Silent Auction Basket Ideas for Adults: New Parents

Parents who are just starting out need a lot of help. Give them a hand while supporting your organization's fundraiser with these silent auction gift basket ideas.

The New Mommy Basket

A new mommy is going to need a lot of support. Include a copy of classic parenting books, such as What to Expect When You're Expecting. Cocoa butter can be used to rub into her stretch marks. Herbal tea with a special cup can help her relax. New fluffy slippers or slipper socks can keep her aching feet warm. A nice pillow for her back in the rocking chair will support her while she soothes the baby to sleep. A gift certificate or coupon to a local spa or beauty salon can help her feel better about her appearance. Lavender bath gel or shower beads can help her relax in the shower, when she has a chance to get one. A grocery store card can help her buy food for the family. A restaurant certificate can give her and her husband their first night out, or something to take home on a hectic evening.

The New Daddy Basket

Daddy is going to be excited about the birth of his new baby. Give him a digital camera card for all of the pictures he will want to take. Extra batteries can keep that camera running. Candy cigars are a healthy alternative to the traditional cigars passed out among men when a baby is born. He may also enjoy a celebratory bottle of champagne with small plastic flutes when the big day comes.

Dad will want a copy of a book, such as Crash Course For New Dads by Greg Bishop, to help he know what to expect both before and after the baby is born. He could also use gift cards to local grocery stores and restaurants, as he is probably going to be the one running those errands at the beginning.

The New Baby Basket

Fill this silent auction basket with all kinds of baby necessities of which you can never have enough. Put in unisex clothes, sized for at least three months, as some babies are larger than others. Add booties and caps. A small receiving blanket can be used to bring home the baby. Washable toys and stuffed animals can be used when he is a little older. Diapers, baby powder, diaper rash cream, and wipes are always a need. Soothing CDs and board books to read aloud can provide bonding time between parent and baby.

The Baby Soothing Basket

All babies are fussy at some point. Collect items that can soothe a fussy child. Pacifiers and teething rings are traditional self-soothing items. A calming CD of ocean waves or lullabies can lull some children to sleep. Put in a book about infant massage techniques for parents to use prior to putting baby to bed.

The Baby Bathing Basket

Infants need to be protected when being given baths. Fill an infant bathing chair with necessary items for the baby's bath. Soft washcloths are used to bathe the baby, and a fluffy towel will dry him and keep him warm. Look for those towels that have a little hood for his head. Include special baby shampoos and soaps. There are soaps that work well for a bath at any time, and those that are lavender-scented for a nighttime bath.

Silent auction gift basket ideas for the new parents will serve two purposes. They will get a head start on their new lives, and the organization will make some extra money.