Gift for a newborn

Posted by Nicher (50 days ago)

Hi all, any idea what to give as a gift to a newborn baby boy? Budget around 1K. We want to avoid clothes, toys... something really practical and nice. Any ideas? Thanks!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Tags baby, newborn, gift

Posted by neenib (50 days ago)

You could buy one of those hampers with creams, ie., mustela brands, they are lovely although rather pricey. Or else just buy bits and pieces of practical things like bath themometer, little nail clippers, bath oil, creams and it's also nice to throw in a nice cream or two for mum. That is the sort of thing i received that i really liked. Maybe pop in a little blue throwrug and teddy to pretty it up. Definately throw in a packet of nappies and some wipes!! A must and always will be used, just check what brand she uses.

Or even a gift voucher which may seem a little impersonal, but it's certainly practical and then your friend can buy whatever she wants/needs.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by joshmomm (50 days ago)

Sponsor the family for a Baby Signs® Parent Workshop! Very unique AND it's going to be a gift that goes beyond babyhood, as the benefits last a lifetime. :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ap001 (50 days ago)

perhaps a fashionable chair; I don't know if they do gift packaging but you could ask;
http://www.j4kid.com

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by axptguy38 (50 days ago)

A non fashionable chair like Stokke Tripp Trapp that will work from 12 months to adulthood perhaps?

Anyway you are wise not to give clothes or toys, especially small sizes. We exchanged soooo much stuff. Our #1 is still using gift stuff in the 2-4 year range.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldsllvn (49 days ago)

i would ask the parent if there is anything they are still missing? As a parent myself I am all for practical things! Only people without children normally end up buying cashmere blankets for newborns! Absolutely gorgeous and absolutely useless...

Ask them, someone gave me cot bumpers which i found very useful but a really nice little thing too - B2B have them i think - so the baby's head is not against the cot railings - there are some pretty ones out there - check out the Mamas and Papas web in UK - i think that is what B2B has here... Also things like cot mobiles, baby gym, a little Babybjorn bouncy chair etc - all good

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sashimi Girl (49 days ago)

what about a phillip starke baby bouncer?! totally ridiculous, expensive and unnecessary but your gift would definitely stand out! bumps to babes has them (??!!!)
seriously though, the best gifts we received were vouchers to baby stores. it's not very personal or sentimental but they were definitely our favourite gifts!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Wheelymate (49 days ago)

gift vouchers for baby stores if not, what i did with my brother-in-law was i emailed them a list of stuff they might want to consider for a new baby and said that we would buy something for them off that list. they picked the baby monitor, easy enough!

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by honeypie (49 days ago)

Hi Nicher,

How are you? i won't get essentials as the parent might have it already.

What about Grobag (you can buy different togs) or Braun electric mixer?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Nicher (49 days ago)

Thanks all for your brilliant ideas. I appreciate all!

Honestly, as a parent myself, of course I'd like to receive something practical too, but I would at the same time hope for something more personal that are nice surprises. So I think I probably won't go for coupons for this friend of mine. She is having her #2, so she already has lots of hand me down clothes or essentials.

One of the items I thought about is a nursing apron. Does anyone know anywhere I can order one apart from gracemama or modestmommy? Somewhere in Asia? Or is there any shop selling it in Hong Kong?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (49 days ago)

A nursing stool was one of those oddball things we bought that was unexpectedly useful. It's slightly tilted and really comfortable for the feet when nursing or bottle feeding.

With a newborn, you will also need plenty of onesies/singlets and washcloths.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ruth in Canada (44 days ago)

I think it's important to get some pampering stuff(like a SPA basket) for the new mother, some chocolate or licorice cigars for the new daddy, and bring around meals and muffins.
Gift certificates, a book about babies like The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears, and perhaps an offer to clean their place for them.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by axptguy38 (44 days ago)

"The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears, "

Not to derail the thread but I find this book pretty boring. Like a schoolbook. My tip would be Penelope Leach "Your Baby and Child" for mommy and Dr. Spock "Baby and Child Care" for daddy (daddies have shorter attention spans).

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ldsllvn (43 days ago)

not to derail again - but what is a nursing apron?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by crystal88 (42 days ago)

a cover that looks like an apron if you are breastfeeding. Easy to hang on your neck and looks presentable.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by NZlawyergirl (42 days ago)

A friend of a friend sells the breastfeeding drapes in Hong Kong. They are fantastic for discrete feeding on the plane or in public. Better than trying to balance a muslin over the babies head. I have one - it ties around your neck and it has a hoop of metal at the top so that you can look down and see the baby feeding but no-one else can. I will see if I can get contact details and post here.

(I am based in Hong Kong)