From what I’ve seen, most of the “push presents” are things like jewelry. One article I was reading made “hubby” buy her a new car! I don’t like these. They put a pampered spoiled princess into my mind, who wants an excuse for more shinies.
I think that if one was going to give or get push presents, they should be something reflective of the lifestyle change the new baby will bring or acknowledge the hard work. If it’s all about spending big bucks, you can do that too. How about these:
1. Subscription to one of those fancy dine-in gourmet services. I can’t think of the name now, but there are companies that will bring four course meals to your house. It’s like meals on wheels, except it tastes good and it’s expensive. You can dine on all those frozen casseroles later. Start out with some really nice fancy food that nobody taking care of the baby has to cook.
2. Maid service – Even if it’s only for a week or two. Have a maid come in and clean! The house usually becomes a wreck in those first weeks and people try to con relatives into cleaning—but why not just get a maid if you can afford it?
3. All of the snacks and food you weren’t allowed to eat while pregnant (except caffeine if you’re nursing) To me, this is the most affordable and the one I would most appreciate. I had gestational diabetes. And while I still had to be careful for a long time, why not just go nuts and have a day or two of just indulging and eating all the “naughty” foods?
4. Spa time. This one would be tricky, but perhaps someone could come and nanny along while you relax at the spa. Bring the nanny friend (or the real nanny. Why not?) and you get pampered while someone else diapers burps and does everything except nurse. That would be lovely. You rest up and relax and every few hours someone comes in and lets you nurse and then they whisk the baby away so you can get more rest. I am wishing for that right now!