I’ve had two babies. I’m expecting my third any day now. During those first days and weeks, I received a number of gifts from friends and family. And I have truly appreciated every single person who visited and every single gift that was brought. But after all these years, and many conversations with new and veteran mothers, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is something very wrong about this ‘tradition’.
You see, most of the stuff we are brought is – how do I put this??? oh i know!- crap we don’t need! Flowers and balloons are nice and fun and look pretty but they’re also useless and cost money, which in all honesty, I would rather you spent on something else if you’re planning on visiting and bringing a gift.
Last year, funnily enough just before I discovered I was pregnant again, out of sheer curiosity, I posted this question in a mummy Facebook group.
“You’ve just had a new baby. What would you really like from friends and family?’
The answers/comments/ suggestions are straight-forward and authentic and exactly what you need to know if you’ll be visiting a mama and her new baby. So take note and you’ll be glad to see that most don’t cost a fortune!
- Cooked food. Homemade food. Healthy food.
- Gift vouchers. And not just from Mothercare. Spa vouchers for mum were also appreciated.
- Chocolates.
- A cleaning lady.
- Food shopping.
- Diapers, nappies, pampers, however you want to call it, are among the top choices.
- Shower or bath products for both mum and baby.
- Bedsheets and blankets.
- Cash!
- A baby monitor.
- A blender and food containers. For much later but later will come soon enough.
- Handmade, personalised gifts are always warmly welcomed.
- No newborn clothes. Many mums said they would rather have practical, everyday 3-6 or 6-9 months old pieces because babies grow surprisingly fast.
- Coffee.
- Packets and boxes of baby wipes.
- Ewan the Sheep was among favourites.
- Offer to babysit older children.
- Offer to babysit newborn while mum has a shower or a nap.
- Wine.
- Sleep!
So there you have it. Straight from the horse’s mouth, a list of gifts mamas will appreciate receiving after they’ve given birth. Note that most of the things on the list are aimed at the mother and not the baby! Mind-blowing, right?
Is there anything else you would like to add to the list? Please do so in the comment section. x
