Welcoming a new baby into the family is always a happy occasion. Gift-giving is our way of showing we care, so when baby’s first holiday season rolls around our natural instinct is to rush out and buy them stuff.
We come home laden with onesies, woolen hats with ears, miniature Nike trainers and at least three stuffed bears, because you can’t have enough of those, right?
The thing is, baby doesn’t care about stuff, he just cares for you (and milk and maybe some pureed pumpkin). He’s too little to walk (let alone run) and anyone who’s read the Velveteen Rabbit knows one stuffed animal is plenty.
Kids only really ‘get’ the gift thing when they’re about two or three, so there’s not really much point in giving them anything before then.
I know, I know, I sound like a bit of a Grinch, but I’m really not. I’m not saying don’t buy baby anything, I’m simply suggesting a more meaningful approach.
GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING
1. Buy Baby’s Parents a Gift
Raising a brand new human is hard work, so why not gift baby’s parents with a meal out, a massage or even a nice bottle of wine? You could also make them a babysitting voucher (if you’re that kind of cool aunt).
There are plenty of great gift ideas for new parents, so get creative, think outside the Toys R Us box, and give them something they’ll really appreciate.
2. Plant a Tree
Planting a tree in someone’s honor is always a lovely gesture. Of course, this will only work if baby’s parents or grandparents live somewhere they intend staying for the long haul. That way, baby and tree can grow up together.
However, if yours is the kind of family who moves around a lot, you could always plant a tree through an organization like Greenpop or A Living Tribute.
3. Open a Savings Account
You could open a savings account in baby’s name. Whether you make a once-off contribution or add to it monthly, he’ll definitely appreciate it when he’s old enough to understand the value of money. It’s also a great way to help him make saving a habit.
4. Start a College Fund
Going to college is notoriously expensive nowadays. By starting a college fund for baby you’ll be helping him stay out of debt, which in turn means he won’t still be living with his parents when he’s 30.
This idea isn’t just for wealthy grandparents either. Even a small monthly investment will make a difference in the long run. And if baby’s not keen on college, he can always buy a car or travel.
5. Create an Online Scrapbook
We all love collecting memories and revisiting them later. Children especially, are enamored by the idea of themselves as babies or toddlers. By doing it online you’re winning on the environmental front, you’re not adding unnecessary clutter to baby’s home (his parents will be super grateful) and you can share it with family members who don’t live close by. There are plenty of platforms to choose from, just Google ‘online scrapbook’ to find one you like.
6. Sponsor a Child
When you sponsor a child through an organization like World Vision, you’ll help that child and their community to stand tall, free from poverty. And because you’re sponsoring a specific child, you actually get to build a relationship with them.
What a wonderful and inclusive way to teach baby about the joys of giving back.
ECO-FRIENDLY FUN STUFF
I get it, these ideas are nice and all, but you also want to buy something you can wrap and have Santa put under the Christmas tree for you. If that’s your thing, then these ideas are for you.
7. Robots Dining Set
Every baby needs his own mug, bowl and divider plate, right? Well this robots dining setticks all the boxes. Along with being fun and colorful (both super important attributes), it’s also biodegradable and eco-friendly. Plus, it has a low carbon footprint and it’s dishwasher safe. Winning.
8. Artisan Wooden Rattle & Teether
This ain’t your grandma’s baby rattle. Vintage inspired and handmade by a local artisan in the Pacific Northwest, no two rattles are alike. They’re cleverly crafted from 100% Maple Hardwood in such a way that the multiple rings cannot be removed. Free of any harmful dyes, paints or plastic and made from FSC certified wood, they’re also perfectly safe for baby to chew on.
9. The Honest Company Diapers
Diapers. Babies need ‘em, they’re expensive and they’re horrible for the environment. In other words, not something you’d actually want to find under the Christmas tree. Well, that’s true if we’re talking about the regular kind, but we’re not.
We’re talking about Honest Company diapers. These puppies are made from plant-derived and sustainable materials without chlorine processing and additives (like synthetic fragrances, lotions and latex). We’re talking super eco-friendly. But that’s not all, they’re also exceptionally cute and come in a range of stylish prints for boys and girls.
10. Itzy Ritzy Snack Happens Reusable Bag
Itzy Ritzy reusable snack bags are clever and cute. Now that we’re all doing what we can to break free from plastic, these colorful zippered bags provide the perfect alternative to plastic baggies and Tupperware. They’re machine-washable and last forever. Which is a good thing, because before you know it, baby will be heading off to school with his sandwich tucked into one.
There you have it, a bunch of cool ideas that aren’t onesies, stuffed toys or one of these.
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