Having 4 babies, I've been given quite the variety of gifts after a baby has been born.
Wanna know my favorite? The ones I remember and still to this day wanna give that person a hug for?
A meal.
Yes, a simple meal have been the most appreciated gift. Having a friend arrive at my door with a pan of food that I didn't have to plan, shop for, and prepare; is a blessing beyond measure! Especially when you are recovering from child birth, running on no sleep, figuring out this whole breast feeding thing, and finding the new "balance" in your household.
However, I'm often surprised how many of my friends have shared they decline to bring meals because often their family eats frozen pizza while another family eats like a king! Bring a family a meal doesn't have to a production and for me it no more than doubling what I'm already making that night.
So how does one make a great meal for two households?
First, have a couple of go to recipes that are quick, simple, and double easily. This runs seasonally
(fall and winter tend to be soups, while spring and summer casseroles or noodle dishes). These are my go to, I've perfected them and don't have to think twice about them.
I usually contact the person a week to week half before bring the meal so I can plan my shopping and look at my calendar. I try to find a day where my day isn't crazy busy so I know I will have the time to cook a meal and have time for the extras (side dishes, bread, and dessert)
However, some weeks just get away from me! Kids get sick, events come up that I didn't plan on, or we are in a busy season and I still have a family waiting for a meal! I've also got a back up plan for that as well!!
Swing by Costco for a Rotisserie Chicken, make up a quick side dish of green bean casserole, salad and bread. If your *really* are tight for time Costco pizza and salad can be dropped off as well! It is not fancy but it will feed everyone and will be one less meal for that new mama to worry about!
I've come to the conclusion dessert is not required but it a nice "extra". I have a go to No Bake Peanut Butter Bar (http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/03/easy-no-bake-peanut-butter-bars.html). I usually have the ingredients needed on hand, I can whip this up ahead of time (like the weekend), and it stays nicely in the freezer! However, if for some reason that doesn't happen, I've been know to show up with a bucket of ice cream or fun ice cream bars you wouldn't normally buy!
Two of my friends were in very busy seasons of their lives when my babies came along but still wanted to do something productive as a baby gift. One dropped off paper plates, silverware, and cups for our family to use during "survival mode" and another simply dropped off a gift card to a local grocery store, where I was able to pick up some prepared hot food for a meal. Both were a simply but a practical blessing!
I think the key for this to be success is to keep things simple! Most likely this family is in survival mode, simply having a meal given is a amazing blessing!
