gift box for new mum

[K8eee]

a friend of mine is due within the next few weeks but I want to buy her some bits not just for the baby,but also for her and maybe a little something for the dad.

I'm after the little useful, or much needed things after having a baby. I'm pg with my second dc but can't really think what to get her

[Topsy34]

I did something similar for a friend, and went with useful things, treats and a few baby bits. I think i put these in:

• fennel tea (meant to increase milk supply)
  
• lactation cookies (homemade)
  
• flapjacks (homemade)
  
• a tray
  
• a new mug
  
• a couple of packets of biscuits
  
• a pack of face and hand wipes
  
• a couple of muslins
  
• a pack of funsize chocolates
  
• baby bum cream
  
• lip balm
  

And then i made some vouchers, things like this voucher entitles you to me vacumming the house, or baby cuddles while you have a bath, or a great big hug

[KatyN]

I'd buy a couple of magazines, maybe a box set for the telly. She'll be awake a lot in the night alone and it's pretty freakin boring! Also she won't get much time to read except a swift magazine article.

[Topsy34]

Great idea with magazines! Or maybe short story novels?

[K8eee]

Maybe some bubble bath too? I remember being desperate for a soak in the bath

[K8eee]

and a nice Yankee candle?

[Cornberry]

Sorry to crash this thread but topsy what are lactation cookies??

[K8eee]

cornberry, I just googled them and apparently they help with milk production

[Topsy34]

Cornberry, yes, they are meant to help with milk supply and they are bloody good! I usually drizzle a little meled chocolate over once baked or stir in choc chips to the batter

www.justbreastfeeding.com/low-milk-supply/lactation-cookies-increase/

[Cornberry]

Ah yes, Google. I could have just done that... Thanks :)

[avocadotoast]

Practical stuff. My friends gave us a basket that had (among other things) wipes and muslin squares.

Decent breast pads (Lansinoh) if she's going to be breastfeeding.

One of my other friends got us some really decent coffee, that was wonderful.

I'd actually advise against bubble baths etc because if she has a tear or episiotomy she won't be able to use them for a while. Lavender essential oil could be a better bet; she can use it for healing if she needs it and if not it's nice and relaxing.

Oh, and these: craftedsisterhood.com/crafted-sisterhood-self-care-week-day-4-ice-cold-nunnies

[Solasum]

Slippers and dressing gown.

[PaulineFossil]

Handcream - much needed with all the hand washing.
Chocolate, cake, biscuits.
Voucher for a coffee shop if she live in walking distance of one.
Decent drink bottle that won't leak and can be easily opened with one hand.

[loolah83]

What a lovely idea, OP!!

[Duckdeamon]

Lots of people dislike receiving toiletries and scented candles so would avoid those unless you know what she likes.

She is likely to get the baby, personal and practical stuff (nipple cream, muslins) herself.

I vote for magazine(s) and edibles!

My cousin (who has three DC) gave me a notebook and a pretty one of those square sticky note blocks for all the lists and things I'd forget! Came in useful.

[Duckdeamon]

Aladdin drink bottles are nice.

[WendyTorrance]

I was going to suggest lavender essential oil to but avocado beat me to it! I used it in the bath to help with a swollen perineum. 'Twas fab, worked wonders!

[umiaisha]

I would avoid anything breastfeeding related as could upset her if it doesn't work out.

I love the voucher for a coffee shop though!

I got a bag full of thoughtful bits from one of the mums at school when I had dc3. Green and blacks chocolate, neals yard hand cream, posh bubble bath for dd, sweets for the kids and a Sophie rattle. Was touched at how thoughtful it was, Especially as I hardly knew her.

[mrsnec]

I agree no to bf stuff. Dvd box set is an excellent idea. Very handy for night feeds. Anything coffee related too be it nice things for home or coffee shop voucher.

It's all a lovely idea. Nobody bought anything for me apart from flowers.

[K8eee]

I know she's a lover of a nice soak in the bath and candles. may just have to pre warn her that she's got to avoid highly scented bath stuff for a while.

reckon there's just something small I could get the dad so he doesn't feel left out?

[umiaisha]

I would love the bath soak, stitches or not

Maybe a big bar of nice chocolate for dad??

[Catsgowoof]

I'd like

-Amazon voucher so I can get kindle books (easy to read one handed)
-Heathyish snacks nuts, dried fruit etc, graze subscription would be great
-Posh ready meals etc (provided you know what I like to eat and understand dietary requirements)
-Flowers
-Something unnecessarily luxurious, a posh baby blanket, pack of really fancy muslins, gourmet chocolate...
-You to come visit tell me how cute the baby is and not outstay your welcome. I don't expect guests to do housework but making your own drink and bringing the biscuits through would be appreciated.

Now just to leave this thread open somewhere prominent...

[Rufus200]

Achica are selling Aden and Anais at 50% off ends today. Finishes today. Get 4 Dino Muslins/Swaddles RRP £45 for £25, then get £10 off with code, so £15.

I will be cheeky and put my referral code on. If you aren't already registered with Achica it gets you £10 off your 1st order.

//www.achica.com/1067915/ClareR

[avocadotoast]

Ooh Graze subscription is a great idea!

[K8eee]

I'm thinking little bits that I can pop into the box I'm making up with the baby stuff I've spoken to her mum and she's agreed with the bubble bath and candles. maybe some lindt chocolate too any helpful little things for her after having the baby...its not even that long since I had dd but I can't really remember!

[cearstaidh]

I would love to get vouchers to get photos or a photoboox printed. I'm really bad for taking loads of pictures but never getting them printed but if I had a voucher I'd definitely get some done!