How Long Do You Have to Give Newborn Gift?

Timely Gifting: Does the Wedding Rule Apply to Baby Presents?

October 26, 2010

Does the wedding rule apply to wee ones? Once baby debuts, how long does a person have to get their gift into the new bundle of joy's hands? Every so often, I buy an item for an infant and have to go back and purchase something else because they've outgrown it before I ever got the goody over to them. What guideline do you go by?

5 Comments

snarkypants 2 years 30 weeks

i agree with phatE. a baby gift is different than a wedding gift. a baby gift is a choice by the giver (not that a wedding gift isn't, but since the couple invited you, a gift is appropriate, if that makes sense). outside of a shower/christening/etc., a gift is not a "requirement". (ok, i hope somebody else understands what i'm trying to get at, because it's really hard to put into words!) a gift should be welcome no matter when you receive it!

Angelica Marden 2 years 30 weeks

I think you should give a gift at a shower, christening/unveiling, and, if you are close to parents, the first time you see the baby. I have certainly had the problem of baby outgrowing the gift before I got it to them too. It's hard to keep up.

phatE 2 years 30 weeks

while gifts are never an obligation - i feel like people are usually more inclined to give a wedding gift than a baby gift... either way, a gift is a gift & people should be thankful.

2 years 30 weeks

I agree that a present is always welcome so long as it's appropriate, however I tend to think that baby gifts should arrive within the first few months after their arrival. Otherwise it might as well be a 1st birthday/Christmas/other holiday gift. Also makes it easier for the parents that way when trying to get thank you's out to everyone.

amber512 2 years 30 weeks

I think a present is always welcome, as long as it is still appropriate. No buying newborn clothes to give to a 10-month-old!

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