, a clothing item like a Bella Band can be an inexpensive but highly appreciated gift because they allow a pregnant woman to extend the use of her currently wardrobe both during and after pregnancy. And don't forget to throw in some 'pregnancy lotion'....there's a myriad of choices of lotions that contain shea butter, which helps with stretch marks.

Personal touches
Don't forget that depending on how close you are to the recipient, there are a lot of options for including your personal touch in the pregnancy basket. You could write a letter to the mother-to-be wishing her luck and support. You could even include a note for the unborn child telling him or her a little bit about the their parents and the world as it is today. Other ideas include a CD of music the baby can listen to in mom's womb (make sure it's all easy-going and baby appropriate), soothing candles to calm the mom-to-be's nerves, and/or an IOU for a later date when you can bring your friend out to dinner.