What about a baby gift list?
Penny-wise parents-to-be could always prepare a baby gift list. Your friends' and family's money will be better spent if you do. Send your list out with the birth announcement or give it to your best friend to organise for you.
Make sure you exchange unwanted gifts. And in the case of clothing you can often swap it for the identical item in a larger size and no one will be the wiser.
What are the golden rules of buying on a budget?
• Question every purchase. Is it really essential?
• Assume that all gadgets and gismos are cons until proved otherwise
• Ask experienced parents what they found really useful and read our buying guides to help you decide on a purchase.
• Prepare a wish list of nice but non-essential items to give to friends and relatives when they ask you what you would like (as they will).
• Exchange unwanted gifts. Most shops oblige.
• Tell the world that you want hand-me-downs
• Borrow items wherever possible
• Make do. For example, an unused face cloth or cut-down worn towel that would double as a baby sponge
• Buy second-hand
• Plan ahead so you can take advantage of sales
• Only buy new if there's a safety issue involved
• Buy up large whenever you see Buy One Get One Free or Three for Two offers
• Use your local library and toy library.
