Our coworkers are the people we are most likely to spend time with. And they can make our work journey fun, pleasant, and enjoyable. When one of your coworkers has a new baby in the family – either by becoming a mom or a dad – you’ll want to acknowledge the special occasion.
However, if you’re struggling for ideas on how to congratulate a coworker on a new baby, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we look at the different ways to send your congratulations, what to actually say, and whether you should supplement your congratulations message with a gift. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look.
How can you congratulate your colleague on a new baby?
With the technological advancements in our modern world, sending a message of congratulations on a new baby has become easier than ever. You have several alternative options at your disposal to help express your happiness for your coworker’s new bundle of joy. Here are just a few of these options:
1. Social media congratulation
An important way of expressing your congratulations to your coworker on their new baby is to do so via one of the social media platforms that they are on, if you are connected with them there.
While this implies a closer relationship, saying something special and sweet on their wall will make them feel special and will ensure that you acknowledge the major life milestone that they have achieved, namely, becoming a parent.
Tips:
- Use warm, heartfelt messages.
- Include images or GIFs to make the message more engaging.
- Respect the privacy of your colleague; avoid sharing personal information or pictures without permission.
2. Email congratulation
Although email is one of the most popular ways to communicate, sending a congratulatory message to your coworker is usually done via the company’s Human Resources department.
However, if you have access to their email address, feel free to pop them an email with a sweet message that says how happy you are for them.
Tips:
- Keep the tone warm and friendly.
- Be concise but heartfelt.
- Avoid discussing work-related matters in the congratulatory email.
3. Sending a card
If you work in a team and everyone would like to pitch in, you can all write handwritten notes of congratulations on a single card to congratulate your coworker.
This is a great idea because everyone can express themselves differently and it is okay for coworkers who aren’t too close to still say something nice and meaningful in addition to coworkers who may have a closer relationship.
Tips:
- Choose a card that is appropriate and has a warm, congratulatory message.
- Write a personal message inside the card.
- Sign the card with your name and, if appropriate, your family’s names.
4. Sending a gift
You can also consider getting a gift for the new parent as part of a team effort. This means deciding on what to get, pooling money together, and actually going out to buy the gift.
This is a surefire way to ensure a memorable and pleasant experience for your coworker, who will be surprised and happy to receive something thoughtful that you and the team have put together.
Making the gift personalized and unique will go a long way to ensuring a lasting impression and chocolate is one of the best gifts for doing so.
Tips:
- Consider the parents’ needs and preferences when selecting a gift.
- Include a gift receipt whenever possible.
- Personalize the gift with a nice wrapping or a personalized note.
5. A personal visit
Depending on how close you are to your coworker, it may also be a good idea to pay them a personal visit. In such cases, it’s always good to arrive with a small gift from you and the rest of your team.
However, since you’re most likely to see the baby in person, it’s always good to exercise a few safety precautions such as visiting only if you feel healthy and not under the weather as well as maintaining your hygiene to the maximum by ensuring you wash your hands so as not to spread any germs to the newborn.
Tips:
- Schedule the visit in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
- Keep the visit short and considerate of the new parents’ time.
- Bring a small gift or flowers to convey your congratulations.
6. Throwing a party
Once your coworker is back in the office from maternity or paternity leave, you can always throw them a small office party to celebrate the special occasion with them.
You can decorate a small space in the office and have snacks and drinks on hand to ensure that everyone is comfortable. In such cases, offering the new parent a gift from the entire team is a good idea.
Tips:
- Coordinate with other colleagues to plan the party.
- Consider the preferences and dietary restrictions of the parents-to-be when planning food and decorations.
- Keep the atmosphere light and festive, focusing on celebrating the new addition to the family.
What do you say to congratulate a coworker on a new baby?
Your heartfelt message of congratulations to your coworker on the new member of their family will largely depend on your relationship with them.
More distant professional relationships call for a more formal approach, whereas closer work relationships mean that your message can be funny or on the lighter side of the spectrum.
Of course, you don’t want to write a message that’s too generic and you may want to include the baby’s gender in your message (if you are aware of it). However, if it’s a secret or something the parents haven’t shared yet, then opting for something more neutral is the best way to go.
Our suggestions for some messages you may send your coworker below are broken up into the formal and informal groups and we hope you take some inspiration from them:
Formal baby wishes
- “Congratulations on your new arrival!”
- “We are incredibly happy for you on becoming a parent! Our sincere congratulations to you and your family.”
- “Congratulations on the safe arrival of your precious baby! Best wishes to you and your family from the entire team.”
- “Best wishes on the special occasion of the birth of your baby! Wishing you and your family a lifetime of happiness.”
Informal baby wishes
- “Wishing you a lifetime of happiness with the new member of your family!”
- “Sending you best wishes during this joyful moment in your life!”
- “Congratulations on the new arrival of your brand-new family member!”
- “Many blessings on your growing family!”
Naturally, your message of congratulations doesn’t have to be limited to paper only. That’s because you can now take a special and personalized message and have it engraved on – you guessed it – chocolate! In addition to this, you and your team’s message can always be added to our chocolates’ custom lids, meaning that your gift will be more meaningful than ever.
Should you send a gift to congratulate a coworker on their new baby, and what should it be?
Although some of you may be wondering if it’s even a good idea to send a gift to a coworker that has recently had a baby. The answer is that congratulation gifts for new parents are often highly appreciated, irrespective of how close you are to your coworker.
And in terms of certain baby gift ideas for your coworker, we encourage you to think outside the box.
For example, you can always pool together some resources to buy diapers, socks, swaddles, or bodysuits.
But your gift will be more meaningful if you buy something that the parent(s) can enjoy. Examples of these types of gifts include gift baskets or an assortment of chocolates – milk, dark, and white – to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will be utterly unforgettable.
Coupled with the fact that you can have your special message engraved on the chocolate itself as well as on the beautifully wrapped chocolate box, your gift will truly be outstanding.
The beauty of chocolate as a gift is that it is timeless, classic, loved by all, and universal. And it’s something that will stand out from the crowd.
In conclusion
Now that you know the right way to congratulate a coworker on their new baby, you’re ready to get their gift. With us at Totally Chocolate, choosing a gift has never been easier.
With our special selection of 2 lb engraved chocolate bars, with custom-designed lids that contain your special message, you’re about to make the best impression yet.
Send your good wishes and congratulations in a stylish and memorable way and choose chocolate! It’s an excellent gift that will leave the new parent happy and thrilled at the thought you put into it.
