Of course it's fine to give a gift! However, now this is just me, but I'm not one for giving a gift that I purchased from that many years ago. I know many on here will disagree with me.

If your finances don't allow the purchase of a simple gift, onsies, bibs, a small crib toy, than by all means give the one you have.

But, if you afford to, buy something new. Since your commonality is gardening, there might be a cute simple gift around that theme as well.

The only exception I would make in giving a gift I purchased many years ago is if I knew the recipient would go head over heels over that particular item.

You are very thoughtful and I think any gesture is sure to be appreciated..

I think it is great, Maybe a note saying....."I was waiting to give this to a special little someone" Or say nothing at all, it really is the thought that counts.

I'll be curious as to others' opinions but it just doesn't feel quite right, to me. I'm not sure why, though......

But I think it's a warm gesture to give them a baby present, even if you weren't on the formal announcement list. Heck, I dropped off a cute gift to my dental hygienist when I heard that her baby was born!

I'm going to give it a mild thumbs down, due to age and the mere fact that you need to explain why you're giving something that's so old just takes the bloom off, so to speak ;-)

As a mother (first time?) of a newborn, the first thing I'd think about was all the the dust mites and allergens in and on that thing after all these years.

I'd give a gift that she can always use, like onesies or towels, and maybe ask her sometime later if she'd like one of the Ty pillows for her baby, giving her the opportunity to decline based on the age of the plushie.

I agree - a new gift for a new baby.

Nickel - I recall when Beanie Babies were all the rage, and very collectable. Those sound really cute, and I think they would be a nice gift. They are clean and never used and rather unique. As far as mites, 72 hrs. in a plastic bag in the freezer is a solution.

Out of curiosity, I would google the ones you have. You just never know................Lol

I would not want them.

No. If anyone realizes they are older, you'll look cheap. I went to a baby shower a few years back. Someone gave the expectant mom some baby clothes that I knew were a few years old because of the pattern on them. I had bought similar baby clothing for my then seven year old. It looked to me like a recycled gift. None of my business and they were cute clothes, but still... I noticed and I'm not someone who really pays attention to brands and that sort of thing.

On the other hand if a little kid came over to visit and you spontaneously gave him one, then no big deal.

I would give that and then maybe supplement it with a onsie or bath towel. Just a little addition.

Thanks all -- that's exactly the advice I needed to hear. If I knew the couple well, I'd already know if they were comfortable with an old but unused toy -- but I don't, so it makes sense not to take a chance on offending them.

Summer, I did google them and nope! worth about what I paid for them originally. Oh well! Adellabedella, good idea about giving them to little visitors if/when opportunities arise.

So, it'll be a new little gift for a new little baby :-) Garden-related is a good idea too. Yay, an excuse to shop the baby aisle again!

And, if in the course of conversation it comes up that she'd really like a washable, baby-safe stuffy, I can mention I have a bear and a rabbit....

" Is it okay for us to give them a present?"

Of course it is! Not only okay, but very kind and thoughtful! But I honestly don't think what you have is a very good choice. Onesies, a hooded baby bath towel, crib toy, or even diapers or other 'necessities', such as baby powder, lotion, shampoo, etc. Maybe the indirect Facebook link you mentioned would give some clue about nursery theme or color, or what they would like to have? Or need?

I've never cared anything about any of the Beanie Babies, but I think that sort of thing has joined the ranks of "collectible". So I wouldn't give those to anyone unless I knew for certain that they are aware of what Beanie Babies were/are, and were interested in them. I'm another one who would Google them.

Rusty

I would say thumbs down myself. If you are looking to acknowledge the new arrival you could make a dinner instead. Keep it simple but atleast this way you are making an effort to acknowledge their recent blessing.

I'm a deal shopper.....but I don't give any used or old items I pick up as gifts. It would have to be new with tags, purchased recently at a retailer, before I'd even consider it. Or....the exception.... I once gave my step nephew my coin collection for his B-day....probably paid for his college tuition...

So true Nicole. If you are diligent, you never need to pay full price for anything.

I was undecided on this- but mostly thinking it's fine. I really love the comment below. I think it's great.

Judy Good

I think it is great, Maybe a note saying....."I was waiting to give this to a special little someone" Or say nothing at all, it really is the thought that counts.

You can buy a child-safe baby book for just a few dollars, card from the dollar store. That would be a better choice. I suspect the beanie babies really aren't safe for children under three if they have button eyes. I remember as a new mommy I was thrilled by any gift and the thought that people wanted to share our joy by recognizing our babies arrival.

I think I would buy "a Little something" special just for this baby and maybe sometime down the road pass on the beanie babies.

I would get them something else. Then use the babies as part of the bow in the wrapping.

Nope, wouldn't do it.

Lots of people plant a tree when they have a baby. Home depot has small trees starting at $10. If your budget allows a Japanese weeping maple would be amazing. I would get some thing that doesn't grow to big. If yard is small some then some type of flower that would come back every year

Nickel, clear acrylic boxes are sold, different sizes for beanie babies. If you want to gift your beanie I would get the case and put it inside indicating its a collector beanie and not a toy.

Thanks everyone -- the KT's collective wisdom saved my day!

Remember when it was the thought that counted? People are so particular these days and so worried about germs. :\ I'm sure you live in a nice clean house and have taken care of these toys for just such an occasion.

Maybe put together a baby basket and put one of the toys in it. I also second the acrylic box idea. That way it looks like its been stored nicely and you can add it to the baby basket. Maybe even say she can play with it now or cash it in someday. :)

Nothing wrong with buying nice gifts for a future event. :)

I may be in the minority, but with few exceptions, I disliked when my children were given keepsakes or collectibles. If it were a grandparent or a family member, then maybe. Other people, then no. My dd was given a snow globe when she was a baby. I was instructed to put it up on a shelf where she couldn't reach it. I did. Then dd asked to see it one day and I let her. I can't tell you how relieved I was when she dropped it and it broke. Babies and children are given so many stuffed animals, crayons and coloring books, etc., that the stuff is not special. I felt it was a chore to keep it. I waited a few years to see if my kids were even interested in the stuff. They weren't and I disposed of it.

New baby there are so many things out there to buy and they like them like I have seen clothing that is really cute and new up to date that moms absolutely love and want to have for their children to wear.

And for older, they are passe' so much of it no matter who cute or nice they are for many they won't accept them.

Just the way many go and work, nothing wrong what you have at all just doesn't work for lots and moms love new things and don't blame them.

There is so much out there that moms want to have for their babies, kids.

They are so cute but so expensive too but that is today's what they want.

I think this thread showed why no gift is often the best gift. So many people judge and talk behind backs that the thought of a gift is not even a part of it anymore. And I'm sure a $5 or $10 gift card would be judged as "cheap" and snickered at too so no matter what you give, there's obviously some who will criticize it. A dollar store card to acknowledge the event would be fine. I'll repeat what I say every time a gift thread comes up. Avoid trinkets. Maybe would be better to give a cheap card now and give a gift for the birthday when you know the people better.