Congratulations, such an exciting time for both parents and their families. Do they live within easy traveling time so that you'll be able to see your grand daughter often? Uptown Gal is right - it is hard to imagine the love they bring. It is something 'sweet and special' - it's amazing how your heart just opens up. In the last 3 years I went from no grandchildren at age 68 to 3 grand daughters (well, technically # 3 is due in 2 weeks) plus a 3 1/2 year old step granddaughter and it seems miraculous. It's magical. Maire

Girl or boy? My go-to luxe gift is a cashmere sweater from Bodenkids. For some reason, though, they are no longer offering the navy blue one with the wooden buttons. Now it is striped. Last time I gave it, I gave it as a gift for a winter baby in the 12 mos size so it could be worn in the right season. I was delighted to see it was used in the family christmas card. This one is $114. Boden has really sweet girl clothes too. Like this charmer: It is highly unlikely the parents would buy velvet overalls. I think these . were $56 and you'd need to include a top. And of course you need to add a Sophie the Giraffe teething toy (Thanks, Oak, for telling me about this!) This teether is iconic in the new parents set and my grandson absolutely loves it. It is about $25. Of course I should give the usual disclaimer that if they have registered (try Buybuy baby) then you should maybe shop their list.

not new. this concept has been around for things like evite and FB invitations for many years now, but I think some people choose to hide that info. I like knowing in advance who is coming and roughly how big the event will be. when I'm planning an informal party I usually add, "...message me if you think I forgot anyone". It's a great way to avoid hurt feelings -- I can just add someone later, apologize profusely, and say that there must have been some glitch in my contacts list. (blaming technology is a great excuse, lol.)

I used to really like buying a savings bond for a new baby. Now though you can only do this online and it sounds like it would be a PITA. I like to buy a nice Christmas ornament that can be personalized and dated. There are some nice sterling silver ones and in the past I have found some crystal bell ornaments that can be etched with name/date, etc. We have one for the year we married. I have not found one in a while but I'm sure they must still be out there. I usually add a monogrammed blanket, diapers or clothing, unless I know something the new parents would like to receive. I have given a set of books, but otherwise, I think books seem to be something that some receive "too many of the same thing". I like using a gift registry because it contains items needed/wanted. I'm not understanding how there could be that many repeats, because the registry tells you if the item has been bought or not???? As far as diapers, I know of those who store diapers under the bedskirt of the crib. Again, that is a gift I think you would want to know if it's something the parents would be happy with or not.