The arrival of a baby is something that, for the most part, is enjoyed by everyone. The parents and their families are usually filled with excitement and joy when their new bundle of joy arrives and nurtured for a healthy upbringing. However, when it comes to getting started on the essentials needed for what is to come, parents might find themselves running low on funds and resources – this means it may take some time to get everything in order.
It’s always a pleasure to celebrate all the joyous occasions with close family, friends and guests. The coffee brews, the tea pot whistles and new gatherings are initiated in the house topped off with gifts. At the end of the corridor, there’s a brightly-lit table overflowing with gorgeously wrapped presents. And as we all eagerly head toward that table to see what’s inside, you suddenly get nervous about whether or not your gift will stand out from all of the others!
Selecting the best baby gift can be challenging especially when you don’t know a lot about the mother-to-be or, for that matter, the child’s father. There is no better way to assure that you are giving a perfect gift than by asking the expecting parents when they are due and whether they already have something similar before buying a present. This will help you save time, effort and money which could reduce your stress while shopping.
– Is a girl, boy or possibly twins expected?
– What is the furniture style of the baby’s room?
– Is the room lacking any key accessories, such as bedding, a changing table, or a baby monitor? Do they have a car seat, flip top diaper hamper, or travel changing mat?
– Which is the dominant color in the room?
– Have the parents picked a theme for the nursery, such as animals, racecars, Disney characters or sports?
– Is this a first-born? If the parents have other children, they may already have a bouncer, a play gym, educational toys and a colorful mobile.
– Is the family religious? In this case, certain gifts may be more appreciated than others.
If you are a close friend of the pregnant couple, they will be delighted to hear from you as they know you captured their secret once. But if this is your first or second baby along, they might not be expecting your call just yet. While it’s always good to send a gift at some point in the pregnancy, it’s better to settle on what to give after checking in with family members and co-workers who are closer friends with the mother-to-be. Asking around can help ensure that you make the best possible gift choice for your dear friends – selecting a particularly well-received item from their registry will definitely brighten up their day as there’s nothing quite like acquiring something new for your child!
Now that you know what to expect from your loved ones, it’s time for you to start preparing not only a thoughtful gift but also a special moment together. Maybe you want your gift to be useful, fun or lasting. (Also capitalized because it’s an important concept.)
Practical – Depending on the your budget, and the financial situation of the parents, you could consider buying diapers, clothes, bath products, a stroller, a high chair, safety locks or child safety gates.
Fun – Babies need to be stimulated, which can be achieved through baby and toddler books, musical or moving play things, or any other object that will keep the baby occupied for a while. Just make sure your gift is age appropriate and meets all safety standards.
Lasting – A nice outfit, a swing or a Baby Einstein CD are appreciated presents, but if you think about it, they will only be used for a short period of time. Fortunately there are gifts that can last for many years, even a lifetime. Included in this list are, starting a savings account or college fund, a picture album of the baby’s relatives, and personalized gifts. Many adults still have a name-engraved silver baby spoon, or their bronzed first pair of shoes.
Impressing new parents with an extraordinary gift sounds harder than it is, which we know because we looked into it for you! Remember, despite all your thorough research, sometimes you just won’t find the right gift or worse buy the wrong product. That’s why it’s a good idea to tie up any loose ends by including a return policy and full guarantee along with a quick and easy returns form.
