Moms- What's a thoughtful gift to send to a stressed-out new mommy?

Question

A girlfriend of mine has a toddler and a newborn. The newborn is having some health problems and the whole family seems overwhelmed, especially my friend. I have no children of my own and I can only imagine what they're going through. I've offered to come over any day/night to help out, but I also want to send her something thoughtful to help get through this rough time. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer 1

how about you try and organize a few hours away from her  kids. get her hubby to mind them and just go for a coffee. or maybe a gift basket of some nice creams and lotions for her to have a nice hour to pamper herself with. you are a very good friend . cant think of anything else sorry

Answer 2

how about a basket woth bubble bath and abth salts in it . you might even want to include a coupon/voucher for some time for you to baby sit or you fix a dinner for 2 while you watch the kids . either way you get the idea . and by the way , it's always nice to see friends who are concerned about friends . it just doesnt happen every day .  

Answer 3

The idea of "something" is nice, however, if you could take their toddler for a little while (overnight would be even better) they would be able to focus all of their attention on the newborn, or if you want to get them something, I would suggest some home cooking, anything that freezes nicely so that they can have a night where all they have to do is heat and eat.  Anything that makes daily life easier is probably the most thoughtful thing you can do.

Answer 4

I would go with the practical suggestions that you are getting.  

The best thing to do would be to run errands such as grocery shopping, make meals, show up with the lawnmower and cut the grass, etc.  If you can afford it, hire a maid to come once or a few times, or show up with cleaning supplies.

  

Answer 5

a week's worth of cooked meals that have been frozen so all they have to do is unthaw and heat!

Answer 6

A day of baby sitting and allowing her to take a few hours to go get a massage.  Or you could even just come over and help relieve her one night of having to clean and everything else. You could send her a fruit basket.  You could find her a book that talks about the health problems that the baby is having, that way she can know a little more about the situation and be able to relax and understand what is going on.

Answer 7

What a nice friend you are!

Maybe bring them  a pizza and salad and then take the toddler to the park so they can have some quiet time!

Answer 8

Get her a gift certificate for a massage and babysit while she goes.

Answer 9

I'm with Nina, I only have one 10 month old and she isn't sick, she is a joy, mostly happy kid.  but im home with her all the time.  once in a while i would love to get out of the house by my self.  its a little sad when my hubby and i go out on saturday and she falls asleep in the car and i get excited because i get to go in the grocery all by MYSELF!

meals in the freezer area definate yes!! dinner time takes up alot of family time.  a coupon book for babysitting. a massage, pedicure, manicure. i liked the idea of hubby taking the kids and a coffe/lunch date. or if the baby is really ill....take the toddler when baby is in hospital so they can consentrate on baby.

Answer 10

Since you are willing to help out, maybe get her a nice bath set.  Tell her that you will watch the kids and she can soak in a nice bubble bath a just relax.  Another thing you could do is get a gift card to her favorite restaurant and let her have a night out while you watch the kids. Maybe get a nice bouquet of flowers to go along with the gift.  

Answer 11

I would send her a gift of money for dinner and a movie then offer to watch the kids so they can enjoy a night out with no worries. Then just be there for her and help when they ask for it...

Answer 12

a gift certificate to the spa.

Answer 13

Gift to the spa, pedicure, those are great things but would she have TIME to use them?  I'm a working mom to a 3 year old and a 5 month old and I would LOVE for someone to come help me clean house, laundry, wash my car, or cook dinner.  Sad but true, lol!  Babysitting would be awesome too!

Answer 14

The most amazing thing someone gave me was when I too had a toddler and a new born.  A girlfriend took my son (the toddler) for an overnight~Friday night & most of Saturday day~at her house.  It's was so great for my husband and I to get to have some alone time with the baby!

Another great gift is to offer to do laundry for her.  I know that the house and laundry can be overwhelming with two little ones underfoot!

You are a great friend and I know she will appreciate you and recipricate when your own little ones come along!

Answer 15

You are a really thoughful friend!  It's so nice of you to be willing to help!

You've gotten alot of great suggestions!  Frozen dinners and laundry help is excellent.  I thought about offering to clean her bathrooms or whole house.

One other suggestion (and depending on how close your are) is to say, I'd really like to come over (give date and time) to help you out.  That way, it might be easier for her to say yes than for her to have to ask you to come (even though you have offered).

Another suggestion is to have individual servings of fruit/veggies/salad in plastic containers for her and toddler for lunch.