A new mom or mom-to-be is always happy to receive gifts for her little one. But during the holidays, it’s also nice to get her something that’s just for her…you know, beyond the onesies and baby rattles. Here, our bloggers share their favorite gift ideas for the new mom set.—
Skincare gift set.
Mamas-to-be in need of a little at-home pampering will love the Mama Mio
Congratulations Kit. The trio of sweet-smelling products are made from
natural ingredients like avocado, shea butter and almond oil. The Omega
Shower Cream and Body Cream are the perfect indulgence for the dry,
itchy skin that can be a pesky symptom of pregnancy. But my favorite
product in the kit by far is the Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil–a totally
non-oily rub that protects your growing belly from evil stretch marks. $55. –Angela Johnson
A good read. As a new
mama, everything can feel so, well, new. I’ve found, though, that a good
book about motherhood—not childbirth or feeding or sleep, but just
being a mom—can make me feel like I’m talking with an understanding
friend. Here are a few I’d recommend:
“Great With Child: Letters To A Young Mother” by Beth Ann Fennelly;%uFFFD
“Waiting For Birdy: A Year of Frantic Tedium, Neurotic Angst, and the
Wild Magic of Growing a Family” by Catherine Newman;%uFFFD
“Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year” by Anne
Lamott; and
“Literary Mama: Reading for the Maternally Inclined,” edited by Andrea
J. Buchanan and Amy Hudock (based on the popular website
literarymama.com). You can also check out Andrea Buchanan’s other
collections: “It’s A Boy: Women Writers On Raising Sons” and “It’s A
Girl: Women Writers On Raising Daughters,” which would be fun to give to an
expectant mom who recently found out what she’s having. “The Imperfect Mom: Candid Confessions of Mothers Living in the Real
World,” edited by Therese J. Borchard, is another great choice. –Katie Main
In-home manicure. We all love spoiling ourselves with a relaxing manicure and pedicure, but a new mom may find her free time is a bit booked up. Mama Manicures is an NYC-based “on-location spa service” that will come right to your door boasting fragrance-free options, non-toxic nail polish and even optional childcare. I used the service with a mom friend of mine and it was great–my baby napped while I got a manicure! You can also choose from other services like spray tanning (they use a pop-up tent and do it on-site), massages, facials and make-up and hair. $95 for a “Signature” manicure and pedicure. –Kristen Haas
A sleep consultant. The
best thing we spent our money on as new parents was not a sling, swing,
crib, highchair or toy, but a sleep consultant. Nothing compares to the
priceless gift of a full night’s sleep! We hired Diana Gonzalez Blanco
of Smooth Parenting when our son was 10-months-old, but I wish we had
done it sooner. Using the sleep plan she created for us, our son went from waking every two hours to sleeping through the night.%uFFFD We are 100 percent
satisfied customers and have referred her to all of our friends in the
same boat. I can’t think of a better gift idea for a new parent! –Amity Spiegel
Prenatal or postnatal yoga class. This is a fantastic way to help a new or expectant mom relax while addressing the common aches and pains that go with pregnancy and postpartum. At the Prenatal Yoga Center, a package of 8 prenatal or postnatal yoga classes is $185; a drop-in class is $25. –Debra Flashenberg
Lingerie. Functional maternity wear can still be sexy! I love the Ariel Chemise by Belabumbum. Made from 100% pima cotton, it’s comfortable and provides light support while still being stylish. Stretch straps pull aside easily for nursing and a basic but flattering shape with just enough lace gives a feeling of femininity. $59. –Elisabeth Reed
A comfy throw. If she’s lucky, a new mom will receive one or more hand-knit baby blankets when her little one is born. But what about a cozy, stylish throw just for her? In the cold winter months when you’re pregnant and bound to the couch, it’s just the thing you need to kick back and relax. And after the baby is born, a big, warm and beautiful blanket is perfect for mom and baby to snuggle under. I like the authentic Kanka throw from Pottery Barn ($79),%uFFFD the reasonably-priced Tabitha throws at World Market, ($45) and the endless selection of handmade throws and blankets available on Etsy.–Leah Black
Belly oil. My favorite
brand is Belli Elasticity Oil, which I have been using almost nightly
since it hit store shelves. It was formulated specifically for expectant
moms to help reduce stretch marks. It’s uber- luxurious and makes me
feel decadent! The lavender scent immediately puts me in a relaxed mood,
and the smooth (non-greasy) feel of the oil makes me feel like an
Egyptian queen. Ooo la la!
$39. –Natalie Diaz
