Guide
Nappy cake was yesterday, today it's a creative lorry
by Myrtha Brunner
What do I give (expectant) parents?
9.5.2019
Translation: machine translated
Will you soon have a niece, a godchild or a grandchild? Or do you need a baby gift for a dear friend? These ten tips will make your search easier.
I've often been asked for ideas on what to give (expectant) parents for a birth, christening or first birthday. On the one hand, because I write for the baby section and know our range relatively well. On the other hand, because I'm a mum of two myself and know what parents need.
Now I came across the comment from Francesca Corrocher, who was looking for a suitable gift for an expectant mum and asked our Community for their opinion. "One of my ideas was to make a nappy cake and then just give care products, dummies, maybe gauze nappies and a baby outfit [as a gift]", writes Francesca. Basically, I think the nappy cake is a great idea. However, there are a few tips from my own experience that I would like to share with you to ensure that the gift is well received by the parents.
1st tip: Gender-neutral products
Some parents know the gender, other parents are surprised. If you want to give a gift before the birth, it's best to choose gender-neutral products. Although I myself am a fan of pink for girls, not everything has to be pink. Even after the birth, a gift can remain neutral. Nice alternative colours for clothes and toys are, for example, green, yellow, grey, white or red.
2nd tip: Find out what the parents want
I know that many of you want to surprise parents with a gift. However, it often makes more sense to ask for their wishes. Tastes differ, as does the idea of what is needed. For example, I needed quite a few nappies and spit wipes because my little one was constantly burping. In contrast, another baby uses more bodysuits because the nappy is constantly overflowing. Or the parents want a nightlight, a baby phone or a cuddly toy. Of course, you can define a budget so that you don't receive any utopian suggestions.
3rd tip: nappies that are not too small
A grateful gift is diapers, as a baby uses around eight of them per day. This puts a strain on the wallet. But don't choose nappies that are too small, because you don't know the size of the baby at birth. For example, choose a size 2 or 3 from the brand Pampers. Micro nappies are only needed for premature or very small babies. Size 1 is also quickly worn out.
We have already published some original ways to pack nappies. In addition to our ideas, you can find other designs such as butterflies, owls, snails, motorbikes and prams on the internet. Let your creativity run wild.
4th tip: Selected care products
In addition to diapers and gauze wipes, I find
fever-thermometer or a care set with brush, nail scissors, nasal aspirator and so on. The only danger here is that the parents already have it. Parents often receive shampoo, shower gel, oil or other creams for babies as samples to test. I would be more reluctant to give these items as gifts.
5th tip: Suitable clothing
At birth, the weight and length of a baby varies enormously. Boys tend to be slightly taller than girls. But there are also differences within the sexes. So that parents can also put the baby clothes on, it is better to give larger sizes. 74 or 80 are good reference sizes that a child can wear a little longer. Babies quickly outgrow sizes 50 and 56 if they are not already too small at birth.
When buying clothes and accessories, pay attention to the season. Pay attention to the season when buying clothes and accessories. In winter, a bodysuit with short sleeves, short shorts or a sun hat are just as impractical as lined trousers or a scarf with matching gloves in summer. I find tramplers, Pyjamas, Röckchen, ungefütterte Hosen, Leggings oder langärmlige Shirts. When it gets colder, parents can add warmer layers.
6th tip: Toys and books are always a good idea
If parents don't already get toys or children's books from somewhere, I think it's a good investment. The rule here is: less is more. It is therefore better to give a high-quality toy with lots of play and fun than lots of pointless plastic items. An age-appropriate book is ideal as a gift or to add to presents. I wouldn't favour plush, parents tend to have enough of that.
7th tip: Baby bottles and pacifiers are overrated
At the beginning, it is unclear whether and which brand, which baby bottle or which nuggiform a baby prefers. Parents also receive free products to test from various brands. For me, buying these items is therefore a waste of money. Instead, choose a nice children's crockery or a bib for the coming months.
8th tip: Money or vouchers are ideal
Many people don't just want to give cash. Too uncreative, too impersonal or too clear about the amount they are giving. Nevertheless, it is still the best gift for parents. They can decide for themselves what they want to pay for with it or whether they want to pay it directly into the child's account. If cash is too trivial for you, a voucher would be an option. For example, for a shoe shop, a pharmacy or an online shop.
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9th tip: Don't just think about the baby
99 per cent of gifts are designed for babies. The parents are often forgotten. They are going through so much during this time that they deserve to be spoilt too. A cake, an afternoon off, chocolate or a short trip can take everyone's mind off things.
10th tip: Complement baptism and birthday
The older a child gets, the better it is to fulfil the parents' wishes. It's a shame if the gift collects dust because they don't need it. Alternatively, you can think of a gift idea and ask whether it would suit them. Classic gifts for a christening could be a christening candle, christening gown, bracelets with names or personalised gifts in general. Examples for the first birthday: a voucher for the first running shoes, a ride-on toy (slide car, balance bike, scooter, etc.), crockery/cutlery set or something for the nursery.
In response to Francesca's question, one anonymous customer wrote: "I found a small, portable night light very practical. Storage dummy for the porridge, bib, sun hat....". If you have any other ideas and tips, please feel free to add them in the comments section below. And if you want more tips, tricks and topics about babies and toddlers, follow my profile.
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
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