what's a different but useful present for a couple who have just had their first child?

[maplestar]

It's a girl :) But i'd like to buy something different; everyone i know is buying clothes or the same usual stuff, and of course, they do seem to have most things anyway... Any parents out there with any things they wish they'd been bought? Or any good ideas? Thanks.

[4getmenot]

I put together a pack of things for my mate. nappies, baby shampoo, dummy, cotton wool, baby wipes just stuff they might run out of

[natalie_1982]

Nytol and coffee :-)

4get's is a nice idea, somebody did that for me and it was really helpful. I am doing the same for my cousin who is expecting, a box if wipes, nappies, bibs, cotton wool, shampoo, baby bath, etc.

[natalie_1982]

Or Nytol and Pro-plus and coffee.

A really nice pampering gift would be nice for mum I think. I had copious amounts of flowers and chocolates that my visitors ate but nothing for me :-(

*gets the violins out*

[onlyme26]

i must admit out of all the presents i got, i found that babybath and lotion and nappies was the best!! i had already bought teddies and clothes and they may have a particular taste in clothes, id get a nice bag from a card shop and fill it will usefull goodies, they will appeciate it, baby things can really bulk up the shopping list and be very pricey, there are loads of baby lotions and shampoos out there

xx

[natalie_1982]

Oh, talk about personal taste. A relative of mine bought this awful dress for my daughter and I just couldn't bring myself to put her in it, as ungrateful as it sounds, I'm sorry, but honestly it was the ugliest thing you'd ever seen.

On balance though my friend very thoughtfully bought a little green dress, hat and nappy cover combo and I was sooooo pleased to have got something that wasn't pink. I was all pinked out by that point.

Also, if you do buy clothes I would suggest maybe age 3-6 or even better 6months+, but remember to work out the times of year and whether the clothes will be suitable.

[k8bailey]

The best 'present' I got after having my daughter, was from my mum, she turned up with a weeks worth of food, really nice stuff which was quick and easy to cook, or could just be eaten cold! maybe you could do a kind of food hamper?

Other than that you could get them vouchers I know it sounds boring but my friends and family all bought size 3-6months clothes and they're still way too big at 4months, by the time they fit it'll be too cold to wear any of it as it's all summery stuff!

[4getmenot]

also if someone else gets the same it doesnt matter as they always run out and with money being a bit tight for most nowadays its always helpful

[4getmenot]

natalie how do you know that your little girl didnt like the dress? hey?

[redcrx]

be very careful when buying clothes. Even if you work out what season theyd be worn in. My daughter is now just fitting into some summer dresses that were bought for her, Im having to put them on her with tights and thick cardis.

i agree with some of the different colours rather than just pink / white too. There are some lovely green outfits and deep jewel colours about at the moment.

With toiletries you might want to buy something thats gentle on a newborns skin, like simple or botanics etc.

Dont forget mum and dad, how about offering to do some ironing or taking a meal around (just enough for them to microwave, dont invite yourself around for food)

How about a gift for mum. a good book, a single bottle of wine, some bath bombs or smellies and a nice candle to help her relax.

[4getmenot]

its all you you you isnt it redcrx. lol

[lozzylou]

how about booking them a family photo session at a photo studio. i had one brought me from boots for around 40 pound and it was a lovely gift that is on the wall that i will keep forever

[annie0000]

I always try to get a collectable bear with the same name as the child. Boyds do some lovely ones.

Heres an example that I got for my new neice Ava:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ava-The-Gardener-bear-fr om-Bearingtons_W0QQitemZ350097043573QQcmdZView Item

and for a nephew Caleb:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Boyds-Teddy-Bear-Caleb-B -Beanster-American_W0QQitemZ170269557168QQihZ0 07QQcategoryZ390QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742. m153.l1262

You can also get dolls- just google the name plus bear or teddy or doll and see what comes up.

[annie0000]

A nice baby gro bag or blanket would be good as well

[numberouno]

there are lots of varieties of flowers / roses / plants etc. there might be one with her name in it?

[maplestar]

Thanks for all your comments guys and gals :) Unfortunately the hamper had been done on a rather large scale when she left work on maternity leave, but the photo sesh is a v good idea, as is the taking round homemade grub. Will offer on the ironing front too :) Thanks again! x

[Liza B]

Hi I always buy new parents a memory box, I go on the net and make a label to put on it with the name, date of birth ect. Everyone I have given one to loves it and no-one else has thought of giving it as a present, it encourages you to keep the firsts, wrist tag, first outfit, shoes, cards, newpaper clippings and when the child is older they love to look through it, also nice to hand over to when they move out or have their first child.

liza