[Millie]

You folks are the only people I have to ask. My neighbors, in the building have had a baby girl. Any suggestions for a frugal gift?

The thing is, I’m currently living on a very tight, fixed income, so I need to keep things as affordable as possible—ideally something thoughtful, simple, and meaningful that won’t cost much.

Do you have any suggestions for frugal but heartfelt gifts for new parents? Maybe something homemade, practical, or creative that you’ve given or received yourself?

I’d be so grateful for your ideas and input.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and support.

[Pam]

I had neighbors at one time who had four toddlers and a new infant, mom not doing well post delivery. I showed up at the door, washed dishes for a couple of hours, swept and mopped the kitchen.

Cleaned in the bathroom. Cost me nothing but a few hours.

Bless their hearts, she cried as she said thank you. Not bragging, just saying sometimes our time is what people need and appreciate the most.

[Lisa]

Time! Make them some vouchers for a home cooked meal, doing a load of laundry, cleaning the house, ironing, babysitting etc.

You can make them up to look nice and give them with a small gift like a pair of booties.

[Brandi]

A meal. Love the voucher idea. So many new moms don’t have the village we need to help when we have a baby and it’s lonely.

[Shelly]

Maybe a cute outfit from Ross or Walmart and a coupon for babysitting when mama needs a nap (it could even be at their house).

I would have loved someone to take my baby when I so desperately needed two hours to myself for a nap or shower.

[Patrice]

Diapers a size up from what they are using now. Because one second they fit and the next they are too small (and you dont have the next size up!)

Burp cloths
Sunscreen for baby
I give a pack of white wash cloths. Can be used for 101 things!

[Claudette]

Unpopular opinion. If your fixed income is very tight, why do you have to purchase anything for a neighbor or anyone? I don’t think the neighbor is expecting anything.

I understand kindness. What’s wrong with a card congratulating her and acknowledging her new little one?

It is not selfish or unthoughtful to keep your money for your needs. Please take care of yourself first.

PS I am a person who has lived on a very tight budget also.

So, I understand wanting to give. But I learned quickly to do only what I am able to do.

[Lisa]

If you have access to a sewing machine and can afford two one-yard cuts of flannel, look up video tutorial for “self binding baby blanket”. It’s fiddly but achievable.

Or if you have hand sewing skills, buy a sweet receiving blanket at Walmart (low price) and embroider something like “welcome baby Tina” (or whatever her first name is.

So, the gift is frugal but full of your skill and time and affection for the family.

[Patty]

My husband was a dear when my baby was born, but if someone had swept and mopped my kitchen floor and made us a pasta dish, we’ll that would have been just lovely.

[Becky]

Look on the clearance rack at Walmart you could find something between three and $5 then make cookies or brownies for the family

[Marcy]

Marshalls and tjmax have cute toys, books etc under $10. Remember, it’s the thought that counts

Wrap it up with a cute card and it will be very appreciated!!

[Courtney]

Honestly, if they’re just neighbors and not friends, a congratulatory card would be more than enough.

They’re probably drowning in well intentioned blankets, outfits, and baby books.

You can probably find a card in the $2-3 range.

[Margie]

Baby mittens so baby doesn’t scratch their face, bibs (do they still make those?).

A couple of packs of cookies and sachets of ready made coffee, so Mom can eat on the go.

Bless you for being so caring when on a limited income.

[Mary]

if there are any people who crochet in your neighborhood, a flannel receiving blanket with crocheting around the edges is a nice gift and it doesn’t take as long nor cost as much as giving hand made quilts. I’m in northern utah.

I’m working on a receiving blanket that I bought probably 10-15 yrs ago !! just now getting around to doing the crochet around the edge.

otherwise, as a granma, I say ask those folks what they need for the baby. go and visit and just pay attention and listen and see what ideas pop into your head.

bonus: maybe they will let you hold that precious baby for a few minutes!!

[Coral]

Gifts of service are absolutely wonderful! Baby sitting, laundry, errands, transport, so many possibilities!

[Xia]

Offer to take some family photos (on your phone) and go to Walgreens or somewhere to print them out and select a frame to put it in from Dollar Tree?

It will cost less than $5 and be a thoughtful gift for them

[Kate]

Dollar tree washclothes, baby bath soap, bubble bath, books, etc

[Elisa]

Search for local “Buy nothing groups” on FB. Another item that could be of use is 1-2 size diapers or baby shampoo with wipes

[Jennifer]

I still remember a neighbor that brought over a casserole in a dish that didn’t need to be returned! Having a meal taken care of was the sweetest gift ever!

[Renee]

Give the ingredients for home made pizza.
Then you don’t have to worry about allergies or pet paranoia

[Kelly]

Offer help with something. Offer to go grocery shopping for her, to do her laundry, to wash your dishes, to keep an eye on the baby while she takes a nap if you know her well enough for that.

[Author]

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