Help with new baby gifts for Modern Orthodox?

My (DH's) niece had her first baby last night! .

We want to get her something special (keepsake-y). I've already done some damage at Children's Place . I'm clueless as to what is appropriate. They're Modern Orthodox and live in Israel (they came back to NY to have the baby).

Also, any gift ideas for the new mom?

Thanks for any help.

Re: Help with new baby gifts for Modern Orthodox?

how about something cute from tiffany?
i have very orthodox cousins (not modern at all) and my grandma gets the babies things from there and i know they love the gifts.

if you want to go with something religious, how about a mezuzah with a baby theme and a kosher scroll?

or if they are doing a naming, you could offer to get the certificate custom framed. that's always nice.

or a cute bracelet with the baby's hebrew name engraved on it.
that might also be cute for the mom.

Re: Help with new baby gifts for Modern Orthodox?

You could get a piece of Judaica for the baby's room or the prayer they put in the crib. But frankly, most judiaca comes from Israel anyway.

I think a nice Baby Gap outfit is a great gift. That's what I bring to my cousins in Israel when I go visit. They love the clothes, and can't get it there. But its not so keepsakey.

Here is an idea: what about a bunch of books. English books are very expensive in Israel. If they are planning on teaching their kids English, it may be a really nice gift to buy a lot of American books- Brown Bear, Brown Bear; Where the Wild Things Are; I love you as much; Time for Bed (some of my faves).

Message edited 2/13/2010 8:15:44 PM.

Re: Help with new baby gifts for Modern Orthodox?

I'm not Orthodox but my aunt was in Israel when I was born and brought me back a name necklace with my name in hebrew.

I know the baby probably wont have her hebrew name yet but she got me a phonetic spelling of my english name. it was nice to have as I got older :)