I need help with a gift idea.

[Ohiogal]

Some time next week (hopefully if and when this God-awful heat ever breaks) I am going to finally be able to visit in person my best friend of over 20 years, her daughter, and her brand new granddaughter who is six months old. Although we talk on the phone and I’ve seen plenty of pictures of the baby, we have not visited in person since February due to the fact that my friend has health issues and must be extremely careful that she doesn’t contract Covid-19, and since my son who lives with us works in a grocery store, she wants to be extra careful, which I totally understand.

She thought it would be okay if we sit on her front porch 6 or 8 feet apart wearing masks, we could have an in-person visit. I won’t be doing any baby holding, however,which will be hard, but an in person visit is still better than no visit!

I would like to bring some kind of little gift for the baby. In normal times I would bring a homemade food item like a coffee cake or chocolate chip cookies, but I don’t know if that is such a good idea now. Does anyone think it would be okay to bring the baby a toy or a book or a cute t shirt? I’m worried about Covid. It’s pretty easy for me to get to Walmart or Target and I could wash or sterilize whatever I bring first. Baby’s parents are having a bit of a tough time these days, but the Dad recently got called back to work, so that will make things better.

If anyone has any ideas, I would be forever grateful! And thank you in advance!

[Sherman A1]

1. Cash always works

If they are having a tough time as you indicated, it might be the right gift. I would stay away from gift cards as it's hard to predict which Retailers will be around in the future.

[Ohiogal]

6. You never know

With all the retailers going under these days, how long a gift card will last! Thank you!

[csziggy]

22. Usually I give my grand nieces and nephews gift cards to bookstores

Last Christmas I wasn't sure which chains the parents had access to so I gave each child a pre-paid Visa card. That way the parents can take the kids to any bookstore to pick out their books.

A note: the parents love this - the kids get to select their own books and as they grow up they learn to pick carefully to make the most of their book budgets.

[Sherman A1]

23. The visa gift card is a good idea

I too years ago did the bookstore gift cards for the nieces and nephews but with the Retail Sector in such a state of flux I am staying away from anything specific these days.

[peacefreak2.0]

2. A gift card.

I know it’s so generic, but given the times it might make sense.

[Ohiogal]

7. I did think about this first.

Such a dilemma!

[secondwind]

3. Anything you bring will be much appreciated.

The baby may be close to using a sippy cup, or even a nice snuggly Teddy would be a big hit. I’m sure you will enjoy this visit very much.

[Ohiogal]

8. I'm just worried about the virus.

And if it would be okay to give a gift at all?

[Bayard]

4. I sent my new baby niece in Germany several cute little rompers a few weeks ago

But I sprayed them with Lysol before wrapping. I'm sure my niece washed them right away.

[Ohiogal]

9. That's a good idea.

I have some Lysol laundry detergent here that I only use for special things since I can’t find it in stores anymore. I wonder if baby’s mom would be okay if I washed a clothing item with that, first.

[lisa58]

5. I think a toy, plastic, that can be easily disinfected

Would be appropriate.

[Ohiogal]

10. That was mostly what I was thinking, too.

Something easy to keep clean!

[MLAA]

11. Just have them quarantine whatever gift you decide on.

Look at it, put back in bag for a week or two and wash hands 🙂

[MLAA]

12. I am not normally known for my practical gifts...

However under circumstances, how about a big box of diapers?

[Ohiogal]

14. I never thought of that

But that’s an excellent idea.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

13. Of course it's okay to

bring a gift. The virus does not seem to be spread via surfaces. Really, it's not. Or by food.

[Ohiogal]

15. It's just tough to wonder

What they’re okay with... they are being super careful. I’m sure if I asked my friend she’d say I don’t need to bring anything, but I want to.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

16. If they are paying attention to the science,

they should know that the virus isn't spread on things.

I recently crocheted a baby afghan for a young friend's new baby. I always wash and dry anything I make both to make sure I give it out clean, and to make sure that it won't fall apart in the first washing, because I goofed up somewhere. In all honesty, I expect the new mom will wash and dry it again before wrapping her baby in it, and I'm not remotely insulted. Heck, it's what she would probably have done pre-Covid-19.

All that said, I honestly think the suggestion of a gift card is an excellent one. Or you could ask if there is something they would especially want.

It will be hard visiting without holding the baby, I know.

[Ohiogal]

18. I'll bet they were thrilled with a handmade afghan!

Thank you for your ideas.

Yes it will be difficult not being able to touch the baby. ☹️

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

20. Yes, they were.

This was a second baby, and I made one for the older brother two years ago.

I love to crochet and embroider. As my life has turned out, I will not have grandchildren of my own, so I eagerly make things for others. And I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it will be not to touch the baby. In normal times I've been known to politely ask strangers if I can hold their baby. Obviously, that won't happen now, but at least I'm referencing babies who aren't close to me as this one is to you.

Okay, here's a thought: spray yourself down with lots of bleach and then . . . oh, never mind.

[mysteryowl]

17. Bring a PARTY!!!

Helium balloons and regular balloons, hats, blow things, confetti, dance music!!!
BRING a PARTY!!!

[Ohiogal]

19. Yours is a unique idea

One that the mom would probably like!

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

21. Ohhh, that is probably the very best suggestion yet.