2 under 2 gift giving advice

[MadeWithLove]

Hiya!
I have a ridiculous amount of friends who are expecting their 2nd baby in the coming months. All of which already have a bub who will be just under 2 at the time of birth.
I want to do something or make or buy them all a 'congratulations' gift. But not sure where to start.
Budget is a big problem. I can't afford elaborate gifts every other week.

Would love some suggestions on what's the best thing to give mum, bub and maybe even big brother/sister.

I had thought maybe of cooking a big dish of lasagne or similar - do people really appreciate that?

[Me&Smooches]

I think the meal idea is great especially when they come home fron hospital or if you can could you offer to look after the older one for a couple hours so mum, dad and new bub can have some bonding time on their own? You could make it as a super cute voucher so you are still giving them something.

[yadot]

Can you offer to look after their older child?

DD1 was 19 months old when DD2 was born. An offer of help would've been the best present! Cooking something if you can't babysit would be great too.

[VicPark]

I would have loved a gift of a home made lasagne. Maybe add a side salad and I think that's great

[waterlily]

I agree ^^ yummy cooked meal would be amazing!

[debsch]

Yes to the food idea!! Make them a meal. My MIL wasn't physically able to help much when we had our 2nd bub but she did provide home-made meals and sauces that we could chuck over some quick-cook pasta. Most definitely appreciated!!

And as for a little something for the siblings - how about a book? Even a second hand one lovingly picked from your own book-shelf with a tag that says something like - we loved this one, we hope you do too.

[MadeWithLove]

Thanks all! I ended up buying a few of those alfoil freezer trays to make up some lasagnes and meatballs etc. And also found these cute little ink free colouring books for the little ones to make a little busy bag with.
Just water filled pens that react with special colouring pages so mum doesn't have to worry about pens on the walls while they attend to their new bubs.

I'm going to sew up some nice burp cloths and a receiving blanket for the newborns and maybe some little clothes too.

[debsch]

Thanks all! I ended up buying a few of those alfoil freezer trays to make up some lasagnes and meatballs etc. And also found these cute little ink free colouring books for the little ones to make a little busy bag with.
Just water filled pens that react with special colouring pages so mum doesn't have to worry about pens on the walls while they attend to their new bubs.

I'm going to sew up some nice burp cloths and a receiving blanket for the newborns and maybe some little clothes too.

If you sew, there are heaps of cut-and-sew cloth books & plushies & onesies at Spoonflower:
http://www.spoonflower.com/shop?utf8...y+book&x=0&y=0

[PinkPopsicle]

Def a meal cooked!

[Hamilicious]

My favourite gift after my second was born was a few little face washers (you can never have too many), lasagne and a slice.

Other ways to help- if you want to and have time- is to sit with the older child and entertain them.