The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Mini Money Mustaches => Topic started by: elaine amj on October 17, 2013, 09:40:08 PM
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My brother and his wife are expecting their first baby in December. Since this is my only brother and DH's nieces arnd nephews are all grown and have kids of their own....we'd like to spend more than normal (we don't typically spend a lot on gifts...my kids only occasionally get presents from us).
My brother is not particularly Mustachian and often struggles to make ends meet. They also live across the pond in London, England. I'm already planning to buy some baby outfits from my brother's favorite soccer team. (This is a super indulgence since $30 for a baby outfit makes me want to swoon). I'd like to get them something else that is also meaningful....I would probably spend another $200 or so.
I could just send money or ask him...but my brother likes to be "surprised". (Me, on the other hand.....please ASK or I likely will think about how I could have gotten it for half the cost somewhere else and really optimised the money you spent).
Any ideas? Would love some practical, Mustachian ideas that are easy to send across the pond.
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Are they the cloth diapering type? If yes then getting a diaper stash is a GREAT gift. Might need to talk to mom a bit and see what kind she likes though.
My other favorite baby gift was a Baby Bjorn carrier - use this all the time and love.
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No clue about a registry. Have not heard of any planned baby showers (is that common in the UK?). We are Chinese, so normally gifts are given at the Full Moon, when the baby is a month old.
Cloth diapers....now that's an interesting idea. I will have to ask them if they plan to use disposable or cloth. My mom will go bananas if they decide to go cloth ROFL! It is pricey to start out...so might be a good thing. Like zsmom pointed out, there are so many styles though this might be difficult to give as a "surprise".
I am pretty sure they plan to nurse. A close cousin sells nursing covers and is a big nursing advocate so I know they would get lots of support. I nursed both of mine for a long time and would like to support that choice in any way I can. Was thinking of a really good quality nursing pillow. My cheap $20 Boppy did the job...but the $50-$60 ones really are worth it. Maybe a sling? I loved my sling - once I learned how to use it (which took until Baby #2 was 6 months old).
Or...maybe a nice rocking chair? I loved loved loved mine and used it constantly for the first year or so. Will have to find out if they have the space.
On a Mustachian note, I am super proud of my brother and SIL. They reported that they visited a kids yard sale and picked up 20 things!! Even better, I used to organize these huge kids yard sales in my neighborhood for years (earned a little extra pocket money as a SAHM) so the idea of used stuff for babies & kids is near and dear to my heart.
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Money for the baby's college education. British university fees have just skyrocketed, so the money will be useful whether the baby goes to college there or in the U.S.
When I was born, my grandfather bought savings bonds for my college education. I remember what an emotional experience it was cashing those in when I started college, remembering how he had planned so far ahead.
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I actually really like the idea of a college savings bond. No clue how the UK system works? Also, is there a good way to set this up considering they are not UK citizens and could well move out of the country at some point? They have said in the past their dream country to raise kids is Australia (where my brother went to university).
I was actually thinking today of whether it would be completely ridiculous to start a retirement fund for my kiddos now so they get to enjoy the magic of compounding.
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The account you are looking for is a Junior stocks and shares ISA, which I believe can now be opened at www.vanguardinvestor.co.uk. Stick the £200 in there and let it compound. Much better than shipping loads of crap across the ocean that someone else might have duplicated anyway.