One of my son's teachers is pregnant and will be having the baby in a few weeks. I really, really like her and would like to get a gift for her -- both as a baby gift and as a "goodbye" present since she will be leaving soon and not returning to teaching for a while.

My questions are:

1. Do you think it would be okay for my son to bring her a gift, considering the virus situation and that pregnant women are more at risk? I know that the kids are not supposed to bring in treats to share for birthdays, etc. and that the teachers have been behind plexiglass. Also,

2. If giving a gift is considered okay, does anyone have any gift ideas? I was thinking of getting her one of those baby soothing machines that make lullaby noises and shine a gentle light (e.g stars onto the ceiling). Or one of those stuffed animal-type things that do the same. Our son really seemed to like his when he was a baby.

Is there parents' committee? It might be that they are organising a gift / collection for the teacher.

Thanks. There is some kind of committee but I haven't heard anything from it about organizing a gift for her. Though I do know that the kids are doing something for her, in class -- making her something.

I was just thinking about it a bit more and realized that us giving a gift to her is probably a stupid thing to even consider... because of the virus. I guess it's just that "gift-giving" instinct in me kicking in. But I should use more common sense. I wouldn't want to inadvertently give her the virus by giving her a baby gift.

I wish I knew how SHE felt about it, but then of course that would ruin any kind of surprise.

I think it can bring in awkwardness. Or not.

The best received were many bags of hand-me-downs (clothes, toys, books...) that I passed on everyone around, including teacher colleagues. It is ecological, people don't feel like they owe anything and they know it didn't cost anything.

I'd pack that and ask the kid to write a card and mail it to her.

Thank you for the idea of mailing something to her. I just realized that we do have her home address. Hopefully I can even find something online to order and have sent to her that will also allow me to include a "gift note" or whatever, so she knows who it's from.

In my part of the country primary school teachers get gifts at Xmas and often at the end of the school year, and I find it very sweet. I’d totally offer a little attention to a pregnant teacher. A little cute pyjama for the baby or a little toy, with a handmade card crafted by your child.

Thanks (and for the ideas as well).
Yeah, I always give the teachers gifts for Xmas and when his kindergarten teacher was pregnant, we had given her a gift for the baby. Thanks for the idea of a handmade card, too. I would much rather my son bring the gift to school for her then to have something sent in the mail. I'm just trying to figure out what the best course of action is.

I don’t see how your son giving the teacher a gift, is any more a virus risk for her than her going to the shops and buying food etc. Your son could always not “hand it to her” ..... she could take it home and not touch it for a week or wipe it down etc!

(Also don’t see how your son handing it to her is worse than the postman handing something to her you order online!)

Yeah, I was just thinking something similar to that...

He could just set the gift down in the classroom somewhere and then have her take it the next day or something. (The teachers have no physical contact with the kids now -- everything is done behind plexiglass, even when they get their papers and hand them in, etc.).

Clothes suitable for a 3 month old or more. Nappies. That's what my daughter-in-law asked for. People tend to give a lot to the newborn, but they grow! And then some babies are real bruisers (like my granddaughter) and in 3-month old clothing almost immediately.

"Bruisers." Ha haa!

Thanks. Those are good ideas -- nappies and also clothes that will fit the baby later, so they can can grow into them (I have no idea if she's having a boy or a girl, so something neutral-colored, I guess).

One of my child's teachers has moved to another school in a different canton and our thank you-good bye gift was a big basket with all sort of (edible) goodies, it was up to everyone to choose something to give and we made it from everyone's part. The "committee" has decided so I don't think it's a stupid thing to consider, neither corona times nor any other time.
I've always given a small something at the end of a course, I don't know if they expected it or not or whatever, but they seemed touched by the gesture. I might have spoiled the Swiss.

And then some babies never fit the newborn size

Both are very good ideas if you ask me, so one of them would be fine. And a card of course, words can do wonders. We all need them. I am sure your gift will be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Or toys for a slightly older child. My colleagues bought us a wooden-block train that my son got use of once he was able to sit up and pick things up.

I think we ourselves bought one baby-gro that was too small when he was born. Relatives and friends gave us lots of hand-me-downs from their older children.

Newborn parents will receive lots of gifts for baby, and coronavirus doesn't make any difference.

In my experience, giving clothes (especially anything that's been lovingly knitted) are a waste of time - most parents will squeeze their baby into the item, take a quick photo, send it with a thank you by WhatsApp to the giver, and file the item at the back of the drawer, or in the bin.

Most newborn baby clothes that are given as gifts, are already too small, or the baby outgrows them in a few weeks.

Most babies need an endless supply of baby grows, which as a gift is about as cherished as giving someone toilet paper for Christmas. Sure, it'll be useful, but not memorable.

New parents need money, or gift vouchers so they can choose their own car seat, pushchair, toys - or even just to get over the shock of how many nappies wet wipes and baby formula (controversial) that they'll need.

Alternatively, as everyone else will be wondering what to buy baby, you can think about something uniquely for mum, who probably deserves a bit of attention too.

Pancakes, I like your initial idea of the toy with the soft music and ceiling light. My son loved his too.
Also like HIAO’s idea of the gift certificate as so many young parents do struggle financially. A nice contribution towards something they might need for the baby would surely be welcome.

Regardless of your choice, surely the young mom will be touched by your thoughtfulness. 🌸

Thanks.

That is a good idea -- a gift certificate. I remember when our son was born, we had sooo many things to buy. It was a bit overwhelming. And of course, gift certificates are the kind of gift that everyone likes.