I, a new mom and back home after a few days, was honestly completely overwhelmed (if not overwhelmed) with the congratulations and gifts that arrived.
It was probably the hormones that flattered the magic of a new beginning and made you so emotional. Packages arrived almost every day or visitors announced their arrival and wanted to greet our little new citizen of the world. And of course everyone had brought a "little something" with them. I was really happy about the many unexpected blessings and gifts from all sides. Wow. But the gifts were piling up. I didn't know where to put them and then I had to sort out what I needed right away, what later, what needed to be washed before first use, how, where... and why?
Why baby gifts?
And that brings me to my topic: Why?
Why are there certain things that are declared and sold or bought as baby products, but are of little use?
But let's start from the beginning. The best thing is to create a baby wish list for the birth. Whether it has to be with a reputable online provider or handwritten depends on individual preferences and regardless of the wish. Make a note of who you received which gifts from, so that you can then take photos of the baby and the gift or personally address them in the thank you card. This not only makes the giver happy, but is also a nice memory for your loved one. And that's what this is all about.
My recommendations for birth gifts:
- Collective gifts – larger purchases such as strollers, car seats, baby carriers or baby monitors etc. can also be combined
- Vouchers and subscriptions – drugstore vouchers, baby store vouchers, diaper subscriptions, magazine subscriptions
- Gifts that are needed in the long term or only later (e.g. bibs, spoons, teething rings, etc.)
- Consumables: Care and hygiene products (but be careful: difficult for babies at risk of allergies) such as wet wipes, creams, diapers, etc.
- Consumer goods: Muslin nappies , hooded bath towel, Brush , washcloth, Teething rings , Rattle , music box etc.
- Money box for the children's room or even a savings book or a share etc.
- Homemade gifts such as a hand-knitted hat or a crocheted cuddly toy
Giving baby clothes as a gift – yes or no?
Baby clothes are a tricky subject, I think. It depends on the quality and taste. There is also the question of whether they are actually needed. Depending on the size of the newborn or whether it is a summer or winter baby and what is already in stock in the initial equipment, many baby clothes gifts are unfortunately superfluous and only nice to look at. Unfortunately, this also includes the cute, irresistible baby shoes that can be bought almost everywhere, even from well-known manufacturers - unfortunately completely unnecessary (and also unhealthy for little baby feet). In that case, it would be better to go for socks, and if they are knitted yourself, it seems all the more personal and loving.
A second life for gifts
The classic diaper cakes are of course still a great idea. But the diapers should be of high quality and bought in a larger size.
And pssst, the gifts that we didn't really like or that we didn't see any use for, we gave away, donated or resold after careful consideration. And I was able to make peace with that, because we were able to make someone happy who apparently really needed it.
After a few weeks and a few washes (baby clothes, stuffed animals, etc.) I got the flow and was able to sort the gifts accordingly and use them. And I actually still remember who gave us what. And that makes me happy personally, because it always reminds me of the magic of the beginning with my baby.
Best regards,
Your Melissa // 34 years old, just a mom of a baby boy
