In my 20+ year career as a neonatal and pediatric nurse in the U.S. Navy, I always loved when parents would bring special outfits into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for their newborn to wear and photograph. Frequently, proud parents who were fans of a particular professional sports team (i.e. Packers and Cowboy fans) or college would bring in outfits for their new little fan to model and we, the nursing staff, would help capture images and make special memories for families.

So, of course when my children were born, I also bought newborn outfits from my college alma mater to create my own special newborn photos. During that time, I wanted to gift friends and co-workers who were also expecting with a compilation of baby items from their favorite team or school but could not find baby gift baskets or boxes like this anywhere. I then began creating my own customized baby gift boxes for friends, family members, and co-workers based on the expectant parents' favorite sport, hobby, or interest.

Today, I now own and operate Celly Gifts, a small business located in Washington state, that designs and produces custom gift compilations with unique, quality products from other small businesses and officially licensed merchandise. In the hope of providing special and thoughtful celebratory gifts (with practicality and sustainability in mind) for any occasion!

LORI THOMPSON