Baby Nursery On a Budget + Meaningful Baby Gifts We Display

First child = go all out on custom nursery bedding and beautiful furniture.

Fourth child = spend as little money as possible because you now have four children!

That’s me at least. And that’s why I really debated sharing Louise’s nursery because it does not compare to all the beautiful Instagram-worthy nurseries we are seeing these days. But then I thought maybe it’d be helpful to share how I used lots of hand-me downs and budget-friendly items to put it together a sweet room. Maybe it will inspire! Plus, I am sharing the meaningful gifts we display in her nursery that might give you the perfect idea for a special baby in your life.

I think the heirloom dress wall gallery brings Louise’s simple room to life. And it was quite easy to do! You can find the how-to in this post. We had given away our older daughters’ crib (drop down cribs are supposedly dangerous now) so I chose what I think is the cheapest crib you can buy at Pottery Barn Kids! But I love it and I will let her sleep in it for as long as she wants!

The wicker headboard and bed skirts were my grandmothers. I love that wicker is making a comeback! I bought a $30 white coverlet at Steinmart (best source for those!) and added a few Caitlin Wilson pillows and a lamp to bring in some pink although they have cute pink lamps at Target, too! Nice pillows elevate any room – even a budget one! I want to add an appliquéd monogram pillow in the middle but just haven’t gotten around to it. (Again with the four children thing!)

Speaking of my grandmother, it makes me smile to rock Louise in Nanny’s rocking chair. This photo is from her newborn session with Ali Wood Photography.

The table is something I bought when a local antique store was going out of business. I still love it as much as the day I bought it. The cross is by Jada Scruggs Calligraphy and was given to me by some dear friends. It has her birthday and one of the verses I prayed over Louise while I was on hospital bed rest.

Here’s another cross she did for a housewarming gift, just to file away!

The changing table was gifted to me by Da Vinci baby. It’s very reasonably priced and has held up well for a budget piece. But I added the bow knobs to soften it a little. Knobs can also do a world of good to a budget piece, even Ikea pieces! Anthropologie is also a good source for knobs (when they go on sale!).

And I ordered the little bookshelf from a darling children’s online shop based in England. It wasn’t expensive – until I saw the custom charges. Yikes! I do love it, though, and wish I could find something similar in the U.S. to link. I display my favorite little bonnets and dresses as well as some of the sweet baby gifts Louise received from friends and family. The baby shoe is on our new baby gift guide. Be sure to click the links at the bottom to learn more about these special gifts.

Did you notice the bubble and doll match? It was part of the Me and My Manolita Collection by Frances Rose Boutique that was on our Holiday Gift Guide. So so sweet!

Hope you were inspired by this post in some way! Let me know below! Be sure to bookmark our Gift Guide so you can find the most thoughtful baby and every other gift throughout the year!

Sources (and Lots of Baby Gift Ideas!):

Frames | Crib | Crib Sheet | Pink Lamp | Side Table (Antique) Similar | Noah’s Ark | Wicker Bed (Antique) Similar | White Quilt | Pink Gingham Pillows | Doll | Monogram Pillow | Bedskirt (Custom) Similar | Peg Dolls | Silver Cup | Silver Bell | Peter Rabbit Books |  Letter Blocks | Porcelain Bootie | Bonnet | Dress | Shelves (Old) Similar | Clear Lamp | Removable Changing Tray | Dresser | Bookshelf (Love these shelves, too)| Bow Knobs | Laundress Spray | Baby Oil | Mustela

 

Photos: Audrie Dollins and Ali Wood