Finding that perfect baby shower gift is a difficult thing in itself. There's just so many baskets of baby toiletries or onesies that you can give to the mommy-to-be. Using the baby shower registry is another possibility but it sometimes makes you feel that you didn't give enough thought to what she really wants.
Something which could be a forever gift could be a baby shower autograph plate. Although it's normally seen at weddings, important anniversaries, or even bridal showers, there's nothing that says it can't be utilized for a baby shower. A great plus is it's not very expensive, something you must think about if you're hosting the baby shower as well.
This pretty plate is always a hit with the mommy-to-be since it can concretize a rather chaotic day and strengthen those random memories. It's truly a one-of-a-kind gift that will be treasured and kept for a very long time.
There are different types of baby shower autograph plates that you can use. The simplest and easiest one to get is one that is made of melamine. Designed very simply so it looks almost bare, you can use a special marker to sign names and jot down those special wishes for the mommy-to-be. It usually comes in pastel colors so that the words stand out more than the design. You could even add a special greeting, like “Welcome to the World!” or “For The Best Mommy-to-be!” at the top or in the center of the plate.
Permanent markers in different colors can also be used instead of the usual black marker. Great choices are those that are suggested for use with freezer containers as they don't fade quickly and stay fast.
Another option is to use a ceramic or glass plate instead that can be set in the oven after all the guests are finished signing it. You'll need to use thermal hardening paints for glass and ceramics for this project. These paints can also be found in pen forms from art or craft supply stores.
Choose light colors to decorate the border and also to write the date of the baby shower. You could decorate the bottom of the plate in transparent paints and let it dry before you ask the guests to sign using the pen. to keep the paint from running, paint just one section at a time, letting each one dry before you proceed to the next.
Two thin layers applied with an acrylic brush would give you a neater look since it would erase any brush marks that would show up with just one thin layer.
Let the base dry for 24 hours before you have it signed by your guests. Then it needs to dry another 24 hours before it's put in a 325F oven for about 40 minutes. Let the dish warm up and cool off in the oven.
Of course if you don't want to make it yourself, just search online for this unique item. If you live in a big city, you may even be able to find it at your local baby store.
These are just keepsakes for display, though, and not for serving
food! To drive home that fact, present it with a display rack that
sits nicely on a shelf for everyone to see.