I always knew that this Little Person in our lives would bring with her a lot of things - a cot bed, a pram, a car seat, a moses basket - but I never realised the amount of things other people would give us.
Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely grateful for everything we received, but I'm just not sure what I'm meant to do with 15 fleece blankets, 42 vests and 31 soft toys...
Before the Little One arrived, whenever a friend or relative had a baby, I made my way to M&S, bought a beautiful soft blanket and a pack of babygros. Never again.
After receiving way too much stuff, I have learnt a valuable lesson. Let the New Mum decide on what she wants or needs. A voucher or gift card is not a thoughtless gift. Chances are, she has already bought too many things as she 'nests' before the birth, and so won't need another blanket, vest or babygro.
Let the New Mum choose how she wants to dress the New Arrival, and allow her the joy of buying impractical but pretty dresses without spending a penny.
Or, if you're not keen on giving a gift card, why not try one of these - just make sure to buy them in a shop that's easy for the New Mum to get to, so she can exchange them if she receives duplicate gifts.
Baby Milestone Cards
Something fun for the New Mum when she's getting used to her new life, and probably not something she's already bought as it's not usually on any baby list.
Handprint and footprint kit
Another fun thing that she might not have bought, but will be something lovely to keep.
Whiteboard
A little random, but priceless in those first few weeks when you're trying to remember the last time the Little One had a feed. I use an app by now, but found this really useful when the Other Half was home and we both needed to see the information.
And if you want to get the New Parents something, food, box sets and magazine subscriptions are also great gifts for those first few weeks of parenthood.
Photos:
