So a professor I’ve taken 5 classes with recently had a baby and I want to give him / his wife a gift. I’m not in any of his classes right now, but next semester I will be doing research with him, and in another year I will take classes with him again. Is it appropriate for me to give a small gift, such as a toy, a bit of clothing, a Starbucks gift card (he drinks a lot of coffee), or a small gift certificate for meals in town? There is a gift registry, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to buy $100+ items for a professor… there are diapers on there as well, but again I would feel kind of awkward getting that :’'D Any suggestions? I’m the youngest sibling and none of my friends or acquaintances have had babies before, so I’m not really sure what is useful.
I think a toy would be nice, just as a sign of caring. But make sure it is truly age appropriate. No loose/small/dangling parts.
A card with a gift certificate to Gymboree, so mommy can order online. No more than $30.
When I was a professor and my first daughter was born I had a student that gave me a Christmas ornament engraved with my daughter’s name. I think of that student every year when we put our tree up and my daughter just turned 18.
A copy of your favorite children’s book might be nice
A gift card to a children’s clothing store, or Target is always good with a nice welcome baby card.
3 and #4 are super ideas. [That does not mean that the other ideas are not good as well.]
@stradmom That is exactly what my D did! I second the idea.
I like #3 and #4.
Yes, children’s board books are a great idea.
Unless the professor and/or his wife don’t celebrate Christmas - or if you are uncertain - in which case #3 is a terrible idea!! Your favorite children’s book (or books) is a great idea, especially if you can get them as “board books.” Just be sure to include a gift receipt!
Receiving blanket is nice.
Today we were out at a hockey game and a baby had on noise cancelling headphones. I think it is a really cool gift and one not many people think of. They are cute and come in all kinds of colors. I remember stuffing my niece’s ears with cotton during Sunday games, just watching at home. Some babies don’t do well with any noise, but my niece’s issue was with the sudden bursts of cheers.
The board books are a lovely idea. The ornament is also very nice if you know ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY that they celebrate Christmas in their house. No “everyone celebrates Christmas” and no assuming based on last names.
A board book is perfect. In fact any great picture book would be appreciated for down the road - maybe a child’s book that hits on professors field would be cool. Thinking like classic children for English professor or Rosie Revere, Engineer or Ada Twist, Scientist or dinosaur if paleontology. Obviously might not work for his field but fun to look
Thanks for all the responses! I’m fairly sure he doesn’t celebrate Christmas (and neither do I), so I shan’t get the ornament although it is a beautiful idea. So if I have a favorite book that is intended for children 8+, it would be better to get a toy or picture book or gift card, right?
Is it a public or private university? Remember that state university employees aren’t allowed to accept anything than trivial value gifts. Even private university may have rules about students giving gifts to professors.
Anyway, if that’s not an issue, something small but thoughtful is on the right track. If you actually know the professor, I would suggest a card and a toy or yes, a shirt or other piece of clothing. If you don’t know him that well, I would suggest a card would be appreciated.
If there is a gift registry (yoy - really? a gift registry for a baby shower?), you could call the place or look online to find something in the $5 - $10 range.
I think the book idea is great. We just did a book baby shower for a co-worker. There were a range of age related books. I loved getting clothes and books for future ages. And there have been baby registries for at least 20 years.
I also like he board book idea. I would stick to gifts for the baby (books, baby toys or baby clothes) or something the mother would appreciate. One idea is a simple bouncy seat (about $20-30). A gift basket of supplies (baby shampoo, bath towel, diapher rash cream, bath toy. etc). Another item might be a gift of your time to baby sit.
@MathyGirl I like the book for 8+. You get so many baby toys and stuffed animals. And you don’t want to duplicate board books. If I had to do it all again, I would have had less toys for the younger ages. A wooden puzzle might be another idea though. Mellissa and Doug has some nice ones.
Board books - “Brown Bear”, “Goodnight Moon”, etc. Any Dr. Seuss. We have a Calliou bedtime board book and small Calliou doll in pajamas that is a family favorite still and my DS is nearly 19. If the professor and wife are big into your college’s sports, maybe some school swag for the baby. We had bibs, onesies, socks, cheer dresses for the girls, etc for game day.