Gifts to bring back for pregnant woman/baby

No idea where to find a baby gift like you said, but (depending on your faith and the babies) a religious medal or piece of jewelry is nice. Your post brought back a memory of the small infant Jesus medallion I purchased in Spain for my not yet born cousin. Spain, like Italy and probably Greece, might have some items that are different than you d find here/

I would ask the front desk personnel of your hotel.

My Greek friend buys her grandchildren’s clothes in the USA as she says they are better made, something to keep in mind. There are nice small ceramics, suitable for a nursery. I agree that your hotel staff would be a good resource.

With regard to baby clothes, you can buy a winter outfit; just buy it in a larger size. Your friend will appreciate the outfit after the baby outgrows all the other clothes they received.

Unfortunately the front desk employees at the hotel either don’t understand my question or don’t know of a store for pregnant women or infants as they haven’t been able to help. Just not clothes I’m looking for but possibly baby blankets (nice) or a teddy bear, stuffed animal.

From a random web site:
In Plaka district, you will find the National Welfare Organization shops, the Traditional Greek Centre, the Hellenic Artisan Trades Cooperative or the Lyceum of Greek women. Those are the places where you will be able to admire knotted carpets, embroidered cushion covers, woodwork and much more. You will be able to buy some of their amazing handicrafts.

Several years ago, I did shop at the National Welfare Organization for their needlepointed pillow covers, which I had seen in a design magazine. I'd also expect hand-loomed fabrics like table covers but don't know whether their range will include kid-friendly items.

How about a children’s book in the Greek language? If you could find one with lovely illustrations it would be a great keepsake. And you might start a tradition of bringing books to the child from all the countries you visit. I do this with my granddaughters and they love them. And they are very easy to pack.

If you find a book with very few words, you could perhaps find someone (at your hotel?) to translate it, and include the translation with the book.

Great idea but unfortunately neither bookstore I went into had an illustrated book with very few words. If the stores did none of the employees there seemed to know. Even googled a few books on my phone to show an employee with no luck.

Ask your question on Trip Advisor where locals can guide you better.

Thanks but unfortunately I’m not a member of TripAdvisor.

There are several upscale department stores in Athens and I would look in those. I cannot remember the exact location but they were mostly on the same street. Hotel people can advise you on where to find this area.

Signing up for Trip Advisor is just like signing up for this site. You can also search Trip Advisor without signing up. Honestly, for such a specific, local question you need to go to a site like Trip Advisor where there are local experts on the forum. There is no “membership.”

Thanks Susan. I’ve gone to several boookstores with no success. Not sure if I wasn’t explaining correctly what I was searching for or what. I’m any case I was able to find a woman who sews dolls dressed in inspired traditional costume. Beautiful! Would have been nice to find a book but just wasn’t the case.

Thanks Emily. I was a previous member of TripAdvisor, deleted my account. Found that often comments on the forums tended to become snarky. Prefer Rick Steves site instead.

As you like. I find TA very helpful and just ignore the snark. I am a Destination Expert on TA, so I appreciate the ability of TA to go local. This site, while polite, really showcases one off experiences for the most part. Local vs. random nice traveler who enjoyed a meal.

Hello,

There are plenty of places to buy gifts in Athens. Since you are staying in the centre of this marvellous and vivid city you might as well head down Ermou Street. It is full of stores. Another option is to get to the closest Mall. It is pretty easy to find one by asking the locals...