While it seems like just yesterday, it has actually been twelve years since I was a “new mom” and almost ten since my last baby. This truly doesn’t seem possible, but here we are! I have always had a soft spot for postpartum mothers. It’s such a tender and sweet time. It’s also a time that’s deserving of some extra doting! So today I’m going to share my favorite gifts for a new mom. I hope these ideas are helpful if you’re looking to gift or do something thoughtful for someone special in your life.
If you’re looking for gift ideas for seasoned moms (many of which would also work for first-time moms), check out my guide to 15 favorite gifts for her, my curated Mother’s Day gift guide, and 20 go-to gifts for women.
Should You Buy Gifts for a New Mom?
While it has been years since I was a new mom, my little sister, Molly, recently became a mother. Watching her experience all of the firsts with sweet baby Hugh has reminded me of that precious and fleeting time in my own life. Yes, it is exhausting and difficult, but gosh, it’s so incredibly special as well. There is no greater blessing than that of a child.
Just as our mom instilled gracious hosting tips in us, she also taught us the impact that thoughtful gifting can have on others. These don’t have to be big gifts, by any means. Sometimes the most helpful ones don’t cost a thing, other than your time! But whether I’m attending a housewarming or visiting a new mom, I always try to bring a little something special to show how much I care.
Thoughtful, Practical, and Sentimental Gifts for a New Mom
With that being said, I’m excited to walk through some of my favorite gifts for a new mom. These include ideas as simple as just showing up and supporting your person to purchasing something unique that your girl is sure to cherish forever. Big or small, I can confidently say that almost all moms would appreciate anything from this list!
1. Make a Meal
Families with newborns always appreciate a meal being dropped off. Personally, I have never been so hungry as I was right after having my sons. My body needed highly nutritious and easy meals! But before whipping something up, be sure to check for any dietary restrictions and preferences.
One of my go-to drop-off meals is enchiladas with all of the sides (including cheese and sour cream) in little containers. This is a meal that can easily be made GF or DF. I also love to drop off egg bites or banana muffins for an easy breakfast. One last go-to meal for new moms is a variety of soups. I use these souper cubes and label the outside of a freezer bag with the date and what’s inside. This allows the family to choose from a few different soup options and makes it easy for them to enjoy a quick nutrient-dense lunch or dinner!
Not much of a chef? Uber Eats gift cards or meal delivery services also make wonderful gifts for a new mom. And if you’re organizing meals amongst family and friends, I love using Meal Train.
2. Offer to Help
Aside from food, I think offering to help in general is great. If they left for the hospital in a rush, tidy their home, do some laundry, etc. You could also help with these same tasks after they return from the hospital. It is SO hard to ask for help, or at least it was for me. So sometimes just jumping in and doing what is needed without being prompted is very much appreciated!
3. A Sentimental Journal
Journals make wonderful gifts for a new mom. I love the idea of jotting down the special moments during such a precious time in one’s life. Something simple and beautiful like this Five-Year Journal from Rifle Paper Co. would be perfect for the occasion.
Another option would be to gift a prayer journal like Lord Bless My Child. My mother gave me this book when the boys were babies, and I treasure it so much. It’s such a fantastic devotional, and there are journaling and prayer prompts after each devotion. It’s meant to be read over and over again, and for you to update your prayers as your kids get older. This is so sentimental to me that it’s something I’d grab in a fire!
4. Sleep Mask
As a new mom, sleep is hard to come by, and sometimes it only exists in the form of a nap in the middle of the day. I love this sleep mask. My family and I joke that it’s like my grown up blankie – I don’t sleep without it! It’s just so silky soft and blocks out all light, which is so helpful in aiding my sleep.
5. Personalized Jewelry
If you’re looking for luxury gifts for a new mom, personalized jewelry might be the answer. I’ve gifted Vana Chupp silhouette jewelry a few times, and it’s always a hit. The child’s actual silhouette is used to design each piece, making it extra special and precious. I’ve also given Haverhill birthstone jewelry to new mothers. Their birthstone necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are so subtle and chic!
6. A Great Water Bottle
During pregnancy and postpartum, you need to really stay on top of your water intake. So I gave my sister her first Stanley when she was pregnant, and she couldn’t believe how much she liked it. Even now, my daily goal is to try to drink at least two of these water bottles full of ice and water!
7. A Cozy Robe
A robe is always a welcomed gift! I have tested out quite a few different ones, and I’ve narrowed it down to the two that I love the most. If they live in a warmer climate, I think this lightweight scallop robe from Weezie is the best. And if they live in a colder climate, this fleece-lined robe from LAKE is so cozy to slip on.
8. Self-Care Tote
A little self-care can go a long way. Consider putting together a small tote with a few things to make the recipient feel more like themselves. For example, you could throw in some chapstick, nail polish, hand lotion, and self-tanning products. Personally, I love using these self-tan facial drops when I need a boost. I just mix a drop or two into my nighttime moisturizer and I wake up subtly more tan the next morning!
9. Eye Patches
My depuffing eye patches could be added to a self-care tote or gifted on their own. Either way, they make a great gift for new moms who are short on sleep. I like to keep these eye patches in my fridge, making them extra refreshing to pop on as needed!
10. Personalized Clay Keepsake
If you’re looking for sentimental gifts for a new mom, then personalized keepsakes are the way to go. One of my favorites is clay artwork that captures their teeny tiny footprint or handprint. There are a few different options with these. You could opt for something that can be displayed year-round or you could turn the personalized print into an ornament.
11. Soft Pajamas
I recently gave these cute kimono pajamas to a friend who underwent a mastectomy. They would also be great postpartum pajamas, as they are super soft and perfect for nursing!
13. Boat Tote
It seems like all of my gift guides include an LL bean boat tote. But they are just so practical! Plus, you can add a fun monogram or saying, making them a great gift. And any mother will tell you, once you become a mom, you can never really have enough totes. Plus, it can double as a gift bag, allowing you to place a little surprise inside if you’d like!
14. Moisturizing Bar
There’s no shower quite as enjoyable as a peaceful postpartum shower. While it might be hard for a new mama to soak these up as often as they deserve, even a quick shower can make a world of a difference. These moisturizing lotion bars are so luxe that they can elevate any postpartum shower. Made with all natural essential oils, they smell delicious and leave your skin so soft!
15. Marco Polo Subscription
While Marco Polo is free, they do have a premium subscription that can speed up your convos. As a new mom, time is of the essence, and this app can help moms keep in touch with their friends and family with a bit more ease.
16. Cozy Blanket
Soft and cozy blankets make wonderful gifts for a new mom. My favorite are ChappyWrap blankets, which I gift for every occasion from Christmas and Mother’s Day to housewarmings and birthdays. I think they are especially nice for new parents to enjoy some cozy time with a newborn baby.
18. Gift Cards
One of the best and easiest gifts for a new mom is a gift card. My favorites are those that can be used for a massage or a facial. I always try to pick a provider that is nearby for the recipient. And for the ultimate gift, you could offer to watch the baby while she goes!
19. Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are always a nice pick me up! I like to give orchids, as they last a bit longer. But if the new mom lives out of town, I like to send Farmgirl Flowers.
20. Checking In With Them
As a new mom, it’s so easy to feel isolated. Just a quick text or call, with no strings attached, can make her feel more connected. And if they are feeling up for it, an in-person visit is great too. But always follow their lead as to whether or not they are comfortable with that yet.
I also believe that you never know how you’ll feel until you are in that moment. With my first, when it came to having guests, it felt very overwhelming. But with my second, I had people over all the time right after giving birth. So if you’re a new mom, take stock in how you feel, and do what you need.
The Best Gifts for a New Mom
I hope these gift ideas for new moms are helpful the next time you’re in need of one for a sister, friend, neighbor, or coworker. What are your go-to gifts for moms? Have I forgotten any of your favorites? If so, I’d love to hear about them — feel free to shoot me an email or a DM and share!
Additional Gifts for Moms Worth Checking Out
If you’re looking for some more fun gift ideas for moms, check out these posts!
