Author Topic: Gift for new baby  (Read 1620 times)

chicklets123

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Gift for new baby
« on: July 10, 2021, 06:48:20 PM »
Do you get a gift for someone who had their first  baby that you don’t really see or talk to or know too well?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: July 10, 2021, 06:51:51 PM by chicklets123 »

FIRE Artist

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1070
  • Location: YEG
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2021, 06:55:42 PM »
Ask if they have a registry. 

chicklets123

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2021, 07:03:53 PM »
Ops I mean do you get a gift in general


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

K_in_the_kitchen

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 674
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #3 on: July 10, 2021, 07:23:09 PM »
Generally, if I don't see or talk to them, or know them well, then no, I don't get a gift for a new baby.  I can't recall the last new baby gift I gave -- I think we're in the lull now and the next batch of babies will be born to our nephews, niece, or cousins (children of our first cousins).  In those cases we may have to gift.  No I should rephrase that: we may choose to gift.  No one ever forces us to give gifts and we don't even give holiday gifts to anyone but out parents and our children.

There is enough baby stuff on this planet for every new baby x 10, I think.  If we choose to gift, we'll give money or something handmade.

englishteacheralex

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3892
  • Age: 44
  • Location: Honolulu, HI
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #4 on: July 10, 2021, 08:17:07 PM »
I give meals to the parents, typically in the form of gift cards to restaurants. The biggest needs of parents of newborns are time, energy, and sleep. Anything that adds convenience is awesome. Random baby gear is pretty much unnecessary.

nereo

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 17499
  • Location: Just south of Canada
    • Here's how you can support science today:
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2021, 04:21:31 AM »
Ops I mean do you get a gift in general


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In general, no.
As English teacher Alex said, if you wish to be nice, get a gift or do something nice for the parent(s). If its a friend i give homemade, frozen ready-to-bake meals.

MayDay

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4953
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2021, 05:55:00 AM »
No. I wouldn't bother unless it was a real friend.

If someone had set up a meal train I would bring food.

Metalcat

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 17393
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2021, 06:41:36 AM »
I generally avoid gifts whenever I can, period. Both giving and receiving.

ender

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7402
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2021, 08:25:46 AM »
I would not get an unsolicited gift for someone who doesn't have a registry and you don't know well.

While every once in a while someone gets a great "wow this wasn't listed" gift if the new parents are at all thoughtful or prepared, you're just buying stuff they won't use.

If anything, a giftcard to Target or something for diapers/wipes/supplies is what I'd recommend (or whatever the local store you have is that is like Target).

Catbert

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3298
  • Location: Southern California
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #9 on: July 11, 2021, 12:00:10 PM »
Nope, generally wouldn't get a gift.  If I went to a baby shower, yes.  If I went to visit for the purpose of "meeting" the baby, yes.  But someone I just run into randomly and casually (neighbor, not very close co-worker, dog park "friend, etc), then no.  OTOH I gave $100 "baby gift" to my house cleaner.

Dicey

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 22319
  • Age: 66
  • Location: NorCal
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #10 on: July 11, 2021, 12:40:04 PM »
You could just send a card.

Peony2019

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 18
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #11 on: July 11, 2021, 01:46:33 PM »
We do not gift to people we do not know well. 

My favorite baby gifts for those I work w/ or know well is the gift of reading.  There are specific board books my children enjoyed that I give to new parents.  We started reading to our kids the first week they were born and they are exceptional readers/writers.  Reading time was always special and it makes me happy to think we are not just gifting an item but an item that facilitates family time and sound learning fundamentals.  Library was leveraged heavily once we got past the first 3 or so years of development when the books took quite a beating.

Food to new parents is another great idea.  We have given and received same and it was always appreciated.

chasingthegoodlife

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #12 on: July 11, 2021, 03:02:25 PM »
Do you want to give a gift?

It doesn’t sound like you will be expected to.

If mum is eg a single mother without much support and you’d like to help, something practical that will save them money like nappies and wipes are a good option.

If it’s a business relationship of some kind and you feel giving a gift will strengthen the relationship, go ahead. I don’t think it would be weird.

I like Dicey’s suggestion of a just a card with your well wishes. Most new parents are probably overwhelmed with stuff already.

chicklets123

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #13 on: July 11, 2021, 07:38:58 PM »
Thanks everyone these are great advice. It is a relative of a friends who I somewhat know but don’t see so I guess I won’t for a gift unless I happen to see them myself in person and then something useful sounds good like a gift card or cash. These are really great advice
And I guess one can get away buying gifts for ppl you don’t know well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

chicklets123

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #14 on: July 11, 2021, 07:40:58 PM »
Nope, generally wouldn't get a gift.  If I went to a baby shower, yes.  If I went to visit for the purpose of "meeting" the baby, yes.  But someone I just run into randomly and casually (neighbor, not very close co-worker, dog park "friend, etc), then no.  OTOH I gave $100 "baby gift" to my house cleaner.
Dog park friend
These all make sense


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

chicklets123

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #15 on: July 11, 2021, 07:42:11 PM »
We do not gift to people we do not know well. 

My favorite baby gifts for those I work w/ or know well is the gift of reading.  There are specific board books my children enjoyed that I give to new parents.  We started reading to our kids the first week they were born and they are exceptional readers/writers.  Reading time was always special and it makes me happy to think we are not just gifting an item but an item that facilitates family time and sound learning fundamentals.  Library was leveraged heavily once we got past the first 3 or so years of development when the books took quite a beating.

Food to new parents is another great idea.  We have given and received same and it was always appreciated.
I did enjoy the board books and food too. This would be a good idea for a gift for another baby coming that is close and family.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

chicklets123

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #16 on: July 11, 2021, 07:42:49 PM »
I give meals to the parents, typically in the form of gift cards to restaurants. The biggest needs of parents of newborns are time, energy, and sleep. Anything that adds convenience is awesome. Random baby gear is pretty much unnecessary.
I will keep this in mind for close friends or family babies to come :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Metalcat

  • Senior Mustachian
  • ********
  • Posts: 17393
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #17 on: July 12, 2021, 06:53:38 AM »
Thanks everyone these are great advice. It is a relative of a friends who I somewhat know but don’t see so I guess I won’t for a gift unless I happen to see them myself in person and then something useful sounds good like a gift card or cash. These are really great advice
And I guess one can get away buying gifts for ppl you don’t know well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm curious as to why you feel any need to give this person a gift?
Do you tend to give gifts to every single person who has a baby that you somewhat know?

I'm not criticizing you, I'm genuinely confused as to why this person having a baby made you feel like you needed to buy a gift??

chicklets123

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Gift for new baby
« Reply #18 on: July 12, 2021, 08:06:12 AM »
Thanks everyone these are great advice. It is a relative of a friends who I somewhat know but don’t see so I guess I won’t for a gift unless I happen to see them myself in person and then something useful sounds good like a gift card or cash. These are really great advice
And I guess one can get away buying gifts for ppl you don’t know well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm curious as to why you feel any need to give this person a gift?
Do you tend to give gifts to every single person who has a baby that you somewhat know?

I'm not criticizing you, I'm genuinely confused as to why this person having a baby made you feel like you needed to buy a gift??
I see the relative all the time who I am close with so thought it would be a nice gesture. When I had babies I received unexpected gifts from ppl I was not close with that were friends with ppl in my family. Just wasn’t sure though as yes it can be pricey if I sent gifts to everyone. Though I didn’t get one from this person I was going to give to.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: July 12, 2021, 08:18:18 AM by chicklets123 »

Sibley

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7428
  • Location: Northwest Indiana
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #19 on: July 12, 2021, 08:52:38 AM »
I would say congrats, and maybe give them a practical bit of assistance if I saw them. Hold the door? Carry something to the car for them?

My standard baby gift is white onesies, size 6 months or larger. If I really like you, size 2 Huggies diapers. Proof against 10+ pound babies and gender errors (both of which have happened to people I know).

chicklets123

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #20 on: July 12, 2021, 03:41:55 PM »
I would say congrats, and maybe give them a practical bit of assistance if I saw them. Hold the door? Carry something to the car for them?

My standard baby gift is white onesies, size 6 months or larger. If I really like you, size 2 Huggies diapers. Proof against 10+ pound babies and gender errors (both of which have happened to people I know).
Great practical


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

calimom

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1363
  • Location: Northern California
Re: Gift for new baby
« Reply #21 on: July 14, 2021, 09:16:47 PM »
I feel you can't go wrong with a copy of 'Pat the Bunny', $6.99 if you do Amazon. Nicer still if you support a local bookstore. Homemade meal/practical help if they live close or you have the type of friendship that that would be a welcome gesture.