how does this sound for a baby present of sorts for bil & his gf??

[lucysmam]

They're expecting their first baby (a girl) at the end of May. They have nothing so far other than 4 very cute but totally impractical outfits, a pack of wipes & a box of nappy bags.

They're both very useless with money as well.

So I thought it would be kinda nice & useful at the same time to get them stuff they're actually going to need rather than something random that's "nice" but won't be used iyswim?

My idea was a nice but fairly inexpensive change bag, a couple of packs of wipes, a couple of packs of nappies, some bottles, some nappy sacks, a pack of vests, pack of babygrows & pack of bibs. All nicely wrapped up but given to them once they have moved in next door to us (AAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!) so they have it ready to use

Any thoughts as to whether this would be a nice, appropriate gift? Or would it seem patronising maybe to buy them such obvious stuff?

Thanks

ooh, forgot to say, we are going to get them something for the baby when it arrives, just thoughtthis may be helpful

I always used to do a survival kit for 1st babies. Things that are useful and inexpensive, but parents don't realise they need them, until they really need them iyswim! Like a packet of sunwipes. If the baby is due in April, I bet they won't have though ahead to the summer, should we get one! All the things you say as well. A thermometre, a small pocket sized photo album.

Remember to get a couple of newspapers on the day baby is born too. That's a nice touch, I think.

Maureen, they're good ones. Will add to my list, thanks

My friend did me a basket full of practical things like infacol, nappy cream, first aid kit etc and bits like bibs and vests. I thought it was lovely, thoughtful and so very useful in those first few weeks when i realised i had no idea what i really needed! Ds still has basket in his bedroom for soft toys too

I was given something similar, lucysmam, a changing bag full of stuff, including first weaning stuff like baby spoons and little pots - things I wouldn't even have thought of when pregnant. It was the best new born gift I was given

I often do this for new mums for be.....also normally throw in a couple of treats...bubble bath, biscuits etc,

Im sure it will be appreciated. the last time I did it was for a close friend who had had another prem baby, so to have my bag was a godsend she said as she was at the hospital all day visiting.,

thank-you, I'm feeling better about it now!

Had expected to be told it would be patronising to get them stuff that to me seems really obvious that you need with a new baby

any one else any ideas of things they might have found useful that I've missed out?

Well, the ad running down the side of this thread may give you an idea! (Assuming you see the same as me - The Mumsnet Books!)

I do this for friends - they will get a million little outfits so I make up a pretty basket with:

wipes
nappies
vests
babygrows (just plain ones)
muslins
a snuggly blanket

Always goes down well!

lovely idea.....i'd have been thrilled to get that as a gift...

my only minor point would be to pop it in a basket, or non changing bag...my lovely friend got me a change bag, and i really wanted to choose my own to match the buggy [anal]

A friend of my MIL made up a lovely little boc of bits and bobs when I had DS - IIRC it had amongst other things,

thermometer
baby nail scissors
baby brush - just a normal one - not silver!
bibs

Was a lovely gift and I thought very thoughtful - especially as I didnt know the lady. I still use all the items in it - whilst most of the other newborn gifts are long gone.

Another thing I have thought of doing for new first time parents is the M & S meal for £10 - I would still buy for the baby but it would have been great in those first few days to have some decent ready prepared food in the house - we didnt know what had hit us!!

I was given a changing bag full of the things you list for dd1, it's a good present.

Sounds great, but be careful. If I'd received bottles I would have shoved them up your nose! Vests and babygros are the way to go. And muslins, never have enough muslins.

thanks cornedbeefpasty, not thought of that. She probably will since she's having apink leather buggy

wastingmyeducation, she's adamant she's bottle feeding & already knows which she wants to get so am going to get her some of those

fiesta, my budget probably doesn't stretch as far as M&S but I could rustle something up for them easily enough.

Tanks for the ideas ladies, much appreciated!