Know someone expecting soon? What should you give them? Options of what to buy for them that says “Congratulations, I love you!” is overwhelming. Even when they have a gift registry! While there are legit, real necessities needed when the baby comes, in my unpopular opinion, babies just don’t need that much. There, I said it. After having 4 children, here’s my list of gift ideas that are super helpful, and speak louder than any other gift you can give. And guess what? They’re aren’t things. 


Give your time. 

After my second baby was born, my husband had to go out of town about a week and a half after delivery. I was exhausted. I had a close friend come by for a visit. Before she left, she asked if there was anything she could do. Not wanting to tell her “yes, everything!” I replied “no, that’s ok.” She didn’t believe me, thankfully, and proceeded to go downstairs and switch out the laundry. She then folded all the dry towels and sheets, she did my dirty dishes in my sink, and even cleaned the bathroom. All while I nursed and dozed on the couch. She didn’t talk to me or ask questions, she just did it. It was the most amazing, thoughtful gift she could have ever given me. It’s been 15 years and I still remember her gift of time and the way she took care of me and our family through her actions. Be that person. Time is precious, so when you give it, there’s nothing that speaks louder.


A person in a white knit sweater and jeans sits comfortably on a light colored floor, looking down thoughtfully.
Two people laying on white bedding wearing denim jeans with feet up against wall in playful relaxed pose.
A parent and toddler share a joyful moment while sitting together on a white floor against a white paneled wall.

Be a babysitter. 

Give an hour or two of your week to watch the new baby, or any older siblings. As a new mom, or a veteran mom, sometimes you just need a quick nap with the peace of knowing that your new baby and other children are going to be looked after. Or just be by yourself and take a walk outside. Or, sometimes you need a quick hour away from the house with your significant other to connect and have a quiet conversation. Especially if you’re nursing. It can be so life giving. It’s refreshing and makes you feel more human to get out of sweats and wash your hair ;)


Mother and daughter in matching floral dresses dance together in a bright white room.
A smiling figure in a delicate white and blue floral dress cradles their baby bump against a light backdrop.
A tender moment captured in soft light as a mother in a floral dress lifts her baby wearing blue against a white wall.

Bring them food. 

Bring over a healthy dinner one evening. Make sure you know any allergies or food preferences before you do. If possible, bring it over in disposable dishes so there’s no cleanup involved afterward. If you can’t quite make it over at dinner time, make a dinner ahead of time and drop it by their home earlier in the day. Include any extra cooking or heating instructions so they know exactly what needs to be done to enjoy the meal. If you’re better at breakfast, make breakfast, and bring it over and drop it off on their porch in the morning. But not too early ;) Don’t like to cook at all? You can still serve in this way. Go grocery shopping for them. Buy fruits and vegetables, healthy snacks, breakfast items, like eggs, and their favorite sweet treats. Then, go one step further and meal prep for them. Don’t underestimate the power of washing and slicing fruit and veggies. It can be so incredibly helpful. When my mother-in-law visited after a delivery, she pre-cooked 5 pounds of ground beef, grilled chicken, diced and cooked onions, and made several meals and FROZE everything. The next time we needed a meal, it was so easy to pull out what we needed for a quick, healthy dinner. 


A tender moment shared between a parent and child lying on white bedding, wearing denim and casual clothing.
Person lying on white bed with legs propped up against wall wearing blue jeans in relaxed casual pose.
A mother in a flowing white floral dress lifts and plays with a small child wearing blue against a minimalist white backdrop.

Diapers + Wipes

Still feel the need to get them something? Disposable diapers and wipes are top priority. Did you know, the average newborn needs about 12 diaper changes a day? That’s so many diapers! If they are using cloth diapers, see if there’s a brand of covers they love or buy a certain type of insert they use or need!


The saying “it takes a village” is so true after having a baby. Be the village!! Help them not just survive the first few weeks after baby comes, but really thrive and cherish their days as new parents or as a growing family with a brand new member!


I am a maternity, newborn, baby, and family photographer in Batesville, Arkansas. I'd love to serve you by documenting a special milestone in your family's life!