UNEXPECTED GIFTS FOR EXPECTING PARENTS
Let me preface this post by saying I am always pro-registry. Parents-to-be went around handpicking items for a reason and I believe the best gifts you can give are the ones they themselves have identified as their wants and needs. However, there is inevitably a few in every crowd who prefer to go rogue and this list is for you. It’s also for the late/last minute shopper that’s stuck with a picked-over registry, who still wants to get the parents something significant. These are items I was given that I never thought to ask for and ended up relying on, or ones I wish I’d thought of.
house cleaning service
ANY nesting mother will attest, that this gift would be a lifesaver. No matter how many things get scratched off that “before-baby-to-do-list” you inevitably add five more on. I remember renting an upholstery cleaner to wash my couch and a few months later seeing another expecting mama’s Instastory of her doing the same thing. In discussing this with friends, my one friend brought up the concern that the expecting mother might find it offensive (as if you’re implying their house is dirty) but trust me… every parent just wants to feel prepared and a clean space is the best way to do that. Sometimes the best way to help is just by taking care of the things they feel like they don’t have time for. Plus, some things just aren’t possible to do while pregnant, like bending over to wash baseboards or using chemicals to wash bathrooms. A tip though: don’t schedule it for them. Depending on what they’ve been able to accomplish before baby, they may prefer to save it for a week or so into mom/dad life.
mobile car detailing
Remember how I said I washed my couch, nesting urges like that go beyond the house. Changes in seasons, owning a pet, having other kids, or just life itself can result in a messy vehicle. Being able to install that worse-than-ikea car seat base into a clean car is a treat. As an added bonus there are plenty of companies that offer mobile services, meaning the parents schedule it at their own convenience and the company comes to them. No scheduling childcare or juggling a toddler and sitting in a waiting room in an uncomfortable plastic chair breathing through a mask while your car gets a spa day, this one you can enjoy in the comfort of your own pyjamas.
dog walking
This was the one thing my sister said she appreciated the most in those first few days and weeks after bringing her daughter home. For so many couples, your pets are your first babies and you feel a heavy sense of guilt when the newest member of the family leaves you neglecting your daily walks. This is one the Dad’s really appreciate too because if they’ve returned to work, at the end of the day they’re likely eager to get home and snuggle the baby or lend Mom a hand so she can spend some time doing some self-care. This is a great thing to just offer to the new parents in your life, but it’s always something nice for them to be able to plan/schedule at their own discretion and there are often many local companies (depending where you live) that offer things like dog walking, puppy play dates and even pack walks.
silicon ring
During pregnancy… everything swells. One of the key signs that you’re approaching baby time is when your wedding rings start to get a little too snug (or just don’t fit at all). A big concern for most women is that the added swelling during labour and delivery, or the potential for a c-section, could result in your beloved rings being cut off your fingers. So most women choose to stop wearing them altogether once they start to feel tight. However, if you still want a ring on your finger, there is a solution! My sister bought a silicon band from a company called Enso Rings. They are typically geared towards health care workers, but are an amazing option for expecting mothers. They have a wide variety of designs, are relatively inexpensive, and some styles can even be engraved for an added sentimental touch. This is a great gift for a partner, family member or close friend (who knows your ring size), and for anyone else they do have digital gift cards available.
squatty potty
Hear me out… this is definitely not something you buy your coworker or acquaintance, this is the gift you get someone that you have a very open and comfortable and healthy relationship with. If you can’t talk about poop with this person, don’t buy them this gift. I was given this by a family member, and let me tell you that it is a game changer for postpartum. We’d joked about it together and I don’t think it was even given with the intention of being a postpartum assistant, but it was essential in my recovery. Not only did it give me a better… shall we say vantage point…. when tending to my healing vagina, it was also a lifesaver during those dreaded first few postpartum poops. Moms, you know what I mean. You can go with the classic original or step things up an aesthetic notch and go for this wooden one.
shop local
One of the guests at my baby shower for Lou gave me curated collection of items from local small businesses. Not only was it thoughtful, it supported independent small business owners in the community and I feel that’s important now more than ever. As easy as it can be to be sucked into the whole concept of an “it item” as new parents, I found it was the unique things that ended up holding much greater sentimental value in the long run. Local has taken the biggest hit this pandemic, and supporting small businesses is the best way to help lift them back up on their feet. Obviously this is location-dependent if you want to specifically support your community, but any small shop is great so I’m happy to share a few of my favourites… Two Bears Co. sells the sweetest sensory crinkle hearts. My Mom bought one for Lou and it was her favourite toy for months. Plus, they’re so soft and light which made it a favourite of mine because I didn’t have to worry about her dropping it on her face. Sensory toys in general are a great gift and I love these so much that I usually try to keep one or two on hand for whenever someone I know says they’re expecting, it’s the perfect add-on to sneak into a gift! Purdy Natural sells the most natural self-care products ranging from skincare to bath and so much in between. When you have that new baby against your skin, it’s so nice to know that there are no harsh chemicals or products that could irritate their buttery skin. Personally I loved their Lunah frankincense + jasmine whipped face and body butter, it comes in the perfect hospital-bag-friendly 1oz jar. Finally, a personal favourite if you know they’re expecting a girl, is Bowtiful Belles. These bows always get the most compliments, don’t leave marks or lines of baby’s head and are safe for the car! One of the scariest new mom moments I had was when I went to take Lou out of the car and noticed one of her headband bows had fallen down over her face. It was a risk I hadn’t even considered and these turban bows are the perfect solution!
a twist on food
Going back to the idea that the most helpful thing you can do is to take care of things new parents feel they don’t have time for, everyone knows that cooking dinner is usually the first thing to go. It’s hard to know what everyone likes to eat, foods they don’t like, dietary restrictions etc. and in this era of covid homemade isn’t always an option. It’s definitely thoughtful and if you know of a specific dish they like, then go for it. If not, a really charming alternative is to look into a local bakery (preferably one that delivers) and spoil them with fresh bread and easy-to-grab baked goods. Carbs are a tired, nursing mama’s best friend and you’re still supporting local. Another great idea is an UberEats gift card; they can use it when they want and get exactly what they want. I remember we had so many homemade meals and frozen dinners given to us initially that it was almost hard to get through, so this option comes in especially handy at the 5-ish week mark when the free food stops rolling in and you’re arguably even more tired than you were the first week.
