A neighbor just had her third child. So she's home with a 4yr old, a 2yr old and a newborn. I want to send over a gift basket with stuff that will help her get some downtime. I picked up some kid dvd's that she could put in when the baby is asleep, but I need to think of other things. Any ideas? What about food things? I can't think of anything aside from lasagna - I don't know if they like things like curry, chili, etc.

By Sandysmom on Monday, October 2, 2006 - 08:15 am:

For the 4 & 2yr olds, a mini magna-doodle might keep them busy for a while. For food, just a suggestion, but maybe something to help her make a quick lunch for the kids, or fruit for a quick healthy snack. Even better, if you can, an offer to watch the kids for an afternoon once a week so mom can take a long bath and a nap.

By Kaye on Monday, October 2, 2006 - 08:39 am:

When my kids were those ages, the food I appreciated most was breakfast! Some one brought me a basket of muffins, a couple of breakfast casseroles, etc.

For the kids, magna doodle is great, dvd, duplos if they don't already have them, maybe a music cd.

By Eve on Monday, October 2, 2006 - 09:01 am:

For my friend that had a baby near the same time as me, I went to Panerra and bought a big container of soup and brought bread and picked up a couple of salads. I also grabbed a couple of brownies for dessert. I think soup is a nice thing, because they can heat it up a little at a time if need be.

I love the idea of breakfast stuff. A dozen bagels and some cream cheese and a fruit salad would be wonderful! I think anything you choose would be super helpful.

Or what about some pizza dough and some pizza fixings for the kids--they could make their own. It might be messy, but if you bought the small Boboli crusts that would be easy. Do they still make those?

Or else some packaged fresh pasta with some sauce and a tossed salad and a loaf of bread?

I think anyything you choose would be super helpful!HTH