9 alternate newborn gifts for parents who have everything
By Bec Senyard
One of the best things about being introduced to a friend’s new baby is having that first cuddle. The second best thing is giving a gift that will be used and welcomed by the new parents and baby. But what are good gifts for parents who have everything already?
I had a friend who recently had her 8th child and it prompted me to think outside the square on a possible gift that she wouldn’t have had already. It was that prompting which allowed me to put together this list of alternate newborn gift ideas for parents. Some are for the parents, some are for the baby and some are for the whole family to enjoy.
1. Subscription to Netflix
Mum will LOVE a subscription to Netflix as it will give her something to watch as she feeds baby in the wee hours of the morning and night. Alternatively, there are shows that will keep younger children entertained while mum tends to the new baby. A Netflix subscription is the gift that keeps on giving – to all members of the family.
2. A fruit tree for the backyard
When our third daughter was born, we had everything already. So one of my husband’s work colleagues gifted us an avocado tree. It’s been steadily growing in the backyard, but it was a much appreciated gift. A fruit tree like mandarin, lemon, lime or orange can make a welcome gift for families with multiple children. Think of the money saved supplying fruit for their lunchboxes!
3. A diffuser and essential oils
Essential oils are so popular right now with more and more people enjoying the benefits to their health and emotions. A diffuser with calming essential oils like lavender and beramot can be a welcome gift to promote a calmer home for everyone. A new baby can disrupt family routines, so gifting a family a diffuser and essential oils can help the transition be a calm one.
4. Cheese platter for mum to enjoy
Why not put together a celebratory cheese platter for the new mum to enjoy? This gift will be a welcome one for the foodie mum who missed eating soft cheese and deli meats during pregnancy. I got delivered one of these too after the birth of my third daughter and it went down a treat!
5. Gift certificate for name labels
If there are a few kids in the family already, the new baby will need to have their own belongings labelled. Purchasing a gift certificate for an online store that sells a personalised bag and labels is one less expense for mum and dad to fork out for.
6. Baby’s own feeding set
Dinner feeding sets are a great gift because they allow the child to make memories with their own plate and cup. Think Royal Doulton and Bunnykins sets.
7. Home cooked meal
No parents will say no to a home cooked meal. It’s one less thing for parents to do as they transition to home life with another person to care for. Consider the number of people when preparing the meal to ensure it feeds the whole family. To make things even more easier for the family, you could organise a roster where different meals are delivered each day for two weeks after the birth so the family don’t have to worry about dinners for a few weeks.
8. Coin collection in the baby’s birth year
A coin collection in the baby’s birth year is a traditional gift and something that can mark the arrival of a newborn. It can serve as a memento of the year baby was born and will increase in value as the child grows.
9. Gift vouchers
Gift vouchers may not feel like a personal gift, but they are very handy as they can be used to replace hand-me-downs that can no longer be used. Think shoes, bibs, singlets and tops.
When purchasing a gift for parents who have multiple children, think of gifts that will help the family.
If you want your gift to have a lasting memory on the family, consider purchasing something that will stand the test of time. And if you’re still in doubt, ask the parents what they need. There may have a list of things they haven’t got and you could be the answer to provide that missing need.
