Truly Useful Gifts for New Parents
Filed under:
Baby
We all want to help out friends or relatives when we find out they’re expecting a baby, but what can you give that will be truly useful? It’s times like this when we feel the need to pitch in and make things a little easier. Take it from experienced parents and look for something that will be worth your money and not end up at the back of a wardrobe or thrown out during spring cleaning.
Read on for a roundup of truly useful gifts for new parents.
Books
It may sound strange but just because people have a new baby doesn’t mean they cease to be human beings who need stimulation. A wonderful book can be perfect for whiling away the hours spent on the sofa nursing an infant, or create an escape for a new dad to really recharge his batteries during his scant 30-minute respites from fatherly duties.
Don’t opt for parenting books; go for something that will get their minds off the daily stress and adjustment period.
Vouchers for Food
It can be hard to pull together a meal when you’re sleep deprived and focusing all of your energy on a new little one. Make life just a little easier for new parents with vouchers for takeaway, or offer a gift basket of tasty things that can be eaten with little muss and fuss- lovely biscuits, nuts, dried fruit, good cheese and fresh fruit will all be appreciated.
If you have the time to prepare, pack up and deliver a meal that’s a wonderful gesture as well.
Practical Things for Baby
Brand new parents may not have had the time or foresight to gather all the little necessities that baby will need, and this is where you can come in and save the day.
Things like a baby thermometer, nail scissors, nappy ointment, baby soap and even nappies themselves can really be a lifesaver. Put together a small kit to help keep them from having to run out at an inopportune time.
If you have clothes in mind, go for the softest, most comfortable, practical items you can find; cotton pjs instead of tiny jeans, baby gros (can never have too many of these), huge packs of baby socks and bandana bibs instead of standard bibs.
Your Time
Everyone always offers to look after baby and give mum and dad some alone time but who actually follows through? It can be hard for new parents to find the nerve to phone you and ask to take you up on your offer but if you make yourself available they’ll be much more likely to do so.
If you offer your time, be prepared to give it with pleasure. You may even need to check up here and there to make sure they know you’re around when they need you- or even when they don’t.
Read on for a roundup of truly useful gifts for new parents.
Books
It may sound strange but just because people have a new baby doesn’t mean they cease to be human beings who need stimulation. A wonderful book can be perfect for whiling away the hours spent on the sofa nursing an infant, or create an escape for a new dad to really recharge his batteries during his scant 30-minute respites from fatherly duties.
Don’t opt for parenting books; go for something that will get their minds off the daily stress and adjustment period.
Vouchers for Food
It can be hard to pull together a meal when you’re sleep deprived and focusing all of your energy on a new little one. Make life just a little easier for new parents with vouchers for takeaway, or offer a gift basket of tasty things that can be eaten with little muss and fuss- lovely biscuits, nuts, dried fruit, good cheese and fresh fruit will all be appreciated.
If you have the time to prepare, pack up and deliver a meal that’s a wonderful gesture as well.
Practical Things for Baby
Brand new parents may not have had the time or foresight to gather all the little necessities that baby will need, and this is where you can come in and save the day.
Things like a baby thermometer, nail scissors, nappy ointment, baby soap and even nappies themselves can really be a lifesaver. Put together a small kit to help keep them from having to run out at an inopportune time.
If you have clothes in mind, go for the softest, most comfortable, practical items you can find; cotton pjs instead of tiny jeans, baby gros (can never have too many of these), huge packs of baby socks and bandana bibs instead of standard bibs.
Your Time
Everyone always offers to look after baby and give mum and dad some alone time but who actually follows through? It can be hard for new parents to find the nerve to phone you and ask to take you up on your offer but if you make yourself available they’ll be much more likely to do so.
If you offer your time, be prepared to give it with pleasure. You may even need to check up here and there to make sure they know you’re around when they need you- or even when they don’t.
