Your family or friend just welcomed a new baby! It’s such an exciting time to finally meet their bundle of joy, but it can also be overwhelming for new parents, especially first-time moms. The postpartum period is challenging physically and emotionally – the long days, sleepless nights, and just constantly on the move. Giving a gift or postpartum gift basket can go a long way to show your support and care while they are navigating those busy days and nights at home! We shower a baby with so many gifts before even being born, so postpartum gifts for new moms that aren’t for the baby would be extra special to brighten up a mom’s day.
Thinking back on what I wished I had during my maternity leave, I’ve curated a list of the best postpartum gifts for moms that are highly reviewed, cute yet practical! These items are super versatile – they can be gifts for stay-at-home moms, gifts for working moms, or gifts for moms who work at home. Truly, gifts any mom would appreciate!
Why You Should Consider Postpartum Gifts/ A Postpartum Care Package For A New Mom
Giving a new mom a postpartum gift is a kind and thoughtful gesture that can provide support, encouragement, and comfort during a challenging and emotional time. Here are some reasons why you might consider giving a postpartum gift to a new mom:
- Recognize her hard work: Giving birth and caring for a newborn is hard work, and it’s nice to acknowledge the effort and dedication that a new mom has put in
- Provide support: A postpartum gift can provide practical support to a new mom who may be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. It can be as simple as bringing over a meal or offering to babysit so she can take a nap.
- Boost her spirits: The postpartum period can be an emotional rollercoaster for new moms. A thoughtful gift can help lift her spirits and remind her that she is loved and appreciated.
- Show that you care: A postpartum gift is a tangible way to show that you care about the new mom and her well-being. It can strengthen your relationship and provide a foundation for future support and connection.
Types of Postpartum Gifts
You can gift a new mom many different types of postpartum gifts to show your care and support. Here are the types of gifts I recommend:
- Self-Care Items/ Comfort Items – gifts to help a new mom with their recovery and be comfortable at home taking care of their newborn baby
- Convenience Items – gifts that can make a new mom’s life easier at home!
- Postpartum Care Package/ Postpartum Gift Basket – a collection of a few smaller gifts put together in a nice package or gift basket to help with a new mom during the postpartum period
- Homemade Meals/ Takeout Food – a new mom won’t have as much time to cook nutritious meals now that they have to care for a newborn so bringing food can help tremendously with keeping a recovering mom full and healthy
- Gift Card/Gift Certificate – an easy gift that any mom can use no matter what they need to help them during the postpartum period
Types of Gifts I Don’t Recommend (That Are Often Mentioned):
- Postpartum Recovery Products – items to help a mom recover physically from giving birth like disposable underwear, perineal balm, and nipple cream are a little weird to gift since it’s more of a personal matter and every mom recovers differently
- Baby Items – baby items such as diapers, pacifiers, and swaddles are much better suited as baby shower gifts. Show your care and support by choosing postpartum gifts for new moms that aren’t for the baby!
Below are 13 of my handpicked postpartum gifts for new moms that aren’t for the baby:
1. Comfortable House Slippers
“They are incredibly fluffy and comfortable and honestly my fave slippers I’ve purchased in my 34 years on this earth.”
Comfortable house slippers are essential for new moms as they spend a lot of time on their feet, especially in the early weeks after giving birth. With a newborn to care for, they may need to get up frequently to attend to their baby’s needs, making it crucial to have a comfortable and supportive pair of slippers that will ease the pressure on their feet and prevent discomfort. Comfortable house slippers can also help new moms relax and unwind during the few moments they get to rest, providing a sense of comfort and coziness that can make a big difference in their well-being. This would be the perfect postpartum gift for busy moms holding down the household!
2. Soft Plush Robe
“my baby is now six weeks and I still wear this almost everyday or night when getting out of bed for night feeds.”
A soft robe is an excellent gift for new moms because it provides comfort, warmth, and convenience. New moms may find themselves in various situations, such as nursing, holding their baby, or simply lounging at home. A soft robe can help them feel comfortable and relaxed in any of these scenarios. The soft fabric is gentle on their sensitive skin, and the loose fit allows them to move freely and comfortably. A robe is also an easy and convenient piece of clothing to wear when nursing or holding their baby, as it allows for easy access while providing some privacy.
3. Pajama Set
“since these were going to be for postpartum for me and let me tell you…. these are the SOFTEST, STRETCHEST, MOST COMFORTABLE pajamas ever! I literally lived in them for 2 week after my c-section”
4. Leggings
Honestly, I don’t know if any woman would dislike a pair of comfortable leggings as a gift! According to a previous lululemon employee, these leggings are the perfect dupe to the super popular lululemon align leggings! Comfortable and stretchable leggings are essential for postpartum moms because their bodies are going through recovery and physical changes, so clothing that is easy to wear helps with both self-consciousness and convenience. The stretchy fabric provides support and allows for easy movement, which is essential when taking care of a newborn. They can also be worn for a quick trip to the store, a walk around the block, or even for a yoga session, making them a versatile addition to any new mom’s wardrobe.
5. Coffee Machine
If you ask a new mom how she is surviving the newborn days, they will most likely say, “lots of coffee.” Make sure she has access to a cup of joe every morning by gifting her a sleek coffee maker. These coffee makers are space-saving on the counter and can brew a cup of coffee in just minutes! A perfect gift for a postpartum mom who needs a boost of energy from sleepless nights. With a coffee machine at home, they can quickly and easily brew their favorite coffee without having to leave the house. This convenience can save them time and money while also providing a boost of energy when they need it the most.
6. Insulated Tumbler or Mug
“It is almost to good to be true. It kept my coffee hot for 2.5 hours in 30 degree weather. “
7. Hair Ties
“I put my hair up in a “mom bun” most days. I wanted a hair tie that would cause less breakage, and these have been great.”
Every mom most likely already has hair ties lying around the house, but it also means you can never have too many of them! New moms often have limited time to take care of themselves, and having hair ties readily available can make it easier for them to manage their hair quickly and easily. From changing diapers to preventing your hair from being pulled by your newborn, a mom’s hair is always in a bun for a good reason! Make this practical item cute and add it to a gift basket for moms.
8. Water Bottle
“This bottle is brilliant, leakproof, sturdy- good quality. I bought to have in hospital during my labor and found really useful afterwards when feeding the baby.”
A new mom often finds themselves busy taking care of their newborn and may forget to stay hydrated. A water bottle can help remind them to drink water regularly, which is important for their overall health and well-being, especially if they are breastfeeding. According to verywellfamily.com, breastfeeding moms must drink around 128 ounces of water daily. With the busy days, it’s hard to remember and keep track of how much water you’ve drank while taking care of a newborn. Get a new mom a water bottle with encouraging reminders to ensure they’re drinking enough water throughout the day for her and her baby’s health.
9. Instant Camera
“I got this as a gift for a friend. Fun way to collect memories 🙂
Nowadays, we capture all our memories on our phones which is so convenient and easy. But there’s something about physical photos that have such a nostalgic magic that digital photos don’t have. Gift your new mom friend this adorable instant camera and film so she can also capture physical memories of their newborn that she can keep for years to come! If the new mom has a creative bone in her, these polaroid photos can also be a fantastic personalized album or frame project.
10. Night Light
“Helps my newborn sleep with the sounds and it’s extremely helpful for us as well. We dim the night light enough to be able to sleep and check on the baby.”
Give some support to a new mom during those night feedings or pumping sessions by gifting her a cute night light. New moms often find themselves waking up frequently throughout the night to tend to their newborn, and a night light can help make these late-night feedings or diaper changes easier and safer. A night light provides a soft, gentle glow that can help navigate the room without disrupting the baby’s sleep or fully waking up the mother. A dim night light with optional soothing white noise can help a mom nurse or pump in the night without waking their baby!
11. Mini Fridge
“This product is perfect to store breast milk that is pumped in the middle of the night as well as a bottle of milk for me to feed the baby if my wife needs to sleep.”
You wouldn’t know this is essential until you’re a pumping mom! Instead of nursing newborns directly from the breast for various reasons, some moms prefer pumping to release and produce milk and feed babies from a bottle (like myself). However, pump parts are a pain to wash after every use, especially at night. Thankfully according to CDC, there’s a hack to refrigerate the parts and wash them after a few hours instead. This hack was life-changing for a pumping mom like me. I had a mini fridge like this in my room, so I didn’t have to go downstairs to store my parts in the main fridge after the night pumps. The best part, this can also double as a skincare mini fridge!
12. Back Cushion
“Love this pillow. Bought postpartum after a c section for back support while breastfeeding. Love that it’s memory foam. Let’s just say the rest of my family tries to take ownership.”
If a new mom isn’t on her feet, she is feeding her baby or carrying them to sleep (many newborn babies do not like napping on their own). New moms often spend a lot of time sitting or lying down while feeding, rocking, or cuddling their newborn, which can take a toll on their back muscles and cause discomfort or pain. A back cushion can help provide much-needed support and relieve pressure on the lower back, making these activities more comfortable and enjoyable. Additionally, a back cushion can be used in a variety of settings, whether it’s in a chair, on the couch, or the bed, making it a versatile and practical gift.
13. Gift Card
A gift card is a foolproof gift for new moms because it offers flexibility and allows them to choose a gift that they truly need or want. New moms often have specific preferences or needs, and a gift card can give them the freedom to choose a gift that is tailored to their individual circumstances. For example, they may want to buy items for their baby, invest in self-care, or purchase household items that will make their daily routine easier. A gift card can be used at a variety of stores, whether it’s a baby store, a clothing store, or an online retailer, making it a versatile and practical gift. It can also be a great option for those who are unsure of what to buy, as it takes the guesswork out of the gift-giving process.
That wraps up the list of the best postpartum gifts for moms! Whether she is a first-time mom or a seasoned mom, any new mom would appreciate these thoughtful gifts. Show love for not only the baby but also the mom, who will treasure your care and emotional support during the challenging postpartum days.