My girls were pushed out 12 and 9 years ago. I don’t know if ‘push presents’ were a thing back then but they seem very much like a thing now. Many dads-to-be may be completely lost in the non-existent push present aisle of the imaginary push present store so we thought we’d ask the fantastic moms who engage with us on the Life of Dad Facebook page to tell us the best push presents (and gifts for the new baby too) they received after delivering a baby. May these suggestions guide you, dad, and may your thoughtfulness be appreciated by the new mom in your life!
Anne Katherine: A tree! We got a tree as a gift from our employer when baby was born, and planted it when we brought him home! Always a cherished memory in our front yard.
Andrea K. Gentry: For mom, give her something that reminds her of when you guys met for the first time.. It will remind her that she is that same woman who make your heart skip a beat and then some!
Mandy Knight Powers: For each child we’ve had (3) my husband has given me a piece of jewelry with the birthstone of that child’s birthday. I don’t wear a lot of jewelry and he doesn’t often gift jewelry. Life is busy and I don’t always take the time to reminisce, but everytime I put on one of these priceless (to me) pieces I remember his excitment and our joy on that day. I learned how to take care of my jewelry from this article by madison 365. One day, when our kids are grown I can give them each the pieces of jewelry that were given to me on their first day, they are amazing pieces of jewelry, if you are interested in them you can find more online at adinasjewels.com! You may also consider giving your mom antique brooches for sale for Mother’s day or their birthday.
Jessica Weedon Lazard: A professional photography session or two. With a photo book just for them. Your wife may not feel beautiful toward the end of pregnancy or right after birth but she is so beyond beautiful! Her body made another human being!!! Photos just for her to remember and photos of your little girl to see as she grows.
Nancy Grandovic: How about writing a letter to each of them honestly saying how you are feeling. I guarantee your wife will treasure it immediately and eventually so will your daughter when she is older. And of course, do everything you can to help them.
Traci Chandler: Have her footprints copied and printed/ woven into a fabric, with which to make her favorite blanket..this is the one she will continue using, so it will serve the future with tons of wonderful family memories of baby/toddler life together.
Jorge Cerecedo: When my first daughter was born I gave my wife a gold necklace with a pendant of a girl’s silhouette. During the toughest moments at the hospital I gave it to her, she didn’t expect it and I like to think it carries a special meaning.
Twila Salek: My husbands good friend added a small diamond to his wife’s wedding ring for each child’s birth. I always thought that was a nice touch of class on his part.
Colleen Byrnes: My husband surprised me at the hospital with a mother’s ring with out daughter’s name and birthstone. When our second daughter was born, he gave me an updated ring.
Finally, how about something undeniably practical and probably just as cherished as jewelry in the short term: Jen Rehberg says… A housekeeper and frozen meals. It’s hard enough to take care of a newborn, let alone yourself when you are trying to keep another person alive (LITERALLY) and the dishes keep stacking up, and everyone’s hungry.
Did you get or give a great push present? Share the story with us on Facebook!
*Flickr photo by Stefano Mortellaro, used under Creative Commons license.