Tip #105: When it comes to gift giving and getting in a tiny apartment, keep things simple.
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Christmas is still months away, but it’s been a regular gift-receiving bonanza in this tiny apartment since Faye was born. Welcome a baby into your world, and you will be the very humbled recipient of a veritable shower of gifts (whether you have an actual baby shower or no). It goes without saying that we have received beautiful and lovely and thoughtful gifts. And no, you really can’t have too many onesies. And of course, we’ve loved the yellows and pinks as well as the grays and creams (we’re not actually allergic to color, you know). And thank you, family and friends, for resisting the urge to shower Faye with anything too large or too bulky.
Still: I appreciate the apprehension that comes with giving gifts to self-proclaimed minimalists. Here’s hoping that my friend Justine’s rule of thumb might help make the process less daunting. When Justine sent a very sweet package Faye’s way, it was filled with little things that fit her own mandate for tiny apartment gift-giving: that everything should be “flat, stackable, or wall-worthy.” A tiny bib, a tiny tray, a paper garland, and a beautiful children’s book all fit her criteria and were much appreciated by this tiny-apartment family. Flat. Stackable. Wall-worthy. We hung those little elephants by Faye’s changing table, but we undrape them a few times a day and hang them above her Moses basket or sheepie (actual mobile in the works…stay tuned).
If you’re still feeling stumped for the perfect thing to give a tiny-apartment-dwelling friend, go for the ephemeral. Indulgent body scrubs anyone?
11 Comments
oh boy, gift-giving… an awkward exchange for small-space resident and friends alike, despite the best intentions. it's difficult to navigate because of course while the thought is greatly appreciated, our home just can't fit anything more. meanwhile, the gift-giver just wants to show love! I've found being upfront and honest about the lack of space, but whether they resist or not, always be gracious.
yes, the problem precisely. graciousness is key, for sure.
People's geneorisity after having a baby always leaves me speechless. People can be so kind but yes, a lot of times people (especially family) go over board with things (swings, etc.). Whenever I was asked what I wanted I always asked for books. I'm loving those little paper elephants! They're so sweet!
xo
Rachel
those elephants! did she make them? so beautiful.
I love the print on the wall in the background! Would you mind sharing details?
Good solutions! Also, many of the baby gifts are just not really nice to have to look at from day to day. A house filled with bright coloured plastic, yikes!
Flat. Stackable. Wall-worthy! That pretty much needs to be my mantra from now on when shopping for myself/our apartment. I've been feeling like things are just getting too cluttered and every surface has something(s) on it. But shopping for home things is one of my favourite activities! Flat. Stackable. Wall-worthy.
how do you politely handle the gifts that aren't your taste? this is something i've been struggling with since my son was born.
So sweet! Your little Faye is beautiful. I love the Instagram pics too. Oh, you new mommies! Take care that you don't spend so much time on your phones. Babies need to grow up knowing we are 100% in the moment with them. I see so many moms in the parks with their noses in phones. It breaks my heart for the kiddos. We didn't have them when I had babies, and I think that was just fine.
Thanks so much! Nose in my phone, indeed! I'm pretty conscious of not letting myself get too lost there—despite the instagram postings! Once Faye is older I'll likely limit my use even more. It's lovely to be able to take quick shots, but it's even lovelier to have the time to engage with her without the phone nearby!
reminds me of the gift-giving rule for those of us who live on boats: perishables.
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