muskoka

I'm not sure how much a "Sleep Sheep" is in the U.S. but we always give one. I'm in Canada and therefore pay more for it than you would. They come in two sizes: one for bedtime and the other, for travel. Indispensable.

KTtravel

That Sleep Sheep is adorable.

You could bring something very "American" such as a Mickey Mouse toy or clothing item. I am sure Amazon would likely have something.

Hobbert

My baby gift go to is an Oball. Babies love them. I also get a few 9 or 12 month outfits since new parents seem to get so many newborn items.

Here's the link: http://m.target.com/p/oball-rattle/-...276?lnk=search

Nikki

Our daughter tells us that you can't use blankets with a baby in a crib, so a blanket may not get used.

Macross

Nikki, I think that is why the sleep sacks and swaddle blankets are such a hit now.

grandmere

French copies of favorite books for babies, kids, such as Goodnight, Moon, or the Peter Rabbit series? Dr. Seuss?

kawh

Burt's Bees products are great and very American even now that they are a huge company. They have a line of baby products. Any of you know whether it's commonly found in France now?

I love 'Pat the Bunny" which is a classic American child's book that goes beyond words. Even if the parents don't speak English, it could be fun.

Maybe frowned upon by some, but i think an adorable pair of moccasins could fit the bill as well.

1994

Agree about Burt's Bees products Kawh. I had no idea things like the American flag on an item (from an American gift giver) were frowned upon these days. Learn something new everyday.

The idea wasn't meant to be political, but regional...aligned with the gift giver.

Coquelicot

Some good ideas here. Shopping for this gift is going to be easier and more fun than I had thought. Thank you all very much.

sparkchaser

http://amzn.to/2aor4Z4

or

http://amzn.to/2aoFjao

fuzzbucket

Have never seen Burt's Bees products in stores in Paris.

French mothers seem to like the traditional products they remember their mothers using - there's the familiar scent that brings back memories, etc.

joan

I too need a baby gift, for a French family I haven't met yet (the lady who is renting us her apartment in Arles just had a baby). I was thinking of buying a baby beret in Paris, our stop before Arles.

Do French babies really wear berets or is that me stereotyping?

StCirq

No, French babies do not really wear berets. They aren't even that common among adults except in certain age groups and rural populations. Most of them are sold to tourists in souvenir shops.

I suppose you could get the baby a plastic set of boules. Or a mini-baguette. Or a dropper of Pernod.

And you don't "need" to bring a present for the landlady's baby. If you want to bring the landlady something, that would be a nice gesture, but absolutely not expected.

fuzzbucket

I have never seen a baby-sized beret. Perhaps they do exist, but maybe it's only those babies on the Evian bottles that wear them.

Real babies wear knitted bonnets.

If you are renting an apartment from the mother, your money will be enough of a gift.

Micheline

St.Cirq - even though I can't stop laughing I think you are being a little tough on joan.

StCirq

Micheline, sorry, I actually tried to rein it in. Think Gaulloises or a travail-de-bleu.

Pvoyageuse

Osh Kosh boy or girl overalls - they are expensive and hard to find here.

Whathello

I have never met anyone with a beret who would be below 85.
i think only Adrian Leeds wears one nowadays. Because it is 'so french'.
Come to think of it the 85 years old guy is a Belgian. From my family ;-)

joan

OK OK! No baby beret. But just google image search and see if YOU can resist! Haha! Now I am picturing the newborn with a baby blue beret, smoking a Gauloise and teething on a baguette...

Pvoyageuse

"Think Gaulloises or a travail-de-bleu".

A bleu de travail would be more fitting
Travail de bleu : work made by a beginner/apprentice.