Ellie - my folks wanted to get a big ticket item too - so i asked them to get a car seat (convertible) for their own car. my mum is going to go nuts with wanting to take me and baby out and about, and as she has probs with her legs, has trouble getting in and out of my car (plus i refuse to put her disabled sticker on my car!) - as a result, i don't want to be moving a car seat from car to car. my dad was in shock (i think they were going to get one anyway) and said it was a great idea - then made mum layby a portacot for them and for us! so we're getting something anyway...

mum will have the list of things we've got/need/don't need at her place and will play liason so that no one feels they have to ask me or feel that the suggestions i'm making are an obligation - they can have a chin wag with mum and work from there

the only other thing she has asked me to do is list what Little Golden Books we have - on the suggestion of another BB lady, mum is going to ask people to buy a LGB for Gremlin and write message in that instead of cards (most will get a card and put message in it) - they are cheaper than most cards, and are practical gift!