The year 2010 marked a significant turning point in our lives when my daughter arrived fifteen and a half weeks ahead of schedule. Suddenly, our anticipated February due date was replaced with a November birthday. Our first Christmas as a family was spent within the sterile walls of a hospital, overshadowed by uncertainty about whether we would ever bring our baby girl home. The holiday season that year was incredibly challenging, as our situation felt starkly different from the joyous celebrations happening outside the hospital.
A mother lovingly gazes at her newborn in a NICU incubator, highlighting the emotional journey of NICU parents during holidays.
Now, Scarlette is a vibrant five-year-old, and every Christmas morning has become an opportunity for our family to revisit the NICU where we spent her first Christmas. It’s our tradition to deliver gift baskets to the families currently in the unit. This act of giving has become a cherished holiday tradition for us, and I find immense joy in preparing these gifts with Scarlette, teaching her about gratitude and compassion.
The essence of this tradition lies in recognizing that our blessings extend beyond simply having a healthy child. This small act of gifting allows us to transform a profoundly difficult period in our lives into something meaningful – a source of comfort and hope for others unexpectedly navigating a similar journey. It’s particularly heartwarming to involve Scarlette, connecting her to the place and the compassionate individuals who played a crucial role in her early life, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.
A heartwarming image of a young girl, Scarlette, joyfully participating in Christmas celebrations, symbolizing hope and recovery after a NICU experience.
Each November, we reach out to our friends and family, inviting them to contribute to our gift basket initiative by selecting items from our NICU wish list. Setting up an Amazon wish list simplifies the donation process, allowing people to easily send items directly to us for inclusion in the gift baskets. We also appreciate the generosity of local businesses who often donate to our care packages, further enriching these gifts of support.
If you’re looking to create a meaningful gesture for families in the NICU, here are some thoughtful gift basket ideas to consider:
Essential Items for NICU Care Packages
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Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the often dry environment of a hospital. A reusable water bottle is practical as often water is the only beverage permitted in the NICU.
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Inspirational Read Aloud Books: Stories offer comfort and connection. We like to include keepsake editions of classics like Corduroy, The Velveteen Rabbit, or The Little Engine That Could. These books are perfect for parents to read to their babies and eventually take home as a memento. This year, we’re adding copies of On The Night You Were Born, a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the uniqueness of each child.
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Mini Blankets: Scent is a powerful comfort. These small blankets are designed for mothers to keep close to their skin, absorbing their scent, and then placed with their babies. The familiar smell provides reassurance and closeness even when mom can’t be physically present.
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Gift Cards: Practical support is invaluable. Depending on the year and needs, we’ve included $5 gift cards to the hospital Starbucks, gas cards, grocery store gift cards, or pre-paid parking passes. These small gestures can ease the financial strain and logistical challenges faced by NICU families.
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Hand-Knitted Baby Hats: Warmth and festive cheer matter. The inspiration for this came when we learned our NICU had very few Christmas-themed baby hats. After our nurse went the extra mile to find one for Scarlette, we started asking friends to knit hats in various sizes and holiday colors. These hats not only add a touch of festivity amidst the medical equipment but also become cherished keepsakes of a baby’s first Christmas.
A collection of hand-knitted, colorful baby hats, perfect for adding warmth and a personal touch to NICU gift baskets.
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Snacks, Tissues, and Hand Sanitizer: Practical necessities are always appreciated. These three items are constantly needed in the NICU environment. Snacks provide quick energy for long days, tissues are essential for emotional moments, and hand sanitizer is vital for maintaining hygiene.
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Books for Parents: Time in the NICU often involves a lot of waiting. Engaging and supportive reading material can be a welcome distraction and source of encouragement. This year, we’re including my book for preemie parents, Anchored. Other excellent choices for NICU parents include Preemie by Kasey Matthews and From Hope to Joy by Jennifer Degl, offering different perspectives and support.
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A Personal Letter to the Family: Empathy and connection are deeply meaningful. We include a handwritten letter of encouragement in each basket, sharing a then-and-now photo of Scarlette and a brief part of our story. We want families to know we are thinking of them and sending prayers during a challenging holiday season.
The contents of our gift baskets vary each year, depending on our budget and the donations we receive. However, these ideas offer a glimpse into how we aim to bring a little comfort and joy to NICU families during the holidays. Putting these baskets together has become a heartwarming tradition, often involving family, Christmas cookies, and music – a joyful way to give back during the holiday season.
(If you’re interested in contributing to our family’s holiday NICU gift basket project, you can find our wish list here. Your support is greatly appreciated!)
