Gift for third child?

[matryoshka]

DH's close friend just had his 3rd daughter... I got them a gift for the first, somehow missed the 2nd (they have had 3 in 3 years - I can't keep up), and now for the 3rd I would like to send something that sort of reflects/honors the three children, like something arty or decorative but not too expensive. With a 3rd girl, I doubt there is any item of clothing or gear they actually need, and of course there is no registry. I thought maybe parents of more than one child might have ideas of what they need/want/would appreciate at this stage.

Any ideas? TIA!

[lml41981]

I am not a parent of more than one child (soon to be a parent of my first, actually)...but I'd really send meals or arrange for a cleaning lady or something like that. Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy time that you can spend doing things that make you happy!

If you don't want to do that, then how about a frame with three slots and a gift certificate for professional photos?

eta: hmmm my suggestion might not fit under the "not too expensive" clause...sorry! feel free to ignore.

[matryoshka]

Hmmm, no, I like that last idea, it is definitely in the right vein. I want something of that type, because the first two things, while they would be amazing for me, would be unnecessary for her since her mom is living with her right now and they are both disgusting powerhouses of efficiency. Thank you for the good idea!

any more out there?

[Twylla]

My first thought was books, maybe a new book for each girl?

Or something like a family pass to the zoo or science centre or something, not sure what the costs are like though.

[matryoshka]

Those are good ideas, thanks Twylla. The books could be age-specific too, or be about being sisters or something. (I am one of three girls, so I could get into that.) thanks a bunch! btw that puppy in your avatar is killing me, it's so cute.

[Mrs. M.]

Maybe a personalized photo album for baby # 3.

[T&M'sMommy]

Gift certificate for Sears photos. A gift basket which has all sorts of treats and things for everyone. A couple of movies for the kids, some movies for mom and dad, some popcorn,.some chocolate etc...

[matryoshka]

thank you for more great suggestions! :)

[linda_loo]

they have had 3 in 3 years

uh, condoms?

j/k.

;)

I have 2 kids, and I sort of think I'd say the same thing that I did after having #2... #1 received a bunch of things that were really special - most were small of of the sort that I can put them away in a little box and hand down to her some day. #2 only has a few things that are "hers". If you are a close friend, that kind of personal item would very well be treasured by the child and the family. A child's necklace, an engraved jewelry box, a special snowglobe - you know, Things Remembered kind of stuff. This year's Caldecott-winning book, etc.

OTOH, all of the other things listed by other posters would have been appreciated as well, but they do seem more like a gift for the *family* rather than for the child... just depends on what you feel like gifting.

[matryoshka]

uh, condoms?

ROFL! seriously! I think they're done now. He had another little girl just before this marriage so it is tough for me to keep up. :p

Thank you for the good suggestions. I'm sure that with two (three) sisters so close in age, the littlest might not have a lot of her very own and might appreciate something like that.