Baby gifts - what's the best present you got?

[ihearthuckabees]

My neighbour's daughter has just had her first baby, and I'd like to buy a gift, but I am struggling to remember what I found useful in those early months. She's probably been given lots of clothes/cuddly toys etc, as this always happens.

Can anyone tell me what they found most useful. (not sure if she's breast feeding or not).

Any suggestions (budget around £20). Thanks

[notcitrus]

Grobags or blankets.
Although during the first month I thought a huge box of alcoholic Hotel Chocolat chocs was the best prezzie!

[tummytickler]

Definately a grobag - i never even considered one, i thought it might be one of those things that is a big hype over nothing (like the Bumbo), but when i was given one i realised i could never do without one!
Also one friend bout dc something tiny (a hat) and gave me a big basket of goodies from Lush which was really wonderful as the baby gets HEAPS of stuff, it was nice to get something special for me.

[ihearthuckabees]

Thanks all. Grobag sounds like a good idea, especially given the cold Scottish summers we have here!

LOL at the chocolates!

[ihearthuckabees]

oops, sorry apostrophe, didn't mean to imply that your idea wasn't good. (I still have a couple of DS's baby plates, which make me nostalgic for the old days, so will also look out for a cute dinner set)

[HaventSleptForAYear]

Yes grobags and plates/cutlery.

Although we appreciated the plates more with DS2 because we knew they would be useful.

With DS1 we were quite taken with all the cute outfits because I didn't buy ANY baby clothes

A nice baby book (ie for the baby) will be usable surprising early too.

[LetThemEatCake]

people who came over with homemade freezer meals are people for whom I feel a deep and enduring love!!!

Just could not be arsed to cook, but was STARVING - and of course wanted to make sure that I was getting all of the right nutrients etc - did not want to resort to takeaway or ready meals - so to be able to go to the freezer and defrost a casserole or stew was bloody magic.

£20 Starbucks voucher sent in the post from friend who lives further afield was also much appreciated LOL!!

[pranma]

A 'black and white'baby book[Amazon]babies love them from a very early age[6weeks]

[Janimum]

I like to buy a newspaper on the day that they were born and also the single that was at number one in the week that they were born. I did also buy a small tree for the garden for one friend so as he grew, so would the tree

[Gemzooks]

Something for the mother. I got loads of stuff for baby but nice to get something pampering for you.

Also HIGHLY second Letthemeatcake's suggestion about home made freezer meals, that was the single most amazing thing we were given. You need it so much! She will love you for ever!

[lowrib]

A really nice blanket woudl be a lovely gift.

Or, my DS is fascinated by this toy

You can't see in the picture but it had stripy feet, which he loves looking at. It also has a teething ring, and a loop so you can attach it to yout buggy.

It was the first object I noticed him consciously reaching for (and later the first object he managed to get into his mouth!)

[lucamom]

I second that Lowrib - Hoopy Loopy! I was given the giraffe mentioned/linked in the previous post before I had my son and now my 2nd son has inherited it. Very well loved and all pregnant friends since have had one (John Lewis do the range too).

Best things for me were the meals (Mom used to drop things like lasagne/cottage pie off with a crusty loaf or bag of salad so just a re-heat job), and my sister brought a huge basket she'd filled herself with Millie's cookies/muffins, chocolate and yummy things. In the very early days you want tasty treats, especially if b/f! Regretting it now though.....!

I have a pregnant friend and thought about doing her a 'weaning' set - hand blender, weaning book, pots, spoons etc. Although they won't use it for months, by the time weaning comes along you often want advice from other Moms on what works best (I bought 4 different packs of spoons before a friend recommended the best shaped ones for little mouths!).

[lobsters]

I loved the Classic FM for Babies cd I got. I was dubious when I opened it, but tried the sleeping CD, and don't think it's been out of the CD player since, it sometimes works for DD, and otherwise I find it quite calming as well, and I'm not a big classical music fan. Track 7 has amazing qualities when DD is on the cusp of sleep and fighting it. I've been known to put it on loop.

Grobags are also great, I got some blankets as well and didn't find them particularly useful.

Otherwise very large tin of chocolate biscuits would be fab, possibly flowers also, I know some people get loads, but I didn't get sent any and was gutted about it.

[mrswill]

Grobag, or a nightlight and music mobile thing, that projects pictures on the ceiling and has lullabies playing. Best of luckx

[theressomethingaboutmarie]

I got a tin of goodies from the Beverly Hills Bakery. Damn those cakes were good!!

[Dophus]

I wasn't so fussed ont he useful stuff - I etiehr had it all or it didn't match. I really appreciated a silver bith certificate holder (tube). It was a bit different, not too naff and can be kept.

Alternatively I ddin't get anyting 'for me'. I would ahve loved a massage or pedicure voucher, champagene or chocs. I did get loads of flowers first time and whilst appreciated them found them a waste.

[llareggub]

Hand cream was a definite favourite for me. I was washing hands and sterlising breast pump stuff so often my hands were a wreck.

[GinaTonic]

I loved anything that wasn't clothes, which were lovely, but don't last long; and there's only so many pairs of 0-3m baby jeans you need (none-thank goodness for the generous Next returns policy!)
The best things were practical like the turtle night light that he stares at before going to sleep and provides just enough light for night feeds.
Another vote here for easy to eat one handed with a spoon casseroles or a tray of brownies here too!
What a nice thoughtful neighbour you are!

[CherryChoc]

I got some lovely green & black's chocolate which I mostly scoffed during night feeds - but food is definitely a winner. DH's brother kept popping in with M&S ready meals which were nice.

[Ohforfoxsake]

Dinner for us and she offered to change the sheets on my bed.