Searching for the perfect postpartum gift for a new mother?
Whether they are a first-time mama or a seasoned pro, they absolutely deserve something a little special to help them through those tiring early months.
The time right after baby is born – known as the postpartum period – is a super special time. But it’s also full of challenges, lack of sleep being one!
A thoughtful gift can show you really care, and be a practical helping hand for a new mother.
As a mother of two – and someone who has bought many gifts for friends who just welcomed their own bundle of joy – I know exactly what gifts will be perfect.
From practical items to help ease the transition into motherhood to indulgent treats to help new mothers relax and recharge, I’ve got something to suit everyone.
Plus if you’re in a budget, we’ve got several cheap ideas plus totally FREE postpartum gift ideas at the end of this article.
You may also like: Ways to help a new mother
Types of gifts for new mothers
If you’re confused about what a new mother really needs, do not worry. There are all sorts of items you can get a new parent they will really love.
There are a few key types of gifts that will be welcomed by a new mother:
- Personal care. These are items that are going to be super useful for caring for herself postpartum. Some examples include body moisturisers and oils and vitamins – including ones that aid sleep. You may like to check out my postpartum care kit essentials.
- Pampering treats. This is a fun category with items such as products for facials, spa gifts and manicures.
- Food and drink. Cooking is something a new parent struggles to find time to do – so look for food and drink gifts that will cost her no time to enjoy.
- Practical. This includes things such as new clothing and items that they will use to help them get through the days with their new baby.
- Keepsakes. These are items that will help the new mama to capture the precious memories of the early weeks with a new baby.
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The best postpartum gifts
1. Comfy loungewear
Comfortable clothes are an absolute must-have for a new mother.
While she won’t be stuck at home all day long, chances are she’ll want to hunker down for at least a few weeks and adjust to life with a newborn.
Look for loungewear that’s a loose fit by design. It can take a few months for new mothers to get back to their pre-baby size.
Shop for something cosy if it’s winter when she gives birth or a shorts and tee set if it’s summer.
For inspiration you may want to check out my guide to what to wear after giving birth.
2. Slippers
These are particularly useful for the winter months, when walking around the house to fetch night feeds or comfort the baby can be chilly.
Look for fluffy and comfy slippers that are pretty and practical.
3. Dried flowers
Fresh flowers are something she will probably receive quite a lot of in the days after giving birth.
But while fresh flowers will wilt within days, dried flowers can keep for many months.
There are so many different types of stunning dried flowers – choose pink or blue depending on the sex of the baby or a rainbow of colours.
4. Magazine subscription
As a new mother she will spend an awful lot of time thinking and worrying about her baby. So buying her a magazine subscription is a great way to help a new mother unwind at home!
Plus there are so many different types of magazine you can select, so there’s something for all tastes, whether they adore films or love reading up on the latest beauty trends.
5, TV streaming subscription
Those late night feeds will be so much easier with some great TV to binge.
Get them a subscription to a service like Disney+, Paramount+ or Amazon Prime to give them access to quality entertainment at home.
6. Keepsake box
It’s hard to keep track of all of those special items that you collect in the first year. Things like that first lock of hair, baby’s hospital bracelets and cards from loved ones are all things a mother will want to keep.
Get them a special keepsake box to keep all of those items together in one place.
You can get gorgeous personalised ones with baby’s name and birthdate on them.
7. Nursing poncho
If the new mama is nursing then a cover-up for feeding in public can be really useful.
I loved my nursing poncho, as it looked like a regular stylish poncho you would wear out anywhere, but I could easily feed in it. Plus it had poppers to easily open it up.
8. Baby sling
Baby wearing is not for every parent, but it can be a really useful way to get stuff done around the house without putting baby down.
Plus for some parents they prefer a baby carrier or sling to using a stroller when out and about.
9. A new mother necklace
A pretty piece of jewellery is a great way to mark this very special moment in her life.
There are so many different sorts of necklaces you can give, some examples:
- Mama necklace
- Baby footprint necklace (you purchase a voucher and your friend takes their baby’s foot or handprints and this is then stamped on a lovely pendant)
- Photo locket
- Birthstone pendant
10. Personalised bracelet
Similar to a new necklace, a bracelet is a special gift that she can treasure and wear every day.
The bracelet type could follow similar themes to those listed above for the necklace.
11. Baby’s hand and footprint kit
These kits let parents capture their baby’s hand and footprints. These can then be framed and treasured – to remember how tiny their hands and feet were when they were born.
It can be tricky to capture a wriggly baby’s hand and footprints, so it’s definitely best done in the early weeks which makes it a great postpartum gift.
You can also buy baby hand and footprint ornament kits that can make gorgeous Christmas tree decorations or ornaments to hang in the nursery.
12. Meal gift delivery voucher
New parents need a lot of rest and time to bond with their new baby. Easy meals are a great, practical way to help them out!
Research local ready meal delivery businesses near where they live and see if they do vouchers.
In the UK a good option is COOK, which sell vouchers for their frozen ready meals.
13. Spa gift voucher
Although she may not get a chance to hit the spa immediately after giving birth, it’s a lovely treat for them to look forward to.
If a full spa day seems a little too much for them, then consider a massage, manicure or pedicure – which is a quick trip out they can take to get a break from the baby.
14. Wine or bubbles
If the new parents do drink then treat them to a bottle of something special to celebrate the new arrival.
If they are both avoiding booze then consider putting together a non-alcoholic cocktail package – include some fun mixers and decorations for their glasses to add a little colour.
15. Manicure kit
A new mother may not find time to head for the nail salon so a nice manicure kit she can do at home is a great gift.
Choose her favourite colours, or go for a rainbow of colours to brighten up her day.
You can buy pre-made manicure kits or put one together yourself, arranged in a pretty gift box. Don’t forget nail files, cuticle oil and the base coat too!
16. Fun new mama tee
If this is her first baby – or even her second – then a fun tee with her “Mama” title on it is a cool gift to make her smile.
17. Comfy leggings
In the early days after giving birth, comfort is the name of the game when it comes to postpartum clothes.
A new pair of leggings are a perfect gift – if you’re comfortable with picking out her size – as she can wear them at home or on walks out with the baby.
Sweaty Betty and Fabletics leggings get rave reviews from customers. Look for funky prints that add a little fun to her day.
18. A new book
She may not get much time to herself in the early weeks, but if there is a new book you think she would love to dig into then it’s a perfect way to unwind.
19. Pretty water bottle
Staying hydrated is so crucial after giving birth. It can be particularly important when breastfeeding.
A pretty water bottle will remind her to stay hydrated, and make it much easier to always have a drink to hand either at home or when out and about.
20. Pretty flask
If she needs her coffee or tea to make it through the day, then a flask can be a real life-saver!
Many new parents remark that their hot drinks go untouched when they get distracted by things the baby needs.
A flask can be hot drinks warm when at home or out and about, giving them a little more time to finish that little treat.
21. Backpack
I’ve tried all sorts of different types of bag for toting around all of the baby essentials in. The backpack is by far the easiest type, as it leaves your hands free.
Anything that slings over just one shoulder becomes annoying when you’re juggling the pushchair and baby.
Look for a backpack with plenty of space, plus pockets to tuck smaller items such as lip balm. A bag with a zip pocket at the front to tuck wipes is extremely useful.
22. Haircare gift set
One of the most alarming postpartum moments for me was seeing loads of my hair coming out after showering or when brushing.
She may not be finding much time to care for her hair, so a lovely gift set featuring hair treatment masks and conditioner will be a nice way to make her feel a little more human.
23. Journal
The early days and years with a new baby go by so quickly that memories can be lost in the blur.
A journal can help her to record all of the precious happy memories, as well as records of their routine, so that they have something to look back on in years to come.
24. Photo album
Anyone else always forgetting to get their digital photos printed? A photo album is a great reminder for her to get those special photos from baby’s first year printed.
You can get personalised baby’s first year blank albums for her to fill with pictures, or look for something in pretty colours she will love.
Alternatively, give a voucher for a printed photo book that she can put together herself digitally.
25. Adult colouring book
Taking a mindful moment can be really important for new mothers. An adult colouring book gives her the chance to switch off from the worries and fatigue of new parent duties and relax a little.
There are so many different types of adult colouring books on the market now you are bound to find something along a theme that the new mother would love.
26. Polaroid camera
Yes they probably do have a digital camera and of course a camera on their phone. However a polaroid camera is a really fun and instant way of capturing memories of baby’s early months.
You could also add a polaroid photo album so they can gather all of these special pictures together.
Alternatively they could use them to make a collage on the baby’s bedroom wall.
I love the Instax cameras – we have two!
27. Pushchair handwarmers
If the postpartum mama has given birth in winter or autumn then these pushchair hand warmers will come in so useful!
It’s such a simple by clever product that fits to the handlebars of the baby’s stroller and will keep their hands toasty in frosty weather. It’s perfect for mamas who, like me, are always forgetting their gloves!
28. Blanket hoodie
If her baby was born in the winter then a cosy blanket hoodie is the perfect treat to keep her warm in the colder months.
It’s universal in size, so you don’t need to worry about postpartum sizing, and also provides easy access if she is nursing.
29. Belly butter
As her body returns to normal her skin still needs regularly moisturising to help stretched skin.
A super rich body or belly butter is a wonderful way to help her practice self-care.
30. Face mask
When you are a new mother it’s the little breaks that can make all of the difference and the little bits of pampering you can squeeze in that help.
A face mask is a great way for her to care for her skin and feel like she’s getting a bit of a treat. Include it in a kit featuring at-home spa favourites if you want to add a little more to it.
31. Face oil
If she suffers from dry skin then a facial oil she can use every evening before going to bed is a great way to pamper her.
You could also include this as part of a skincare facial kit, including a mask and moisturiser, if you are looking to spend a little more.
32. Daily affirmation cards
Life with a new baby is a whirlwind and sometimes pearls of wisdom and words of support can make all of the difference.
You can find daily affirmation cards specifically for new mothers, or more general ones that give her a little boost when she needs them.
Alternatively, as a cheaper and more practical option, buy a pack of nappies and write affirmations to help a new mama on every one with a marker.
This way, every time she changes baby’s nappy, she will see some positive words.
33. Scented candle
A pretty scented candle can be a relaxing gift for a new mother. Look for her favourite scents, or find something that promotes relaxation and calm.
34. Silk pillowcase
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be hell on hair and sleep. A silk pillowcase is said to be both better for hair and the scalp, plus can be far more comfortable for sleep.
It’s a lovely little luxury to treat her to!
35. New hair brush and hair accessories
Haircare is a basic element of self-care that can do a lot to boost her self-esteem.
A new hair brush and hair accessories are a great way to give her something both practical and pretty. Look for headbands that are stunning, but also will prove useful as she can style her hair quickly – as getting a baby out of the house can tend to be a bit of a rush some days.
36. Wine or cocktail glasses
Beautiful new wine or cocktail glasses are a lovely way for new parents to toast their arrival!
Although the new mother may not be drinking that much if she is nursing, they will be a lovely grown-up item they will enjoy once they get a chance to celebrate the new baby.
37. Create a gift basket of all her favourite stuff
To really treat a good friend who you have known for a long time, why not put together a DIY new mother gift basket with all of her favourite things in.
Include beauty products she loves to use along with clothing in her favourite colours and some of her favourite treats to eat.
Postpartum gifts that don’t cost anything
The best gifts don’t have to cost a penny! For many new mothers, just having the support of a good friend can mean the absolute world.
Instead of a physical present, why not try these postpartum gifts that are totally free.
38. Checking in
Simply sending a text or giving them a call to ask how they are can make all of the difference.
The early days with a baby are truly special, but it’s also quite a big adjustment. Having the support of friends is really important.
Understand that she may not immediately reply, or may even forget to reply at all if she is anything like me. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t appreciate you making the effort to say hi and ask how she is.
39. A home cooked meal
Tasty food makes a huge difference for new parents, who may be too tired to cook for themselves.
Offer to drop round with a lasagne, shepherd’s pie or something similar so that they can get a decent meal.
40. Help care for the family pet
If they have a dog that needs regular walks then offering to take the pooch out for a stroll can be a huge help for tired new parents.
Alternatively if they have outdoor pets then ask if there is anything that needs doing for them – such as clearing out their bedding.
41. Offer to do some cleaning
It’s not a glamorous job, however a clean house can make a new mother feel so much better (it certainly helped me!).
Ask if you can help out with key tasks such as laundry, dishes or vacuuming. You could always take laundry back to your home to do in order to give her a rest while you’re organising it for her.
42. Watch the baby while they nap
For most new mums the best thing you can do is help make life easier for them so they can spend more time with their baby.
However if she is totally exhausted and could really do with an hour’s break, an offer to hold the baby while they go to bed for a short nap can be a lifesaver.
