 Ever found yourself at the gift registry kiosk pondering what to get for a new mom and her baby? Ever walked into your friend’s baby shower wondering if they’ll like what you chose? Ever watched with anxiety as your girlfriend opens a gift from someone else that is an exact replica of what you’ve also wrapped with care? If so, perhaps you’ve sung the Baby Gift Blues. The birth of a new baby is a time of celebration. When a friend is expecting, we usually want to give her and her family something that will surprise them, bring them joy, and ultimately bless them. However, sometimes a trip to Target just doesn’t leave us feeling like we’ve accomplished that. Often I find I’ve overestimated my time or my resources and have to resort to a few packs of onesies, baby blankets, or binkies. These are helpful and good. Yet, when it is for lack of a better idea, I feel so generic. As a gift giver, my ultimate wish is to give them something that will really please them and show them I was thinking of them. If you’re singing this same song, it’s time for some fresh ideas for welcoming a new baby and congratulating his parents on their new phase of life. Perhaps these suggestions will help you hum a new tune. Bring snacks to the new mom while she’s still in the hospital. Hospital food is rarely tasty. Yet, new moms are usually ravenous. Dad may have other things on his mind, like bonding with baby or caring for other children. Bring delicious, healthy snacks. Think about what will help her digestive track go in the right direction, too. Fresh fruit, oatmeal cookies, and yogurt smoothies are all yummy choices. Also, inquire ahead of time as to what favorite food Mom has abstained from during pregnancy, but would like to have on the other side of birth. For me it was a favorite salad with gorgonzola vinaigrette; but for another it might be a hot dog with the works or a caffeinated mocha Frappuccino. Provide meals to be enjoyed once the new family is home. If you’re a cook, fill their freezer with a number of homemade casseroles that the family can heat up on a crazy postpartum night. Prepare some yummy recipes, place them in disposable aluminum pans, wrap with foil, label with the dishes’ names and cooking instructions, and place in extra large Ziploc bags. Freeze them before transporting to avoid spillage or spoilage. If you don’t cook, try one of a growing number of easy meal prep kitchens. For a set fee, you can assemble several dishes, or pick them up ready to go. The kitchen staff does all the prep and clean-up. Or you could treat your friend to her own pre-baby night of cooking. Visit www.easymealprep.com for a directory of kitchens by state. Choose a selection of scrapbooking supplies. This is a fun project
provided your friend enjoys scrapbooking. You could include a promise
to come cuddle Baby while she works. If she doesn’t want to
do the work herself, you could offer to create a baby book for her. What
a great way to spend time with a new mom and her little one! Throw a library shower. Parents know that the way to instill a love of books is to begin reading to Baby when he is quite small. Invite friends to choose their favorite children’s picture books as a shower gift. You will bless the new little one with a great start to his library. Pamper Mom. A happy mom usually helps produce a happy child. Think about treating the new mother to a facial, a manicure, a massage, or even some new lingerie, nursing or otherwise. Select a gift to grow into. Whether it is an outfit for next summer or a classic book he will enjoy when he learns to read, Baby can benefit from gifts that are future-focused. What a fun surprise months or even years down the road! Remember to consider the amount of space your friends have before you buy things they must store. If Onesies (or blankets or binkies) are what they need, provide it. Don’t feel like you have to go overboard on creativity! All parents enjoy having someone else anticipate their needs. Through careful conversation and a thorough perusal of their wish list, determine what you see as the biggest needs and try to fill them if you can. If you’re an experienced parent already, you will most likely have a few tricks up your sleeve to share. Pick up the phone. During those first few weeks with a newborn,
life can be exhausting. Your friend may be too overwhelmed by her
new responsibilities to do much in the way of socializing. Keep
the communication lines open by calling regularly, inquiring about all
the changes, offering encouragement, and simply listening. Your
friendship is an invaluable gift. Jessica Fisher is a mother of six and freelance writer living in San Diego. She regularly writes about family and home management at www.lifeasmom.com. |
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