Gifts for the new parents?

Hi All,

Well I myself am not a mom yet (hopefully soon!) my very first pregnant friend is due in a few weeks and I'm trying to think of what to bring when I visit them in the hospital.

I'm thinking they will already have plenty of balloons, flowers, etc so I was hoping you moms might have some suggestions of things you think the new little family would appreciate! Was there something you got that you absolutely loved? Was there something you wished someone had brought you?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

The best gift was from my godmother: gossip mags and some of my fave candy. I sat back and enjoyed some me time after visiting hours ended and the baby went back to the nursery.

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

I loved when people brought me a cooked meal when we came home from he hospital. If you can do that for her, I'm willing to bet she'd be VERY appreciative!

There wasn't much that I actually *needed* in the hospital, people brought DS gifts and stuff which were wonderful, but a nice meal (either ready-to-eat or frozen) was SO fantastic!

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

Not to bring to the hospital, but maybe drop off at the house, but FOOD!!! Seriously, we ate SO much take out, I really wished we had some healthy premade meals that were easily frozen and able to heat up.

If you want to bring something to the hospital, maybe ask the new mom if there was anything she missed when she was pregnant and bring that to her. Like, I was DYING for a HUGE cup of Starbucks and a bagel loaded with cream cheese ( I had Gestational Diabetes so I couldn't have any of that). This was the first thing that was brought to me... and I was in HEAVEN!

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

Don't bring anything big they are going to have to carry out. I received plants and balloons and the hospital I delivered at didn't have the cart available to bring the stuff all down to the car so my DH ended up having to make like 6 trips back and forth. Honestly, if it was me I'd just appreciate a gift card to Target or one of the baby stores.

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

I received a small spa type basket that was wonderful...

Slipper Socks
Soap & Hand Cream
Under Eye Cream
Neck Rest (Came in handy at the hospital)
Chocolates


I also had a few people give me gift cards for restaurants with take-out/delivery along with the menu (Chili's, Outback, etc) for when we got home...very nice!!!!

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

Thanks ladies!! I will definitely be cooking a few dinners for them that they can freeze and pop in the oven when they need them.

The little spa basket also sounds awesome! I know she is dying for a certain kind of beer but I'm pretty sure her hubby already has that covered haha.

Keep the ideas coming!

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

BUMP for daytime ladies

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

The BEST gift was a friend of ours came over and dropped off homemade Lasagna, Italian bread, Italian cookies etc ~ she popped it in the oven for us and everything!! It was the first home cooked meal we had when DS was born! It was sooo sweet and thoughtful! I will always remember it!

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

I do agree that not much is necessary in the hospital. But the meals afterward are great!!!!

Also, give them a babysitting night after 2 months. Every couple needs a date night, even if it's to McDonalds and back.

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

Definitely food!
I loved when people brought me food, even in the hospital!

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

I recently brought my friend personalized burp cloths to the hospital ordered from etsy.com and an outfit for the baby. She knew the gender and name before giving birth though, so that made things a little easier. I also brought her these pumpkin bars that I knew she loved and I am going to bring her dinner over to her house when they are home.

I agree with bringing her FOOD to the hospital. I thought my hospital's food was gross, and to be honest, I was starving when I was in there!

Re: Gifts for the new parents?

I would say food also. My sis just had a rough delivery and I made her a few dishes and froze them.

ITA w/ PP - what goes up, must come down.

If you must send flowers/basket - try edible arangements - the fruit is sooooooooo yummy.
Someone got me a basket and that was the best delivery gift.

If you are going up to the hospital, maybe call your friend to see if she wants/needs anything. Sometimes the food there isn't the best and she could be craving something else.

ETA: Maybe a pair of soft PJs. Size up one size though... that tummy doesn't disappear over night

Message edited 10/29/2009 1:08:36 PM.