The History of the Push Present
From personalized baby shower gifts to a more sentimental idea, finding the perfect gift for new moms can be a challenge. The push present isn’t a new fad, though its recent resurgence has prompted many friends, families, and especially partners of pregnant women to start talking about what they are and where they came from.
A push present, also known as baby gift, push gift, or baby bauble, is a present that the partner gives to the new mother to commemorate the special occasion of the child’s birth. This celebration is marked by some sort of personalized gift, which is traditionally jewelry of any kind.
This one of a kind present can have its roots traced back to England and India. In England, new mothers were given elegant rings to commemorate their child’s birth. In India, mothers were given sets of gold jewelry for new babies. A mother usually received a more elaborate set for the birth of a baby boy, though baby girls were certainly celebrated with gold as well.
The first time the term “push present” was actually used in print was in 1992 by author Karen Heller. Until that time, the idea of a push present was largely passed around from person to person by word of mouth. Expectant mothers would drop hints, and families would suggest gift ideas. Recently however, the push present has become quite the presence in the media from celebrities receiving extravagant gifts. Fashion designer Rachel Zoe received a 10 carat ring from her husband Rodger in 2011, reality television star Peggy Tanous was given a Bentley in 2007, and Mariah Carey received a diamond and sapphire necklace from her husband Nick Cannon in 2011 after the birth of their twins.
There are no set rules of etiquette when it comes to push presents. As etiquette expert Pamela Holland says, “The standard is that there is no standard… This is far too intimate to have a rule.” Many women will let their husbands or partners know that they would love to receive a sentimental gift to celebrate the baby’s birth, though many men are now taking it upon themselves to find a meaningful and personal gift for the new mom all on their own.
Many women see push presents as a thoughtful opportunity to celebrate and commemorate their child’s birth. Whether its jewelry or another sentimental gift, the birth of a new child is always a happy occasion and should be celebrated.