Baby Gift Clothesline

by Gerri
(Greenville PA)

My daughters and I "borrowed" this idea from my niece's baby shower - now it's our favorite way to gift basket for a baby shower!! And we get so many compliments - Then everyone tells me they can't wait to use the idea at the next shower they go to!

Start with a new laundry basket, clothesline(you can cut it to the length you want) and clothespins. Then go shopping for Baby - we usually get receiving blankets, sleepers, bibs, socks, mittens, hats, clothing - from newborn to 12 month or so; and anything else you can think of! It's best to remove or at least try to hide tags on these items and items like socks or bibs should be removed from their package.

Lay out the clothesline on the floor and then start "hanging" the baby items using the clothespins. We like to alternate the items - big, small; light color/dark color etc. When everything is on the line, pick up one end and lay it in the laundry basket and then neatly keep folding the line of items into the basket - you want it to be easily removed by the mom-to-be! We usually tie some ribbon around the basket and put some tissue paper over the top.

Now when the mom-to-be goes to open this surprise, be ready to help! Help her pull the start of the clothesline out of the basket and then you can enlist the others at the shower to hold the line as the mom pulls more and more of it from the basket - you'll hear lots of oohs and aaahs and laughter as the clothesline makes its way around the room!!

So now mom has lots of baby goodies AND a new laundry basket and supplies!( you can even put a bottle of baby detergent in the bottom of the basket!) Sorry don't have a picture at this time!