What makes the holiday season even more special? When a baby is on the way!
Whether the newborn has already arrived, or the stork is expected any day now, nothing makes the holidays more magical than the birth of a beautiful new baby girl or boy. But for loved ones, shopping for the proud new parents can be stressful:
Holiday shopping is already tricky. And these questions only compound the anxiety of trying to find something perfect, because it feels like there's more at stake.
Well, we're here to make it easier for you…
We've created this holiday gift guide to show you how simple it can be to choose the perfect gift for the new baby and his/her family. We all know the baby gift market can be overwhelming. There are millions of things to choose from. But with a little bit of homework, you can quickly narrow down your options and choose something special that everyone will love.
So, let's get started!
An important first step: Relax …
As the old saying goes, it's the thought that counts.
The new parents will love any gift from you, so don't stress too much. No need to overthink it. Regardless of how close you are to the recipient—whether it's your twin sister or a pregnant coworker—nobody is expecting you to spend a ton of money or time on a gift.
If you can wow them with something truly original, great. But if not, don't worry about it! Any gift will be appreciated.
And besides, once baby comes, the parents will have a lot more important things to think about than who got them which gifts.
That said, let's help you make the most of your holiday gift shopping…
Who are you shopping for?
Don't assume that every new parent wants the same thing. Each person in your life is different, of course. Each has different tastes and their babies are entering different life situations.
One of the first steps to finding the perfect gift is understanding the couple you're shopping for: not just your relationship to them (friends, family members, neighbors, coworkers, etc.), but what they actually like—and more importantly: what they need.
Here are some questions that will help guide you to unique baby gift ideas:
Wait! Do they have a gift registry already?
If the parents are having a baby shower—especially if it's their first child—chances are they have a gift registry already. If you're not sure, ask.
A gift registry is a list of items that the parents actually need and want. They've created it for a reason. Resist the urge to go "outside the box," thinking that the parents would appreciate something unique, or that the registry is too "boring." That's not how it works.
If you have children yourself, then you know how crucial the registry is!
There's nothing worse for parents when guests ignore their gift registries. When items on the list aren't purchased, it means the parents will be forced to buy them. So while a 10-piece set of baby bottles might not seem exciting to you, it's what the parents truly want.
Tips for choosing unique baby gifts
If there's no registry, you have more freedom to get the parents something more original.
Finding unique baby gifts can seem difficult at first, but it's easier when you know where to look.
Here are some simple tips to follow:
Fun DIY Stocking Stuffers
The great thing about a holiday baby is you have the opportunity to add a fun, festive spin to your gift-giving.
If you can't find anything unique in stores, why not put something together yourself? You don't have to be a master crafter to make something special. One simple DIY gift is a holiday stocking filled with the essentials every new parent needs.
What to stuff inside:
It's better to go with consumable items, because parents never have enough. And no, you don't have to put all of those items inside—just a few to fill it up.
The best thing about a holiday stocking is you don't have to wrap or decorate anything! Just fit the items neatly inside, and you've got a festive, unique baby gift that the parents will love. But if you do want to add a personal touch, you can always add the baby's name to the stocking: just write it with some glue and sprinkle glitter on top.
Safety concerns for baby
No talk of baby gifts is complete without addressing safety.
If you don't have kids, or it's been a while since you have, you may not be aware of all the safety concerns. There are too many to list here, but ultimately, you just need to be sure your gift is age appropriate.
Here are the most common areas where well-meaning family members go wrong:
Larger items parents need
In addition to the "small" necessities like burp cloths, parents will need to purchase several expensive items for their new baby. You can help them out a lot, financially, by buying these items for them.
Examples of these expensive items include:
Just as one example, a car seat from well-known brands can easily cost a few hundred dollars these days (and the parents will likely need to buy another in a couple years as the baby grows).
It all adds up.
Important warning: if you do plan to buy one of these items, be sure to confirm it with the parents first. They may already have it, or someone else may already be planning to buy it.
When in doubt, don't be afraid of the gift card
We know, we know … gift cards are "boring," especially during the holidays. But sometimes they're the perfect gift, especially for those with baby on the way!
The truth is, most parents can't even fathom all the things they'll need for baby's arrival. Once baby comes, the parents will be spending more and more every few months, especially on consumable items, like diapers. A little extra cash can go a long way.
If you can't find a unique baby gift, or don't have the time to search, go ahead and treat them to a gift card to their favorite places to shop. And if you're not sure which places those are? There's nothing wrong with cash either.
Remember: whatever you give, as long as it's thoughtful, will be appreciated by the parents.
Happy holidays and best of luck with your holiday shopping!
