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Present for my first grandchild?

(114 Posts)
ellie22 Wed 06-Jan-21 20:11:48

My first grandchild is due at the beginning of April. We were going to offer to put towards a pushchair (goodness they are a price now!) or a cot but daughter and husband have bought both...they saved up for the pushchair and bought a fab cot second hand....she has bought quite a bit of stuff to be honest as is very organised. Relatives have bought a bouncy chair so can't buy that but would like to buy the first teddy for the baby (and have asked daughter who is all in favour)
Obviously that is not ALL we will buy...but I am very at sea these days with what is useful/good to buy for babies. I have bought bits ...book, clothes etc although holding off on that as don't want to buy too much too soon nor do we, or they, know what sex the baby is.
So...any suggestions on good (cuddly and probably washable ) teddies. Or indeed anything you bought for your first grandchild. Obviously I did think perhaps cot/pram bedding although mum in law has made some lovely blankets (not my skill!)
It's been a ray of light in these dark times to be honest...new life and all that

Chardy Thu 07-Jan-21 11:13:49

Best thing I bought granddaughter was a bath time toy with suction pads for the inside of the bath. She played with it until she was nearly 4.

reikinana Thu 07-Jan-21 11:17:37

For our granddaughters we gave money for their passports. I also gave a digital photo frame for the bedroom with photos of their family and lullabies installed.

Moggycuddler Thu 07-Jan-21 11:22:56

Set up an ISA for baby with whatever you can afford in it to start it off. And say you will try to pay a small amount into it every month (or every 3 months, or whatever suits) for as long as you reasonably can. This will come in very useful down the line, but is obviously a long term thing. You could also of course buy a nice cuddly toy or a set of clothes for baby too.

Sadgrandma Thu 07-Jan-21 11:23:41

Yes a lovely cuddly toy, my daughter had a hedgehog that went everywhere with her including uni. She still has it although she is a mum herself.

I set up a savings account for my granddaughter and my husband and I put money in on her birthdays and Christmas (of course also buy her a present). Or how about some premium bonds?

GolferGrandma Thu 07-Jan-21 11:23:47

Congratulations ellie22, first Grandchild is VERY special. I can’t remember anything we bought other than a Mommas and Papas cuddly rabbit, but sure there were lots of other odds and ends too!
For her Christening we gave a gold sovereign. Family history behind that as my Father was given one (as a youngster) by his Grandfather and then passed that same one on to our first child (D) so I thought it would be appropriate for my GC, now have 4 and bought each one a sovereign. Maybe they will appreciate in value - who knows.

billericaylady Thu 07-Jan-21 11:27:41

Hello there,Congratulations! I will be Nana for the first time in Feb? .I have been sending " Bubb" as nicknamed presents including baby grows etc. Nearer the time I will buy a Stieff or Merrythought Teddy bear although will take care to buy one aimed at a baby.
On a practical note we are buying Aldis premium Nappies which have great reviews ?

Farmor15 Thu 07-Jan-21 11:37:52

Lots of good suggestions here, but few have mentioned books. It was only when one newborn grandchild was given a lovely selection of books by a friend, that I realised what a good idea it was. A mixture of titles suitable for babies and slightly older children makes a good gift, including some classics like Peter Rabbit and Roald Dahl.

From my experience (5 grandchildren in last 5 years) parents prefer to buy all the basic baby stuff, though money towards expenses is always appreciated. First babies get loads of soft toys and clothes from friends, many of which never get used.

BassGrammy Thu 07-Jan-21 11:40:36

When each of our four grandchildren were born, we set up a savings scheme for them paying in a modest amount each month. New babies don’t really need much and whatever you buy will only last a short time. What about paying for a photo shoot for them.....that way they will have memories that last forever. You will no doubt see baby clothes you want to buy once you know whether it’s a boy or a girl!

jenniewren Thu 07-Jan-21 11:55:40

We’ve recently had two new grandchildren and as both sets of parents seemed to have all the big items we gave them money to either buy the smaller items they needed or to save for when the babies are a bit older and they need other things such as a high chair. We bought outfits for the babies and I’ve knitted various cardis/hats/blankets as well.

Poppyred Thu 07-Jan-21 12:05:29

Why don’t you ask them what they need?

Witzend Thu 07-Jan-21 12:11:54

@Damdee, ditto to Merrythought teddies! Dd1 had one from one day old and took it everywhere into her 20s. Baby Bear (as he was known) even accompanied her on a very hairy trip on horseback through a Siberian wilderness when she was a student in Russia.

What puts me off the Steiff ones is that button in the ear. As a child I’m sure I’d endlessly have wanted to pull or cut it off! (I would as an adult, too - it’s be a permanent irritant.)

Libman Thu 07-Jan-21 12:15:38

As others have said:
Baby monitor with video
Baby sling - supportive one. My daughter walked for miles during the first lockdown with her newborn and toddler.
Next to me crib.
Not a knitter either so I made a mobile with felt suns, moons, stars and pom-poms
High chair
Baby change bag

Willitwork Thu 07-Jan-21 12:16:44

A nursing/rocking chair and stool for mum to use during those long night feeds and cuddly moments. Xx

MawBe Thu 07-Jan-21 12:21:40

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!

DillytheGardener Thu 07-Jan-21 12:22:08

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/

Westcoaster Thu 07-Jan-21 12:22:53

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?

grandtanteJE65 Thu 07-Jan-21 12:28:28

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.

Paperbackwriter Thu 07-Jan-21 12:29:16

Premium bonds?

Callistemon Thu 07-Jan-21 12:30:24

My teddy needs to go to The Repair Shop.

Redhead56 Thu 07-Jan-21 12:30:48

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

Trisha57 Thu 07-Jan-21 12:31:40

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

Ladypatti Thu 07-Jan-21 12:36:11

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

Nelly99 Thu 07-Jan-21 12:40:37

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

Witzend Thu 07-Jan-21 12:44:34

@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.

Callistemon Thu 07-Jan-21 12:48:24

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

I think Bobby needs to go and have some TLC.