Gifts for new moms don’t have to be expensive. In fact, the best gifts for new moms are thoughtful, heartfelt, useful, humorous, or some combination of these things. Really, you just want to show the new mom in your life how much you care!
I’m just weeks away from having baby girl #2, so I have gifts for new moms on the brain! From spa time to meaningful jewelry, here are my favorite new mom gifts. Get inspired, and get shopping.
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Gifts For New Moms: 11 Top Picks
Pretty, Washable Robe
When shopping for new mom gifts, remember that she's been through a lot. However that baby reached her arms -- via vaginal or Caesarean delivery, adoption, or surrogate -- she's had a long journey and needs to be comfortable in the weeks and months to come. New babies are messy, so everything she wears should be machine-washable. A cozy yet flattering robe that she can enjoy whether breastfeeding or not, and even receive guests in, is perfect.
Buy It: Pink Blush Price: $46Photo: Pink Blush
Symbolic Jewelry
Something about artisanal gifts for new moms is just so perfect. At this precious time, she wants pieces that will capture her feelings and let her wear her status as Mommy proudly. A handmade necklace does that, while supporting a small shop. I am a massive fan of these ombre wooden necklaces engraved with the kiddos' names. She can continue stacking hers as she has more children in the future, but a single bar is a beautiful statement, too.
Buy It: North Idaho Handmade Price: from $24 Photo: North Idaho Handmade
Manicure/Pedicure Gift Certificate
As a new mom, you lose a little bit of yourself. It's friends' and family's job to bring her back a bit. She probably hasn't taken the time to even think about pampering herself. Research some good nail salons in her area and speak to a manager to double-check the certificate for a manicure and pedicure won't expire. This way, when she's up for it (whether that's next week or in six months), she can get out of the house for a little treat on you.
Photo: Getty Images
Monogrammed Hospital Bag
As she embarks on this journey, elevating the mundane or simple things can be just what she needs. A hospital bag is something she'll have to pack, so why not have a personalized and pretty one? I adore these sturdy, American-made monogram satchels from Gentry California . After she's home, she can use hers as a weekend tote, for beach essentials, and all year 'round when heading out with Baby.
Buy It: Gentry California Price: $56Photo: Instagram.com/holycitychic
Digital Camera
Sure, she can use her cell phone for snapping pics, but nothing compares to the satisfaction of documenting kids' milestones and moments with a real camera. When my husband handed down his Nikon to me, it awoke the photography bug big time. Photographing our daughter brings me so much joy and compels me to take the time to get photos printed, too. That's something new moms don't always remember to do until months or years go by -- and by then, our smart phone memories are way past full.
Buy It: Amazon.com Price: $179.99Photo: Amazon
The Offer to Babysit
Sometimes, the best gifts for new moms are free. Interviewing and background-checking potential sitters is exhausting, and certainly not something she'll have time for in the early days. Also, it can feel silly to blow cash on a sitter just to get out of the house for a couple hours. But let her know that when she's ready, you're there. You can even put together a little handmade "gift certificate" for babysitting services to drive the point home!
Photo: Getty Images
Cute & Comfy Headband
Chances are, she won't be styling (or even washing!) her tresses as often once she's home with the baby. An adjustable, headache-free headband was one of the best new mom gifts I ever received. I love these adjustable ones from Blue Eyed Baby Couture . They're handmade in the US, can be worn four different ways to switch up the style, and keep day- (or three-day-) old hair out of my face.
Buy It: Blue Eyed Baby Couture Price: $12.98Photo: Blue Eyed Baby Couture
Stroller Board For Big Bro or Sis
Often when seeking the best gifts for new moms, people want give clothing and other cutesy stuff for the baby. These are always appreciated, of course, but some of the more "boring" items on her registry could be clutch. When gifting a new mom, don't forget to look at what she's registered for and nab something off there that's functional, not just cute. The one thing we wanted most of all this go-around? A wheeled board for our stroller so that Big Sister can ride along with ease on afternoon walks.
Buy It: Neiman Marcus Price: $125Photo: Neiman Marcus
New-Mom Subscription Box
The phenomenon of gifting the new mom with genuinely cool things is gaining popularity and I couldn't be happier about that. Using her interests and your own experiences as a mom, pick a subscription box that will best suit her. I love this one from Fresh Apparel Tees , a mom-run business that stocks her up with a cool tee and other surprise handmade goodies like nail polish, mugs, and so on.
Buy It: Fresh Apparel Tees Price: $36 (with a retail value of $50-60)Photo: Fresh Apparel Tees
Baby Book
It might seem like an outdated tradition, but I am all about baby books. My mom kept them for all three of her kids, and I plan to for my own as well. With my first, I tried writing in a journal frequently but it got time-consuming and stressful, so I stopped. A beautifully designed baby book that maps out a flow and organization for you is brilliant. I love that these, by Polka Dot Print Shop, can be fully customized with baby's name on the cover for a special keepsake.Buy It: Polka Dot Print Shop Price: from $40Photo: Polka Dot Print Shop
Infinity Band
We'll save this one for her significant other, but there's nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned "push present." What new mom doesn't want something sparkly to look at? She can place her new band on top of her engagement and wedding rings, or wear it on the opposite hand to begin a little "stack" for the next stage of life.
Buy It: Tiffany.com Price: from $3,025Photo: Tiffany and Co.