What was the best post-baby present you received?

[missblythe]

Friend has just had her 2nd DC, so has all the essentials-although this one is a DS, 1st was a DD.

What can I buy?

What shouldn't I buy?

Something for her? Or the baby?

I prefer gifts for the baby.

Just trying to think what I really liked for my second child.

What about a print or a picture for the baby's bedroom?

Daisy Roots shoes are very cute, maybe in a 6 - 12 months size?

gin
cake
chocolate
casseroles for the freezer
offers of babysitting and/or to her dd on an exciting day out

and a stripey blue romper or something equally boyish for the new baby

A lovely wooden box for all the special bits.

oh and DO take a little something for the older child, even just a comic

Definitely a voucher for the local beauty salon - had a facial and fell asleep in the blissfully quiet and adult surroundings! I think something for her, whatever it is, would be good imo, just because I felt I was losing 'myself' in the onslaught of childcare! I can't be the only one...

I recieved an imprint set when dd was 7 days old, dh took imprints of her hand and foot. I really loved as its something so special to keep. Really thoughtful gift.

Also, don't forget poor old mum,everyone's thinking of baby, nice chocolates or a little treat.

What would be REALLY nice if you brought a little something for dd if she's old enough, so she doesn't feel left out.

But then you might turn up looking like santa so maybe I'm getting carried away!

baby feeding wheel as recommended in the mn review bit!

like the idea of gin! (maybe some of those ready mixed G&T cans for an instant hit )

I must confess I hate those feed wheels

doesn't matter when you last fed them - if they're hungry feed 'em again

(NB second timers are much more jaded when it comes to 'special little things to keep' as they have a house full of crap from the first one already)

Ah, well I was one of those 'keep some semblance of sanity by writing stuff down' kind of people

at least with the second being a boy, you can buy some new clothes- I find it difficult when the 2 children are the same sex because I assume clothes will be re-used, but I suppose it's always nice for new baby to have some new clothes.

I had a lovely tin of muffins/brownies/cup cakes when I had my 1st DC. They were v much appreciated. Came with a little bear (so something to keep) and in a large tin that I still use. It was great to have something for the visitors too.

I haven't ever bought these for anyone but I do sometimes make some cakes if a good friend has had a baby and give a separate baby gift as well.

The most practical present I received was from my auntie - it was a Chicco 'Mama' highchair which stayed in its box for 6 mths - now it's being used by child no.2 4 yrs later. Another relative bought us a Bumbo but if you're on a budget, a pair of leather baby shoes would definitely be appreciated. Agree with another poster - buy 6-12 mths for the crawling/pre-walking stage.

Or offer to whisk her DD off for the afternoon and give her a treat and some peace for your friend - two birds with one stone! I also made a very decadent chocolate and hazelnut cake for a new mum (think it was Nigel Slater) which was NOT for children and could be shared with favoured visitors.

Cake and/or wine.

Offer to take older child off hands for an hour or two.

I am just about to have dc2 and would most appreciate:

offer of taking ds out for the day
meal for the freezer
supermarket vouchers (price of food horrific as we all know)
something luxurious for me

the baby needs eff all right now, let's face it
the other members of the family need LOTS of treats and practical help

i would have really appreciated someone taking dd2 out (between feeds obviously so just briefly) for a walk or something so i could spend a ittle bit of time just with dd1 who i kind of 'missed' in those early weeks as everyone offered to take her out but not her little sister! people coming over and making a meal and emptying the dishwasher- even 8 weeks in really really helped me

the best present anyone bought me was a basket filled with ripe, stinky, unpasteurised cheese and delicious pate with some crackers! We just sat and pigged out while poor 3 day old ds lay on the sofa next to me, neglected in favour of stinky cheese and pate!

I would have loved some spoiling just after second DC was born!

Food, then, plus something for their DD, it seems is the answer.

There's a lovely local catering company that does scrummy homemade meals for the freezer, will get them to put together a week's worth, plus a bottle of Champagne, and deliver it.

Will make some Nigella brownies to take when I get invited for my first viewing visit too.

Thanks so much everyone.

will you be my friend too missblythe?

p.s. I don't like champagne but chocolate truffles are quite acceptable

Of course