Creative* Gift Ideas for New and Expecting Parents

*and last minute

If you’re anything like me, you’ve found yourself doing last minute holiday shopping this year. Even if you’re normally a finish-my-list-in-early-November kind of person, this year has thrown us enough curve balls to throw off even the most planful among us.

(Case in point: this blog post is going up after some of the season’s holidays have already begun…)

With stay at home orders in place, and postal service delays to boot, gift giving looks a little different this year. I’ve pulled together a list of “not things” you can give a new or expecting parent in your life (with no shipping required), based on suggestions from parents, partners, families, and a curated list of why-didn’t-I-think-of-that-before. This year more than ever, shop local and support small. We have a wonderful small business community in in Grey and Bruce Counties that has stepped up to meet our ever changing needs. I know they will jump for joy to have your business and support.

Disclaimer: it is up to everyone to make choices for themselves and their families with regards to safety during COVID-19. Each individual’s and family’s situation is different. Please follow public health directives.

1. Prenatal or childbirth education classes

Prenatal (pregnancy) and childbirth education classes are a gift of knowledge and community connection. Many classes (including the local ones!) have moved online this year, so they’re more widely accessible if the expecting parents don’t drive, have hectic schedules, or live further away from the provider. If scheduled classes don’t work for the expecting parents, many doulas and educators offer additional services and bookings as well.

2. Doula services

Doulas, in general, offer birth and/or postpartum services.

A birth doula advocates and tends to the birthing person’s needs during labour and birth. They may provide physical support and comfort measures, emotional support, and even support for other family members. Often they meet the parent(s) a few times before the baby is born to discuss wants, fears, plans, what is important for the birthing person and/or their support system.

A postpartum doula provides care after a baby is born. They provide a wide range of services that can include caring for the birthing person and the baby, laundry, dishes or meals, information about infant soothing, and listening to the parent(s)’ concerns.

Selecting a doula can be a very personal decision as the doula is present during a vulnerable time for the family. Further, not every doula provides both services, so checking their websites or social media for more information is a good idea.

3. Meal catering or services

Take the work out of nutrition! Food is wonderfully cultural (think of the warm fuzzies that you feel when you think of a favourite food from childhood or your favourite take-out down the street), nutritious and replenishing. But the shopping, chopping, and time that goes into preparing a hearty meal can be an enormous effort. Order a meal or two from a local caterer, stop by with a couple of their favourite foods, or give a gift card.

Another wonderful option is making freezer-ready home cooked casseroles and meals that can be taken out in time for dinner and popped in the oven. For bonus points you can pick up the used dirty, crusty dish and save the new parents the hassle of washing up.

4. Professional photography

A gift card for a photography session is so versatile. It can be used for a pregnancy photo shoot, a family photo shoot, or on some glamour shots for a new little one. Hey… if they have pets even those deserve the lime light every once in a while too!

5. Lactation consulting

If a parent is choosing to breastfeed there can be a lot of stress involved, and a lot to learn! This is a pre-emptive option that allows a new parent to get professional, trusted advice as soon as they want it or are ready for it. Some lactation consultants also offer services and have other credentials aside from lactation consulting, so a gift card for this service might go further than you think!

*Note: the choice to breastfeed or to bottle feed is a very personal one, and sometimes there is no choice involved at all. Please be mindful of the potentially sensitive nature of this topic.

6. Yoga pass or membership

Yoga is everywhere right now! Live-online, on demand, offline, and in-studio - there are so many choices available. Even better, some yoga studios offer prenatal yoga classes, or have the option to book individual classes with a yoga instructor that can be tailored to the student’s strengths and needs.

7. Pelvic floor physiotherapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic

Of course this is in here!! I think every birthing person can benefit from some TLC. The pelvic floor and core muscles go through a lot during pregnancy and birth (regardless of the type of birth), and having a skilled professional provide education, advice, and some hands-on therapy can help with aches, pains, and safe participation in the recreation activities we all love.

Not only are there physical changes for the birthing parent, but there are a lot of mental and emotional changes for all members of the family and support system. Stress can manifest in a number of ways including aches and pains. The skilled hands of a manual therapist can help alleviate those aches and pains, and hopefully some stress along the way.

None of these ideas tickle your fancy or inspire you? Here are some other things to keep in mind:

• Many parents, especially first time parents, have a lot of baby supplies but less for when the baby is older.

• Possibly most important of all, PARENTS ARE PEOPLE TOO!! Maybe having that in all-caps isn’t necessary, but new parents often receive offers for help “with the baby” when they’re looking for adult time or adult help. Take them out for coffee and a walk in the park (might I recommend Beiner trails in Port Elgin, MacGregor Park, or Geddes Park in Kincardine), offer to watch the baby for a night while they go out with a partner or friend, or even offer to hang out at home together and cook for them (but please keep COVID guidelines in mind).

Thank you for making it this far! I hope I’ve inspired your thoughtful gift giving, regardless of season.

All the best,
-Dr. B