DIY: A Baby Gift for the Grandma to Be

So much attention is given to the mom-to-be at baby showers and that is as it should be.  But what about the grandmother-to-be? Shouldn't they be recognized a little too? After all, they were the ones who raised the prospective mother or father and instilled in them a respect for human life so that now their children have a desire to parent the next generation.


A popular mid life blog, Grandma's Briefs, shares the idea for a "grandma's bag." Lisa Carpenter, the blog's owner, explains that a "grandma's bag" is a dedicated bag that grandma uses only when she visits her grandchildren.  Filled with things especially chosen by grandma, these items provide hours of one-on-one grandma time to play and explore with her grandchildren.  Trinkets might include books, craft materials, movies, bubbles -- you name it. Anything to encourage quality grandparent time.  It reminds me of a "Mary Poppins Carpet Bag," just not as big.

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I loved this idea when I read about it so I decided I would start making these bags for my friends who are entering the grandmother realm and surprise them at their daughter's/daughter-in-law's baby shower.


I made a standard, simple tote bag using two coordinating fabrics. (If you don't have a tote bag pattern, this website has great ideas -- for free!!) At the top of the bag, I had embroidered my friends' new "grandmother name" (Grandma, Grammie, Nana, Gangi, etc.) to identify that this was THE grandma bag. I have a friend who has an embroidery machine at his house (handy, I know) but if you don't have a friend like that, there are lots of embroidery shops around like EmbroidMe.  Here is what I came up with:

In addition to presenting the bag, I also included their first special item to put inside: a book.  What better grandma bonding activity than reading a book?

So far, the bags have been a a big surprise to the prospective grandmothers and a huge hit at the baby showers.  I love starting new traditions. What do you think?
Disclaimer: To my expectant grandma friends who have not yet received one of these nifty bags, I hope I didn't spoil your surprise too much.