What would you do?

I personally wouldn't really expect anything other than the clothes back. But perhaps you can take her out to dinner or lunch, a new outfit, or even some baby items. You know your friend and relationship with her more than anybody else. So go with your instincts!

I would not expect anything. I actually have loaned out alot of my daughters clothes to a friend and then I had loaned all my maternity clothes to someone else as well. Its just a good feeling knowing that your helping someone out.

After I had Isabel, while I enjoyed receiving all the cute clothes and blankets, the best gifts were pre-cooked frozen meals. All I'd have to do is pop them in the oven for DH and I. So I would make out hand made "coupons" for cooked meals after the baby is born. It's something that you took time to make and had her specifically in mind.
"Have you heard about corduroy pillows? They're making head lines!!"

I guess I would only expect to receive the clothes returned to me in the condition I lent them out. But perhaps you could get her a gift card to Motherhood or some other store that sells maternity clothes, which is just about everywhere now.
The Cake goddess - Cakes for all occasions, desserts and cookies, too!

Like the others have said, I wouldn’t expect anything but the clothes back in good condition. However, I don’t see anything wrong with giving your friend a nice gift in appreciation! (Does your husband really object to that? Weird.)

I wouldn't expect anything other than getting my clothes back a little sooner :) I'd say take her out for a nice lunch or buy the new baby something nice when it's born!

~Amy~

I wouldn't expect anything at all, but if I borrowed clothes, I would want to give something too. I like the idea of a gift card to Motherhood Maternity. I think a new, cute outfit is what I will be wanting when I am preggo again. Anything to make me feel beautiful with the extra weight on. :)

When I loaned my maternity clothes to a friend, I did not expect anything in return. She did however get me a very nice gift cert. to Target when she returned them to me. Not necessary, but a very nice gesture.

I never did the marnity cloths I am how ever doing the kids cloths thing with my sister. All her older boys cloths she gives to me and when my son grows out of them I give them back to her for her son. Its only right because she gave them to me that I give them back.

So the best thing you can do is give them to her to use. and if some of them don't look good. Tell her that.

I never did the marnity cloths I am how ever doing the kids cloths thing with my sister. All her older boys cloths she gives to me and when my son grows out of them I give them back to her for her son. Its only right because she gave them to me that I give them back.

So the best thing you can do is give them to her to use. and if some of them don't look good. Tell her that.

I guess I don't think a large gift is necessary but I agree that a gift card to Motherhood Maternity would be nice, or a meal, cookies or something like that, or you could take her out for lunch or coffee. I borrowed from two friends when I was pregnant (it was about 75% of my maternity clothes) so I gave one a gift card to a store I knew she liked to shop at and the other a gift card to a restaurant for her and her husband. I figured it saved me way more money than what the gift cards were worth. However, I also lent (the few clothes that I have) to a friend when she was pregnant and she didn't give anything and it never crossed my mind until now. So, I think it is not at all expected but if you want to give something a small gesture would certainly be nice.

yeah if i loaned stuff out i wouldn't expect anything back but what i loaned.
but yeah.. i have borrowed some stuff from my friend and i want to thank her too when she gets preg again and needs the stuff back.
i really think the best thing ever is bringing meals after the baby/babies are born!
someone brought us johnny carions carry out and it was so nice..
i barely ever made time for myself to eat.
so you could do that.. or you could get her a gift certificate to target or somewhere with nice baby stuff and just say something like "thanks for helping me out with stuff i need.. hope this helps you with something you need too!" or something.
or even if you got her a new maternity outfit and when you return the stuff just tell her you added to the collection as a thank you.. but it sounds like she has enough already haha.
so i guess if it were me, i'd want meals, a certificate, or stuff for the new baby. :).

My first thought was a certificate to Motherhood or another store. They don't carry my size.. but Gap has some adorable maternity clothes. If these clothes are a few years old... I am sure she would love to have something new. As I am sure most of you know.. you don't feel the best when you are pregant.. and nothing makes a woman feel better then to go shopping for something new!
Sandra

How about a gift certificate for a massage? She could definately enjoy that while pregnant.

**

I think if I loaned clothes and got a gift back it would make me feel akward.. like you thought I was the type of person who expected a gift for being nice.... with that said... I cannot disagree with nor would I turn down a really nice plate of baked cookies.. or some other treat that shows you really do appreciate the benefits of having a friend who shares but are above putting a dollar amount on the friendship. Besides.. who doesn't love cookies!