Is this a cute gift idea, or just naff?

[EoinMcLovesCakeJumper]

I was in our local sell-everything shop today, when I saw some of those plasticised aprons in a variety of patterns, in normal adult sizes and half-sized ones for children. I immediately thought of my best friend, who is very into baking and crafts, and her little girl. How sweet, I thought. I could get matching aprons for them for Christmas, and they can wear them when they bake together and do painting.

I've given it second thoughts now and I'm concerned that it's just a bit naff and weird. I have always tried to get presents that reflect the things my friend likes, not just her role as a mother, so it would be a different kind of gift altogether. As well as that, I know my friend has been struggling recently because her daughter is going through a major Daddy phase, and she never seems to want her mum, and I think she finds the rejection difficult. I just wonder if matching presents would be like rubbing salt into the wound? Or am I, as is my wont, majorly overthinking this?

I haven't bought the aprons yet, btw, so nothing is at stake!

You’re overthinking it sounds cute

Oh I think that would be a lovely gift. Could you stretch to a few baking items too (measuring cups, spoons etc?) Or get a grown up one fur daddy too so it's a full family gift?

If they bake then get it who cares if it is "naff" it isn't bet your friend and her dd love them

Sounds nice, I would possibly add a selection of baking stuff, even if it's a £1 cupcake set.

Yes if you can get some baking bits or maybe a book.

How old is the daughter? Could get her a mug cakes book if old enough.

You sound lovely OP and without the context I'd say it sounds a very normal and sweet gift. However in all honesty I would be thinking what you're thinking (though I am also an overthinker) I wouldn't want to highlight anything emotionally difficult for her unnecessarily or suck the joy out of a gift. Imagine of the child asked where daddies was etc.

I'd still get my friend a normal 'adults' gift and gift the aprons to the daughter perhaps, so there is less focus on it all and it becomes more a thoughtful bit of fun. Depends how expensive they are though I suppose! If they're pricey and the budget is lower then maybe it isn't worth it or could be something for a future gift.

I think it’s a lovely idea, maybe get a kids baking book to go with it.

The daughter is nearly 3, so when I say they bake together, I mean my friend does the baking and the little girl just mashes the mixture with a wooden spoon before it goes into the tin. She's a bit young for books and things yet.

I think the point about leaving Daddy out is a good one - it might come across as thoughtless. I think I might just get the little apron for the daughter and get something different for my friend that's just for her.

It’s a great present, I’ve done a baking basket for my friends little ones who have all the toys in the world - personalised aprons, a mini rolling pin and a wooden spoon each and then I had a personalised tin made and popped some cake sprinkles and chocolate chips into it.

It’s cute. DS and I had some when he was little. Lakeland used to sell kid sized baking tools too - I Can Cook brand I think.

I think it's cute and could help reinforce the mother-daughter bond for the little one. My 5 yo would love it!

Definitely buy for both.

Brilliant idea! If you can afford it then defiantly add a few baking bits to it as well

defiantly add a few baking bits to it as well

Yeah, that will show them

Yeah, that will show them

Thanks all - I think it would be a case of either having to get them for the whole family or just getting one for the little girl. I don't buy for my friend's husband beyond wine and chocolate, so it would look a bit odd if I started now. So I am just going to get a mini apron and some craft stuff for the daughter. I have "done" baking equipment for my friend many times over the years and she has a vast library of recipe books so I'm not confident that I could pick something out that she doesn't already have.

I'd go the other way, but obviously you know your friend better than I do. I'd think that it would help the relationship, daughter would want to bake with her DM and be 'just like mummy'.

I think it sounds a bit naff sorry. It’s a bit 1950’s.

You sound a lovely friend though OP. She is lucky to have you.

The three ingredient baking book is quite fun

I think it sounds cute and if their relationship is struggling a little bit then a joint bonding gift that encourages them to spend time together is an excellent plan.