Before I had kids of my own, I was invited to my fair share of baby showers. I would always buy one thing from the registry and add in a cute outfit for the baby as my go-to gift. A friend of mine mentioned once that she would always bring a gift that focused on the mom rather than the baby. After having my own babies, I realized exactly how thoughtful this small gesture can be.
The parents of the babies are often overlooked because, let’s face it, babies are cuter than adults. Even those brand new, alien-looking, babies. It’s true. So with all the hubbub surrounding the new addition, it’s easy to skim over mom.
It doesn’t have to be an extravagant gift; even the smallest gesture will make your friend feel like she’s loved.
My Favorite Gifts for Moms
Grocery Delivery Subscription
Hear me out, a subscription to Shipt (or a similar grocery delivery service) is the ultimate gift for a mom. It’s overwhelming to think about taking your newborn (whether it’s your first kid or your third) to the grocery store — give your friend the gift of convenience by having their groceries delivered directly to their house. You can even get $50 off by using this link!
Gift Certificate for GrubHub or Uber Eats
Families still have to eat even though they’re exhausted. Let your friend and her spouse off the hook for a few meals by gifting restaurant delivery! It’s perfect for those days she’s craving ramen from downtown and just can’t fathom taking the baby and/or getting dressed for dinner in public (not that I”m talking from personal experience or anything).
Jammies for the Newborn Days
This is one of my favorite gifts to give to new moms! They can pack these with them in their hospital bag so they aren’t in that beautiful hospital gown when visitors come calling. Then, when they get home and are in the throes of a sleep-deprived haze, they at least have cute and comfy jammies to lounge around in. When you’re looking for the perfect pair of PJs, just make sure they’re soft and accessible for breastfeeding mommas.
Cozy New Bath Robe
My husband gets the credit for this idea because he bought me the best and coziest robe for my first Christmas with a newborn (Harris was a December baby). It was so thoughtful, and I loved just lounging in those early days cuddling with the tiny baby. Since then, I’ve given out robes to more moms than I can count.
Slippers
If you’re a new mom and you’re making your hospital bag list, I wholeheartedly suggest you add slippers to it. Your nurse will want you to walk around a few times a day, and the socks they pass out at the hospital are pretty awful. I was so glad to have my own slippers with me for both births. This would make a perfect gift for your friend who is having a baby soon!
Lotion and Body Wash
This might seem cliché, but I love receiving a new favorite body wash or lotion that a friend swears by. What better way to share a luxurious self-care treat you have been loving?! And your friend will want to shower eventually as a new mom (even if it’s rare), so when she does, she deserves the best!
Personally, I love this set from The Honest Company, and the Melting Body Balm from Beauty Counter is like a spa day in your own home.
Other Ideas:
– Spa Treatment Gift Certificate
– Nice Bottle of Wine (or 2 or 3!)
– Custom Mug + Fancy Coffee
Do you gift something extra special to a new mom in your life? Did you receive something incredible as a new mom? I’d love to add new ideas to my arsenal, please comment below!
[Photos by Emily Steward]