Spring has officially sprung and with it comes beautiful weather, warm temperatures and a flurry of wedding, bridal shower and baby shower invitations and announcements. Don’t let them catch you off guard – stock up on cards to celebrate these occasions. Besides sending a card, you can also get a gift. It’s not always easy to figure out what to get an expectant mother or newly married couple. Here are some tips for finding the right present:
Do they have a registry?
Many people know that gift-giving isn’t easy so they make the process simpler by registering for what they want. Plenty of stores offer online registries so you can look up the gift recipient’s name to gain access to the list of what they would like. This is especially useful if you don’t know the person very well or aren’t familiar with what they have (such as dishes or a baby monitor) versus what they want (a kitchen mixer or certain brand of diapers). If your co-worker or friend is having a baby or getting married, don’t be afraid to ask them if they are registered anywhere. Not only will this make getting them a gift easier for you, but the recipient will be receiving what they actually want.
Get something everyone needs
Expectant mothers don’t just need expensive purchases like a crib or car seat. Anyone can give diapers, baby soap, lotion, and onesies and know that their gift will be well-used and appreciated. Wedding presents are a little trickier, but a certificate to a great restaurant is a wonderful option. Not only are you giving them a meal, you’re facilitating an experience. You could even give them movie tickets and some popcorn and candy with the idea that they’ll use them for a date night. If you know a bit about the couple – like what kind of music they listen to or if they would be interested in seeing a live performance – send them tickets to see a great concert or show. They can use the time to relax after all the craziness of wedding planning.
Go personal
If you can, try to give a gift that is personal. Maybe give the couple or new parent some advice for getting through this important milestone in their life. Do you have some friendly guidance to offer about getting married? Share those words of wisdom in a card or even a poem or song. If you’re close with the family and you like children, offer to babysit the new child or children the expectant couple already have to give them some time off. Parenting is a beautiful thing, but everyone can use some time to themselves.
Work together
If someone in the office is getting married or having a baby, consider gathering interested parties to chip in to buy something big. Depending on the size of your office and amount of people who want to get involved, you could buy plenty of great options. Consider a car seat, crib, rocking chair or other more expensive gift for expectant parents. You could start a honeymoon fund if your co-worker is getting married. All the money that people give can go toward whatever trip the newlyweds want to take.
Give the gift of relaxation
Everyone can use a good spa day, massage or personal care product. Maybe get together some fancy bodywash, lotion and scented candles to give to a new mom. She’ll love the gesture and get to take a break from the new baby when she enjoys a relaxing bath. Couples may love a massage where they can loosen up and de-stress together before or after the wedding.