Shopping for babies is always fun, especially when it’s for something special rather than necessities like diapers. There are great specialty boutiques, and all departments sores have baby clothes. But the internet is a resource that’s hard to match for variety and choice. Handmade hats for newborns are something that stores necessarily stock in limited supply, but online it seems like the selection goes on forever.
Of course, there are always grandmothers and other relatives who love to anticipate a blessed event by knitting or crocheting a gift themselves. For those with the necessary skills, there are so many patterns available that again the only problem is picking one. The choice ranges from cozy to elegant to cute, and any of them will enhance a photo op.
This kind of virtual window shopping is fun, even if you have nine months to go before you’ll actually carry a gift to the hospital or take a picture for the birth announcements. You may think you want a simple pink or blue bonnet and end up falling for one with fuzzy brown neck hair and giraffe horns. Perhaps you don’t know ahead of time whether it’s a boy or a girl; a lop-eared bunny hat works for either.
Baby animals are as cute as baby humans, and many of the designs for tiny ones feature ears, noses, and even whiskers. You can choose from the whole animal kingdom, but bears, bunnies, lions, tigers, puppies, cats, and monkeys are favorites. Dinosaurs are also popular; sets with cap and diaper cover can present both roaring head and spiky tail.
Part of the fun is seeing the tiny models, many of whom look too young to have their eyes open. It they aren’t sporting a pair of ears, they may be wearing a sailor’s cap, a fireman’s helmet, or a hard hat just like Daddy wears to his construction job. For the girls, there are flowers and lace and even bejeweled turbans fit for an exotic palace.
Any of these or the many other hat styles make wonderful gifts, both practical and whimsical. Some of them are fanciful, of course, like the long stocking caps that go from head to past the toes. Others are perfect for christenings or first-time-out-in-public debuts but much too formal for everyday wear. Just think what a great keepsake they will be.
Church groups and knitting/crocheting clubs may want to choose a charity that outfits babies for needy parents and keep it supplied with pink, white, and blue caps. Older siblings will enjoy seeing some of the fun animal designs on their new brother or sister. People without the support of close family appreciate knowing that someone cared enough to hand-make a present for them and their new arrival.
So, if you need a gift, are planning a ‘new arrival’ photo shoot, are deciding on an outreach for your club or church group, or just want an adorable hat for your little one, go online to see how much fun these tiny bonnets can be. Both girl and boy designs are represented in the wares of online companies or in patterns for knitting, crocheting, or sewing.
Read more about Finding Handmade Hats For Newborns.