New Mom Gift Question

[Peeps]

A close friend of mine just had a baby and I want to send a gift basket but I want to include gifts that are more for the mom and dad then for the baby. I'm sure they'll be getting tons of baby gifts (and I've already given her several during her pregnancy) so I thought it might be nice to get something that the parents could really appreciate. Any ideas? I was thinking maybe some homemade brownies for the dad and maybe some baby magazines for the mom but I don't really know - I'd like it to be stuff they'd enjoy or could use. I have to mail it so it can't be anything too perishable.
Thanks for any suggestions!

[MrsReber]

Hi! I really enjoyed getting baby magazines around the time of my baby's birth. They're interesting to read since new parents have tons of questions. If she doesn't already have it, I'd highly recommend "What to Excpect The First Year". I consult that book alot myself. What dad wouldn't love brownies?? Especially since mom won't have time to bake any!

I don't know about mailing food, but I'm sure meals would be greatly appreciated. I would've loved more help with cooking. We bought a bunch of omaha steaks, burgers, and stuff for easy grilling. They have some very good prepared foods as well.

Or, some nice bath & shower stuff for mom. I always like that stuff!! Hope this helps!

Susan

[clairea]

Originally posted by MrsReber
Or, some nice bath & shower stuff for mom. I always like that stuff!! Hope this helps!

Susan

I second this suggestion! I was given some very nice scented shower gel, lotion and body mist after my first baby was born, and really enjoyed it. Let's just say that in the first days and weeks after giving birth, you frequently feel "less than fresh," and having some nice (and nice-smelling) products to use made me feel a lot better! Also, if you don't live close by so can't take food yourself, gift certificates to a place that provides ready-made meals would certainly be appreciated.

Claire

[SusanT]

How about getting them a couple of visits from a Personal Chef?

[Peeps]

I was thinking of bath stuff for the mom but thought that might be too frou frou (like she won't have time to soak in the tub!) - I'm glad to hear it was a good idea, I'll definitely include some.
I think they'll be fine for meals - they have very large Italian families all living nearby who I'm sure will be supplying them with lots of great meals. But if I can ship some brownies or cookies I might try those.
Thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming!

[SueK]

Peeps- I agree with the others about the lotions, etc. My friend just had another baby and I got her a bag of shower and bath goodies. When she opened it she said "Wow- you're the first person that remembered me! So I felt glad that I had gotten those items for her.

I also got a small gift for her other child. I figured he probably felt left out with everyone oohing and aahing over the baby, and bringing baby gifts, and he was getting nothing! He got a kick out of getting a "big brother" gift.

[djoygirl]

Hi. I don't know how much you wanted to spend, but maybe a gift certificate for a cleaning service to come once. Maybe a few weeks after the baby arrives. Or if you know someone that lives near them who uses a housekeeper/maid, you could have them go over once. I'm sure that would be much appreciated.