A few friends have had baby's in the last year.... and when I've visited them to give them gifts, they seem to have so much stuff, I doubt whether what I've bought will be used.

I bought one friend's baby a gorgeous posh teddy bear from Ireland. But when I arrived, I saw that there were about 10 teddy bears.. Now when I go, I see that none of them are displayed because of dust mites - what a waste! They're just sitting in the back of the cupboard!

For another friend, I bought some beautiful Petite Bateau baby clothes. I see her alot and have NEVER seen the baby wear the outfit. The baby's cupboard is stuffed full of clothes. She has soooo much.

Just a rant - next time I'll just buy nappies grrrrrr

I TOTALLY know what you mean. I bought a baby gift for a friend's baby girl - some organic creams and a gorgeous dress - and I've never seen her use it. It makes me cross. I thought they would be useful gifts!

I agree - I'm sick of wasting money on baby gifts that are never used. I thought it was just me who thought that way. It's a bit mean spirited I guess. I know that new mums are extremely busy, but many obviously get too much stuff! I'll stick with utter essentials like nappies next time

I'm sure your friends do use your gifts... just not on the days you see them. And even if they forget to use the gifts (which sometimes happens if they are extremely tired) they will eventually get passed on to a friend or second child to use. I don't think any baby clothing gets thrown out without being used.

be patient with your friends - you wait until you have a baby. it's hard work.
A good gift is making them a nice meal. They'll really appreciate that.

I agree gianluca. my friend cooked me a weeks worth of dinners (and froze them) when I had my first baby. it really saved me! sometimes I was so tired, I would have just eaten biscuits and bread. But I'd just take a meal out and microwave it when I was really short on time and energy.

I think it was the best gift I got!