The first time I heard the words “push present” I thought my wife was joking.
Having a child, especially the first, is a scary proposition on a lot of levels. Leading the frightening charge are the economic implications that children come along with. Between diapers and formula and college funds, not to mention many woman dreaming of quitting their jobs, there’s a lot at stake. So the last thing on my mind — the last thing on most soon-to-be dad’s minds — is what kind of gift to buy our wives when the baby is born.
Isn’t the miracle of birth enough?!
Well thanks to rampant television ads and spoiled celebrities and our country’s obsession with STUFF, push presents are here…they are here to stay…and our pregnant wives expect them. That’s right, I didn’t say appreciate, I said expect.
So since you have been boxed into a corner buddy, here are some rules to follow when setting out to buy a gift for a new mom.
KNOW YOUR WIFE
Buying a gift that is out of left field can be a home run, but it can also bomb. Since we already know that your baby momma is hormonal, it’s in your best interest to be in-tune with what she does and doesn’t like. If your wife is a fan of fine jewelry, you have to step it up. If she’s more the homemade crafts kind of girl (lucky you!), don’t show up with some serious bling, instead make something. The best gifts are thoughtful and come from the heart.
But don’t forget, after a woman has a baby, she will talk to every person on the planet that she knows. The push present will be part of the conversation, so make sure you give her something that she feels good talking about and makes you look like a champ. Basically, when you pick a gift in your head, get something a little nicer.
STUCK FOR AN IDEA? CHECK OUT PRESENTPUSH’s PENDANT IDEAS
HAVE A BUDGET
The push present might be a big deal to the lady in your life, but the reality is that there are a sea of new financial obligations lurking around the corner. Have an idea of how much you can spend without putting a strain on your bank account. With new kids comes the unexpected, and that usually equates to spending money. Also, if you spend too much, you could potentially upset your baby mama, and that doesn’t benefit anyone.
BUY THE GIFT EARLY
I’m not suggesting you buy the perfect push present during the first trimester, but the earlier you buy the gift, the more time you have to research. Last-minute gift buying tends to get people to spend more money than they normally would. It also leads to crappy choices (see: gift cards, flowers, stuffed animals, chocolates, etc.) These are all swell supplemental push presents, but they should not be the main course.
Of course, you’ll want to make an effort to hide the gift well.
PLAN THE GIVING
When is the right time to give a new mom a push present? The best way to figure this out is to visualize the gift giving. Does it make sense to hand a pendant to your wife when she’s laying in a hospital bed doped up on anesthesia? Maybe. Or is the mood better set after she’s cleaned up and spent some time with your newborn? Probably.
Some folks might want to give the gift towards the end of the third trimester, before the baby is even born. While there hasn’t yet been a “push,” there sure has been a “carry.”
Every person has their own set of superstitions, so it’s entirely up to you to plan the when. My only advice is to plan it! Another tip for men looking to buy a push present is to consult wife’s inner circle, just be sure to ask people who you believe can keep a secret. Women love surprises, so keep it on the DL.
As a dude, I have no problem admitting that men often need guidance when it comes to buying a gift. If you have any advice on what makes the perfect push present, please leave a comment below.