I was talking with someone today about how I wish that when our boys were small, it was a done thing and socially acceptable to buy second hand. FB groups were not what they are now. Online apps were not in existence. And I thought I needed to buy new for the boys. Ha. These days we’re on watch for Ercol furniture that’s not be re sanded and re waxed and re sold at extortionate prices. That’s how my much my attitude to buying new has changed.
But what hasn’t changed, is my thinking that the very best things you an actually buy for little ones – and their parents – are shared experiences. Top of my list – and yes, I’ve mentioned them before – is Water Babies baby swimming lessons. I worked for different branches of Water Babies all of the UK for years. For transparency, I’ve no affiliation with anyone these days, but I still think they are the bestest gift you’re going to give to someone with a new baby. The person leading all things Water Babies in Cambridge is Debi Hogston – both our boys were able to swim with her and she’s just the best teacher ever. She really is. I’m sure the rest of the team are lovely as well, but it’s Debi who had the patience when William wanted to swim in the opposite direction to everyone else. It’s Debi who encouraged Elliott to try out for the Cambridge swim team a year ahead of the usual try outs. It’s Debi who gave us the confidence to do so much with our boys. We’re big fans of Water Babies, can you tell?
Another gift you could give someone who has a new baby is vouchers for somewhere like Scotsdales. Why? Because it’s a rite of passage. When it rains in Cambridge on a weekday afternoon, everyone with little ones who are not at school, ends up there. It’s the law. Rain = Visiting Scotsdales. Is it cheap? No. Are there animals and fish and all sorts to look at? Yes. Is it all indoors? Yes. Are they excellent when your friend’s son disappears to go and look at the toys without anyone noticing? YES THEY ARE. I’ve never seen people respond so quickly as they did that day. It certainly earnt my loyalty.
And finally, if you’re not nearby and you don’t know what to give, perhaps ask them where their nearest deli / coffee shop is. Near us, there’s the gorgeous Shelford Deli. If I’d been gifted gift vouchers for that place, I’d have been happy for all of my days. They’re family friendly, independent and supportive of parents who are working out the whole ‘how do I get out of the house with this little one’ phenomenon.
So, that’s my thoughts on three things you could buy for a little one on their first Christmas. What did your little one receive?
….
Disclaimer: This post is my own thoughts, from my own brain. No sponsorship, no trade, no nothing has been give to me for this. I just wanted to share after spending some time thinking about how much I miss out boys being small – whilst also simultaneously loving them now being big. Go Figure.
Leave a Reply