Things to get new parents that they won’t know to ask for

When a woman announces she’s having a baby, the baby becomes the center of attention instantly. People want to know the sex. They want to know how many months the developing fetus is. They even plan to spend a little something on gifts for the little one before he even makes his debut.

The people that often get overshadowed in the new baby fuss are the parents, so don’t be that friend.

Think about things to get new that they won’t know to ask for.

Things to get new parents that they won’t know to ask for | Honeycomb Moms | New mom Sydnea Rutland cradles her pregnant belly in a photo-shoot. | Credit: Ivan Garcia Studio

And don’t worry If you have no idea what to get new parents.

The writers of Honeycomb Moms got together this list of our favorite gifts:

A grocery delivery service

There are tons of options out there from Amazon Fresh and Uber Eats to meal-kit companies like Hello Fresh, but my favorite by far is Instacart. I’m all about bang for my buck, and Instacart just so happens to have partnerships with several stores in my area including Publix grocery store, CVS Pharmacy, BJ’s Wholesale Club and ALDI’s supermarket. I can get all my shopping necessities delivered. With a new baby, that convenience is a must have. I will warn you though. Some of the prices are inflated. So there’s definitely give and take. For now, I’m still staying with Instacart. If you sign up, use promo code LFOREMAN294182.

A home cleaning service

Nothing says I’m thinking of the new mom and dad like checking a few items off their to-do lists. You can get creative and make them a coupon book offering up your services or shell out some cash to hire professionals. Check out Merry Maids, TaskRabbit and Hello Alfred gift options for the millennial mom looking to schedule help through her phone. No matter what you do, I promise it will be greatly appreciated. And not in the it’s-the-thought-that-counts kind of way. New parents will actually love this gift.

A touch of pampering

Not only do family and friends often forget about new parents, so do the new parents themselves. They trade in self-care for baby care without even flinching. So when you’re thinking about what to get new parents, also remind them to think of themselves. They are important and deserving of some time off.

Maybe that means an in-home couple’s massage. Maybe that means a gift certificate to a local salon, barbershop or spa. Even gifts as cost efficient as cozy button-up pajamas or scented candles can help restore a little Zen for the couple, Honeycomb mom Sydnea Rutland said.

Parents need to think of themselves from time to time. It’s absolutely essential.

A lot of alcohol

Don’t believe the hype. A breastfeeding mom can have a glass of wine or two. She just may have to pump and dump or wait a few hours before pumping. So checkout some of the wine club offerings at my favorite winery, Cooper’s Hawk. Including alcohol test strips is an extra thoughtful touch, Honeycomb mom Jerusha Washington said.

The gift of time and space

Do call and checkup on new parents. Do ask if there is anything you can do to help, but don’t invite yourself over to their home.

 “Understand that new parents might not always want company in those early weeks,” Honeycomb mom Jessica Hawkins said. “It can be overwhelming especially if you feel like you and your home have to look a certain way for said company.” 

Take some of the pressure off by offering to fulfill a need instead of asking them to think of your needs. The best way to figure out what to get new parents is to just listen to them and respond to what they say.

Things to get new parents that they won’t know to ask for | Honeycomb Moms | It’s not always easy shopping gifts for new moms, and forget about new dads! The seven millennial moms of Honeycomb Moms are here to help with our best gift ideas. | Credit: Ivan Garcia Studio