<p>Actually, I think I’m pretty good at CHOOSING a gift - I’m just not sure when bringing a gift is “nice” or “over-the-top.”</p>
<p>I have a friend/co-worker who recently had a baby and is home on maternity leave. Next week I am going to visit her and the baby for the first time. I am planning to bring lunch with me (I remember those first few months of baby-dom well - no time to shower and no time to cook!)</p>
<p>Should I also bring her some kind of small gift? I already bought her (and gave her) a pretty decent-sized baby gift (a mini-library of children’s books that she really loved). And if the answer to my previous question is yes - what kind of gift? Something for her? Something for the baby?</p>
<p>I think that bringing lunch is a great idea and more than enough, but it is not going to be over the top to bring a small gift either for mom or for a baby. It is up to you (and very nice of you).</p>
<p>I am going to take a different perspective.</p>
<p>If the baby gift was for ‘The Baby’ at a shower, and my first encounter was at the home, I would bring a little something for him/her: an adorable gender specific hat, any little thing with the name on it (think toothbrush). Just a little something to open with lunch.</p>
<p>I love to give gifts and I am always struggling with if I am giving too much.</p>
<p>I would, however, definitely bring something small like mominva suggested. Perhaps a cd of Raffi music or my favorite, “A Child’s gift of Lullabies.” I think mominva had some nice suggestions, too.</p>
<p>I agree, not necessary, but I love shopping for baby gifts so I would probably bring a cute outfit or something just because I love shopping for them. Bring your lunch in containers she doesn’t have to return too–that is an extra gift :D.</p>
<p>I would add that I would TELL your friend that you are bringing lunch, so that she doesn’t go to the trouble of preparing anything. I agree that lunch is enough, since you already gave a baby gift, but if it would please you to do so something small would be nice.</p>
<p>You have been generous and it is nice to bring lunch as well. I struggle with over the top in this department at times myself. That said, a token for mother and or baby would be fun. I might bring mother nice (not overly scented) lotion and shower gel in recognition of how precious that time is when you are baby tending or some small, pampering thing just for her. Have fun- love those new baby visits.</p>
<p>I think another small baby gift is entirely appropriate. Whenever I take a meal to someone who is recuperating or adjusting to something new in life (having a baby certainly qualifies), I always take a bouquet of flowers.</p>
<p>I also think that bringing lunch is a great idea. One time I visited a friend with the newborn, I brought a coloring book and pencils for the sibling, a small gift to recongnize her being a big sister now.</p>
<p>How about some goodies for after you leave…plate of brownies and homemade cookies? Put it on a plate the new mom can use for the baby…how about a little baby dinner plate?</p>
<p>I like the idea of something for the mom herself, something in the pampering area. You’re kind of in shock in those first few weeks. Since it will be near Valentine’s Day when you visit, perhaps a small pink or red gift bag with some small sizes of hand lotion, lip gloss, etc.?</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice - and it’s also good to hear that others have the same problem (when is one more gift just TOO many gifts?) I did already tell my friend that I was bringing lunch with me so she wouldn’t go to any trouble (and I’m just picking up carryout from her favorite place, so no dishes to return!)</p>
<p>I’m thinking I may just bring a gift for her - some lotion and/or some chocolates, although I do like the idea of flowers. Nothing over-the-top!</p>
<p>I think lunch and lotion or something similar for the mom is a great idea. I would probably also pick up one little book for the baby that adds to your already great library gift.</p>
<p>Another gift I used to give close friends was a gift certificate for a massage and free babysitting to enjoy said massage. Our friends are past the age of having kids so I guess it would depend on how close you are to give a gift like that.</p>
<p>Bringing lunch is a great idea. I also think it would be fine if you brought something small for the new mom that’s just for her–a great hand lotion, lip gloss, pretty hand soaps–doesn’t have to be anything huge. I think being a new mom is tough and it’s nice to get something that’s just for you.</p>