If there’s anyone who deserves gifts “just because,” it’s an expecting mother. Growing a human is physically hard, plus the mental load of preparing for a new baby’s arrival, and you’ve got a recipe for a maxed-out, overwhelmed, utterly exhausted mama. The best gifts for expecting moms are heartfelt, practical or simply pamper her with the self-care items she needs right now.
The best gifts for expecting moms cater to her needs and wants, not just the baby’s.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
When shopping for the best gifts for pregnant women, Katie Billingsley, a certified breastfeeding and lactation specialist, says to consider the individual for whom you are buying. “Is she someone who prioritizes sustainability above all or a celebrity-obsessed social media scroller who wants the latest A-list items? A great gift is personalized, shows you put in some thought and, ideally, is something she will get great, long-term use from.” When in doubt, go ahead and ask mom directly what she wants, or peruse our list for inspiration.
She’s not a regular mom, she’s a cool mom. With beaded friendship bracelets all the rage right now, she’ll love this little token of your appreciation, which will serve as a daily reminder of your bond and the bond she’ll build with her new tiny BFF.
An All-Purpose Bar To Nourish Her Body And Bump
Kate McLeod
Kate McLeod Mama Stone Lotion Bar
This super nourishing, plant-based body stone is the gift that keeps on giving from the pregnancy period through postpartum and beyond. It’s made from 100% natural ingredients, helping boost radiance, increase firmness, heal inflammation and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It also doubles as a nipple cream, supports perineal massage and is safe to use on sensitive newborn skin.
A Video Book To Document Her Pregnancy Journey
Heirloom
Heirloom Personalized Video Book
Capture all those precious pregnancy moments, baby shower and gender reveals with this customizable video-playing book from Heirloom. You simply upload your videos and they do the rest, creating a keepsake memory book that plays your videos when you open the cover, which can also be personalized. Books start at $49 for 10 minutes of video and go up to $89 for an hour.
Cozy Compression Socks To Ease Swelling Discomfort
Comrad
Comrad Cozygrip Compression Slipper Socks
Billingsley loves these ultra-plush and stretchy compression socks to alleviate pregnancy discomfort. “Everyone swells during the third trimester and after delivery,” she says. “A great, under-the-radar gift that mom can use indefinitely are compression socks, like my favorites from Comrad, made with no-slip silicone grips.”
A Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Pillow All In One
Boppy
Boppy Cuddle Pillow With Organic Cotton Cover
A supportive pregnancy pillow is a must-have for any expecting mom. Kelly Brusch, the founder of Doulas of North County, likes this Boppy one for it’s space-saving design and full body support where pregnant moms need it most. It comes with a 100% organic cotton removable cover, and the contoured design makes it versatile enough for sleeping or sitting. Once baby arrives, it doubles as the perfect breastfeeding pillow too.
A Bedside Caddy Care Package
Amazon
Youdenova Bedside Caddy
For pregnant women delivering at a hospital, SoCal mom Julia recommends a bedside caddy “care package” stocked with all the essentials to make her stay more comfortable. “Types of items to include are chapstick, a travel pack of facial wipes, travel pack of tissues, a pen, small hand sanitizer, a mini brush and hair ties. All the small things you want easily in reach when you can’t get out of bed and don’t have anyone immediately available to find and hand them to you,” she says. “It also gives you a place to put your phone, hospital meal menus and the bed control remote.”
A Soft Bamboo Robe For Before, During And After Delivery
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