What to bring to hospital for new baby?

I am going to visit a new baby at the hospital this week and want to bring a small gift. These people are like family so I want to do something special along the lines of a keepsake item. I believe she already has a baby book and way too many blankets, stuffed animals and clothes. Things Remembered didn't really have anything I liked. Any ideas? What did you want when you were at the hospital? I'm also going to bring them food this weekend when they go home, so it can be soemthing I bring them then instead of this week at the hospital. TIA!

ETA: Are there any stores on the Island (I'm in Farmingdale, but willing to travel a little) where I could pick something up (asides from Things Remembered)?

Message edited 6/1/2009 7:30:35 PM.

Re: What to bring to hospital for new baby?

Tiffany has some cute things but pricey for what your getting KWIM ?

Re: What to bring to hospital for new baby?

Diapers and formula something the Mom could really use.

Re: What to bring to hospital for new baby?

DS received this little bench with his name carved out like puzzle pieces. I think it is a great and useful present. I highly recommend food for when the family comes home from the hospital. We received a dozen bagels and all the trimmings as a present when I came home from the hospital. We also got home made cinnamon buns and those were soooo completely appreciated too.

Re: What to bring to hospital for new baby?

Depends on what you want to spend.

Tiffany rattles are great for teething & for a keepsake (I get a discount at Tiffany so FM me if you want help).

Other than that, I would bring 6-9 or 9-12 month clothes in the season they will be 6-9 months old. That means buy wintery clothes for 6-9 month; or warmer spring clothes for 9-12months. The only reason I'd suggest it Most people buy 1-3; 3-6 months for a first baby & when you get to that 6 month mark, you realize you need to go shopping.

Another idea is a gift certificate to a restaurant with a babysitting offer.

Re: What to bring to hospital for new baby?

There is a website called memoriesandmilestones -- you can personalize wooden blocks.

They are really cute -- my sister sends them to everyone when they have a baby and even got me and my DH one from my nieces for our wedding.

ETA: I ususally give my friends personalized blankets from Pottery Barn Kids

Message edited 6/2/2009 5:35:56 PM.

Re: What to bring to hospital for new baby?

Try RedEnvelope.com. We got a beautiful snow globe about parenting with two elephants inside and his name engraved on it. It won't be there for your visit but they do ship really fast and you can just bring a small gift ( a onsie or something) and tell them that the gift is on the way.

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Message edited 6/2/2009 7:18:38 PM.

Re: What to bring to hospital for new baby?

I wanted food for me.

but I did get a pewter train piggy bank that was really sweet - unfortunately she got it at fortunoffs