It can be difficult to decide what to get for new parents. Often they receive dozens of infant socks, shirts and diapers and baby hardly gets a chance to wear them all before he or she grows too big for them. While such gifts are surely appreciated, modern parents might prefer a more unique present, something they, as well as the baby, can enjoy.
Practical Presents for Baby
A new mother will soon figure out that it is very difficult to wear any sort of jewelry around a curious baby. Everything will go into his or her mouth, and often that can be dangerous, for the jewelry as well as the child. The folk at Smart Mom Jewelry have got the new mother covered, with baby safe bling. These accessories are made from the same material as teething toys, and are perfectly safe for baby to chew on, plus they look good.
Giving diapers is a cliche because they are so useful everyone does it. However, this present doesn't have to be boring. Many companies now sell diaper "bouquets", where diapers, washcloths or clothes are shaped like bunches of flowers. People can also buy "cupcakes" and "sundaes" made from diapers. A showcase diaper cake can also be made at home. Try to get bigger sizes than the baby needs at the time, so he or she will be able to wear them later on.
A sweet and practical present might be a teddy or other soft toy that simulates the heartbeat of the mother. This could have a calming effect on a new baby who misses the environment of the womb. A soft toy with a heart beat sound can be purchased from a teddy bear making store such as Build-A-Bear, as well as other toy stores. Another option is to purchase a sound chip and sew a personalized stuffed toy, inserting a recording of the real mother’s heartbeat inside it.
Fanciful Presents for a Newborn
A sapling is a beautiful and meaningful gift for a new child, particularly if the species of tree is chosen with care. A tree that he or she might be able to eat the fruit from one day, or native tree of the area are the best choices, and many companies offer young trees packaged specifically in celebration of new babies.
The president of the USA, if requested, will write to a newborn US citizen congratulating them on their birth (or adoption). The leaders of several other countries will also do this, and details should be listed on administrative websites. An official letter with the signature of the relevant leader would be a priceless memento for a baby book, however this present needs to be ordered in advance.
A thoughtful and unusual present might be the gift of a voucher for Kiva. When a gift certificate is purchased from Kiva, the recipient can choose whom to lend the money to from a database of potential individuals and groups. The money is only borrowed, and is gradually repaid, and can be loaned again and again. While the parents of the newborn would be lending the money originally, eventually the child would be able to do so as well, making it an enduring gift for the whole family.
Personal and practical gifts are best when giving to new parents, as they will reflect the time and thought put into them. Giving unique presents will ensure that there is no overlap with other gift givers, leading to a glut of a particular type of gift. It should also be kept in mind that the best gift will always be an offer of help and support.
Rachel Sawaya - Rachel Sawaya is a freelance writer from New Zealand (who also has US citizenship), and currently lives in Auckland, the big smoke of New ...
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