Has one of your friends announced they are pregnant and you wish to show your love and joy at the happy news, or maybe you are attending a baby shower, but have no idea what to give them?
Don’t worry you are not alone, that is actually how Wish & Wrap started!
When the first pregnancy in our friendship group came to be, we too struggled to find the perfect gift. And I can tell you, based on our experience, the last thing you want is to arrive with 1 of 17 other baby onesies in size 000 that the baby will wear only once if at all (as some babies have already outgrown size 000 in the womb!).
But thinking outside the box is difficult when you have no experience on what a pregnant woman may want or need, and that is why we are here.
Can I give a pregnant woman chocolates or flowers?
In short yes, but it might not be the best choice. There is certainly a time and a place for chocolates and flowers, but this is likely not it. I personally only gift chocolates when I am meeting someone for the first time or know very little about them. But we are talking about pregnancy, which is life changing, and it calls for a little bit more intention.
What about plush toys?
Coming from a minimalist, I quite dislike receiving unnecessary items that bring little value, as they end up becoming piles of “stuff”. You might question whether this is a matter of personal taste, however the growth of the decluttering trend is more than just a fad. Research has shown that just as much as clutter affects and adult brain by making it harder to focus, children that develop surrounded by too many toys find it harder to concentrate, learn and develop creative play. If you want to add something ‘cute’ think of adding something like an animal crochet baby rattle or a sensory baby book.
A good baby shower gift includes something for mum too
Too often mum is forgotten and all the presents focus on the baby. Although she will love every gift, she will particularly appreciate being thought of; after all, she is undergoing major changes in her life. Think of something that will be beneficial for her in this new life stage and try to ease a pain point such as lack of sleep, little time for self-care or breastfeeding which comes with a lot more challenges than most of us are aware.
For example a pair a yummy candle, with sleep bath soak and luscious body wash. Or give her an incredibly useful maternity care ice pack.
Try going gender neutral
Gone are the days when blue was for boys and pink was for girls, and modern parents seem to agree. The gendering of baby products and in particular the pinkification of female baby products had its peak in the 80s and 90s, but in recent years parents are steering away from the classic pastels and enjoying more ‘unconventional’ colours such as dark or earthy tones, yellow and green.
Some options are: beautiful baby muslin wrap in earthy tones and a feeding set.
Don’t be afraid to ask if they plan on breastfeeding
It is often the simplest of presents that one appreciates the most. Items that help mums navigate the many challenges of nursing can be some of the most thoughtful, unique and valued. If she is not planning to bottle feed from the get -go that is, so don’t be afraid to ask. There are plenty of wonderful gifts relating to breastfeeding such as breastfeeding tea, biscuits, or nipple balm.
Why hampers are a good option
A gift box or hamper is always a great option because you can include a little bit of everything; and the receiving experience, discovering many new things as you unbox, is quite gratifying. If you’ve ever received a good hamper you’ll know what we mean. Don’t be afraid to mix and match from all of the above and add a personalised message for a special touch.
