Gift Suggestions for a New Mom

For a new mom - I usually give things I wished I would have had, not knowing what i was getting into the first go-round.
I'd do things like Melacon (gas) drops, baby Tylenol, a little stick up push light (they're not as bright as a night light for those middle of the night changes), lavendar scented lotions and washes to help the baby relax at night (and really - to help mom relax).
Or try things you know she'll need as baby gets older - feeding spoons, sippy cups, finger/teething foods (like Melba toast), travel cups and bowls, outlet covers, cabinet locks...

At most showers people buy for the little baby - but as we all know, those babies don't stay little nearly long enough!

The thing I liked for my baby shower was some shower gel and body lotion from Bath & Body Works for me. Just a little way to pamper a new mom.... Since she's so far away, a gift certificate to that store is always nice....

The gifts I enjoyed most was a gift certificate for an massage and handmade items they me the most like handmade baby blankets and outfits.

I actually enjoyed getting a pedicure and my massage. It was so hard to get to my feet (as we can imagine with that big belly in the way!) and to have the extra attention on the feet in the massage (as we carry the bulk of the weight on them) felt blissful... plus I think I did sleep in that first massage! (Now, I am too busy to totally shut down! LOL!)

It got me just enough time away and I was charge up enough to do things again with the family and home.

Hope this helps... I think I could use another right about now! :)

After all my babies were born it took me sometime to get back into my cloths, which was totally depressing. Maybe a gift card would be nice so she could get a new outfit for the summer.

Give her something that is for HER, not the baby. I like the idea of the spa, but if you cant do that then bring the spa to her, send her scented candles, bubble bath, oils, pedicure items, things to pamper herself. I got this and I LOVED it, my husband took the baby and I had a day to myself, it was fantastic! A massage is a great idea to, chocolate also, what woman wouldnt want that, just think of what you would have wanted for a day to yourself and go from there. Good Luck and God bless

A pizza cutter, it is great for cutting up toddler food!
Also comes in handy for making the final cuts on that pizza you ordered :)

My brother lives far away, too. Their town has a dinner delivery service (Dining In). I was able to order an on-line gift certificate, and they were able to order when necessary. The site had over 70 restaurants to choose from, so they had a great selection. It may be worth looking into...I know they appreciated the meal when my brother went back to work.

The best gifts were the practical ones - diapers, baby wash, washcloths, diaper creme, etc. It's fun to get clothes, but everyone seems to get clothes that most of the time they grow out of before they get to wear. It was nice to get some outfits in larger sizes rather than all newborn items.

Although I have three teenagers with one just graduating, I recall some of the best gifts I received. Get your niece a photo package from JC Penney's. They do a great job and it will certainly be a lasting gift!!! Perhaps you can start her in a mailorder book club so she can receive a book or two each month. My kids loved the Dr. Seuss collection. The same goes for movies/videos. Some of the Disney classics are only available for a short time. Don't forget something just for your niece. A certificate for a manicure/pedicure or maybe a facial. Sure hope this helps!

On the internet I'm sure you can find a local deli or small catering/personal chef service that can prepare and deliver meals to your niece. A gift card to the place where she buys baby supplies would be good - then she can get what she wants when she wants it and won't have to worry about finding time to return something she already has or that doesn't fit the baby at the right time.

Weeks before I had my second child, it was my birthday - and my mother-in-law purchased ME a video monitor - I absolutely LOVE it! My only regret is that I didn't have it for my first child!

SPA DAY!! A pedicure, a massage - something to let her relax and have someone focus on her needs. As a new Mom it's hard to leave baby, but sneaking out for an hour might be really refreshing.
It's thoughtful that you want to take care of her, too ;)

hi,
if your looking for something for the new mom for just her- i appreciated getting a magazine subscription to a good magazine bc i dont have time to read books anymore and sometimes you just need something to take your mind off of mom stuff! also some people like a spa type or hair gift certificate bc you feel pretty fat and yucky after you have the baby! :)

One of the nicests gifts I got when I had my first child (and it was from my aunt) was a new set of pjs for new. I have often given that gift to my friends. You are home so much at first and I used to get up in the am (for the first 4-6 weeks anyway)shower and put on a clean pair of pjs. I was comfortable but didn't look to shabby.

How about a simple gift card? Maybe two; one for her and one for the baby. Babies R Us for the baby, and maybe Bed Bath and Beyond for her or her otherwise favorite shop. Then she can pick out what she wants/needs.

A gift cetificate to get a pedicure now that it is summer would be really nice!

gift card to her favorite spa - pedicure or a manicure or a haircut/style....things like that....

depending on how much you want to spend, have you thought about contributing (possibly with other family members) to a fund to have a Postpartum Doula come into her home after the baby is born.

I am currently seeking my certification as a Postpartum Doula and many families who live far away and are unable to physically help a new mom and baby are paying for Doula serivices for them. the doula comes in and helps with meal prep, light household chores, infant care, breastfeeding, social connections and resources, and emotional and physical support in those first few weeks.

check out DONA- www.DONA.org there are a lot of Doula services that offer low cost services, and Doula's in training will often charge less. She will want to make sure that whom ever she decides to hire is either DONA or ALACE trained.

I think a gift card to her favorite clothing store would be appreciated. That way after the baby is born she can buy herself a nice outfit that fits her post baby body instead of feeling depressed about not losing weight fast. If she is going to breastfeed a nice breastfeeding gown would be nice also. If all else fails a gift card to a restaurant would be appreciated as well.

I would also say a gift certificate for a massage or manicure.....something she can go out and enjoy after baby is born. Or if she has a favorite clothes store get her a gift card for there. She might like to buy some new clothes after baby is born.

I guess as a new Mom I was all about the baby and not so much about me, so I think something that will help her with the baby is most appropriate. A photo package or gift of things that help with the baby were most appreciated by me. I got great keepsakes like handmade crib blankets, wall hangings with a child's prayer or bible verse were great and kept for years to come.

I agree also that gift cards are great! Take-out restaurants are good. We got a friend one for a cleaning service and she really liked that. Any gift is always appreciated!

Hello,
The type of gifts I appreciated most during the birth of my daughter was film for my camera and video camera.. you can never have enough of that and as a more sentimental gift a nice personlized picture frame would be great,in my opinion.Hope this helps

I totally agree with jewel. Gifts that will give them relaxation are the greatest. Bath/spa prouducts, give certificate to get a massage, etc.

The best thing I got was a gift certificate to get my hair done. I wouldn't have taken the time or spent the money on a place as nice as the one they gave me. A massage seems like a good idea too.

When I was about 7 months pregnant I received an inhome pregnancy massage. This is different than a regular massage therapist. It was amazing, they know the spots to relieve stress, swelling, tension. I would suggest a certificate for something along those lines!

Gift cards are a wonderful option, that way if she runs out of diapers ect.. at three in the morning, she can run to her local wal-mart ( or whereever ) and be able to get them, or maybe there is something special she wants to buy the baby but thinks it doesn't justify the cost, this way you are buying it and not hwer. As for her birthday the same thing gift cert. to a local resturant would probably be a welcome respite. I hope I helped.

Gift certificate for a clothing store or mall in her area. I know I couldn't wait to get some new, trendy, non-maternity clothes.

If you want a gift for her and the baby, I suggest the Baby Bjorn. I LOVED that thing. I could go shopping, walk on my treadmill (slow so I didn't hurt my sons neck), clean house, etc. I was so bummed when he couldn't fit in in anymore.

http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/

Great site with lots of gifts for mamma and baby. I have not tried the products myself, as I didn't find this site until my daughter was about 6 months old. However, I have other online friends who have tried their products and loved them. There are all kinds of products to help mamma recover quickly from labor.

Hi B.,

I think it is great that you are homeschooling your kids! Good for you.
About your niece...I was happy with most gifts off my registry. If you're looking for something a little more personal or sentimental - I do embroidery and would could personalize something for her. I do burp cloths, bibs, towels, blankets, etc.

For a couple of baby showers I went to I embroidered the baby's name on the side of a canvas tote and then put a gift inside. I got a lot of compliments on those.

These ideas are only good if she knows the sex of the baby and they've picked a name. :-) Otherwise, you'll have to wait until he/she arrives!

I'm sure any gift you give will be very much appreciated!

Take care,
Sherry.

Gift of a cleaning service for a month.

How about making her a baby quilt that will last for yeas and will always be a reminder of you? Check out www.raescountrycorner.com I carry several differnet types of baby quilts to be painted and put together. and Mamasource mothers get a discount.

Hi B.-
A gift certificate for a pedicure -- I still remember that pedicure. My feet were a mess by the time I had my daughter. The experience was soooo relaxing and beneficial. I felt absolutlely wonderful and my feet were looking good too!!
Another I remember I really needed was new bras. Perhaps a gift card for a local shop or mall.
Oh, what about sending Omaha Steaks? I know it sounds funny but having food in the house rather than having to go out was really nice especially in the beginning. Good Luck!

Diapers, diapers, diapers for baby! For mom, aromatherapy that's quick and easy (no big spa treatments, no time) and a link to this website :)

The other day I was getting my acrylic nails filled and a new mom came in for a pedicure and manicure. Just some pamper time. Her mom was with her and said that it was her treat to her daughter. What about finding out if there are any places near by her that you could purchase a gift card to and then mail it. Or if you are going to go see her after she has the baby then you could pick up a gift card and give it to her. I know that I wish I had done something like that for myself after I had each of my girls. Just a little unwind time to be pampered during such a crazy time.

If she is planning on breastfeeding you could put together a breastfeeding basket. We did this for a friend of mine when she had her 1st baby and she loved it! We stocked it with breastpads, Lansinol cream, a new nursing top, snacks (granola bars, snacksize crackers, bottles of water, a book. Really anything that she might need! I think that it is great that you want to do something special for her!
Blessings, K.

The meals might not be out of the question, check to see if in her area there are one of those prepare your meals for the weeks type places. You could get a gift certificate for them, many will prepare the meal for you or in a couple of weeks when she is ready to get out for an hour or two she would have a purpose to get out and feel accomplished because she got a weeks worth of meals prepared.
You could also try a gift certificate for a house cleaning service. Just a couple of thoughts.

The best gift I got was gift cards to local restaurants that had curb side pick up. Then my hubby could get the food and bring it home, but we didn't have to cook. We saved a few and used them for a date night when the baby was a couple of months old. It was terrific since finances were tight with the additions of diapers and formula to the budget.

After my last child was born I received a gift certificate for the mall with specific instructions that it could only be used for myself. Not for the baby, other children or my husband. I waited for about three weeks, then went shopping. It had been a long time since I went shopping for myself without it being a necessity. An interesting thing is that my spouse and older children were excited to see me get new clothes. So in a way it ended up being a great gift.

Another idea is if the mom to be goes to church regularly, money was sent via the pastor to give to members of the congregation to puchase food ingredients so they could provide the meals and make it a joint gift. Many individuals were willing to cook delicious meals but didn't have extra money to buy the food. It has worked out great. Our church women are always glad to help others and the money extends the help into more than just a week of meals. Just a thought.

Hi B.,
My sister got me a ring that said "mom" on it for me when I had my first child. She said that with everything else that everyone else was getting me she knew I would have everything for the baby and just wanted to get me something for me. It was very thought full of her because it wasn't something that I had registered for or ever thought that I would get. I still have it 8 years later :o)

Since there will be so much attention given to the baby, how about something for mom?

If she likes baths (or showers), a gift set from one of the chains (Bath and Body Works, etc) maybe along with a plush robe will give her the "permission" to pamper herself.

Or maybe finding out if any salons/spas in her area offer "new mommy getaways" gift certificates.

She'll be getting so much for the baby...and the baby will be getting so much attention...SHE might feel neglected (I know I did).

Congratulations to the new addition to your family. Blessings!!

P.S. Maybe have your (college) daughter help in picking out the gift? She would probably LOOOOOOVE the opportunity to help mom!

A Diaper Cake! Both adorable and practical, new mom's love them! Check out:

http://www.daisydayscakes.com

I also agree that a spa certificate makes a wonderful gift for a new mom. (actually new or old - we ALL deserve them!)

My favorite thing was a gift certificate for house cleaning!! I was sooooo overwhelmed, had no support close, and didnt have time for anything! It was a godsend to have my house cleaned.

CHOCOLATE! Try the Hershey's or Morley's website to see if they have some form of gift basket that includes chocolate candies and hot cocoa. If she lives in a warm weather climate, try Frozen Hot Chocolate (one of Oprah's favorite things) http://www.serendipity3.com/main.htm . I've bought their packages and created my own basket with a couple of classes and some cookies. However, you could send it directly to her. I received a lot of bath products (salts, bubble bath, body scrubs), but I don't have time to use them. The chocolate I received was the best.

A visit from an in-home massage therapist, that was great. I was glad that I didn't have to leave the house to indulge myself. I received a gift certificate for a pedi but I still haven't used it and it's been 2 years. Just can't seem to find the time to get to the spa!!!

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Hi B.,
Although it has been a little over 5 years for me, a couple things I appreciated were gift cards like to Babies r Us. She can buy whatever she might not have gotten for shower gifts or diapers, formula, clothing, ect.
If you wanted something more personel how about a gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure at her favorite salon? This gives her a little time just for herself and can be very relaxing. I am sure you could purchase something like that over the phone.
Good Luck.

I'm sure she would love a gift certificate for some type of pampering..massage, pedicure, manicure. I just had a baby and a few of my friends gave me gift certificates to some of my favorite salons and I really appreciated it,especially since all the gifts I was getting were for the baby and it made me feel really special to get something for myself. Even gift certificates to some restaurants may be nice.

B. -

I know you received a landslide of replies. If you're going to go the pampering route, but would like a keepsake gift to go with, please check out my website, www.barefootparties.com/laurarenton. We specialize in unique, meaningful gifts that inspire, empower and encourage women. Much of the line is handcrafted in the USA and every purchase benefits a charity in some way. For example, 10% of the gross proceeds on every pair of bunny slippers sold assists adoption efforts for American children. They come in adult sizes and itty, bitty baby sizes, too. If she's having a girl, it makes a cute mother/daughter gift. We ship nationwide in a jiffy, so if you'd like some additional suggestions, feel free to call or e-mail. My contact info is on the site. Thanks! L.

A massage or spa treatment!

Hi B.,

If your niece has not registered at a store close to you, then I think that money is the best gift. Often times, when having a new baby, you get so many duplicates. Instead of having to hope that she didn't get another one, she can just buy what she needs for the baby. As for her birthday . . . if you give her cash to spend on her, she will probably spend it on a bill, or the baby. So a gift certificate is a good idea. Look online for a spa near her, and buy a gift certificate for a pedicure, facial, or massage. God Bless.

For Christmas, my baby got a Lullaby spa from Homedics(on the Target website $29.99). It is a sound machine and projector- the new mobile. The baby and I love the machine. It puts him right to sleep. As for her, you can get some kind of relaxation basket, with a few lotions/creams. That is something I would have really liked during my pregnancy.

Being a new mom myself recently, I appreciated gifts that gave me some time to go and pamper myself. Such as gift certicates to get a pedicure, haircut, see a movie with girlfriends, go out to eat with husband, etc... Just some ideas.

Hi B.. I always go with a basket filled with all of the "little things". Everyone seems to pool money abd get the "big" things. If she has a registry anywhere, get it at your local store and pick up things like bottle liners, wipes, safety products, spoons, washclothes, etc. Whatever she has on the list.I do this for any shower I attend, usually with one other person. I've overheard the mom-to-be say that she wasn't getting any of the things that she would use every day. Just a suggestion. Have fun shopping!

Diapers, a package of newborn, a package of size 1/2 (a big package) lol ... or gift cards to places like babies r us in case the mother to be doesn't get big items like a crib.

The thing I appreciated most as a first time mom was my mother addressing, stamping and return addressign my thank you cards. So many people send you so many gifts and you don't want to forget to thank them but honestly it's the last priority on your list with a newborn in the house. So now, that's my standard gift. I keep an eye out for baby themed thank you cards. When a new baby is born, I create reurn address labels that say something like
The E. Family
Ryan, A. and Baby Zachary
then I include thier address. I print the labels, affix them to the envelopes along with a stamp and tie the envelopes and the blank thank cards with a pretty ribbon. I obvisouly can't address the cards for them but just having the postage and the cards in the house I think is a huge help. And it's always so sweet to the mom to see thier name with Family after it and the baby's name in writing.
everyone always loves the idea.
Cheap and very pratical.

What about a gift basket from "Edible Arrangements" They are pretty cool and good for mom...Chocolate, fruit and flowers...sounds good to me. :)

Personally, I have to vote for anything that I can keep as a keepsake. I just LOVE traditions and I think that you have the perfect opportunity to get a new mom started out doing something GREAT with her child that will last a lifetime. If you need some BEAUTIFUL ideas, check out my website at www.thelegacyoffamily.com. Some of my favorites are the Dear Sweet Child Letterbox, Precious Hand-Print Book, Watch Me Learn & Grow Chart and The Birthday Book. Good Luck!

My husband and I have a one year old. When I had him one of our friends gave us a gift certificate to a restaurant. She said when I felt up to it this could serve as a nice night out for us. This was probably the best present anyone could have given me.

Gift Cards are great...to Target or something similar...or even to a restaraunt for a night without cooking. Pick a chain like Olive Garden or Applebees that are everywhere and do "Carside to Go" or the equivilant. That way she can decide if she wants a night out or just to pick up a good meal anenjoy it at home.

the other thing that I enjoyed as a new mom were clothes (or gift certificates for clothes) and a new large purse to use a diaper bag with a all in one changing pad that kept the diapers and wipes all rolled up together. I got so sick of using a diaper bag so fast!

Good luck...it sounds like you have good intentions so I'm sure you'll get a great gift!