What Should I Get My Surrogate for the Holidays?
The holiday season can be a great time for intended parents and gestational carriers to bond. Whether you want to exchange gifts depends on the IP-GC relationship. After all, what kind of gift do you get for someone who is already giving you the greatest gift – their generosity and willingness to carry your baby? Here are some ideas for you if you feel inclined to get a gift for your surrogate.
1. Practical
This can be anything from a pregnancy-related gift to a gift she can enjoy after the baby is born. Bath bombs, rejuvenating face masks, candles, fuzzy socks, and other pampering items are usually a safe bet. If you know her favorite scent or way to relax, that will make the gift even more personalized. If she is experiencing other milestones, something to go along with those makes great gift ideas.
2. Handmade
Engage your creative side and create a personalized gift. If you don’t feel like you know how to make something or if you don’t have time (we’re all busy!), there are plenty of people who accept custom orders online. If you’d like to try the do-it-yourself method, sometimes you can find instructions, tutorials, or kits online. Anything from coffee mugs, tumblers, a t-shirt, or another decorative item with a message of your choice on it. Check out websites like Pinterest if you need inspiration and remember that the opportunities are endless when it comes to handmade gifts!
3. Jewelry
Don’t feel like you need to get elaborate here. A simple necklace or bracelet with a message transcribed on it is meaningful and can be a treasured keepsake. She will likely wear it during the pregnancy and long after the birth. You can also take note of things you see her wearing and buy something that seems like it would be her style.
4. Experience
While there are a few things surrogates can’t do while pregnant, there are plenty of experiences she can still enjoy before the baby is born that are safe during pregnancy. Are you able to do an in-person experience together? Offering to treat her and her family to a movie, the zoo, or a festival with your family is a great way to bond during your surrogacy journey. You’ll have to consider everyone’s schedules though, so keep that in mind. If you’d rather gift her an adventurous experience or something she can enjoy after the baby is born, you can always choose something that would give her something to look forward to after the baby is born.
5. Thoughtful
Remember when you reviewed your surrogate’s profile sent by the agency and it had a section with all her favorites listed? Use that to your advantage! If she likes art, perhaps a decoration, plant, or art supplies would be a good idea. Does she enjoy cooking? Maybe she would like a new bowl set or a cool kitchen gadget. Who is her favorite author? Books or gift cards to bookstores make great gifts. Intended parents who don’t live near their surrogate can even have something delivered to her. Remembering details like this or taking the time to go back and revisit that list shows that you care and will make her feel special. Hobbies may also come up during the match meeting, so if you can remember any of those, that can help as well. As your relationship grows, so will your knowledge of their interests.
Since everyone is different, gift ideas will vary. Your surrogate is probably not expecting a gift from you, but if you choose to get her one, hopefully, you found some gift ideas. If you didn’t like anything on our list, gift cards to coffee shops, Amazon, and her favorite stores are always a safe bet! You can always check in with your case manager if you have other questions about giving gifts.