If you’re soon to be holding or attending a baby shower, STOP everything you’re doing and pay close attention.
How many gifts have you graciously received that were a million miles off from being something that you’d have chosen for yourself? Ever been in the “Oh gee, thanks!” scenario, smile plastered on while wondering where on earth you’d ever put a twelve inch marble vase with cherubs carved into it?
Or how about this: you’re at a baby shower and the mother opens not the first, but the second blue fleece blanket- exactly what you’d bought too. You hang your head in embarrassment as she unties the ribbon from your package, grateful you’d enclosed a gift receipt.
Gift giving can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.
I’ll show you how to be an unforgettable gift giver AND give you a brilliant list of new mom gifts that nobody’s buying, but should be to set you apart from the crowd at your next baby shower.
Gift her something out of the ordinary that nobody else is buying.
Bless that mama’s socks of with a gift that shows you:
- Made it personal. Focus on what you know about the new mom, her stage in life, and her style. Put in serious thought. Connect with her spouse, as he should be able to tip you off toward finding the perfect gift.
- Were sensitive to her needs, giving her something to make days less hectic, tiring, busy, and messy.
- Veered away from the monotonous and steered toward extraordinary, creative, and meaningful.
She’ll never forget it!
[Tweet “Make a new mom’s day. Learn how to be unforgettable gift-giver!”]
I’ve attended oodles of baby showers both for myself and for other mothers. (My third is coming soon!) I can predict which gifts are most likely to appear on the gift table and how deeply most moms wish someone had taken the time to ask what they really needed. Of course, every mother’s list will be different depending on if she uses cloth diapers, chooses to nurse or to bottle feed, her budget, her closet space, and ultimately, her personality.
The best gift a new mom can receive is something she’s asked for.
So don’t be shy. ASK!
To make it easy for you, I’ve compiled a list of gifts that other mothers and myself have desperately wished had appeared wrapped in curly ribbons and poofy bows on our baby shower tables.
These, my friends, are gems- guaranteed to make you the gift-giving star that everyone at the baby shower is secretly envying. These are the best new mom gifts nobody is buying, but should be!
Nursing tanks
These tanks can be worn 24/7 and are super comfy as pajama tops too!
Glamourmom Nursing Bra Long Top: They’re supportive and long enough to cover any telltale tummy pooch and soft as your favorite worn in tee. Glamourmom nursing tanks are also more modest than my other favorite brand. They layer well and offer discreet nursing coverage for nursing when you’re out and about. I wear these day in and day out for months after birth.
Bravado Essential Nursing Bra Tank: Bravado tanks are also long, soft, and perfect to wear from maternity through nursing. The built in bra has an adjustable back closure, which is nice as your weight will fluctuate from maternity through postpartum. This tank is also more supportive than the Glamourmom, though my biggest pet peeve with it is that it is low cut, and not as modest as I’d prefer. The nursing flap also exposes much more skin than the Glamourmom, which makes nursing easier, but harder to hide.
Nursing bra
This staple of every nursing mom’s closet is often the most overlooked by shower-goers. Most new moms are happy to share sizing info if you ask, so don’t be shy. She’d love this gift, even if you’d rather gift it pre or post-shower.
A few faves (of mine and my mommy panel):
Bravado Bodysilk Seamless Nursing Bra
Bravado Essential Embrace Nursing Bra
Pedicure
She hasn’t seen those toes for months, and goodness would a foot massage make.her.day!
Maid Service
Flip through your yellow pages for local maid services and watch mom’s eyes instantly brighten!
Lanolin
Many nursing mothers swear that applying lanolin after nursing reduces nipple damage and dryness.
Prenatal Vitamins
Sure, she’s going to have a baby in her arms soon, but physicians recommend lactating mothers to continue boosting their body’s nutrient bank with prenatals until the baby is weaned.
Nursing Pillow
Especially helpful for brand new moms to perfect their positioning while spending hours nursing each day. Pillows with removable slipcovers that you can toss in the wash are even better!
Baby carrier
You all know I’m all about baby carriers. We’ve talked about using baby carriers with newborns, the pros and cons of ring slings, and chatted away about mei tais. No matter which style carrier you choose, mama will be over the moon when she tries it out and realizes just how much easier wearing her baby makes running errands and getting housework done, not to mention the ease of babywearing for air travel.
Postpartum pads
Three words: she’ll use it! Purchase heavy flow menstrual pads to keep her clothes and bedding protected.
Rosemary postpartum healing pads
A simple, inexpensive DIY gift to refresh new moms right after giving birth.
Massagers for labor and birth
My personal tried-and-true fave: tennis balls inside a sock. Check out the tutorial video here.
Mattress cover
Protect her bed from unexpected ruin with a mattress cover. Birth and newborn mothering isn’t a Mr. Clean commercial, as we talked about here.
Netflix subscription
So she can enjoy her favorite shows during nursing sessions.
Babysitting services
If mom has more children at home, offer to take them to the park, a children’s museum, or even just to lunch at a kid-friendly spot with a playplace.
Grocery delivery
Fresh produce delivered to her doorstep! Be sure to schedule grocery drop-off for a time when someone will be home to receive your thoughtful gift. Contact your local supermarket to contract delivery services.
Cloth diapers
If she’s cloth diapering, you can’t go wrong with a BumGenius One Size Diaper. If you’re unsure about cloth diapering choices, my cloth diapering posts will get you well on your way to appreciating and understanding all you could ever want to know about cloth diapers.
Mama cloth
Eco-friendly reusable menstrual pads she can toss in the laundry with baby’s cloth diapers. These aren’t your grandmother’s sanitary napkins! This is all I’ve used for the past 7 years and these things last for ages. Most of mine have been purchased from Etsy sellers, most similar to these.
Flower to plant in honor of birth
When my son was born, my husband surprised me with a colorful orange-pink rosebush. I loved that beautiful bush and wish I could’ve dug it up when we moved. Choose a perennial!
Salon/Spa Services
Most new moms aren’t feeling great about their appearance. They’re adjusting to their new body and could use a boost in self-confidence. Treat her to a haircut or manicure to transform her day… or at least get her out of her pjs for a couple of hours. If she’s like me, she’s likely not painted her nails for at least 9 months.
Giftcard
Give her the gift of shopping! Pick up a gift card to her favorite shop or café.
Now, who’s ready to make a baby shower shopping list?! After you pick up your unforgettable baby shower gift, be sure to wrap it up pretty! Everybody loves unwrapping a meticulously adorned package.
What would you add to the list? If you have a favorite new mom gift to give or receive, please share in the comments below. We’d all love more creative ideas for how to bless new mothers. After all, baby’s getting all her attention. Let’s show her a little love too!
And be sure to share this post with your friends. We all want to be remembered as unforgettable gift givers! If you’re a new mom itching for the items in this baby shower gift list, give your friends a heads up by sending them a link to this post.
Follow me on Pinterest for more tips and tricks to make life simpler!
I love your baby shower gift ideas!
Oh how I would have loved maid service! That would have been the BEST gift ever! Salon and spa services are great too (especially if you want a pedicure in the last couple months of your pregnancy)! lol
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Glad another mom agrees with the baby shower gift list. It’s always so dull when gift after gift is the same thing. I can’t even count how many baby blankets and washcloths I’ve received in the last 3 years. Don’t get me wrong, most of the washcloths have become baby wipes of some kind, and extras are always donated, but goodness, a little creativity sure is a breath of fresh air! Thanks for visiting, Jennifer.
I was FULLY prepared to add maid service if it wasn’t here – BRAVO! These are FABULOUS gift ideas!
Gosh, thanks, Roxanne! Glad to hear you agree. Thank you so much for taking a moment to pop over today.
These are wonderful and thoughtful ideas! I am adding it to my gift-giving Pinterest board. thanks
Thank you so much, Christine, for sharing the post. Let’s get the word out and bless more moms out there!
YES. Love this list. The nursing tanks are a must. And a Netflix subscription? Perfect!
Yay, so happy you agree! Hope other mamas share the word so that the millions of baby washcloth gifts are a thing of the past.
maid service and food! Yes! I am so thankful for the people that would bring me meals after all three of my babies arrived.
Glad to hear another seasoned mama agrees with the list. My husband’s been better than any maid, but goodness would we love to get this gift with our baby due in September. Thank you so much, Heather, for stopping by today.
This is a really great list! I will have to keep this for future reference!
Love these! I try to get a book in place of a “card” and something neat for the mom too, like this post suggests.
Yes, Marie! I totally forgot about books. Books are a perfect companion during those long hours of nursing. Wonderful idea. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and taking a moment to visit!
This is full of so much good info – especially for the life stage I am in now 🙂
i think the most important thing we can give is love and attention
We send gift cards to new moms often. Usually for desserts and coffee, so it’s fun. And I try to always bring over a meal they can eat right away or freeze depending on their needs and space.
You have a great list!
Marissa
Yes, freezer meals and food are definitely appreciated by new moms and moms with little people running around all day long. You must be a great neighbor, Marissa! Thanks for visiting.
Great list! Even though I have two babies, I have only had one baby shower and it was with the second. The most amazing gift I got was a gift card for a massage. It was amazing!
Oooh! A massage sounds beautiful, Brandi. With my 1st pregnancy my husband willingly watched YouTube videos on pregnancy massage. His heart was in it, but mama would’ve really enjoyed a pro massage. Thanks for the suggestion!
I always do the gift cards. That way they can use it on diapers or what ever as they need it. Or pick up anything that they didn’t get but need.
Yes, gift cards to stores that sell baby gear are a great idea, Kandi. You’re right that many times we make registries but still wind up in need of a few items that never get purchased. Great thinking. Thank you so much for adding to the baby shower gift list.
I love all of these so, so much! These are such amazing ideas! I am definitely saving and sharing this one! Thanks so much!
Happy dancing, Chelsea! I’m so glad to hear that you a) agree with the picks and b) are sharing them with friends. Cheers to less boring baby showers everywhere!
I love anything spa related lol! I also love making inspirational jewelry and keychains for new mommas!
April, Love your blog! Wish I had found it sooner. The baby shower list is awesome. I didn’t even know there were breast feeding tank tops!? Need to get my hands on some of those : ) Thanks for sharing
So happy you found your way over, Laura. Bravado makes amazing nursing tanks that actually do keep the “ladies” supported. They do have a little cleavage going on because they’re v-cut, but I love them for sleeping and to wear under button-ups to make for discreet nursing. Hope you find more helpful info here. Take care!