I went the first few months without a pack n play, and then one day when I was finally able to let go long enough for my mother to take the baby for an overnight visit, I broke down and bought one. I didn't realize how great the thing would be at the time, and I grabbed the Graco Swept Frame Pack 'n Play Portable Playard with Bassinet & Changing Table more for it's price tag than anything else.  I figured I would just buy something affordable to keep at her house.

I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed and pleasantly surprised with everything about it. Not only does it come in a few adorable prints and colors, but it has a nice changing table and bassinet attached. These can be removed for use as a playpen as well.

My mother and I set it up in only a few minutes, and we are not coordinated people! It is very lightweight. I think it's only about 20 pounds, and folds away neatly into a tidy carrying tote, which is great for keeping at my mom's and even my 70 year-old grandmother opens and folds it with no problem.

The bassinet is meant for babies up to 15 pounds, and once your baby outgrows that, they can sleep in the playard until they reach 35 inches. I'd have to say that this is one example of how you don't always have to spend a lot of money to get a product that lasts.

It's nice to bring the Graco Swept Frame Pack 'n Play Portable Playard with Bassinet & Changing Table with us on vacations, or to family get-togethers. It is a great size even for smaller bedrooms, or people living in apartments who don't have a lot of extra room.  We were able to bring ours on the airplane with us recently and didn't have to worry about whether or not there would be a crib available once we checked into the hotel.

If I could go back in time, I would make sure that I had a pack n play sooner so my daughter could've napped in it during the day. This is such a great shower gift idea because of how useful it is, and of course because of it's affordability.