How to Pick a Gift for a Bris

While it's not necessary to purchase a gift for a bris, some guests may feel compelled to bring something for the new baby. For many of the baby's relatives and family friends, this will be the first time they see the child. An appropriate, thoughtful gift will be welcomed.

Things You'll Need

• Picture of the child
• Ribbons and other decorative items
• Matboard
• Diapers
• Stickers
• Yarn or cloth
• Paper

Instructions

Make a Gift for a Bris

1. Consider knitting or quilting a baby blanket. New parents always need something to wrap their child in, and a handmade item shows just how much the giver cares for the child.

2. Make a disposable diaper cake. This practical yet pretty gift will certainly be used, as babies use up plenty of diapers in a very short time. Visit the Plan the Perfect Web site for a simple "recipe" (see Resources below). Glue on flowers or ribbons to make the cake look more elegant.

3. Create a handmade baby book for the parents to use for photos and the child's many firsts. Purchase some fancy paper at a stationery store, punch holes in it and bind it together with ribbon. Add a cover made of matboard with the child's picture on it. Decorate it by gluing on ribbons and stickers.

Purchase a Gift for a Bris

1. Pick a variety of onesies in different sizes. As the baby grows, the parents will be thankful for your gift, because they won't have to buy larger clothes right away.

2. Pick a plush mobile for the baby's crib. A mobile with stars or even animals will entice the baby to reach up, a necessary skill for him to learn as he grows.

3. Consider purchasing a religious item for the baby's room. Visit the Baby Gift Idea Web site for a variety of items appropriate for a Jewish child (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to ask the family if the parents have made a baby registry before you pick a gift. This will prevent you from buying a duplicate item.

• If you're buying a gift before the baby is born, consider picking something that is unisex in case the baby is a girl. Ultrasounds are sometimes wrong, and this way you won't have to return the gift.

• If you make a gift for the child to wear or play with, make sure the item is built well. As the baby grows, he might try to tug off the smaller parts, which he could swallow and choke on.