Birthday present for young mom?

[daner94]

Hi everyone! Next week is the 31st birthday of a new, but very dear friend of mine. She has a 2 1/2 year old and an 8 month old and she is a stay at home mom.

She has mentioned frequently that she would like to go to a fancy salon to get her hair done, or get a mani/pedi, but when her husband offers to drop her off to do it, she changes her mind.

My question to all of you out there is, got any suggestions as to what to get her? Or, what nice gifts have you all gotten from friends when you had small children at home and your world revolves around them? She and her husband love to cook, but they have every gadget they need. (He and I work together and he is an executive chef)
I know this is totally random but there has been so much good info passed along here, I thought someone would have a good suggestion for me!

TIA,
Dana

[kwormann]

Well, if she loses her nerve everytime, how 'bout spa at home? Maybe a facial machine, or a nail kit....or offer to babysit while she goes!

Kim

[BlueMoose]

I'm a 32 year old stay at home mom with a 3 1/2 year old and a 6 month old. Just got a massage for myself last week. I cannot rave about it enough! It was so relaxing, only takes an hour, and I have felt so much better since then. I needed it after lugging an 18 lb butterball around! I can't wait for my next one next week. Get her a gift certificate for one. She will love you forever!

[melissadh]

this is along the same idea of a mani/pedi, but how about a day or half day at a local spa. She may enjoy a facial and massage to help relax.

[clairea]

I am the SAHM of a 3 1/2 year old and a 13 month old. I would also suggest a spa gift certificate. Like your friend, I usually cancel appointments that I make for myself, but was given a gift certificate one time and for some reason that made it easier for me to use. Depending on what you want to spend, maybe even consider paying for a sitter so she can go during the week.

In general, as much as I love my kids, I really like getting gifts that are just about me and not about "me, the mom." Does she have any other interests that she might not have a lot of time/money to indulge right now? A gift certificate to a store that caters to her interest (eg, a garden center if she likes to garden, a bookstore if she likes to read . . .) would also probably be appreciated.

Good luck. You are really thoughtful for putting so much consideration into her gift.

[Susan]

Here's a totally different idea than what has been suggested so far...how about a subscription to "Welcome Home" magazine? It's a wonderful publication for SAHMs. I've been s subscriber for several years. Take a peak at their web site: http://www.mah.org

~~Susan~~

[SandyM]

How about making up a gift basket with things from Bath & Body Works? I am addicted to their Creamy Body Wash (Cotton Fields is my favorite scent this month http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif ); they have beautiful candles, antibacterial soaps in a variety of scents, and home spa items.

How thoughtful of you!!

[daner94]

Thanks y'all! You had some great ideas.

I especially liked the massage idea, I should get one for myself too, huh! My shoulders get all cramped reading bb's and not doing my work! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[daner94]

Thanks y'all! You had some great ideas.

I especially liked the massage idea, I should get one for myself too, huh! My shoulders get all cramped reading bb's and not doing my work! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[schuh]

I'm an at-home mom. I remember that in the early days I had no money for myself (going down to one income) nor time to shop. If she hasn't gone for a pampering ritual when her husband offers, she probably won't go if you give her such a gift. This is a totally different suggestion, but a nice shirt or sweater or piece of jewelry would probably be appreciated. When a friend had her second baby, I gave her a casual shirt in a pretty color, just because the moms don't usually get gifts for themselves. She seemed to like that. Just a different thought.

[lorilei]

How about dropping off a basket with teas, a book or some magazines, and a few other little luxury items... and a certificate offering a babysitter anytime she just needs to "get away".

I think the thought of this gift is really what counts -- and it gives her the freedom to decide when she feels comfortable leaving her children behind for a couple of hours!

[Chef Cindy]

Hi Dana, I suggest giving her a personal chef or if that is out of the question, bring over a few meals that she can store in the fridge and the freezer or offer to cook her dinner once a week for a month. Time is something no one ever has enough of especially new moms. With a few extra hours on her hands she will be so greatful and will think of you warmly everytime she sticks a premade meal in the oven.

[This message has been edited by Chef Cindy (edited 04-27-2001).]

[CheerLiz]

If she balks at going to the spa alone, amybe she's just nervous! It's so hard to walk into such beautiful places where all these beautiful people work. Why not get her a gift certificate for a pedicure and then make an appointment for BOTH of you to go? It's great uninterrupted giggle-time, and you'd benefit from it, too.

Sometimes the best gift a friend can give is the gift of her time...and this would be a great two-fer!