GIFT IDEA FOR NEWBORN..other than the usual stuffed animal...

[kk junebug]

my husbands cousin just had a baby yesterday and we're visiting them this weekend. we want to get them something other than the "usual" stuffed animal or outfit.
they didnt get much off their registry at their shower...other than LOTS of pink clothes and blankets...but im looking at it now and nothing is really jumping out at me for "a little something" to bring.
i've read in previous threads that gift cards are always appreciated...but im just curious if anyone has any other ideas??

WHAT WAS YOUR "MUST-HAVE" DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS W/YOUR NEWBORN?

[Sandie78]

Dinner! Food is great.

[thompso2]

We got a savings bond for our friends' new baby, since they had all the "stuff" they really needed.

[maggieb]

I second the dinner idea. It was, hands down, the best gift we received with DD#1 and DD#2.

Other than dinner, what about some board books for the little one? I know books are always welcome in our house.

[jennylou]

One of the hand/foot print kits?

A baby book.

Something off of their registry.

[Sophia]

dinner or GC to restaurant
something off registry or GC for registry
board book(s)
diapers (unless you know they're cloth diapering or got a ton already)

[Scooter]

Food!!! In those first weeks, food & housecleaning were the things we needed help with. Whether it's a gift certificate to a restaurant or actually bringing take out to their house, it will be appreciated! If you have the time & ability, something homemade is also wonderful, especially if it's easily heated in the microwave (like a lasagna, enchiladas, etc).

If the mom is breastfeeding, later on when she's feeling better she may enjoy a something to read while nursing. Nursing takes up many hours a day, so books or magazines help.

[kimthebride]

A PeaPod or Merry Maids gift card so they can have some groceries delivered or the house cleaned.

For the baby herself, head to BRU and pick up:
1) a swaddling blanket
2) A "white noise" CD - they have one called Soothing Sounds with 11 minute recordings of vacuum, dryer, fa, water, car ride, etc. Sooooo calming
3) a little something to hang in the crib with a mirror for the baby to see herself and some bright things to look at. may keep her entertained when she wakes up, so she lets mom sleep a little longer.

[kindermom]

A few of our favorite gifts...
1) Meals. A group of friends provided 10 meals for us. It was a godsend. Literally. While I was feeling ok, it was wonderful to not have to cook in the beginning.

2) My brother got M a little BabyGund stuffed rattle monkey. It was small enough that she could hold it very early on. It was her best friend for her first 8 months. While it was something that only cost $5 it was hands down one of the best gifts.

3) Books. They get expensive after a while if you are trying to build a library.

4) Magazines or books for the new mother. Frankly it is pretty boring in the beginning.