Etiquette regarding foster babies and gifts.

My friend and her husband are foster-parenting a newborn, who will stay with them for at least 30-90 days, if not longer. This is their first foster baby, and they are very excited to have him.

I’d like to send flowers, and thought a gift for the baby would be nice, too- something they could either send along with him when he leaves their care, or that they could re-use with another foster baby, like a blanket or stuffed toy.

Is there any etiquette that speaks against giving a gift in a temporary care situation?

I think they’d be glad of the help. Diapers, baby wipes, stuff like that.

Something they can send with baby is great - when baby moves to his adoptive home, having something with a familiar smell will be very helpful. However, they may wish to provide such a thing themselves.

Consumables are always welcome with a baby (Target gift certificates!!!)

I’d probably opt for either the consumable-type item or the type of thing which could be reused on future babies–maybe a book or something, but I’m not sure why one wouldn’t give gifts to (especially) a new set of foster parents.

How can a gift be a bad thing? I would probably go for either a gift card or a toy or outfit for the baby.