The Joy of Gifting

I love giving gifts and I pride myself on it. A gift doesn't need to cost much and honestly it is the thought that counts (Dear Husband, this does not apply to you). However, you should really think about the thought when searching for gifts. And hopefully you won't see the recipient of your gift thinking "What the feck were they thinking?!" Think and then the thought will count.. deep huh?

Anyway, I met a friend for a drink last night and she asked me what to get for a woman who was expecting her second child. As I have reached a certain age I am in spitting distance of several pregnant ladies so I have given her question a lot of thought previously.

Now, my common gift is hosting a baby shower.. My next gift is frozen casseroles. New parents are generally overwhelmed by the addition of a screaming purple gremlin in the first few weeks, so providing them with some ready made dishes is a good idea. (Editor's Note: No offense meant about comparing newborns to screaming purple gremlins. Newborns terrify me. That's all). Other suggestions I have heard are gift certificates for massages, mani's and pedi's, facials etc. All great ideas- if the woman is into that stuff. One idea is a gift certificate for diapers and baby wipes, etc. Or if they are environmentally friendly (Hippies), then cloth diapers and hemp air freshener.

Now, if the Husband and I decide to spawn, I want a Nanny. Honestly, I would want a clothing gift certificate and perhaps a Jenny Craig/ Weight Watchers/ Slim Fast/ Gym membership. Just throwing that out there.