<p>A dear 50-year old childhood friend of H’s (D1’s godfather) who remarried almost two years ago to someone almost ten years younger than him - her first marriage, had a baby almost two months ago. The announcement came (although H got an email within hours of the birth) right before Christmas as we were on our way out of town. He has two children in high school from his first marriage (he was widowed almost ten years ago).</p>
<p>Finances are absolutely NOT an issue with them; they can buy whatever they want (he retired several years ago when his wife died), so I need a unique idea for something they might not have gotten on their own. I’m sure they have everything they need - she comes from a large family and I’m sure there were baby showers galore.</p>
<p>My only (very uncreative) idea was some clothes for the baby when he’s around a year old as it seems like most baby shower gifts tend to be more of the layette needs for an infant.</p>
<p>They live far away so it has to be something that can be sent in the mail or delivered (hey, when they got married, we got them a Big Green Egg smoker - that was original and we found a place that would deliver one.</p>
<p>I tried to look them up on Babies R Us’ gift registry but it’s been down all night, but that’s still a possibility.</p>
<p>You really can’t go wrong with clothes. And with our little one, all of the clothes were 3 months to 2 years, we received only a couple of newborn clothes. Others experience on ages of clothes may vary.</p>
<p>A baby scale can be a creative gift that is nice to have. </p>
<p>But I think with our newborn, we didn’t care how creative the gifts were, but really appreciated those that saved us a shopping trip at the store. Our time was extremely limited, and any gift that meant we didn’t have to run to the store to buy something was very much appreciated.</p>
<p>if they are rich what you should get for a present is gold. they would like that i bet. like a collector coin like a $10 eagle. or the gold with a hologram on it. the ups guy could probably send it but you might want to check first. but dont send it in the mail. thats what i would give for presents when i get rich.</p>
<p>I’m a sucker for bath toys. My D and I loved bath time and she loved playing with her toys - the things that stick on the side of the tub, the little wind up critters that swim around, bathtub crayons and markers - all of it. </p>
<p>There is a company that I always recommend to people buying for babies who have everything. It is called Arton. The artwork on the clothes comes from real kids and a portion of the proceeds goes to maintaining the arts in schools. The baby stuff is sold on Etsy. </p>
<p>Price is not really an issue. I like the red envelope keepsake kit, as well as the books idea. However, I’m wondering if they might have some of their books still around from when his oldest daughters were babies.</p>
<p>I LOVE the Pamper Cake idea! How unique! And especially if you used larger diapers that you will need down the road.</p>
<p>Great ideas… keep them coming (or not, I may not want to have to make a decision).</p>
<p>I wouldn’t send clothes. If the mom is from a big family, she will have received lots of baby clothes. How about books for the baby? You can have them wrapped and mailed from Amazon. This is a brand-new book that will be available on Jan. 10:</p>
<p>When the World Was Waiting for You by Gillian Shields</p>
<p>It is an absolutely lovely story with great illustrations and perfect for a new baby. Since it has just come out, they won’t have it yet.</p>
<p>Another wonderful title is
Time for Bed by Mem Fox
I gave this to my childhood friend (we’ve been friends for 50 years and our moms are friends too) for her grandchildren and it has become her special “grandma-only” book to read to her grandchildren.</p>
<p>Another lovely one
Hush Little Baby by Sylvia Long
New words to the old song; very moving; nice art.</p>
<p>All three of these are special books that won’t be forgotten.</p>
<p>We gave engraved Christmas Tree ornaments with child’s name & date of birth on it. We bought it for all family members one year when Sears was having a special. They were made of pewter, but many places would have it in different metals. </p>
<p>My kids loved the wooden rocking horse & D was very reluctant to part with it, even as a teen! (She really liked the IDEA more than the actual horse. :))</p>
<p>I like to give the new child their first bathing suit. It makes people laugh to think of their baby in a swim suit but they make them for 6 months and up. Get a little one but for fun you could get a few sizes and a hat a some sandles.</p>
<p>I usually get Hanna Andersen clothes because they are so cute, but if you think this baby will have too many anyway, I’d get books. No one has too many books!</p>
<p>Favorite titles:
More, more, more said the Baby by Vera Williams
Freight Train by Daniel Crew
Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Embersley
Grandfather Twilight by Barbara Berger</p>
<p>(Titles are okay, but I may have misremembered author names.)</p>
<p>I often get a walker for a baby gift. It seems so far off but when the kid starts wanting to walk you never seem to be able to get out to buy one. It will definitely help save your friends back!</p>
<p>My S was a “blankie” kid and carried around his blanket forever (at 14 still has the shredded remains in his room)…a nice personalized blanket could be a good gift:</p>
<p>A lovely sterling baby feeding spoon–treasured from our kids because of the teeth marks. Also, both of mine had nice baby china–dish, bowl, mug–which we used all the time, but especially on holidays when they were not ready for the Lenox! All of these items are on display in our dining room, ready to be handed down at the appropriate time, although I may not live long enough to see it. LOL</p>