Free education, medical consultations, among Singaporeans’ top Jubilee Baby Gift suggestions

Free education, medical consultation and printed baby T-shirts.

These are some top baby gift ideas suggested by Singaporeans on social media after the government announced on Tuesday that it will be distributing gift packs to babies born next year as part of the nation’s 50th birthday celebrations.

Called the Jubilee Baby Gift programme, the government has enlisted the help of the public to come up with creative baby hampers.

Facebook user Wydiariny Shaharudin said, “Medical coverage, especially for chargeable vaccination e.g. chicken pox jab. Can also consider giving milk powder/diaper vouchers… And also make sure enough infant care/child care centres too.”

Another user Siang Hwee Sherlyn said, “Free golden egg with SG50 inscription. A momento keepsake to pass down to next generation.”

Lesley F M Wong said, "Free education and medication till 21. Free supplies of milk powder, diapers."

Some have also asked the government to ensure that only Singaporean babies would qualify for the hampers.

A Marie Dini Osmond said, "For Singaporean babies only and both parents must be Singaporean in order to be eligible for this. I really hope the government have this criteria in place."

Five to 10 items will be included in individual gift packs and such items have to be of practical and commemorative value. Monetary gifts will not be included as “parents of newborns already receive monetary incentives under the existing Marriage and Parenthood Package”, said REACH Singapore.

According to TODAY online, the baby hamper should consist of items which the newborns can use in their early years.

“It would also have commemorative elements and serve as a token from our current generation to the next”, said a spokesperson for the National Population and Talent Division, who will be funding the gifts.

Based on a focus group held on Tuesday, some also suggested giving baby shoes and bibs as well.

Asked for her idea, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu told local media, “I will like to give a sarong for the mother to wrap their baby in, and the sarong will probably have the motif of the Singapore flag on it.”

The public can submit their ideas through the Jubilee Gift Pack microsite from 1 April to 15 May. They can also visit the feedback booths at Jurong Point on 5 and 6 April or at VivoCity on 12 and 13 April or volunteer to take part in focus group discussions by emailing outreach@reach.gov.sg.

The suggestions will be collated and curated between 18 April and 15 May before a public announcement is made.