Our first grand-nephew is due soon and I’m wondering if a gift in addition to a card is customary? And if so any suggestions of what to give?
We’ve been sending money to our nieces and nephews on their birthday for many years once we decided we didn’t know what item they might want, but I figure a newborn will have little use for cash 
I think giving a gift to celebrate the child’s birth would be appropriate/kind/welcome. Many couples are register for baby gifts so you could see if they have one set up. Other than that you could always get a cute outfit, some children’s books etc, or send a check and ask the parents to spend it on something they need for the baby. My mom knits and she makes a sweater and blanket for each of her grand nieces and nephews so if you have those skills (sadly I do not LOL) that could be a nice idea as well.
My dad’s uncle sent me a small silver bank when my daughter was born. I was his great-niece so does that make my daughter his great grand niece?
It was a small token, though I remember it and still have it.
I give gifts for new babies (to friends, co-workers, the gal who takes my bagel order!) It feels like something to celebrate and a moment in time when people’s hearts are open, so why not?
It needn’t be big – a favorite children’s book, a onesie sporting a team logo, etc., food delivery, etc. A relative of my spouse gave us a copy of her favorite book on parenting, and I was quite touched.
Yes. :j My first grand niece is due this July. Just sent the couple a check. My sister sent a shower gift, birth gift, Xmas gift to my first granddaughter. We are a close knit family. We will celebrate every birth.
I gave my first grand nephew a cute outfit. When his sister came along a couple years later, I gave her a cute outfit. Seeing this made me realize that I didn’t send anything when their brother arrived last October. Oops. Fortunately, my family is not the kind to expect things or to notice if the great aunt forgets.
I did send a gift to my brother’s son and his wife when their baby was born. I only have one grand nephew on my side of the family. Three grand niece/nephews on H’s side. We sent presents when tbey were born and send xmas gifts (cash)as well.
Absolutely…we celebrated the birthday of three grand nephews and a grand niece…with gifts. Actually we were invited to the baby showers for all. Gift for the single baby was a bookshelf for the bedroom. Gift for triplets was three car seats (given along with one of my other sisters). And we take gifts with us when we visit…a fun gift box for each of them. Will be getting those together soon for this year!
I give gifts to celebrate births of people in my circle—relatives, friends’ grandkids, my fav pharmacist, etc. Gifts are totally voluntary and optional with no strings nor expectations. I beg to differ on babies not needing money. There are a lot of expenses with kids, especially starting and growing an education fund and tons more. Money is in fact something that is generally greatly appreciated.
We just venmo’d cash to my nephew at the births of his two kids. Yes, totally not sentimental or thoughtful but it’s what a lot of poor millennial couples appreciate these days.
thanks for the advice! We’ll send a check along with a card.
We send presents, but just a “reminder” - what you do for one person of a generation is good to do for “all,” or at least all that know each other and may talk. In our family most wouldn’t notice, but one definitely would.
I would ask your sibling what they need. That’s what I did.
My sister suggested they would like a new outfit for the baby and maybe a stuffed animal/plushie. I got both. The plushie was dad’s favorite college team mascot but in a baby soft version. I also got a subscription to Baby Bug magazine which was a favorite of my littles.
There may be a baby registry, on Amazon or Target or somewhere if folks want to give a gift other than cash. Even if you buy something different, you can get an idea if their preferences.
Every baby that’s born in our family is set up with their first “library” of books and a unique book shelf. The love of my life is a librarian, our little family (D and we) are avid readers. The books are always different, usually 8-10 of them, and every year on their birthday we send or deliver a book, sometimes 2. Our nephews are all graduating hs this year and they have been asking if we’ll still send a book (we will). It’s a tradition we won’t break.
I like to make baby blankets so every baby I know or even just hear of gets one (or sometimes 2-3). My kids now raid my cupboard when their friends have babies.
I always give baby gifts to nieces/nephews. Something off of the baby registry.
I do not give birthday/Christmas gifts to nieces/nephews after college graduation (or until age 22). And I don’t do those gifts for their kids. Between H and me we have 14 grand nieces/nephews so it would get out of hand.
@FallGirl - We do the same. Currently at 13 grand-nieces and grand - nephews, with one niece still in college and one nephew newly married, so who knows what the final tally will be.
That’s awesome. My mom did that for many years. 
If you are reasonably close to them I certainly would. The family is going to be having major celebrations which ever side finally decides to provide some offspring! I remember getting birthday checks from some, but not all of my great-aunts back in the day.
