How To Create A NICU Grad Gift Basket
A NICU Grad gift basket is a wonderful (and thoughtful) way to celebrate a baby’s release from the NICU.
After all, it’s always a good idea to celebrate milestones.
And what better milestone is there than NICU babies who are given the “go ahead” to go home with their parents?
So, I wanted to share some items – both handmade and manufactured – that would be great additions to a gift basket for a NICU grad.
What’s A NICU Grad Gift Basket?
Now, like any gift from the heart – there is no single way to create this gift basket.
In fact, I’m pretty sure a NICU Grad gift basket isn’t even a standard occasion. But I think it should be.
When I was thinking about things to include, I decided to focus on things for the whole family with an eye for comfort or usefulness.
And even though I keep calling it a gift basket, you don’t even have to use an actual basket.
You could pull things together in a reusable tote, or a small milk crate from the Dollar Store if a typical basket isn’t your thing.
This is a celebration, after all, so have fun being as colorful and creative as you please.
Consider These Items For Your NICU Grad Gifts
A colorful hat is not only an immediately useful item, but can become a keepsake since it will be associated with the baby's return home after the NICU stay.
A hat that is that can be machine washed and dried is ideal.
This handmade steam cleaner helps sanitize a variety of surfaces and can be used to clean the floor, on furniture, and even in the car.
It doesn't require any additional liquid or chemicals outside of water so it's a safe cleaning tool for mommy and baby.
You can never have too many washcloths at any stage of babyhood so use this tutorial as a guide to make mini washcloth cupcakes to include your NICU Grad basket and add some "sweetness" to your gift!
These washcloths are a great option for your washcloth cupcakes.
They are rayon made form bamboo so they will be soft and absorbent.
Plus, if you make the washcloth cupcake, they may just leave the presentation as is until they have to use it.
A crochet stuffed animal could easily become baby's first lovely and a cherished gift.
PRO TIP: If you are adding eyes to the stuffed animal or any facial features, make sure they don't include any choking hazards.
A NICU grad bodysuite is a fun way to celebrate a baby's first week at home.
You can find some fun NICU grad SVG files on sites like Creative Fabrica (affiliate link) if you don't want to make your own.
Create To Donate also offers a free SVG file, you'll just need to update the "graduation" year.
When you'e a new parent, any time you can catch a little sleep is appreciated.
So this DIY fleece travel neck pllow is something parents can take with them whenever they need to go and still have some neck support if they want to catch a quick cat nap.
When I originally designed and created this sun protection blanket 13 years ago, it was used as a stroller blanket so that parents could attach it to the top of the stroller and then drape it over the small sunshade as a curtain to cover the child completely.
Since it's breathable and lightweight so it can also be used as a lap blanket.
If you are a parent who wants to cool the car down, you can also attach this to the handles to create a temporary sunshade when you're not driving the car.
And one of the best parts outside of the peace of mind that your child's got added sun protection from the blanket? This blanket can be easily rolled up and stuffed in almost any bag because it's thin and supple.
While it may be called a "pacifier clip" this is basically just a small tether for an object that has any size handle.
So even if the family doesn't intend to use it for a pacifier, it could be used for plenty of other things (toys, blankets, etc.)
If making a pacifier clip is part of your NICU grad gift plan, these pacifiers are a nice option to attach to your handmade clip.
Hydration is key for new moms!
And a custom water bottle with a motivational mantra (serious or sassy) will serve as a constant and friendly reminder to practice self care.
Life with a new baby is constant movement which means it's best to have easy to reach (and eat) snacks.
A reusable snack in a fun pattern is a great way to support the family's new phase.
This small, water-resistant bag is also good for packing small lotions or gels.
It’s Easy To Honor NICU Grads
Honoring a baby’s graduation from the NICU is easy.
It doesn’t require fanfare, but for a family whose child had a NICU stay it’s an important occasion.
So hopefully this list of NICU grad gift basket ideas gave you a nice start to pulling something together for someone you know or a nonprofit that supports NICU families.
