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If anything positive came out of 2021, it was all the babies born in quarantine. So many women became mamas or are expecting this year, and if you clicked on this article, it’s probably because there’s a new mom on your shopping list this holiday season (and you’re drawing a blank on what to gift them!). Welcome -- you’ve come to the right place.
The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping gifts for new moms is this: You’re buying for mom, not for baby. While I’m sure she’d more than appreciate an extra breast pump or white noise machine so both mama and newborn can get some sleep, view the holidays as an opportunity to spoil mom separately from her chip, with gifts that pamper and support her in this chapter of life. Our advice? Draw inspiration from her interests and likes, and if you’re still drawing a blank, we’ve rounded up some of our best gift ideas below.
Farmaesthetics New & Nursing Mothers Set, $59
Whether she’s expecting or going through the ups and downs of postpartum, Farmaesthetics is here to make sure the new mama on your list feels her best. The New & Nursing Mothers Set consists of 100% natural, clean, green, non-toxic self-care essentials to spoil mom, including the brand’s Deep Lavender Rub, Lemon Balm Remedy Oil, Nourishing Herbal Cream, Nourishing Lavender Milk, Hand to Heel Softening Salve, and Solar Salt Mineral Bath in Field Lavender. It’s a gorgeous gift set that radiates calm (something she’s undoubtedly craving). Thanks to you, her bathroom shelf will be lined with little luxuries she can indulge in when she needs them most.
Smash + Tess The Cozy Friday Romper, $129
Piecing together a cute outfit for the day becomes less of a priority when all your energy is focused on navigating life with a newborn. That’s where this cozy romper from Smash + Tess comes in. The one-and-done ensemble can be dressed up or down, depending on the day’s vibe and itinerary, but it’s an especially great option for moms that want to feel comfortable and, more importantly, comforted. Made with a sustainable blend of rayon derived from bamboo and cotton, and available in sizes 3XS to 4X, this one-piece will keep the new mom on your list warm and snug. (We have a feeling cuddly babies will love it, too!)
Rael Period Essentials Set, $26
Pregnancy has an effect on a woman’s period, and it’s not always smooth sailing when Mother Nature returns after a 9-month (plus)-long hiatus. The Rael Period Essentials Set can help her cope. A personal favorite of this writer, Rael’s products are organic, cruelty- and chemical-free, and a 100% holistic way to support the menstrual cycle. The set includes regular pads, feminine wipes, and a feminine wash, plus the brand’s heating patches that have been infused with lemon balm, juniper berry, jasmine, dandelion root, and rosehip to relax the pelvic muscles and promote a healthy blood flow.
Ingrid & Isabella Mama Sweatshirt, $78
How sweet is this “Mama” sweatshirt from Ingrid & Isabella? The maternity brand offers a wide variety of motherly must-haves (from nursing bras and underwear to belly bands and breast pumps), but we especially love this cozy pullover that moms can wear proudly during and after pregnancy. Plus, it also comes in miniature sizes (from 0-6 months all the way up to 4T), so she and her little one can match.
Hu Kitchen Small Chocolate Gift Box, $40
If the new mom on your list just happens to be a chocoholic, a box of Hu Kitchen is sure to curb her ravenous pregnancy cravings. Unlike other candy bars on the block riddled with additives that taste good but aren’t great for your body, Hu bars offer the best taste and ingredients (think organic cacao, unrefined organic coconut sugar, and organic fair-trade cocoa butter) in each and every bite. Ergo, give her the gift of guilt-free indulgence with this small box of the brand’s simple and salty flavors. Her tastebuds will thank you.
Rakuten Kobo Libra H2O, $169.99
E-readers are a bookworm’s best friend, especially if said bookworm now has an infant attached to its hip at all times. The Rakuten Kobo Libra H2O boasts a 7-inch, glare-free HD screen, and easy-to-use page-turner buttons, making it the perfect alternative to hardcovers for avid readers who’d like nothing more than to get a few pages in at nap time or during feedings.
Helen Ficalora Letter Name Chain Necklace, $250
For the new mom on your list who loves fine jewelry, a gorgeous letter necklace by Helen Ficalora would make a stunning addition to any collection. Choose between four lengths (15, 16, 17, or 18-inch) and the number of letters you’d like included to customize your gift. Whether you spell out their pride and joy’s name or stick with initials, the accessory makes for a beautiful keepsake the sentimental mama in your life will cherish for years to come.
Pluto Pillow, From $95
Sleep? What’s that? To new moms, a fantasy at best, but you can give them the gift of a good night’s (err - few hours) rest with the Pluto Pillow. Once your recipient receives their gift voucher (via email or snail mail), they’ll log on to plutopillow.com, redeem their gift, and fill out a questionnaire. The data they input into the system will help the Pluto team design the perfect pillow for their specific needs and in just seven days’ time, they’ll be snoozing so well, they won’t even need that full eight hours.
The Moon Cycle Bakery Cookbook, $18.95
Penned by a new mama herself, MCB founder Devon Loftus teamed up with nutritionist Jenna Radomski on this stunning cookbook to offer and educate menstruators on the best recipes for each phase of their cycle. It’s the perfect resource for new moms and moms-to-be to honor their bodies with nutrient-rich, hormone-supporting, and highly delicious food from sweets to savory dishes and so many snacks. Plus, it makes for a beautiful addition to any cookbook collection — one your lucky recipient will love to have on display in her kitchen.
Béis Baby The Diaper Bag Backpack, $138
Just because she’s trading in her favorite purse for a diaper bag doesn’t mean she has to sacrifice her style. Case in point: This diaper bag backpack from actress and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell’s luggage brand, Béis. The sleek tote-and-backpack in one comes well-stocked with everything you need for a successful diaper change, including a changing pad with a diaper and baby wipes pocket, an odor-proof pouch, teething ring, and pacifier pouch. It’s functional, fashionable, and travel-friendly — the perfect gift for new moms on the go.
Artist of Life Workbook, $38
Life looks a little different with a baby in tow. If the new mom on your list is feeling the chaos, this guided journal by Lavendaire can help instill a sense of calm. The undated planner is filled with guided pages that feature prompts and encouraging quotes. For anyone who values self-reflection and goal-setting, this brilliant notebook is a gem.
Paper Culture Hardcover Layflat Editorial Baby Photo Album, from $39.99
Mother’s know it best: Time is of the essence, so if you can capture precious moments on film and put them in a book parents can go back to and revisit, can look back fondly on, that’s a gift worth giving. Paper Culture’s editorial-style album compiles snapshots and creates memory books that will take your recipient’s breath away. If you’re leaning towards a sentimental gift, this one’s a winner.
Seven Grams Caffe Cookies & Coffee Deluxe Gift Box, $84
Mom life, at least in the beginning, puts frequent trips to the coffee shop on pause. Luckily, Seven Grams Caffe can bring the coffee shop experience to the new mom on your list by way of its gorgeous gift boxes. The New York-based independent roaster and bakery bakes each online order fresh, which means mom can enjoy Seven Grams ooey-gooey and ultra-chocolatey Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh out of the oven, but in the comfort of their own home. The gift box comes stocked with six treats and a 12oz bag of our Nicaragua Single Origin coffee beans, plus an embossed reusable tumbler to keep her cup warm (since you know she’ll most likely have to set it down a few times before she finishes).
Bearaby Hugger Weighted Blanket, $399
At the end of a long day, new moms simultaneously want to be held, but also don’t want to be touched by another human. The solution? A cozy weighted blanket that can wrap her up and give her that physical, soothing support she craves. This one from Bearaby comes in two soothing colorways (Moonstone and Asteroid) and weighs 35lbs. It’s made from cotton and is spot-treatable with warm water and soap, making things even easier for mom.
mint&lily Mama Bear & Her Baby Bears Engraved Personalizable Cuff Bracelet, $60
How precious is this cuff bracelet from mint&lily? Engraved with a mama bear and her cub or cubs, this is a sweet gift for new moms who adore jewelry with a personal touch. Available in three finishes — gold, rose gold, and silver — we have no doubt she’ll wear this accessory with every ensemble (after all, it goes with everything)!
LUSH Christmas Bathtime Favorites Gift Set, $84.95
For the mom who values a nice, long soak in the tub, LUSH has the gift set she’s dreaming of. Packaged in a festive (and reusable) hat box are 10 limited-edition holiday bath bombs to make “me-time” a little more indulgent. From a buttery, bear-shaped bomb to its citrusy-sweet scented “Shoot For The Stars” fizzer, we guarantee these Christmas-themed goodies will make mom’s sacred bathtime that much more merry and bright.
Laithwaite’s 24 Days of Surprise & Delight The World of Wine Advent Calendar, $139.99
An advent calendar adorned with 24 days worth of wine? Cheers to that! For the mama who swore of spirits for nine long months, ‘tis the season to start sipping on the good stuff, again. Laithwaite’s 2021 tree-shaped countdown was designed by artist Cassandre Montoriol and comes stacked witn 24 mini bottles of booze. Each bottle is unique (that’s to say, there are no repeats) and the set serves up a little bit of everything she’s been missing — reds, whites, a little rosé, and some bubbly, too.
The DB Method Machine, $249
If her doctor has given her the green light to get back to exercising, but she isn’t ready to head back to the gym just yet, enter the DB Method. This writer can attest to the method’s magic; it’s a squat machine that’s, well, more than a squat machine. Because it aligns to take pressure off the knees and back, it’s easy on the joints and helps to not only shape the booty, but also strengthen the glutes and core. And considering her space might be a little tight these days thanks in large to baby toys and playpens, the machine folds up nice and compactly, so she can stash it under the bed or in a closet when not in use.
TKEES Ines Shearling, $150
Moms are constantly on their feet, and with the warm weather months just within reach, her souls could use some pampering, too. TKEES new Ines Shearling flats are the ultimate house slipper. While the slides are stylish enough to wear out, the new mom on your list won’t want to take them off indoors, either, thanks to the 100% shearling insole that will keep her feet nice and toasty. Available in four colors and sizes five through 11, the shoes run small, so if you’re in between sizes, rounding up is recommended.
Twig+Petal Expecting Kit, $89
When it comes to essential oils, Twig+Petal’s Expecting Kit comes well-stocked with everything the new mom on your list needs during pregnancy, as well as postpartum. The set includes an Expecting Multi-Purpose Oil, Expecting Roller, Deep Relaxation Bath Salts, Headache Relief Roller, and Stretch Mark Body Butter, covering all the necessary bases. It’s the perfect bundle of relaxation tools to help mom feel supported and comforted before and when baby arrives.
Any of these thoughtful items would make the perfect gift for the new mom on your list. ‘Tis the season to be spoiled, and moms deserve it most, after all.
