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How to Congratulate a Coworker on New Baby – Should You Give a Gift?

Whether your coworker just came back from maternity leave or you work with a new dad, finding the right way to congratulate them can feel a little tricky. Should you get a gift or just send an email? I’m going to share different ways that you can congratulate a coworker on a new baby, no matter what your relationship is!

How Should You Congratulate a Coworker on a New Baby?

You can send an email, give a card, or even a small gift, it really just depends on the relationship you have with your coworker.

  • Send an email if you aren’t close.
  • Give a card if you consider yourself an acquaintance.
  • Give a small gift if you are friends.

Whether you are good friends or acquaintances, this guide will help you word the perfect email, write a sweet message in a card, or give the perfect gift!

Let’s get started with some simple messages that you can write to a coworker you are close to. Then we will share some ideas for those coworkers you don’t know so well.

Messages For a Coworker You Are Close To

  • I couldn’t be any happier for you and your partner on the arrival of your new baby! You two will make wonderful parents. Congratulations!”
  • Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! You deserve all of the happiness your new baby will bring. I am so happy for you!”
  • “[My child] and I cannot wait to attend dress-ups and tea parties with you and your new little one! Congratulations on your new arrival!”

Messages For That “Distant” Coworker

  • Sending congratulations and well-wishes for you and your partner on the day of your baby’s birth. Congratulations!”
  • Wishing blessings of health and joy to you and your new baby. Congratulations!”
  • Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness for you and your growing family. Congratulations!”

What Should You Write in an Email?

Emails are commonly exchanged between coworkers, especially in a professional setting. If you aren’t close enough to have their phone number or be invited to see them and their new baby, then sending an email is the next best thing. One perk of sending your congratulations in an email is that you can attach a fun e-card to it!

One example of an email you can send to congratulate your coworker on their new baby is this:

Dear [Coworker],

I am excited to hear the wonderful news about your new baby! I know that you will enjoy your new addition, and I wish you and your growing family much joy and happiness for the future. Let me know if you need me to help you with anything at the office.

Many, many congratulations to you and yours!

Best regards,

[Your Name]

For an email with a more personal touch for a close coworker relationship, you can write something like this:

Dear [Coworker],

Congratulations on your new, beautiful baby! I know you will love every single moment with him/her – even the sleepless nights and scary diapers. You will be a fantastic parent, and your little one is blessed to be yours.

If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know!

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

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email ideas on how to congratulate a coworker on a new baby

Should You Send a Card?

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Many people choose to send a card for the birth of a new baby. If you feel a general message of congratulations or an email is not adequate, then you can definitely send a card instead. Most cards will already have well-wishes and congratulations written on them, but, if you have chosen to send a card, it’s a good idea to add your own personal message of congratulations as well.

Some examples of personal congratulatory messages that you can add to your card include:

  • I could not be more excited for you! Wishing health, love, happiness, and congratulations on your new baby!”
  • I hope your new baby knows he/she has the coolest parents in town! Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.”
  • Congratulations on your new baby! I could not be happier that your little miracle is finally here!”

If you can’t find the perfect card at a store, you can always check online. Etsy has some amazing cards to choose from, such as:

1. Nine Months Sober

Click Here to Purchase on Etsy

Love this funny card! If you want to throw a little humor into congratulating your coworker, send them this card on nine months sober – oops, we mean the baby!

2. Pregnant Avocado

Click Here to Purchase on Etsy

This adorable avocado “Congratulations!” card that gives you plenty of space to write your personal message inside!

3. Card + Gift Box (for boy or girl)

Click Here to Purchase on Etsy

This is a cute card plus gift box idea that comes with a live succulent and a relaxing candle. You can choose boy or girl.


Should You Give a Gift?

The question of whether or not you should give a gift when congratulating a coworker on their new baby lies in the status of your friendship with the coworker. If you are not friends outside of work, chances are they will not expect a gift. If your relationship with your coworker includes a friendship outside of work, getting a gift for them to celebrate their newborn is appropriate. 

There are a few factors to consider when giving a baby gift to your coworker:

  • If you aren’t close to your coworker but the office is getting together to give a gift to them, it’s perfectly fine to join forces and give one big office gift.
  • Typically, you will not want to spend more than about $25 on a gift. Don’t worry – babies need lots of inexpensive things.
  • If you have no idea what to buy, you can look at your coworker’s baby registry – or you can buy something like diapers, onesies, or blankets because new parents cannot get enough of them!
  • Try to consider any beliefs your coworker has about baby gifts. Some people think it’s bad luck to get gifts before the baby is born, so giving a gift after the birth is preferred.
  • Stick to practical gifts, and you should be fine!

Most gifts given after the birth of a baby are for the baby. If you have a particularly close friendship with your coworker, then you may rather get a gift for them. Gifting a new parent should focus on relaxation and convenience because that is something they will not have much of for a while. Books, calming candles, spa gift sets, and dustbusters are some great ideas for gifts for parents!

Gift Ideas for a Coworker Who Just Had a Baby

With so many things to choose from when it comes to gifting both parents and babies, you can consider yourself lucky because you get the luxury of having some of the best gifts picked out for you!

Gifts for Coworker’s New Baby

1. Honest Company – New Baby Arrival Set

You can’t get enough diapers, wipes, rash cream and soap for new babies! I absolutely loved The Honest Company’s products with my daughter. They felt gentle yet smelled amazing. This Baby Arrival Gift Set is perfect because it has a sample of everything new parents will need!

2. Indestructibles Books

These are HANDS DOWN the best books I ever received. Obviously their newborn baby won’t be able to use them right away, but once they begin using their hands parents will be so grateful for them.

Indestructibles are seriously baby proof! They are washable, chew proof, nontoxic, and inexpensive!

Gift for Coworker After Birth of Baby

1. Baby’s First Year Memory Book

baby's first year memory book idea

Baby’s first year is going to fly and every parent will wish they remembered more. This simple book will help parents keep these precious memories tucked away and it won’t take a lot of time or effort.

2. Spa Gift Basket

This spa gift basket by Aqua Elegante is a wonderful gift idea that promotes relaxation and calm. Soothing tea tree and calming lavender scents make for a luxurious and beneficial spa experience that can relax both the body and the mind. The set comes with body wash, bubble bath, lotion, bath salts, body scrub, body spray, shower puff, and a towel.

In Conclusion…

Congratulating a coworker on a new baby doesn’t have to be difficult at all! There are plenty of ways to wish your coworker a blessed and happy life with their newborn and even more ways to express your congratulations in the form of celebratory gifts. Well-wishes are always welcomed at the birth of a new baby.

Remember that joining in with other coworkers for a group gift is completely acceptable and that opting for a gift card is sometimes even more appreciated than an actual concrete gift. When considering how you will send your congratulations, always look at the kind of relationship you have with your coworker first. Never feel obligated to send a gift, and only do what you feel is appropriate.

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How to Congratulate a Coworker on New Baby - Should You Give a Gift?

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