Just send them a congratulatory card.

Tell her about PAce! I met a new mom in the neighborhood who was overwhelmed and struggling with anxiety. I helped her out and also got her connected to PACE. Without a doubt it helped her so much.
I also brought her groceries and went and held her baby one evening.

Someone dropped a basket of farmers market produce at our front door. It started a friendship.

Best gift I got was one of those edible bouquets. Chocolate dipped precut fruit was heaven.

I agree - drop off fresh cut fruit with your contact info. My next door neighbor saved my sanity when I was on maternity leave not knowing another person who was home during the day.

Anonymous wrote:Drop off a gift card for delivery.

Seconding this idea.

When I had my kids my book group sent us a gift certificate for takeout taxi (which delivers from many different restaurants.) It was PERFECT! I could use it whenever I needed, it didn't expire or go bad, it wasn't a duplicate of something someone else had given me, etc...

Also, maybe just invite her over for lunch (and hold the baby). Invite her to come for a walk when the weather returns to something survivable outside. That kind of thing - give her chances to talk and just be a friend.

I'd drop off a gift, not food. Everyone has different food preferences. If you have time, you could offer to treat her to lunch or even desert somewhere with the baby.

Any gesture will be really sweet, but I agree that dropping off something "neutral" like fresh fruit and some granola, muffins or whatever would be best.
Really nice of you!

I promise you it's the thought that counts. I had three neighbors give gifts when I had our first baby: a casserole, a book and outfit, and a set of socks. I was honestly touched by each, and four years later, I still remember.

Food is definitely the way to go.

I love to drop off precut fruit, granola bars, or other easy and healthy things to eat with one hand.

Pre-cut fruit from whole foods is a great idea! Also, gift cards from local take out/delivery places are good.

I would drop off a card and something nice like fresh fruit or a tea basket with a card with your name and phone number. Tell her to look you up on Facebook.

If she does, you can ask if she wants to go for a walk around the neighborhood with the baby or something, easy, good way to get out.

As a new mom I would say skip a traditional baby gift -- she probably has too much already -- and instead bring a bunch of containers of pre-cut fruit from Whole Foods. And include a note that a thank you note is not expected and that she should take the time she would have otherwise taken to write a note to close her eyes for a few minutes. You don't want your very nice gesture to be more stressful to her, especially as she is dealing with PPD symptoms. You are a very nice neighbor for thinking of this!

Drop off a gift card for delivery.

I would see if you can find their phone number and call to tell them that you want to drop off a meal. If you can't find their phone number, knock on the door (say, 9-10AM or at dinnertime) and tell them you want to do this. (Don't ask; tell.)

When you drop off the meal, include a little something for the older child, e.g. a toy that cost <$5.

You are very sweet to do this. They will be very appreciative.

A couple in our neighborhood just had their first child a few weeks ago. We don't know them very well but have always had nice conversations when we see them while out walking or at the pool and they have always been very friendly to our children. I ran into her today in the neighborhood and we had a brief chat about the new baby, saw pictures etc. She seemed like any new mom, tired and overwhelmed, and had a bunch of questions. She also mentioned that she didn't have any friends with kids in the area and that she had been struggling with some PPD symptoms.

I would love to do something for her and her husband to congratulate them on their growing family and provide a bit of encouragement because I know how tough those first few months can be. I found out their last name online and am trying to figure out if it would be weird to send them a small gift or card? The other option would be to go to their home in person to drop off a meal of gift, but I'm also wary of intruding at the wrong time, waking the baby, etc. Any ideas for a gift or gesture that would be appropriate in this situation? TIA!