What To Get The New Mom Who “Doesn’t Want Anything”
So your friend just had a baby. Exciting! But also overwhelming, and not just for her – for you! Because the only thing more stressful than a newborn is buying a gift for someone who “doesn’t want anything.”
I’m kidding, of course. Having a baby likely trumps many other stressors someone could ever go through in life, but gift-giving can be stressful, especially when you have no idea where to start or what this person might like.
Not to mention, new moms (especially if they’re first-time moms) are beginning a big and important new chapter in their lives, so while you might be tempted to get them a gift to match the gravity of the situation, they honestly probably just want some food that they don’t have to cook and can scarf down between feeds while the baby is napping.
Keeping a newborn baby alive is no easy feat. Suffice it to say that many new moms are stressed, sleep-deprived, and overwhelmed. The last thing they need or want is a “gift” that’s either useless or is going to end up being more work. Think: flowers, live plants, decor, or anything they’re going to have to put together or install.
While sentimental gifts aren’t necessarily a bad thing, utilitarian gifts they can use or eat are the most foolproof way to go during this special (but trying) time. You can get them the ornamental frame or plant a tree in their yard later.
Here are some of the best gifts for new moms:
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Pre-Paid Laundry or Housekeeping Services
Household chores often end up taking a backseat during the baby’s first few weeks at home, so any new mom is going to appreciate a little help around the house! Gifting her with a prepaid laundry or housekeeping service will (literally) be a load off her shoulders.
Homemade Food
Homemade food is also a great option as a gift for new moms. This could be an entree like lasagna or soup or a dessert like homemade banana bread! Pre-made meals are great because it takes the thinking and effort out of dinner time, so a new mom can just heat something up quickly while the baby naps. Just make sure to ask about her preferences and any potential allergies before making or ordering!
Spoonful of Comfort New Parent Package, $100
Large Water Bottle
You’ve got to make sure the new mom in your life stays hydrated! A large water bottle with a lid and straw will make it convenient for her to always have water on hand while she’s running around the house.
The Clean Slate Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler, $45
Pacifiers
Pacifiers are second only to socks in the dryer in terms of how quickly they tend to disappear, so new parents can never have enough. Gifting a new mom with some fresh pacifiers ensures she always has one to reach for and has a backup for when one inevitably goes missing.
BIBS Natural Rubber Pacifier (2 Pack), $16
Frigg Daisy Natural Rubber Pacifier (2 Pack), $25
Fuzzy Socks
During those first few weeks home with the baby, new moms really only have one priority when it comes to fashion: it better be comfortable. And what’s comfier than a pair of fuzzy socks? This is more of a wintertime gift but could be great in the spring or fall as well.
Softies Marshmallow Slouch Socks, $19
Books
I love gifting my new mom-friends with some of the books I loved when I was little. It’s never too early to help her build her baby’s library and make sure she has options for bedtime reading. Some of my favorites are Corduroy, The Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, and Guess How Much I Love You.
Classic Picture Books Bundle, $60
Bottle Sterilizer
If the new mom in your life doesn’t have a bottle sterilizer yet, she needs one! Bottle sterilizers take the time and elbow grease out of cleaning bottles so new parents always have fresh, sterile bottles on hand without having to constantly hover over the dishwasher.
Baby Brezza One-Step Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer, $110
Audible Subscription
A new mom might not have the time or energy to sit down and read an actual book, but audiobooks are a different story. Gift her an Audible subscription. She could listen while nursing or cleaning, which will help her stay entertained during this time at home.
Friend Coupons
One of the best gifts you can give a new mom won’t cost you a dime! Make some cute friend coupons with offers like, “I'll come over and watch the baby while you take a nap!” It really does take a village, and any new mom will appreciate a little bit of help.
Cozy Pajamas
New moms are often living in their pajamas because they rarely leave the house, so why not help her step up her pajama game with a set that’s cute and comfy? Pro tip: Make sure you get a pajama top that buttons in the front if she’s breastfeeding for easy access.
Birdy Grey Jonny Pajama Set in Sage, $44
J. Crew Long-Sleeve Cotton Poplin Pajama Pant Set, $118
Meal Delivery Gift Cards
Besides household chores, do you know what else new moms don’t have time to do? Cook! That’s where UberEats (or any delivery service) comes in. These meal delivery services are super convenient, but they’re also expensive and all of those deliveries can add up, so a gift card would be a big help.
Diapers
You know what new parents can never have enough of? Diapers! A baby goes through about 10-12 diapers per day in the first month of his or her life, and diapers are expensive! No matter how much a new mom insists she “doesn’t want anything,” she’ll always be happy to receive a pack or two of diapers.
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers, $54
Luxurious Soaps and Lotions
Having a new baby can cut down on a mom’s “me” time, but at least when she does get the chance to shower, it will be nice for it to be a luxurious experience. Plus, she’ll be washing her hands a lot those first few weeks and a nice hand cream will keep her skin from drying out and cracking.
Farmhouse Fresh Goods Milk & Honey Deluxe Boxed Gift Set, $47
Postpartum Kit
Having a baby is a magical experience, but it’s also hard on a woman’s body and postpartum can be tough. Gifting her a postpartum kit with supplies like nipple salve will help her recover in comfort so she can get back to feeling her best and enjoying her time with her new baby.
Bodily Care for Birth Box, $89
Snack Basket
Taking care of a baby is hard work, and new moms work up a big appetite. Gift her with a snack basket full of healthy snacks like granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, and other yummy treats so she always has something to reach for when the hunger pangs kick in.
Smart Box Family Box, $30
Harry & David Snack Lovers Gift Basket, $90
Ice Roller
If you only have two minutes, ice rollers are a great way to help you feel fresher, more awake, and more relaxed! I keep one in my fridge at all times, and they’re incredibly helpful on mornings when you wake up feeling tired and puffy, which is bound to happen during those first few weeks at home with a new baby when moms aren’t getting much sleep.
Beauty by Earth Ice Roller, $19
Cloth Bibs or Burp Blankets
Help keep the new mom in your life spit-up free with an extra supply of burp blankets for those post-feed burping sessions. She (and her husband) will definitely appreciate it!
Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths (Pack of 10), $30
Closing Thoughts
Motherhood is extremely rewarding, but it’s also extremely difficult at times, and that is especially true with a newborn. Any new mom will appreciate her friends and family pitching in to help, and it doesn’t need to be something over-the-top or expensive! Even simply offering to spend time helping her around the house can go a long way in making her feel supported and giving her some time to rest.
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