Hi all,Checker's post re: family made me think this could be an interesting topic that could prove helpful for just about anyone.
Are you one to wonder what the perfect gift would be for any given person? Why don't we all join in and list something that WE think would be appreciated because we've been there, done that? I'll start off.
New Parents
The nicest gift you could ever give a family with a new baby is a voucher you make yourself, giving the gift of time. Offer to come over, take care of the little bundle of joy and let mom and dad have a good sleep, or let them go shopping, or houseclean, or whatever! (I'm betting they'll sleep)
Or try the other route. Clean the house, do their laundry, cook for them or bring over a ready made casserole.
Once you see the joy of relief on their faces, I'd bet you'll be enticed to do it regularly.
It truely is a blessing to have a new wee one in the household, and it's even more of a blessed event when mom and dad are coherent enough to enjoy it.
NOTE: Please don't show up at the new family's home and sit and expected to be waited on. You aren't the only visitor they've had that day and they're really tired. I found when the inlaws came over, it was a struggle. I was sterilizing nipples, makine formula, tending to an awake baby and serving them all at the same time. When my mom came over, she made me sit down and relax and she took over and BROUGHT me food. Absolute heaven. Ok, if you do show up for a visit, a short one is best with goodies in your hand as food and guests always seem to go hand in hand. 
New Home
The most helpful present you could give someone who's just moved is a meal. Everything is packed away and they're tired of eating out at this point, not to mention no good groceries in the house due to lack of time. My sis in law brought over pasta, a sauce and french bread as well as flowers for the table of all things! My inlaws brought over buns/meat/cheese. My mom brought over whatever she had in the freezer at the moment. All wonderful gestures!
New Baby
Besides the gift of time which is still first on my personal list, I found the most helpful gifts were things that were needed right away and used up. For example, baby bubble bath, diapers, bibs, fleece blankets, money, gift certificate to the best baby store in town, etc. The cute clothing was always fun, however not usually enjoyed right away. And new parents are so busy, I personally forgot to check the closet every 2 weeks to see what would fit this week if you get my drift. I found this realization surprising as I'd be one to always buy an adorable outfit for another's new baby!
Father's Day
One father's day when I still lived at home and didn't have alot of $ of my own, I wrote dad a poem about us growing up. While he opened the card, I felt abit foolish that my gift wasn't given in a box with pretty paper like everyone else, however I held my breath as he unfolded my poem.
While he read it, his hands started quivering and he burst into tears and had everyone crying. What a touching unforgettable moment. I knew then that was the most precious gift I could have dreamed up.
When he passed away, my mom gave the poem back to me. He saved it in a special place in his well used desk for many years. For her to have found it that easily, I'm guessing he read it on occasion from time to time. A gift to last a lifetime would you say?
So, got any hot tips to share on this one?
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Graphic Impact
Abbotsford, BC, Canada
gisigns@sprint.ca
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