As a new or expecting mom, you may have an idea of what you’re going to need for yourself and your baby, but the reality could be—and likely will be—unexpected.
I know what it’s like to think you want XYZ when, in reality, you need ABC, DE, and F. And Q.
While I did have more of a clue with the second baby, I wish I had known with the first what I actually needed as a new mom. And I wish I had known how to respond when people asked me what I wanted for baby shower gifts!
So let me do you a favor. If you’re a new or expecting mom—or if you’re in search of gifts for expecting mothers—here are some of the best gifts out there.
The Best Gifts for New and Expecting Mothers
Baby Handprint & Footprint Keepsake Photo Frame Kit
$29.99
$19.85 in stock
2 used from $11.15
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Amazon.comThis personalized hand and footprint keepsake kit is such a unique gift! I have something similar, and my now-11-year-old loves to measure his current handprint to the print we took when he was tiny. His hands are almost as big as mine now, so it’s a nice reminder to me, too, that he really once was just a little thing.
The kit’s impression clay is non-toxic, and the keepsake frame is made of premium-quality wood. The frame can be mounted on a wall, but it also comes with a stand on the back so you can display the keepsake on a shelf or table.
The kit comes with stencils, too, for adding a more personal touch to the imprint. The seller offers a lifetime guarantee on the kit, so you can buy with confidence.
Milky Chic Gift Box
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This Milky Chic gift box includes pretty much everything a new mom could need for a few moments of self-care. As a new mom, I would have appreciated a box like this so much, to take advantage of the rare quiet moment when the baby was napping, and really care for myself for a few minutes.
There are ten gifts included in the gift box: matching socks for mom and baby, homemade sugar scrub, a candle, bath salts, a sleep mask, and a mama bear necklace, plus some healing lactation tea, a recipe book, and a nursing cover.
What more could a new mother need?
Matching Mom and Baby Pajamas Nursing Set
Now here’s the perfect outfit to live in day-in and day-out, when you’re too busy with diapers and feedings to take advantage of your self-care gift box. This 5-piece maternity and nursing pajama set is such a fun and practical gift for new and expecting mothers.
The set includes a nursing top, pants with an elastic waist, and a robe for mom, and a matching gown and hat for baby. The materials are 95% Rayon and 5% Spandex, so they’re soft and will stretch and move with your body.
Natural Gift Set for Mom
Sonogram Keepsake Frame
2 used from $8.29
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$37.90 in stock
1 used from $26.33
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$59.95 in stock
4 used from $57.02
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Unfortunately, one of the realities of pregnancy and new motherhood is that you’re most likely going to experience some back and neck pain. Even just sitting there snuggling your newborn might make you cramp up (because you’re looking down, staring at his or her adorable face for hours at a time)!
This neck and back massager from RESTECK will be such a relief for new moms. The shiatsu massager has four buttons that allow you to control the heat and massage modes, so you can customize the massager however you like.
Mindfulness Book
$15.95
$11.99 in stock
102 used from $1.49
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“Breathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Moms” is the book I wish I’d had as a new mom. Moms are incredibly busy, and there is a lot of pressure to always be doing, fixing, making, or cleaning something, without pausing to breathe. It is really hard to find a moment—even just five minutes—to rest and refocus.
Technically this book is for moms with kids of all ages, but I think that new moms, especially, will find it particularly encouraging, with its practical tips and advice. “Breathe, Mama, Breathe” also includes 60 “mindful breaks,” which help moms focus on their own well-being (and sanity!).
Newborn Swaddler
$17.99 in stock
1 used from $11.78
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Our first baby was happiest when he was wrapped up tight in his swaddler. Babies love the safe feeling of being all cozied up — plus, swaddlers offer bonus protection against baby fingernails! This newborn swaddler with bear ears is not only adorable, but it’s also practical.
Use the swaddler as a blanket, sleeping bag, stroller liner, or over baby’s clothes as a wearable quilt. The swaddler is meant for babies 0-6 months and features a hook-and-loop closure so you can adjust the size as baby grows.
Gifts New Moms Love
Building a baby shower registry or shopping for a new or expecting mother can get confusing. There are a lot of options out there, but you want to make sure you’re choosing unique and practical gifts — gifts that new moms will love. Take it from a mom who knows: every item on this list is something you will use and appreciate. You can’t go wrong!
Happy shopping!
