Gift for a coworker having a baby: what is safe to give

What do you give a coworker having a baby? A small, practical gift, ideally from the whole team. Aim for something that helps in the first weeks: soft cloths, a meal card or a nice card signed by everyone.

The rule

Match the closeness. A coworker you know well can get a small personal gift. A coworker you only see at meetings is better served by a group gift. The team pools a small amount, buys one useful item and signs a card.

Keep personal items to a minimum. Do not guess at clothing sizes. Babies outgrow newborn sizes fast.

One reason it works

New parents are tired. Gifts that need no set up, no assembly and no thank-you note are welcome. A meal card, for example, takes away a decision at a hard hour. For more on this approach, see new baby gift ideas that help the parents, not just the baby.

One exception

If your workplace has a tradition of a large collection, follow it. Ask a colleague what the usual amount is, so you do not stand out either way. See how to run an office gift collection.

Skip these

Big items like prams, clothes in specific sizes, and anything with strong scents. Also skip joke gifts about sleep.

Timing the gift

Give it before they go on leave, or when they return and the baby is a few weeks old. A last day before leave is busy, so keep it short. If the team plans a small party, do it at lunch, not after hours, so people with other duties can come.

If you are not sure when leave begins, ask a manager or HR. Do not ask the coworker directly if you want it to be a surprise.

The rule: make the first weeks easier, and keep the price shared.