When someone is pregnant, everything becomes about the baby. There’s the registry research, the nursery prep, the washing of tiny clothes, sanitizing bottles and approximately 400 other things you’re told you need before bringing a newborn home.
And honestly? Most of the time, what they really want is just something from their registry.
...but if you're in a position to treat a pregnant lady in your life to something for herself, here are some of the best pregnancy gifts that are really and truly for mom. Shared by moms!
1. A Prenatal Massage
Predictable, but I had to include it because you really cannot go wrong with this one unless you know the person hates massages. A prenatal massage gives her an hour to relax, and relieves some back and hip pain.
Look for a spa or massage therapist that specifically offers prenatal massage, and consider buying a gift card rather than booking a specific appointment so she can choose the timing.
If you’re buying for a pregnant friend and have absolutely no idea what she wants, this would probably be my first choice.
2. Maternity Clothes She Wouldn’t Buy Herself
Maternity clothes can be surprisingly hard to spend money on.
You know you’re only going to wear them for a few months, so it’s very easy to convince yourself that you can survive with three stretchy shirts and the one pair of leggings that still fits.
But feeling cute when your body is changing by the week can genuinely make a difference.
A gift card to a maternity store, a nice maternity dress, comfortable pajamas or a pair of maternity leggings can be a great gift.
3. A Cute Labor and Delivery Gown
Most women are focused on packing the practical things in their hospital bag and might not spend money on a special labor and delivery gown for themselves.
But having something soft and cute to wear at the hospital can make the whole experience feel a little nicer.
There are gowns designed specifically for labor, delivery and nursing with features that make it easier for hospital staff to access what they need.
Is it essential? Definitely not. Does it make a great gift? Absolutely.
4. A Postpartum Recovery Basket
Postpartum recovery is not glamorous, and many first-time moms have no idea what they’re going to want until they’re actually home recovering with a newborn.
You could fill a basket with things like over-the-counter pain relievers, snacks, lactation cookies, nipple cream, cooling pads, hair ties, the list goes on!
I made one of these for myself and carried it around the house so I had everything I needed whenever I got stuck under a lap nap.
5. A Photo Book (But Make It Easy!)
When my nephew turned one, I completed my sister's old-school baby book for her, and it's one of her most cherished gifts.
She was a new mom, overwhelmed with the adjustment, and didn't have time to complete it herself. I got all the "firsts" by asking her husband and the grandparents.
A pre-planned way to capture memories that isn't a lot of work for the mom is a great gift.
6. Christmas Tree Ornaments
One of my favorite gifts from my mother-in-law that I would have never thought of myself was a clay kit to imprint the baby's hands and feet and turn them into Christmas ornaments. I now gift this to all the new moms I know!
An alternative is an ornament that says "Baby's First Christmas" with the year.
7. Organize a Meal Train
This is technically free, and it might be one of the best gifts on this list.
Instead of simply saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” set up a meal train among friends and family so meals arrive during the first few weeks after the baby is born.
One tip: spread the meals out. Having six lasagnas arrive during the first five days and then nothing for the next month is less helpful than having meals continue once or twice a week.
Looking for a Meal Train Services? Cradley has a free meal calendar tool!
8. A Cleaning or Laundry Service
If you really want to impress a pregnant woman, tell her someone else is cleaning her house. A professional house cleaning before or after the baby arrives can take one major thing off the checklist.
A laundry service is another great option, especially during the newborn stage when somehow a seven-pound person produces an unbelievable amount of laundry.
9. A Newborn Photo Session
Yes, technically the baby is going to be in the photos. But I still consider this a gift for mom.
They can also be expensive, which makes a photo session a great group gift from grandparents, siblings or friends.
Tip: If you’re booking the photographer yourself, make sure the mom likes their photography style first.
10. Entertainment: A Streaming Subscription or Something to Read
There is a lot of sitting involved at the end of pregnancy and during the newborn stage. Give her something entertaining to do while she’s doing it.
A few months of Netflix, Hulu, Max, Audible or another subscription she doesn’t already have can actually get a ton of use. You could also give her a Kindle Unlimited membership, an audiobook credit or a stack of easy-to-read books.
And unless she specifically asks for them, I would skip the parenting books. : )
11. Food Delivery or Grocery Delivery
Meal train didn't work out, or you aren't local?
A DoorDash, Uber Eats or Instacart gift card gives her the ability to make dinner, groceries or a random pregnancy craving appear without leaving the house.
This is also a great option if you’re buying for a coworker or someone you’re not close enough with to choose something personal.
