I suggest the not-very-imaginative but always-welcome box of diapers and/or baby wipes.

I would still bring a gift. Maybe some board books. I think those are almost always welcome.

I would bring a few board books. Two or three. I loved The Big Red Barn when my kids were little. Also Yum, Yum Dim Sum.

Is DD bringing a gift? I probably wouldn't bring one but I'm a gift curmudgeon.

DD will probably piggyback on what I do!

I would bring a board book or a children's story book. The Everyman's Library has a lovely collection of children's books.

crl_ Yum yum, Dim sum- how did I miss that one?? I am so bummed.

That's not much help then, eh? When I said I'm a gift curmudgeon I meant that I will bring/send gifts to gift giving events (showers, weddings, and children's birthday parties) unless I'm instructed to do not not bring a gift. I wouldn't consider a "meet the baby" event to be a gift giving thing. I'd offer to bring an appetizer if I knew the host. Otherwise I'd go with a smile on my face, ready to tell the proud family what a beautiful child they have brought into the world. Everyone (or some, many, most) else will bring a gift. Doesn't bother me at all. It bothers other people though to not have a gift when others have brought gifts. Know yourself.

Rita, a good friend gave Yum, yum dim sum to us and it was very beloved. It is one of the handful I am saving. There is a series of food board books, we have another about sushi, also from that same friend. (Both of my kids love dim sum and sushi )

I've been invited to two meet and greets now, and I've taken a gift to both. One was a baby related/extended family, and it felt slightly redundant since I'd been to a shower and taken a gift, but I did take another.

The other was a lovely and large luncheon held in a restaurant and hosted by the grandparents (on both sides). It was lots of fun, we had a wonderful time and did take a gift even though we'd sent one at the birth. Former neighbor. It was a large group in a banquet room. There were a number of gifts but I couldn't say if everyone who came had come with a present. Attention was on the baby - and the food.

How many picture frames can one family use? Gold bullion if you must bring a gift. ;-)

Well, my experience is there can never be too many pictures/frames for grandparents.

"Meet the baby" parties like a "Sip and See" are gift giving events around here.

Books are always good gifts, or a pretty card with a VISA gift card inside.

We had the kids of neighbors stop by to introduce us to their new baby boy so I wanted to give them a gift...gave him a taggie blanket and it was great...he played with it throughout the whole visit.

I'd bring a gift.

I never had kids, so I use anything like that to go to TJMaxx an buy a 100% cotton baby outfit...maybe a cute stuffed animal or some towels/bibs. Cuz that stuff is all cute! And a token gift won't make anyone uncomfortable.

A small token of affection and congratulations is never inappropriate.

I had a sip n see and specified no gifts, still some people brought them! I didn't mind (but just didn't want to burden people who just wanna see a baby).

I tend to bring gifts for babies but I love babies and I love shopping for stuff, combining the two is a pleasure for me. Sounds like you have already contributed a lot to this baby so I think it's your choice. A nice congratulatory card would be meaningful as well.

I would bring a bottle of wine for the parents...

I’ve only heard of these “meet the baby” events here on these boards. Is this in place of a shower? Was there a shower? If there was, having a second gift occasion seems a bit much. Having said that, I would bring a gift anyway. Maybe use Penny’s idea and bring a nice bottle of wine with a baby bottle tied to it with a card saying something cute about a bottle for baby and a bottle for mom and dad...

Have you given a gift since the baby went home? The baby's mom is a friend of your DD, and I know you were very involved with the fundraisers and special gifts for the baby. I am wondering if you know the grandparents. Like Sue I am not familiar with a "meet L" party. I know you say you are fine with an indirect invitation, but I do wonder why your name is not on the invited list. I would go with a gift, of course, but it all seems so unusual. I would give a nice card and a gift card for later use.

I think this party is a way of thanking everyone for all their support throughout the process. As a very early premie "L" struggled to reach all the milestones necessary to thrive and be able to go home.

We were involved in the daily progress with updates on TIny Beans. The parents became involved with March of Dimes and to show their gratitude had a Team "L" fundraiser where many donated and surpassed the goal.

When "L" was finally discharged, DD and I had a special personalized blanket made to honor the occasion.

I think most of the people attending this party will have already given a baby gift.

I think I will give a gift card as Maddie has suggested with a special card expressing my best wishes etc.

Ditto what Robo said.

Where I am, a "sip and see" is exactly that--a chance to see/meet the baby. Showers are usually held before the baby is born so people are pleased to have an opportunity to visit with the mother and child. It also helps the new mom by cutting down on the number of individual visitors to her home. Or sometimes it is held when a grandchild is visiting in the parent's childhood home. I have been to both and was thrilled to meet all involved and I can't even remember if I took a present or not.

I love buying gifts. So yes, I would bring a gift. I really liked putting baskets together with all kinds of little stuff, onesies, wipes, baby Tylenol etc. a baby cotton blankie, extra pacifiers. So much fun! Enjoy!