Gift Ideas for New Parents

Hilarious illustration by Lucy Scott

It’s been one year since I’ve written a blog post.  WOW.  Between two children, work, and a new baby on the way life has been all over the place (in a good way!). 
 
A friend in contacted me back in the fall and said, “My friends just had a new baby.  I want to get them something but have no idea what.  What would you suggest?”  I got to thinking about it and decided to make up a list of options for her—things that I would appreciate as a parent to a new baby.  And no, these items have nothing to do with baby but are thoughtful gestures to folks who are transitioning into their new roles as mom or dad.
 
Take a peek and let me know what you think!  If you’ve got something to add, please feel free to post in the ‘Comments’ section below. J
 

1. Postpartum support
   I cannot stress how invaluable this help can be.  Someone who can help with basic baby care, listen to new parents’ frustrations, carry out light household organization, help with meal prep, running errands, etc.  It’s always nice to have an extra set of hands to help with practical matters but professional support can also connect new parents to local resources such as breastfeeding support,  therapists, play groups, and the like.
2. Cleaning services
   Some people hate cleaning; I, on the other hand, love it.  It gives me an outlet when I’m experiencing stress and anxiety.  When I had a new baby, it made me feel somewhat sane in the postpartum period.  I craved doing other things besides caring for baby from time to time.  Hiring professional cleaning help can help ease the everyday stress of dishes, laundry, etc.  It also feels really good coming home to a clean house.    
3. Meal delivery
   Bringing food to a growing family can be such a comfort and relief.  A meal train is a great tool for the postpartum period.  If the family doesn’t have one set up, ask about gift certificates to their favorite restaurants.  You could even check in about where they shop for groceries as most stores now have options like ClickList- providing the new family with a grocery gift card would be such a treat! 
4. Snacks
   Speaking of food, help the new parents stock up on some of their favorite stuff.  Fresh produce, drinks, foods to freeze for later, etc.  A gift basket full of all of their favorite things to munch on is a simple yet thoughtful gift idea.
5. Couple’s massage
   Most people neglect self-care for many reasons, one of the biggest being that they don’t have the time or money to splurge on themselves.  NEW PARENTS NEED SELF-CARE.  Buying them a couple’s massage forces them to get out of the house sans baby and relax for an hour.  Just do it.  They will thank you. 
6. Kitchen appliances
   I know this one sounds weird but hear me out:  My coffee pot broke about 2 weeks into the postpartum period with my first-born.  I complained about it on social media.  Next thing I know, a coffee maker is on my front porch with a sweet note from a friend.  COFFEE MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER.  Other ideas would be an instapot or crockpot to make mealtime easier. 
7.  Streaming subscription
   Almost everyone these days has Hulu or Netflix.  Streaming services allow new parents to feel semi-normal when they’re up in the middle of the night caring for baby.  I cannot tell you how many shows I binge watched with a newborn in the house.  Buying new parents gift cards for this type of thing (or maybe even signing them up for Amazon Prime) would be super considerate and beneficial.  
8. Lounge wear
   It’s not uncommon for parents to purchase their kids a ton of clothes but still be wearing the same pajamas from 2012.  If you know mom and/or dad’s style, buy them some new lounge pants so they can feel comfy at home while caring for baby.  Not to mention babies are messy and parents may find themselves changing often because of spit up, pee, poop, breast milk, etc.  Having some extra comfies around the house may make for more laundry but can definitely make life with a newborn a bit easier.
   
   That’s it.  Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.