Congratulations! No better time to nest and prepare than now. Any project you’ve been thinking about or putting off, I urge you, DO. IT. NOW!!! I foolishly squandered my time watching the entire Game of Thrones series, pretending to knit something, but I’m telling you, you won’t get another opportunity for years! (Sorry, but it’s true.)
That said, here are some things, I’d start with:
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Baby Registry
I’ve always felt awkward about making any registries to ask for people to give gifts, but let’s face it, it is a very easy, practical way for people who want to give you a gift to give you something you actually want. It’s also helpful to keep track of items yourself for what you need. Try to put in a range of items, like some $15-30 items for small gifts for people on a budget or coworkers. Avoid putting in basic items like diapers or drugstore items. I’d suggest provide two registry options:
(1) a store like Buy Buy Baby or Target or a local baby store, and
(2) an Amazon Baby Registry. -
Amazon Prime
Parenthood definitely seems to go hand-in-hand with an Amazon Prime account. They should really make it free for new parents. It’s was definitely my gateway drug to online shopping. Moving back to the U.S. from Amsterdam, ordering things online was such a big change in how we made purchases. We used to bike down the street to our supermarket. If we ordered something online, it might take weeks. Suddenly, in San Francisco, there was 2-day, next day, same day, 2-hour options and even 1-hour! Soon you’ll just be thinking it and, bing-bong, the door rings, “Here you go, we know you couldn’t decide, but we know this is the one you really wanted. You’re welcome.” Joking aside, it’s wonderful. I still like to support local small shops where possible, but for the convenience and and basics, it’s the way to go. Also, you might as well sign up for the credit card to get 5% back when shopping on Amazon or Whole Foods.