Showing posts with label birth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birth. Show all posts

Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Practical, Helpful Christmas Gifts for Loved Ones About to Give Birth

Thoughtful ideas to support new parents this festive season.

Christmas is all about giving, and sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones that make life a little easier. 

If someone in your life is preparing to welcome a new baby, this is the perfect moment to choose presents that are practical, comforting and genuinely helpful. 

And especially relevant at this Advent time of year.

Whether they’re due on Christmas week or early in the new year, your gift could make their transition into parenthood smoother, calmer and more joyful.

Here are some brilliant gift ideas that show your love and support during this exciting time.

Why Practical Gifts Matter for Parents-to-Be

While cute baby grows and soft toys are always lovely, new parents often need items that help with the day-to-day reality of pregnancy, birth and life with a newborn. Practical gifts offer:

Convenience during a physically demanding time.

Comfort for recovery and rest.

Support when their attention is on the baby, not on shopping.

Reassurance that they’re surrounded by people who care.

Choosing useful gifts shows you’re thinking about what they’ll need – not just what looks nice under the tree.

Comfort Gifts for Mum-to-Be

As birth approaches, comfort becomes top priority. These gifts can make a big difference:

Maternity loungewear

Soft, breathable sets offer comfort during late pregnancy and the early postnatal period.

A luxury pregnancy pillow

Perfect for helping them sleep more comfortably, especially in the final trimester.

A cosy dressing gown or fluffy slippers

A festive classic – and ideal for night feeds and early-morning cuddles.

Skincare for expectant mums

Think fragrance-free moisturisers, soothing balms or gentle bath products.

Practical Essentials for New Parents

These aren’t glamorous, but they’re the items new parents often appreciate most:

Meal kits or supermarket gift cards

A lifesaver when cooking becomes a challenge.

(You can even order through the That’s Christmas online shop!)

Muslin cloths and baby blankets

You can never have too many – genuinely.

Nappy caddy or organiser

Keeps everything in one easy-to-reach place for those late-night changes.

Feeding support items

Bottles, steriliser bags, a breastfeeding pillow or slow-flow teats.

(Stick to items you know they’ll use or have requested.)

Gifts to Help Them Rest and Recover

The early days can be beautiful – but exhausting. These picks are perfect for helping new parents recharge:

Prepared freezer meals

A homemade or ordered selection of hearty, warming dishes is priceless.

A weighted blanket (lightweight version)

Soothing for parents who need better rest in snatched moments.

A voucher for a cleaner or laundry service

A truly practical gift that frees up precious time.

A self-care hamper

Herbal teas, a gentle candle, lip balm, soft socks and a few festive treats.

Experience and Emotional Support Gifts

Sometimes the best gift isn’t an object, but time, care or confidence.

“Babysitting tokens” for future use

Offer a few hours so parents can sleep, shower or step outside for a breather.

 A photography voucher

Capturing those early family moments is something they’ll treasure forever.

A pregnancy or new-parent massage voucher

Just be sure the therapist is qualified in pre- and post-natal care.

 A beautiful notebook

Perfect for recording feeding patterns, milestones or late-night thoughts.

Thoughtful Gestures That Make a Big Difference

Not all gifts are bought – and sometimes these mean the most:

Drop off a hot casserole on a rainy December evening.

Offer a lift to hospital appointments.

Put together a “night feed basket” of snacks and drinks.

Help them decorate their home for Christmas when bending is tricky.

Small acts of kindness go a long way.

The Gift of Reassurance This Christmas

For parents on the cusp of bringing new life into the world, Christmas can feel magical – but also overwhelming. Practical gifts show thoughtfulness, understanding and genuine support at a time when it matters most.

Whether you opt for soft loungewear, a cosy pillow, a baby buggy or an old-school design pram, frozen meals or a simple offer of help, your Christmas gift could become one of the most appreciated presents they receive this year.

If you’d like recommendations or links to helpful products, browse the That’s Christmas online shop, powered by Amazon, for curated ideas perfect for new parents and little ones.

Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Celebrating Christ in Christmas: Finding the Sacred Amidst the Sparkle

Christmas is a season that glimmers with lights, jingles with bells, and buzzes with the excitement of shopping, parties, and endless festive activities. 

While the modern celebration of Christmas often feels like a whirlwind of commercialism, at its heart lies a sacred story: the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s gift to humanity. 

For Christians, finding ways to focus on this profound truth amidst the razzmatazz can transform the season into a deeply meaningful celebration.

Rediscover the Nativity Story

The story of Christ’s birth is the cornerstone of Christmas. Amidst the hustle and bustle, take time to revisit the biblical account of the nativity. Reading Luke 2:1-20 or Matthew 1:18-25 as a family or individually can re-centre the season on its true purpose. Reflecting on the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth—in a manger, surrounded by shepherds—reminds us that Christmas is about God’s love breaking into the world, not about material abundance.

Create Christ-Centred Traditions

One way to celebrate Christ during Christmas is by establishing traditions that highlight His significance. Here are some ideas:

Advent Practices: Use an Advent calendar or wreath to mark the days leading up to Christmas. Many Christian-themed Advent calendars include Bible verses or prayers, offering daily moments to focus on Jesus.

Nativity Displays: Set up a nativity scene in your home and use it as a teaching tool for children or a visual reminder for yourself.

Birthday Celebration for Jesus: Treat Christmas Day as a birthday party for Jesus, complete with a cake and a moment of gratitude for His gift of salvation.

Be Intentional About Giving

The commercialised side of Christmas often focuses on extravagant gifts, but Christians can reclaim the spirit of giving by mirroring God’s generosity. Consider:

Charitable Giving: Support causes that align with Christian values, such as feeding the hungry, supporting missionaries, or donating to local shelters.

Acts of Kindness: Encourage family members to perform small acts of kindness for neighbours, friends, or strangers.

Gifts with Meaning: Choose gifts that reflect your faith, such as Christian books, music, or handmade items that convey thoughtfulness.

Worship and Fellowship

Amidst the parties and shopping sprees, prioritise time for worship and fellowship. Attend church services, especially on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, to join with others in celebrating Christ’s birth. Many churches host special carol services or nativity plays that can serve as a spiritual highlight of the season.

Simplify to Amplify

The noise of the season can drown out its sacredness. Simplifying your celebrations can help amplify Christ’s message:

Limit Excess: Reduce the focus on extravagant decorations, food, or gifts. Instead, invest time and energy in relationships and spiritual reflection.

Quiet Time: Dedicate moments of stillness to prayer, meditation, or journaling about what Christmas means to you as a follower of Christ.

Share the Good News

Christmas provides a unique opportunity to share your faith. The season’s themes of hope, love, and joy resonate universally. Whether through conversations, Christmas cards with a gospel message, or inviting someone to a church service, sharing the story of Christ’s birth can be a gentle yet powerful way to witness to others.

While the modern Christmas season is often wrapped in commercialism and glitter, Christians can celebrate the birth of Christ by intentionally focusing on His presence. 

By rediscovering the nativity story, creating Christ-centred traditions, giving meaningfully, worshipping, simplifying, and sharing the Good News, we can experience the profound joy and peace that comes from celebrating Emmanuel—God with us. 

This Christmas, let’s unwrap the greatest gift of all and share its light with the world.