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Choosing Baby Gifts - advice for non-parentsNew babies can be the most satisfying people in the world to buy gifts for. There are just so many cute baby gifts out there that it's all too easy to get carried away and convince yourself that you may as well welcome the new arrival in style, with everything from soft toys to personalised plates. For those who don't have children themselves, though, choosing a new baby gift can be something of a minefield. How do you know what the baby will need, or what the parents will most appreciate? By following this short guide… |
1. Wait until the baby is bornSome parents-to-be feel superstitious about the idea of buying clothes, toys or equipment for a new baby before it's actually here, so it could be a good idea to hold-off with the gift giving until the new arrival is announced. By waiting, you'll also be able to buy a gift appropriate to the baby's sex: things like keepsake boxes, for instance, tend to come in shades of pink or blue, although if you're buying before you know the baby's sex (and know that the parents are happy for you to do so), there are also some neutral versions available, too. |
2. Don't assume you know what the parents will needYou may think a bumper pack of disposable nappies will be the perfect, practical gift, but if the new parents have decided to use traditional cloth nappies instead, your money will have been wasted. Similarly, expensive baby equipment like cots, car seats and pushchairs are things that parents-to-be will spend a lot of time deliberating over, so they can be sure they're choosing the safest and most appropriate piece of equipment for their newborn, so if you want to help out with these kinds of purchases, always ask the parents first so that you know exactly what they need. Practical gifts like bibs and blankets, on the other hand, are always needed, and the baby won't grow out of them, either! |
3. Be careful with clothesSpeaking of growing out of things, this is a big consideration when buying clothes as gifts for a newborn. Babies grow much faster than you'd think, and while all of those cute little outfits for ages 0 - 3 months can look totally irresistible, remember that they won't last for long - and they'll be irresistible to everyone else in the baby's family, too, so consider buying clothing that's slightly bigger, which the baby may get more use out of. If you really want to buy something that will last forever, of course, forget clothing altogether and choose a sterling silver baby gift which can be both used now and kept as a keepsake for later. |
4. Personalise your baby giftsItems with their baby's name on them almost always go down well with new parents, and luckily there are no shortage of personalised baby gifts to choose from. From practical items such as fleece blankets with the baby's name embroidered on the side, to things they'll keep forever such as photo albums and engraved money boxes, a personalised baby gift shows you've put thought into your choice, and will always be appreciated. |
