Father’s Day is coming soon. So, today, I’d like to feature a book that makes the perfect gift for new parents, especially new dads.

The book is called Cheers to the New Mom!/Cheers to the New Dad!: Tips and Tricks to Help You Ace the First Months of Parenthood and was written by Jenna McCarthy, an internationally published writer.

One of the things I like the most about this book, besides the practical advice, is it’s innovative flip-cover design. It’s actually two books in one! The “dad” side is packed with the sort of advice fledgling fathers need (“Things not to ask your wife once the baby arrives: What’s for dinner? When do you think you might lose that weight? Why is s/he still crying? Did you wear those pajamas all day? What were we thinking?”). Also popular are the “happy parents make happy babies” tips on caring for yourself and your partner. The publishing date was 4/09 and it is already in bookstores nationwide; in fact, Barnes&Noble recently featured it on a special Mother’s Day display—and likely will do the same for father’s day.

You can visit Jenna’s website at http://www.jennamccarthy.com.

“Cheers” is available on Amazon, of course, as well as dozens of other online retailers.
Price: $11.66

GIVEAWAY

This Giveaway is for US residents only. We’ll have 1 lucky winner.
How to enter (required): answer the following questions: do you think books help new moms and dads (especially those that have their first baby) cope with parenthood? How come?

For additional entries (leave a new comment for each additional entry):
- one additional entry if you grab one of our buttons and post it on your blog, please post the link;
- one additional entry if you join us on Facebook;
- one additional entry if you follow us on Twitter;
- one additional entry if you send a tweet about this giveaway, please post the link (once a day only);
- one additional entry if you fave us in Technorati;
- one additional entry if you blog about this Giveaway with a link back to 1HappyCorner.com and http://www.jennamccarthy.com
- one additional entry if you follow 1HappyCorner.com via email.

The giveaway ends on June 20, 2009.

*Please make sure you leave a comment for each additional entry so you get credited.
*Also, please make sure you typed in the correct email address.
*The winner will be announced via e-mail and has 2 days to get back to us or other name will be chosen.

Thank you, Jenna, for this wonderful giveaway!!:)

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RESULTS:

Thank you all for participating! It’s been really fun reading your answers. The winner was randomly chosen at random.org and is…

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

32

Timestamp: 2009-06-21 17:47:54 UTC

Congratulations, Christine! Please get back to us within 2 days or other name will be chosen. Thank you!!

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Buying Off the Registry Ensures It's a Gift They Want. photo courtesy of ginnerobot

Heading to a wedding or baby shower this summer? You’re probably planning on bringing a gift along to mark the special occasion. But how do you know where the lovely couple or new mom is registered? Rather than buying them a gift card to a store they don’t care for or just picking up a generic gift they may not even want, use these tricks to find out exactly where they’re registered and what they need.

Read the Invite

Usually the invitation to the wedding or shower will have details about where the registries are. Sometimes rather than printing the details directly on the invite, they’ll include a small slip of paper with the store’s name. Throw the invite away? Then keep reading.

Check the Most Popular Choices

There are some stores that are extremely popular for gift registries. Make a quick visit to websites like Target.com, CrateandBarrel.com, and BedBathandBeyond.com if you’re searching for wedding registries. If you’re searching for a baby shower registry try BabiesRUs.com and Target.com.  The odds are good that you may find your registry here.

Use a Registry Finder

Since there are so many more places to register now than ever before, locating a gift registry may require a registry finder. For instance, at WeddingChannel.com they’ve got a registry finder that searches more than 15 different stores and retailers to try to locate the one you’re looking for. So rather than visit all of those stores hunting for your registry, look for it in one place.

Think Regional

Different parts of the country have different go-to department stores. Depending on where you live, the most popular department store may vary. Think about where the event is being held and what stores are popular in that community. That may give you a clue as to where the registry is held.

Ask the Host

Still can’t find the registry? Just bite the bullet and ask the bride, groom or mother-to-be. You’ll be glad you asked rather than winging it in the gift department.

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page for savings at the best online gift stores!

We mentioned VoiceQuilt.com in our 2009 Valentine’s Gift Guide.

Sometimes words are not strong enough to express the emotion and joy VoiceQuilt will bring. That’s why I posted the video above. 

VoiceQuilt is the perfect gift for Valentine’s, Christmas, birthday, anniversary and any special day! It is a unique product that strings (or quilts) personalized audio messages from family/loved ones that are set into a variety of beautiful keepsake boxes.  During these tough times, the best love and support a lot of people need come from the heart of many.

Available at VoiceQuilt.com. Check them out today!

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If you have tried VoiceQuilt, please leave a message and share the love!

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS
page for savings at the best online gift stores!

We mentioned partybeans.com in our 2009 Valentine’s Gift Guide.

photo courtesy of partybeans.com

Today we’d like to recommend a fun, fabulous and one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gift for anyone on your list: personalized Jelly Belly from partybeans.com!

Just go to PartyBeans.com, choose a fun container, and upload your own full-color photo and Valentine’s text.

They’ll fill it with JellyBelly beans in your favorite flavors–let’s say Very Cherry Red and French Vanilla for Valentine’s Day. They’ll ship your order the next business day and you’ll have a personalized one-of-a-kind gift.

Why did we choose PartyBeans.com? Here are a few reasons:

• Relive beautiful memories with full-color photos and personalized text.
• Enjoy low minimum quantities that won’t break your budget. (Yes, you can order just one.)
• Create everything yourself with their easy-to-follow gift guide.
• Fast shipping.
• Perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts for that special someone.

You design it…they print it…you enjoy it. How does that sound? Check them out today!

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Have you tried PartyBeans.com? Share the love! Tell us about your experience! Leave a message!

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS
page for savings at the best online gift stores!

Image belongs to TheGreenPerspective.com

Now mommy and baby can go “green” together. With the Eco mom+green baby kit it’s quite easy to do. This would make an adorable gift for baby showers and new moms, even if they aren’t into the ever so popular “green” movement. Not only  is this gift eco-friendly, but it’s attractive and functional for new mommies.

Everything that comes with this wonderful product from The Green Perspective is eco-friendly. This gift comes with plenty of goodies. Included in the purchase is a smart reusable bag (very trendy right now), all natural liquid hand soap, an organic onesie, a 100% organic cotton baby carrier, a glass bottle, stuffed toys and an informative book. Everything a new mommie will need to take care of baby and help take care of the planet. My favorite is always a reusable shopping bag, that besides being handy for shopping, can also be used to carry baby items.

This gift has everything you need to give a complete and amazing gift at a baby shower. It is a thoughtful gift that doesn’t take a lot of thought , just pick one, pay for it and you are done! You can’t lose when you choose the Eco Mom+Green baby gift. Available from The Green Perspective where “green” gifts are always available.

The price depends on whether you choose to get the one with the baby carrier or without it.

Eco Mom+Green Baby w/out carrier: $65.00

Eco Mom+Green Baby with carrier: $115.00

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS
page for savings at the best online gift stores!

This is a must have for any new or expecting parent. I know because, I had to have it! It is the Rolls Royce of baby swings, but without the steep price. This would make a great baby shower gift, especially if you’re looking to score some extra points with the mom-to-be, choose The Graco Sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center.

The Swing moves side-to-side or forward and backward mimicking the movement of rocking in mom’s arms. The head support is soft and furry to offer the most comfort to baby. It also has 4 different music types, which all have their own list of music, including the option for a removable MP3 player. Your baby will love listening to whatever you choose, from classical to nursery rhymes you control it all. The whole center is customizable, the seat position can be changed to face any way and lay back or sit up. It is made so you can find the combination of motion,speed, warmth, smell, vibration and sound that best suits baby’s mood. My son will sit in his Sweetpeace for hours, just playing and napping. It also comes with a soothing book for tips and tricks to help calm baby down. You can check out all the features and watch a video on the product at the Sweetpeace website.

The Graco Sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center sells for $179.99, right now on sale for $161.60 through Amazon and offers Free Shipping through Amazon Prime. What a bargain! Get the new mom and baby something they will love, the Sweetpeace. It’s a great gift and you’ll love the Thanks you get for giving it!

–image taken from www.amazon.com

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS
page for savings at the best online gift stores!

This is one very cute gift for babies!

It comes in pastel colors for baby girls and white - blue for baby boys. More surprisingly, the sections are made of essential products for babies: a 100% cotton blanket, a terry hooded towel, a quiltet tote bag, a quiltet changing pad, a terry toy and a wrist rattle.

The packaging is absolutely adorable! They may not want to unpackage it!

The Baby Carterpillar gift set is a great start, especially for first-time parents!

Price: $64.99
Today ON SALE for $54.99 (You SAVE $10!)

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page for savings at the best online gift stores!

 Twin Peas in a Pod Candle in Ivy Print Gift Box (Set of 4)

This sweet little pea motif will make your baby shower guests smile!

It is the perfect “Thank you” gift for a twin baby shower; this little favor is made up of 2 separate little removable peas, nestled in a matching waxen pod.
Read more…

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page for savings at the best online gift stores!

Gift baskets are a great gift for almost every occasion. They are appropriate for your closest friends or for people you don’t know that well. When assembled well, a gift basket can become a work of art. Here are some ideas for creating the perfect gift basket.

Coffee-Lover Gift Basket

A coffee-themed gift basket is the perfect present for your caffeine obsessed friend or co-worker. Line a basket with natural looking, crinkle cut shred. Fill it with a bag of coffee beans, a fun mug, chocolate covered coffee beans and a gift card to their favorite coffee stop. Ask for an empty disposable cup at a nearby coffee shop and use it to stash the gift card or another treat.

Kitchen-Themed Gift Basket

Does your friend love to cook or bake? Why not assemble a gift basket with the chef in mind? Buy a strainer or pot to hold everything. Include pot holders, cookie cutters and some new kitchen utensils. Add a new cook book, apron or a set of measuring cups. For an extra creative addition, include your personal cookie mix like the one we recently told you about.

A Gift Basket for the New Home Owner

New home owners need lots of stuff. Fill a bucket, paint can or flower pot with items like cleaning supplies, change of address cards or monogrammed hand towels. Swing by the post office and pick up a change of address form to include. Another personal touch would be return address labels complete with their new address.

More Tips for Creating the Perfect Gift Basket

• Use cellophane bags to contain your gift bag. Tie it at the top with coordinating ribbon.

• Give your gift basket a professional look by using glue dots. It’s an easy and discreet way to stick items together.

• Line your basket with tissue paper or shred to give it a creative look and to add color.

Photo Courtesy of Killerbeez

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Gifts are great, especially when you can use them. The worst type of present is the one that never gets used. It’s a picture frame that doesn’t quite go with the decor, a shirt that’s too small, or a kitchen gadget that’s resorted to collecting dust. Before you give a gift that just ends up earning a couple bucks at a future yard sale, consider these practical gift ideas.

For the New Mom

It’s so fun to pick out little pink or blue outfits, but practical gifts are great for new parents, too. New babies can use up to ten diapers a day and if you’ve walked down the baby aisle lately you know that is a major expense. Wrap up a big box of diapers- it’s a gift that really will get used.

For the Graduate

College kids typically don’t have the best cars, yet they can spend a lot of time on the road. Buy them a AAA membership and it might come in handy during a difficult situation. Instead of being stranded on the side of the road with little cash, they’ll be able to use that membership to get help. Plus it comes with lots of other perks, like discounts and coupons.

For the Younger Child

It’s never too early to start saving. Teach a youngster about money by giving them a cool bank. Start them off with a few dollars in change. It will get them excited about saving.

For the Homeowner

Looking for a good gift for newlyweds, new homeowners, or anybody that’s too busy to mow? Try treating them to some free lawn care. Have a service cut their grass, trim the hedges and pull some weeds. Taking care of this chore will be a welcomed gift.

Photo courtesy of Siti Saad

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS
page for savings at the best online gift stores!