Baby Shower or New Baby Gift Set Tote Bag

7/30/2016

A tote bag as a gift, personalized to the recipient, is a thoughtful gift to show someone you care
I get feedback that the they are used every day which is great!

Baby's bath gift set
For a new mom, or baby shower or new baby gift
A bag filled with baby's products for bath time: baby wash, lotion, wipes, shampoo

You could buy a plastic baby bath and use it as a container for the baby items (include a tote bag)

I filled this bag with all-natural products that I found online

Assembly
Above are some photos of the process in making the baby bath gift basket.
Start by using a plastic ice cream container (or whatever container you have that you like)
Using a utility knife, remove the top lip of the container
(photo above, far left)

Trace the bottom (which is slightly smaller on the container I used) onto a piece of paper
and cut out two pieces for the bottom piece
Measure around the top of the container and cut a piece of fabric in a rectangular shape
(multiplied by 1.5 times the width to allow for gathering)
Add an inch or two to the top measurement to make sure the plastic container is covered up

Sew the top piece to the bottom piece (photo above, far right)

Casing & Drawstring
Make a casing around the circumference of the container and sew it onto the main piece
I placed the casing one inch under the top so there would be a ruffle
Cut a drawstring (out of ribbon) and insert it into the casing
Tie a bow

Filling
Place the purchased products contents into the container

I also added 4 matching fabric (and fleece on the other side) 6 x 7 inch fabric wipes
which I sewed together using two square pieces of fabric (one piece of fabric to match the bag)
And I also made a 30 inch, matching blanket too!

Put everything on a piece of cardboard and throw a few duckies or bath toys
or a brush and comb set
wrap it up in cellophone wrap, put a bow on it and it is a lovely, handmade, useful gift

The finished product

Pamp''her'' gift bag
To make for the special women in your life... mother, sister, daughter or friend...
a tote bag filled with lotions or beauty products:
bath and shower gel, hand lotion, body lotion, bath salts, bath bombs, soaps, loofah, puff...
everything to let the recipient enjoy the aroma and pleasant feeling at bath time

Fabric
In the photo below, I found a lovely floral fabric in the home decor department
(on sale for 50% off = $25 a metre)
It is drapery, home decor fabric so it is thick
I used a matching pink cotton fabric for the lining

I filled it with specialty, all natural items from France that I ordered online and were pink and roses themed

I made it as a donation for a silent auction at a fundraising gala
The recipient who purchased the bag, loved it!

Beach Baby Tote Bag
A friend's daughter had a baby and I made a beach baby tote to
give as a gift for her first birthday
I picked a lovely pink outer and pretty pattern inner fabric

For the contents inside, I made a hat and hooded beach towel,
Added a pail and scoop, sunglasses and a bottle of natural baby sunscreen
I was told my friend's daughter uses the bag every day to carry her
daughter's essentials to daycare

Towel with a hood added

Hospital gift set tote bag
Fill a handmade tote bag with items such as: warm socks,
adult colouring book with pencil crayons,
lip balm, luxurious hand lotion, inspirational books,
magazines, a warm throw blanket or handtowel,
a soft knit hat or scarf (for chemotherapy patients)

Whatever items you think someone would appreciate while they are
recuperating
What a thoughtful gift to show how much you care

Photos for inspiration

Use Home Decor fabric and make them reversible

Denim is a sturdy choice of fabric to make the main bag
and denim coordinates with all kinds of fabrics, colours and patterns

Two Bags in One
A large bag folded into a smaller bag
makes a great gift!

Large 6 pocket tote bag
(great for the gym or as a weekender bag)

See tutorial on this website

Add a bow or tie to your bag in matching, contrasting fabric to the lining
Note: use a fabric that can be easily tied and has a nice drape (not a stiff fabric like the main bag)