For those of us who have had babies, we know what it’s like when someone comes to visit and brings you another toy, another dress or another baby blanket. You love and appreciate your family and friends more than you can say for thinking of you and your little one when she first arrives. But the truth is, your little one is months away from playing with toys, she only wears onesies and she even though she has a dozen blankets, she really prefers the one with the giraffes on it that she has spit up on half a dozen times.
So this post is for all the well-meaning family and friends who want to give a gift to show their love and affection for the new little one in their lives. All you well-meaning people, here’s a little tip: the kid has everything she needs from the parents – food, diaper changes and cuddles. If you really want to give a gift, give it to the parents. Those two sleep-deprived, hungry, anxious baby-lovers are the ones who really need things from you. Here are the five best things you can offer them:
- Food When you visit, please bring with you a casserole, lasagna or a few frozen dishes. Maybe a gift certificate they can use for take-out or delivery. Insist while you are there that they not share that food with you. That food is for them, when they are stressed and tired and all of a sudden it’s dinnertime. This gift is a big one. There might be tears.
- Help Around The House When you visit new parents, ask what they need done around the house, and if they say “nothing”, find something to do. Glance around, and you’ll see a sink full of dishes, a basket full of laundry or a dusty countertop. Stealthily and quietly, lend a helping hand where you can. This is the stuff that should get done, but ends up falling by the wayside to the whims of a screaming baby. Your help around the house will be greatly appreciated.
- Diapers Every baby needs diapers. And lots of them. Diapers are a necessity, and they will always come in handy. It’s not a glamorous gift, and it’s not something the kid will have forever. But when it’s three o’clock in the morning and the parents realize there is only one diaper left because they didn’t have a chance to get to the store, your unglamorous gift will be very much appreciated.
- Maid Service/Food Delivery This is beyond #1 and #2. This isn’t you bringing over a casserole or folding a load of laundry. This is someone you hire to come over and clean the whole house – maybe more than once. This is someone you hire to cook and deliver fresh, healthy meals to the fraught new parents. This is a big one, and it is appreciated more than words will ever say.
- A Gift Card To The Local Drugstore This is a gift I have personally given to many new parents, and it is always received with a sigh of relief and a welcome smile. New parents get lots of gift cards to toy stores and clothing stores, but you know where they go most often? The drugstore. For diapers and formula and soothers and baby shampoo and thermometers and wipes and often in the middle of the night. Again, it’s not glamorous, but to new parents, it’s priceless.
You could spend a lot of time and money picking out the perfect little gift for that perfect little one, but truly, all that little one needs from you is a hug and a kiss and a lifetime of love. It’s the parents who are truly in need. Show them that you care by giving them the gifts that matter most.
What are you favourite gifts for new parents? Tell us in the comments below!
