What's a good baby gift in this situation?

Offer to babysit for a night or so. That would have been the best gift ever for me when my kids were young.

Can you just take up a collection of cash? Write in the card “for babysitting or a maid or some pampering at the spa,” and let her choose what to do with it? If it is a bunch of money from everyone maybe it won’t seem odd that it is cash.

Consider buying her a week or two of diaper service.

I just asked my mother about this and she told me it would be great if someone bought her A LOT of diapers? She wouldn’t have to go buy diapers for her newborn for a while? Well, that was her response. If it was me, I would get the newborn baby some new children books. As for the bad financial situation at the moment, I would do as @JLeslie said, a babysitter would really be great.

Diapers. They are an expensive necessity.

Diapers! Look on etsy or even amazon and they have really cute diaper cakes. If you’re crafty at all you can make one. That makes the gift if diapers a bit more festive.
Even with a third baby it’s still nice to have a few new outfits and burp cloths.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! These are great.

What do you all think about the coworkers issue?

For my idea perhaps every employee could kick in one night as long as mom feels comfortable.

You could throw an office baby shower and the co workers could bring what they want.

@Judi Forgive me for my lack of knowledge about baby stuff but what exactly is a baby shower?

@tbag A baby shower is a party where everyone buys gifts so the mommy is all set up with everything she needs. Clothing, bottles, bedding, carseats, etc. A bridal shower is when someon is going to be married and friends and family go to a party for the bride and buy her gifts for her honeymoon or new home. Pots, pans, lingerie, towels, etc. So shower basically equals party for a special upcoming bigger event where people shower you with gifts.

@nikipedia I think avoid the shower idea because then people will feel compelled to give gifts, they’ll want to see their gift opened.

Diapers always work. I agree with that. A huge gift bag full of diapers and Desitin and baby shampoo and soap.

I like the idea of diapers, but I would get various sizes. That way she has some for each stage of the baby’s development.

Could you ask her something like this: “You must be excited about the baby coming soon. Do you have a lot to get ready?” Obviously, use your own words; just something that might generate conversation about what she needs.

If you want to buy nappies/diapers I would check with her first and see whether she plans to use cloth or disposable nappies.

Prepare some meals for the family (frozen lasagna, kits to throw in the crock pot, etc.) to help ease the end of pregnancy/beginning baby transition. Hopefully your coworkers will want to participate.

(I’m 9 months pregnant and the only gifts I want are offers to vacuum, walk the dogs and provide meals.)

Aside from that, I like the diaper idea.