Gift ideas for newborn boy?

[CNOS128]

Some dear friends of ours just had a baby boy!

They already have a 3 year old girl, so I expect they own all the basic baby stuff -- but what''s a great gift we can get them for their new little one? (I''d like to get them something in the $50 - $100 range).


Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[DivaDiamond007]

When I had my son DH and I loved the Babies R Us gift cards. I know it''s totally generic but they came in handy. You could also call your friend and ask her if there''s anything specific she needs or would like for the new addition.

 

[neatfreak]

I have to say that gift cards were the most appreciated thing ever. I also second Diva and ask her what she needs.

If you get clothes, toys, etc. think ahead a few months and get something appropriate for a 4-6 month old. EVERYONE buys newborn stuff and they only wear it for a few weeks-so she'll be thankful to have bigger sizes or better toys later on.

That being said one of the BEST things for a slightly older age is a Jumperoo or Exersaucer. She will love you in a few months if you get one of those if they don't already have one.

 

[gailrmv]

There was another thread about this a while back that had some good ideas. I second NF that if you are going to buy clothes, get some for an older baby and make sure it is for the right season for that age. I received enough outfits for an army of newborns and 3 month olds, but not much for 6 month and up.

If you know their taste well, a keepsake item might be great such as an engraved silver frame or a baby blanket with the baby's name on it. I absolutely love personalized gifts. If you are not sure of their taste or if they aren't the type to like these types of things, though, I would go with something more generic.

I also really appreciated childrens' books, especially the classics. Although, they might already have these for their older child.

Gift certificates are always appreciated. A store like BabiesRUs or Target will help them with the essentials; a store like PotteryBarnKids will let them pick out something practical OR fun. A gift certificate to a restaurant that delivers will probably also be much appreciated.

The new parents will probably be very busy. If you can, why not offer to help them with something in particular, like mowing the lawn, running the vacuum, or going to the grocery. Also, bring them a meal that they can reheat. If you offer to help in general, they might not want to ask. If you offer to do something specific, they will probably be very appreciative. I know in the beginning I really did need help but did not want to ask. Honestly, in the first few weeks I would have rather had someone run the vacuum for me than bring me another super cute baby outfit!


I only have one child so I can't say for sure, but I bet their older child might feel some jealousy toward the new baby. Maybe you could bring a small gift for the older child too to help them feel included.

 

[packrat]

When Trapper was born, most everyone also brought a little something for London too, and that was really nice.

If she likes to scrapbook, maybe an album and some supplies?

Or, what about a gift certificate to a photographer to do newborn pictures? I wanted so bad to go to our local photographer (not just to Sears or JCPennys for the cheaper ones, but real professional ones)-they have pictures hanging all over the OB ward that just make you melt. Collages of baby''s hands/feet/eyes and mommy/baby and family photos-but they''re pretty expensive.

The things already mentioned are great too-gift cards are super handy, and the jumperoo/exersaucer were 2 of my favorite things for the kids.

 

[Rachel9]

Hi, if you're close friends It won't hurt to ask. I know gift cards may be tacky for some, but boy they can be handy if you know where mom shops at, I also agree with others about larger clothes.

 

[CNOS128]

I guess I should have mentioned - of course we''ve asked them already what they want/need! But (typically, for them) they said there''s nothing they want.

Thanks for all the ideas!
I wish we could run over there and help them out around the house or entertain their older child, but unfortunately we live across the country. But it''s a great idea to get a smaller gift for their other child, as I''m sure she''s feeling a little left out by now!

I also love the idea of newborn photos, and I will ask if they have a photographer they like.

If all else fails, we''ll go for the Babies R Us gift card. I generally don''t love to give gift cards, but that might be the most practical & useful thing at this point.


Thanks again -

 

[neatfreak]

I know gift cards generally seem impersonal but for a new baby it really is the best possible gift you can give!

Or a gift card to a restaurant that delivers is invaluable too!

 

[elle_chris]

My sister in law gave birth to a boy 3 weeks ago and we''re flying out next friday to see them. Like Neatfreak said, i decided not to buy newborn clothes and opted for 4-6 months things instead. I also decided to get something useful for the mommy like a baby bag.

I checked etsy and had some cute stuff but nothing that made me go wow. Then last week, I went into a coach outlet and they were having a crazy sale, got her a baby bag for less than 200. It has detachable shoulder straps, two outer pockets for baby bottles and 2 more inside as well, a pad that i guess is used for changing? and lots of room inside for diapers, toys etc. I figured she''d got much use out of it.

Here''s a few pics.

 

[elle_chris]

here it is with the changing pad. If that''s not what the blue thing is, someone please enlighten me and tell me what it''s for??

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 11/28/2009 2:26:43 PM
Author: elle_chris
here it is with the changing pad. If that''s not what the blue thing is, someone please enlighten me and tell me what it''s for??

Lol-you are right Elle! It''s a changing pad.

 

[jcrow]

elle_chris - funny, i just was at the coach outlet last weekend and tried on that same bag! it's cute!

TheBigT- how about a gift certificate to get newborn pics taken? [eta: oops just noticed this was already suggested]

 

[Blenheim]

I personally found gift cards to be the most useful. I also like the suggestion of gift certificates to get photos taken. Another possibility would be a gift certificate for a visit from a maid - I know that I would have appreciated that very much! Of the baby things that we have in your price range, I feel like our BabyHawk carrier probably gets the most use, but if they already have something along those lines they may not want one.

 

[Mara]

the only thing about a gift cert for a photographer is that you will be assuming she wants to use that photographer, esp if it''s like $100 towards $400 or something, she may never want to spend the additional $300 so your $100 will go to waste.

i would get her a gift card (to a store you like, it doesn''t have to be a baby basic like BRU..it could be Baby Gap or PB Kids or something a little more specialized) for things she might like, but also i would also get something cute and small like an outfit so you aren''t just giving the card. if they already have a girl they have the basics for ''baby'', but prob not a lot of gender specific items so i''d get something for the new arrival.

i also second the others who said get something other than infant clothes. not many people get outfits for 6-18 months. also a lot of people are giving us 0-3 month full on outfits like cords and sweaters, i am not a fan of cutesy kids for small infants...basics for babies and then ''clothes'' for when they can wear something for more than a few hours.

one more comment, consider the baby''s size now. because if he''s big already then he will grow much more quickly so keep that in mind when you consider buying clothes (along with seasons) as well. my cousin''s daughter was 8.5 lbs when born (and 3 weeks early) and she is 2 years old and already wearing 5T clothes! she outgrew most everything people gave my cousin by 6-9 months.

baby gap is having a big sale right now and they have some super cute footed PJ''s for like $10. and their baby hats are like $4.

 

[Pandora II]

Anyone buying baby clothes and buying for months ahead, PLEASE consider the weather!

I have so many lovely 6-9 months size outfits for Daisy that would be wonderful if it was May... unfortunately it is now November and she would freeze to death in them!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I would do a gift card if your friend had a baby shower. Usually all the basics are covered and it's about 6 months down the road that the parents find themselves needing stuff that wasn't given to them. Items like covers for electric outlets and cabinet plastic "locks" often aren't given out at the shower and those are necessities. Possibly split the present. Like $50 toward clothes and the other $50 as a gift card.

Both my kids are boys and I buy almost all clothes from Gymboree and Old Navy. Both have good quality shirts that last through both kids. The jeans aren't so durable. . .

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 11/28/2009 2:24:56 PM
Author: elle_chris
My sister in law gave birth to a boy 3 weeks ago and we''re flying out next friday to see them. Like Neatfreak said, i decided not to buy newborn clothes and opted for 4-6 months things instead. I also decided to get something useful for the mommy like a baby bag.

The earliest age I would go is 6-9 months. Both my boys grew fast. We were shocked to find my first son born at 8 lbs 9 oz and he needed BIG clothes. Sleepers without feet last MUCH longer than the ones with that cover up the feet!

PS that is a cute coach diaper bag. I would have LOVED that. Instead we picked our "fancy" gift as a double peg perego stroller that was over $400! Yikes.

 

[mrssalvo]

I had my son after having 2 girls and really the gift cards were the best gifts. I loved the one''s to target b/c that is where I buy most of my baby items, minus the clothing. The gift card to a favorite restaurant that has takeout is a great idea too! If you want to give a little gift along with the gift card pajama''s are always needed and you really can''t have too many pairs. Those are the one thing all my kids seem to wear out. The Children''s place actually make''s some of my favorite pajama''s, they have zippers and the feet in them which is nice if you''ve got to do a diaper change in the middle of the night. I hated the snaps or button up pj''s..take''s forever. the two piece sets from Gap or Old Navy are nice too.

 

[CNOS128]

Thanks again, everyone, for your ideas and input!

I love that stylish diaper bag - What a great aunt / sister you are, elle_chris!

So, it seems like the consensus is for the gift card. I never knew that was what new moms and moms-to-be would value most! But it definitely makes sense - I would hate to get a bunch of cute little baby clothes that didn''t fit (or didn''t fit in the right season!), or a repeat of a toy or item that they already have (the chances of this are HIGH, as they have a huge extended family with lots of little ones)!