6 Practical Steps: Organizing & Gift-Buying When Friends are Expecting​​​​​​​

New life is a beautiful thing! I strive to celebrate the special time of pregnancy, birth or adoption with the women in my life - like I do with most events or milestones in life. I definitely need a system since all the sweet babes seem to be coming at once these days! Can you relate?

I’m sharing my tips for keeping track of card and gift-worthy moments for friends who are expecting, and also share recommendations for unique, affordable gifts that new and experienced moms will absolutely love.

Here are 6 practical steps that will help you stay organized and thoughtful for your expecting friends:

  1. When you discover your friend is pregnant, add her due date to your phone calendar. Set a reminder for four weeks prior and also for the day-of. Of course, those babies don’t always arrive on cue, but the notification reminds you the day is just around the corner! If your friend is in the process of adoption, ask her about important dates that are coming up so you can support her through it.
  2. Stock up on paper goods + gifts you love giving! You’ll be prepared for births you know of and any you hear about last minute.
    • Check out give with joy’s baby + adoption cards. Your thoughtful note on a hand lettered card will definitely brighten up a new mama’s day. The sets equip you with a variety of messages you can send at a moment’s notice!
    • While you’re at it, check out the Baby Milestone Journal (currently on sale) for a go-to baby gift. This 4x6 journal comes with a muslin bag, so it can be safely tucked into a purse or diaper bag. Because it’s so portable, mom can always have it on hand to document milestones, even while she’s on-the-go. If you’re looking for an affordable gender-neutral gift you can easily mail or tuck into a gift bag, this is it! I like to have a few ready to mail with a card at all times.

3. When you receive a calendar notification four weeks before the due date, check in with your friend. If you haven’t talked in awhile, ask how she’s doing. And while you’re at it, find out if she knows Baby’s gender, so you can collect intel for the next step!

4. If you’re planning to send another gift, jump to one of my favorite sites to order something special. Here are a few handmade baby gifts I absolutely love!

Another idea to treat a mother getting ready to deliver is sending a gift box for her hospital stay. I like to include comfy leggings, candy bars and something easy and fun to read.

If your friend is close to completing the adoption process, send her a journal or a gift card to grab coffee.

5. When you hear the bundle of joy has arrived, send your card (and gift if you have one) to let your mom-friend know she’s loved and celebrated for bringing life into this world! I like to note the characteristics I see in my friend that I believe will shape her child into an incredible force in this world.

6. In your phone, open your friend’s contact information and add Baby’s name and birthdate to the notes field. You can also add the name and birthdate to your calendar, so you’ll remember the birthday next year. Make sure your birthday reminder is set to recur annually, so you’ll always know when it’s that time again!

Let’s continue to love and celebrate women in our communities -- whether she’s pregnant for the first time or a totally experienced momma. We can all use some encouragement, acknowledgement, and positive energy to warm the soul and remember we are loved.

with joy,

Aneta

Do you have other tips for keeping track of new births? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

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Aneta Storvik1 Comment