Gift question... BFs family

[offbeatmama]

I just started dating someone exclusively. Everything is going good on that front but I'm curious about some gift etiquette / idea.

His brother is his best friend. We've hung out (me, BF, his brother, and his brothers wife). They are seriously so sweet and wonderful. Well, SIL is pregnant. They have a 4 year old daughter. They aren't registering / having a shower since this is their second and they're not finding out the gender. I know that they don't have much money and I'd love to get them something for the baby.

Is that okay etiquette wise or are you not supposed to do anything if there's no shower? I know they don't want a bunch of shit. I was thinking of doing a $50 gift card to Target or Wal-Mart - whichever BF says they prefer. That way they can get whatever they need for the baby. I'd like to get a little something to go with the gift card (it seems impersonal otherwise). Any ideas?? I can't think of anything. I'm going to get the 4 year old something small too so she doesn't feel left out or like the focus is on the baby.

[doriswe]

Diapers, wipes, bath stuff...practical stuff they'll need. Why not throw together a small basket of stuff like that?

As for the 4 year old, maybe a new doll or book? My DD was 4 1/2 when I had DS and I gave her the Sesame Street DVD about a new baby and she loved it.

Oh, and I don't get why you wouldn't get them something? I've bought people stuff for babies regardless of them having a shower/party/whatever.

[vikingqueen]

I think it would be a sweet gesture to get something for them. I agree a small basket of things they need may be a good idea, and for the 4 year old I would try to find out what she likes (my 4 year old neice is obsessed with Spiderman.. no idea why but that is all she wants) and get her something small.

[doriswe]

What if you did a basket of bath stuff for baby and one for "big girls" for the 4 year old?

[offbeatmama]

I love the basket idea! I think that would be perfect. I could do diapers, wipes, soap, diaper cream, etc for the baby since I'm sure they don't have that stuff anymore.

I'll ask BF what the 4 year old likes. They spend a fair amount of time together so I'm sure he'll have some good ideas. If she likes Sesame Street I'll definitely do that DVD!

I thought it was pretty normal to do gifts for any baby but when I asked a friend for advice on what to get she told me that it would just be awkward for everyone if I got a gift. It's not like I'm showing up randomly with some expensive gift for no reason. It's for a baby! They deserve to be celebrated ;D

[vikingqueen]

May 16, 2012 14:40:13 GMT -5 doriswe said:

What if you did a basket of bath stuff for baby and one for "big girls" for the 4 year old?

I like this idea