My sister-in-law is pregnant with twins (naturally!). I am so excited for them and want to send a gift but she abides by the Jewish rule of not receiving/wanting gifts before the babies are born. I want to be respectful of that and thought I could send pregnancy books. Any other ideas? Thanks!
Just wait until the babies are born to give her a gift. I didn't want/expect any gifts until after the baby is born. This is when we expect the gifts to flow in.
What about a bella band, or pre-natal massage gift certificate, fun things for her and her pregnancy. Especially since she is carrying the extra load of 2 babies.
I don't know how I became this old and just had my first full pedicure! I second that gift - having someone massage your feet, especially when pregnant - with twins no less, is a dream come true!
The pedicure idea is great, but the pregnancy massage idea is outstanding! I got 3 done with my first pregnancy and it was like heaven on earth. Since you have two kids of your own, you probably know that although being pregnant can be a glorious thing, it sure does take a physical toll on the body. The first pregnancy massage I got at 7 months was so good I nearly cried (it really helped my back and legs) and I told my husband I 'needed' one in each of my last two months of being pregnant.
Either gift would be greatly appreciated and how nice of you to respect her customs and traditions, while still wanting to give her a treat! What an awesome SIL!
The mani/pedi ideas are great. I think she would like the pregnancy books(not childcare)because they are for her. I have twins and I didn't read a childcare book until I was 8 months along. After so many failed pregancies I couldn't buy into it . Once the twins are born you could help her with many things like dinners , cleaning , laundry. It is overwhelming bringing two infants home and you really just want time to bond with them and figure it all out on your own not have others watch them yet.Also, getting together with her for lunch while the hubby watches the kids would be great. She will need some away time and the sooner she gets used to being away for a bit the better. I made the mistake of not getting enough me time and got really burned out. I wish all my sisters in law were as thoughtful as you !
How about a gift card to her favorite spa to get a pedicure? Everyone likes pretty feet in the summer.
What about a gift card to her favorite restraunt. I am sure she is very tired and would love a night off from making dinner!!
I'm sure this has been suggested, but you could give her gift certificates for a variety of baby stores.
If you want to do something more immediate, why not try a cleaning service for a few months (so she doesn't have to worry about it) or perhaps a spa package (with massage, of course).
How about just taking her shopping for the essentials when the babies are born and then to lunch. Is she preparing a nursery? Help her with shopping for nursery decorations. And I thought it was about not having a shower...not that you can't buy a gift...even if it means taking it to the hospital the day they are born.
If she doesn't want gifts for the babies, what about something more for her. Maybe a gift certificate to a spa or somewhere to get her hair done? I can't see her having much time for herself after twins : ) Congrats to your family!
I'm glad you're respecting her wishes. Perhaps gifts to take care of HER would be the best expression of your excitement and support--pregnancy massages, yoga for pregnant women--things that would let her know your feelings without disregarding her observance of tradition or her fears.
I read quite a few books while pregnant with my twins and the one with the best advice was entitled "Juggling Twins". I highly recommend getting it for her and having her read it ASAP. I didn't get it until after my twins were born, but it was still a HUGE help.
I also like the book "On Becoming Babywise", it is very helpful with getting on a good schedule (and you HAVE to have a good schedule with twins).
Those two have been my biggest help-I am nursing my twins at 7 months and they've been sleeping through the night for five months.
How about about something for her. A skin care product. An eye shadow or lip gloss to let her know you are thinking of her or go out to lunch with her. I do skin care with Mary Kay looking for opinions on our products and by doing that you can pick an eye shadow. They are awsome. Good Luck and tell her congatulations!
Share your time with her. Treat her to a spa day together
or lunch or dinner. Time she may not have when the twins arrive.
I totally understand the superstitious rule. I had a friend who had the whole baby shower, room ready, and then the unthinkable happened. In the Jewish religion we just wait and we don't tempt fate. I think the pedicure idea is AWESOME. Get her something for HER. I received a gc from Red Door and that's how I got hooked on their pedicures. Or, since she's having twins and her body is working double hard, what about a pregnancy massage? Depending on how much you want to spend. Pregnancy journals are fun. What about a girls spa day instead of a baby shower? Good luck to you and I am really happy to hear you are respecting her wishes and her boundaries.
What if you send her a pregnancy survival kit! You can put books, magazines, hard candy, chocolate, gift card for ice cream. Make it fun and add a bunch of stuff she might be craving :)
what about sending her some preggy-pops (you can buy them at motherhood maternity) they are hard candy--- some are lollipops, and can help with feeling sick. also, pregnancy journals are fun, or bella bands.
You could also send her a gift certificate for a massage or pedicure and manicure. Or, a gift certificate to a maternity store could be fun for her as well!
M.,
The gift of your time in helping her prepare for twins would probably be the gift she appreciates most. Things like helping her research the baby products she wants to use, what is okay to get used (since they need 2 of everything), etc.
Books are a great idea since they don't have to be "baby" gifts. I'm sure there are all kinds of twin books out there. Another idea would be to prepare and freeze meals to take over in case she isn't feeling well or from when they come home.
