Present for my first grandchild?

Such exciting news - many congratulations, you’ll have such fun. We have 6 grandchildren between us, 4 girls and 2 boys, ranging from 18 to 5. I know they often have lots of cuddly toys, but yours will probably be the first, so I’d say go ahead. The Ewen the sheep looks lovely, also the Fisher-Price Soothe ‘n Snuggle Otter. Along with this I would suggest a monetary gift - Premium Bonds, ISA, regular payments to a bank account. During the early years, apart from the usual practical things, we’ve bought each of them a chair, personalised with their name and nursery characters. Also, I have an artist friend, so they each had a canvas painting with appropriate book characters. Enjoy yourself!

Witzend, Callistemon. This is ‘John’, who is aged 69 years old, bought for me by my Nan when I was 4. He had a visit to the teddy hospital a few years ago!

Toots, thanks for that information and picture. think i might buy one for myself, i have difficulty sleeping.
OP, i think these kind of useful things are a good idea, and/or premium bonds/ money fund/ tumble dryer.
teddies etc get thrown around/out or ignored, they get so many, and will not know who gave what.
ask the parents. good luck.

One of the loveliest gifts I've heard of is paying for a photographer to do photos of the new family.

I agree with those who advise against cuddly toys--they multiply like rabbits and can become a real nuisance!

I bought a 23cm Steiff bear for one of my grandsons, quite soft and pliable, not one of those with stiff arms and legs. He seemed to like it.

For both my sons and their wives on the birth of the first grandchild I bought them tumble dryers. All have said it is the most used and useful thing they had for babies and young children. Several of my friends have done the same for their grandchildren with good feedback.

I just asked the parents and they requested a baby monitor. I've another in the offing and have asked the parents to think what they would like. Interest rates are so ridiculously low that I would plump for premium bonds if no specific request is forthcoming. I find just small injections of basic needs at intervals along the way are equally pleasurable for them and me. I see a need and meet it if I can. SO lovely being a GP.

We bought a lovely Steiff bear think it was called my first Steiff. You can buy them in a neutral colour. Also gave them some premium bonds.

Firstly Congratulations! My first Granddaughter was born in June, she is an absolute joy We did contribute to the pram/car seat/speed boat combo! that seems all the rage now at the request of my son and dil. Luckily they got it half price as it was last year's colour! (Yes, that is a thing!) When it came to Christmas we bought (online) the Harrods Christmas Bear, they do one every year, each is different and has the year embroidered on it's paw, they are not outrageous in price (£25) and really nice quality, more of a keepsake and they are collectible. Like others have suggested money for a saving account is a good idea as is something else practical a bath seat or high chair, it won't be long before they need both.

I found that the small toys and practical household items were great but when it came to buying the larger items later on we were short of cash. I was so grateful that my Dad (ever the sensible one) regularly put some money into a "dip-in fund" for these expenses. We were able to get paddling pools, outdoor play equipment, hamster worlds and later on bicycles, laptops and mobile phones. It was really was the gift that kept on giving. I often wonder if buying for GC is just an excuse to shop and spend for yourself rather than for them. By all means get a few fun items, ask first of they want or need it, then satisfy your giving urge and set up a bank account or ISA. My sons (in their thirties) still point to their monster-sized climbing frame in the family album and say "thanks Grandpa!"

Baby slings, very expensive but very useful.

What about windchimes? My own children loved them when they were babies?

Also , meant to say, there are monitors and cameras etc you can get now for peace of mind. Sorry if I’ve repeated.

Don’t know if it’s already been mentioned.....but get her an ‘ Ollie the Owl’. It is a sleep aid from newborn upwards, and my daughter has found it an absolute blessing, to the point that, when they moved into their new house, and saw two of the neighbours were pregnant, although she didn’t know them...she bought one for each of them! It actually turned out one of the girls had been at her school, not a direct friend, but peripheral. She hadn’t recognised her from across the road. Anyway, they’re about £30 I think, and my daughter wouldn’t be without hers. All major shops sell them I think. Argos is where she got hers. Congratulations, and I hope you’ll be able to see the baby when the time comes?

He looks splendid, Witzend! And very proud of his rejuvenation

I think Bobby needs to go and have some TLC.

@Callistemon, my teddy - a present for my first birthday - went off to the Teddy Hospital a few years ago. He’d been languishing in a drawer for years, after our old dog chewed more than half his face off when she was a pup.

They did a marvellous job! And even added the ribbon he now wears round his neck.

What about a baby monitor , I got one of these for my daughter , it sings to the baby it lights up , you can see baby at all times , even see in the room it’s perfect for new mums and dads x

How about a monitor or a car seat
I also think if they have everything for baby how about a premium bond

Definitely a Ewan the Sheep fan! Used for both my grandchildren, although not bought by me.

We contributed money for our twins pram cot car seats you don’t seem to stop but that’s what grandparents do.

My teddy needs to go to The Repair Shop.

Premium bonds?

Definitely, a teddy. Mine are still alive and kicking after 69 years. They were my most cherished possessions when I was little (I had twoto start with, then the family grew) and heard numerous complaints about the grown-ups.

Congratulations.

In your place I would ask the parents what they would like from you, as they sound well-organised.

My brother was in a similar position with one of his grands and ended up buying a year's supply of nappies. Something along these lines with a good cuddly toy he/she can keep forever?

Hands down Ewen the Sheep, helps babies nod off, I’ve given it to all my friends and families new borns and all the new mothers said it was the best present by far they received.

sweetdreamers.co.uk/

Ooh- lovely news - where to stop!
I would seriously consult the new parents- babies are fiendishly expensive unless they are part of the various Sell or Swap groups/pages my younger daughters like.
I did enjoy making a cot blanket for the three youngest GC - my efforts at a “baby bag” for no. 1 resembled a hot water bottle cover which discouraged me when no 2 arrived 18 months later.
Whatever you make or buy will give you enormous pleasure!