|
|
Dec. 8, 2006
How to baby a baby
Some gift-giving tips for the toothless on your list.
KYLE BERGER
Every time I blink, it seems, someone else I know is having a baby.
In the past five years, my wife's sister has had four, my brothers
have had three – with another on the way – and friendly
get-togethers with my friends to watch a hockey game have turned
into the sequel of movie Daddy Daycare.
About eight weeks ago, I had one of my own (with a little assistance
from my wife). So, naturally, I have become a bit of an expert on
all things that exist in the land of milk and poopy. Today's lesson:
gift-giving for babies.
One of the greatest gifts a young parent receives from their friends
and loved ones when a baby is born is, well, gifts. Onesies, sleepers,
hats, blankets, receiving towels, "I love Daddy" shirts,
shoes with ducks and ducks with shoes of all kinds came at us like
a tidal wave of support. Now, as the holiday season approaches –
a time in which gift-giving is overshadowed only by eating and drinking
– I thought I'd throw out a few tips for anyone searching for
something for someone under the age of two.
Tip #1: Match the size with the season. Although that wool
sweater you bought on the clearance rack last spring may still fit
you for this year's New Year's party, the same cannot likely be
said for an infant. Baby clothes are clearly marked in sizes that
generally span three-month periods. So a baby born this weekend
probably won't be able to use a snow-suit sized for a six-to-nine-month-old
when the snow has melted. You may also want to remind your aunt
who lives in Ft. Lauderdale that it's not summer all year round
in the Pacific Northwest.
Tip #2: You can never go wrong with a duck. Any outfit with
a duck on it is a good choice. Recent census results have shown
that 50 per cent fewer gifts with ducks on them are returned or
exchanged compared to any other featured animal. While I may have
just completely made up that stat, there seems to be a calming vibe
sent by anything that's yellow and quacks.
Tip #3: Check the registry. There are many different styles
and theories when it comes to raising infants and baby stores offer
different versions of products that reflect those styles. The best
way to be sure that the type of bottle system, diaper disposal plan
or diet works with the baby's parents is to check the gift registry
set up when baby was born. You'll waste a lot of money on designer
cloth diapers for a family whose registry featured 10 packs of Pampers
on their list.
Tip #4: Give the gift of a receipt. It's always important
to keep your ego in check while shopping for a baby. As noted in
tip #3, everyone has different tastes and a baby's outfit is a direct
statement about their parents. So, as cute as you think the outfit
with the fluffy bows and sparkly collar is, be prepared for the
possibility that the parents won't feel the same. Put a gift receipt
in the bag.
Tip #5: Pay the parents. It's never wrong to go the safe
route and write a cheque for the baby's personal savings or education.
But if you have written the cheque in the baby's name, don't be
surprised if it doesn't get cashed for a while, since baby may not
yet have an account. A cheque written to the parents with a note
reminding them not spend it on french fries and lollipops would
suffice.
Tip #6: Mix in a little religion. When a Jewish couple gets
married, it seems that all they get is Judaica. When they have a
baby, it seems all they get is clothes. There is something very
special about a baby's first Kiddush cup, menorah or dreidel. It
could be something they keep close to them for the rest of their
lives.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer
living in Richmond.
^TOP
|
|
