Gift ideas for new "parents to be" in Poland

Hi!

(I hope this is in the right place. If not, MODS, please feel free to move

A friend (He and his wife came to the US from Poland in the early '80s) of mine has a son and daughter in law expecting their first child in a month (The son and daughter in law live in Krakow). I visited with them briefly when I was in Poland last year. I'd like to send a gift...but not sure what is appropriate.

What is the custom, or is there any, for a situation such as this? The couple is expecting a girl. I thought about a cute little outfit from the US college my son attends (you know..something specific from the States). But my friend said he doesn't believe it would really mean anything to them....not being from the US. So...I need ideas....I don't want to send anything frivolous, nor do I want to offend as I don't know them all that well.

Thanks in advance for your replies.
Karinka

When my daughters were babies in Poland, I really made use of English children's music CDs.

At first , it was infant lullabies; later other more active nursery rhymes. In fact, the neighborhood kids used to come to our house and sing Ring Around the Rosie with great gusto, acting out the "we all fall down" bit endlessly.

You may get them a cute pair of US sneakers for babies ( converse type) because shoes for kids are so expensive in Poland. Actually anything from Gap will do since there is no Gap in Poland yet, so for them it will be much appreciated .

I have a few friends who had babies in Poland and I sent them some adorable little shoes ( for 18 months but it is ok since for newborn there is not much) + pretty outfits ( warm sweaters since in Poland winters are long and horribly cold ... ) They loved everything because i got useful stuff.

Cds can break and toys are great for children when they are toddlers , in my opinion.

My sister's friend gave birth to a sweet boy last month and my sister bought him a giraffe mascot and little rompers. I think it was a good idea but it depends: a child may be allergic to fabric or young parents will be overburdened with tons of toys (if every gift-giver will have the same idea).

In principle it is well accepted to give something practical - a set of baby cosmetics or bed linen.

universal thing...

send them some coffee - they will definitely need it :D

my sister is getting married soon... when they will be expecting a baby i think i will buy them sth like this:

not these days. the shops are full of it

haha yes i know... i was just joking :D

Great ideas everyone! Thanks!

I decided on:

~a wonderful Lullaby CD that my son had when he was an infant. It's was wonderful (it's been a favorite in the US for over 20 years)...I had forgotten all about it. It comes with a lyrics book so they can learn the songs in English. (Only the father speaks fluent English....so this might be fun for mom and baby!)

~a long sleeved one piece "romper"

~a soft reversible cardigan

~and little quilted fabric boots.

Thanks so very much for your help. Can't wait to send these off!

Karinka

Oh, they DO need it ;)
That little hero is crying every 10 minutes and the only thing able to calm him is his mother's breast ;) Rocking, singing lullabies, holding in arms - nothing helps. This little one knows what's the best for him ;)