13 gifts for the new moms in your life, because they deserve a little pampering
While everyone else focuses on the baby, your friend will appreciate you remembering she’s still a whole human being
My closest friend and I have been in turmoil over the last few days. No, it’s not because we’re 22 and still living in our parents’ houses — or sleeping our youth away in our childhood bedrooms. It’s because we recently found out that her cousin, also 22, is pregnant. We were shocked, wondering how she was going to deal with the hurricane of changes coming her way. The swollen feet, erratic mood swings and painful breasts, yes. But also the fact that most of her friends aren’t yet ready to be full-grown adults themselves, much less be responsible for keeping a baby alive. Were we now going to have to spend our money on gifts for new moms instead of late night sushi and more high heels we own but never wear?
“It’s to be expected that friendships will change because it’s all part of the evolution of the person,” says Beverley Andre, a licensed marriage and family therapist. But as common as this phenomenon is, losing one’s friends can still be incredibly painful. (Going through a friend breakup? We’ve got you.)
She reminds us that “there’s a lot of grace that will be needed because it’s a serious learning curve” when you’re no longer the only person allowed to wake your friend up in the middle of the night crying hysterically (or because you’re hungry).
You may feel like you have little in common now, or that your new mom friend barely makes plans with you. Maybe you simply don’t like kids. As much as you want to be there for your friend, you just don’t know how. Although nothing can measure up to your love and support — no better time to start practising diaper quick-changes — with Mother’s Day right around the corner, you’re in luck.
If you’re looking for gifts for new moms, to remind them that you have their back, we’ve hunted down products that will make their first Mother’s Day even more memorable. So whether you’re choosing for a best friend, a loved one, or a co-worker recently returned from maternity leave, the new moms in your life will thank you for these gifts.
13 thoughtful gifts for new moms in your life
Photo credit: earthygourmet.in
Cheese and Charcuterie platter by Earthy Gourmet
God bless the mamas-to-be because apparently there is a whole assortment of foods you can’t eat while pregnant — so many that you could make a full course meal if you were to club them all. But my jaw was on the floor when I found out that they can’t have soft cheeses either. That means brie, blue cheese, goat cheese – also known as the top three contributors to my personal happiness index – are off the table.
So what better gift for the new moms in your life than a collection of all the things they had to swear off for nine long months of pregnancy: soft cheese, cold cuts, and wine. This cheese platter is packed with runny cheeses and cured meats that she’s probably been missing for months. When you pair it with a bottle of her favourite wine, you’ll soon find yourself competing with the new baby for favourite person status.
Photo credit: blissclub.com
Maternity leggings by Bliss Club
You remember how you basically lived in your leggings for the entirety of 2020? That’s exactly how life feels for new moms or mamas-to-be. A pair of stretchable yet stylish pants can help them feel put together while being cosy.
These maternity leggings by Bliss Club fit the bill with their wide waistband and an over-the-belly front that will grow with their baby bump. Their versatility will fast make these leggings their favourite pair in the closet.
Photo credit: atoddlerthing.com
Wet bag by A Toddler Thing
Okay, maybe you don’t want to be thought of every time your new mom friend is cleaning her baby’s smelly diapers. But what better way to play a starring role in her memories with baby? We say the road to a new mom’s heart goes through her baby’s diapers.
With newborn babies come messes, especially big ones in the diaper bag if your baby’s digestive system has taken a turn for the worse one day. That’s why a wet bag is a gift new moms will appreciate no end. Although mainly used to store dirty cloth diapers, it can also be useful for onesies that were victims of a blowout, and wet swim diapers.
Photo credit: Tweak India
The Malabar candle by Tweak India and The Faraway Tree
It can be hard to see the light when you’ve been spending your days pumping, diaper-changing, and cleaning spit-up from your shoulder. Help the new moms in your life feel a little less stressed with our Malabar candle.
Infused with the fragrance of cardamom, sandalwood and pine, its pleasant, warm aroma is as comforting as a cup of elaichi chai on a rainy day. The soothing scent will not only help calm their morning sickness but also transport them to the memory of that trip they took to the mountains, essential for their sustenance now. A little self-care can help a new mom feel more like a human, and less like a life-support machine for her infant.
Photo credit: meesho.com
Multipurpose pregnancy pillow by Meesho
Everyone knows sleep is a luxury when you have a newborn, but sleep-deprivation problems can start as early as in one’s pregnancy. That’s why some pregnant women rave about supportive pregnancy pillows, which are meant to relieve hip and backaches, promote circulation, and prevent them from rolling on their tummies.
The new moms in your life will swear by this multipurpose pregnancy pillow that will not only let them have a restful sleep, but also help to prop up their little one while breastfeeding.
Photo credit: amazon.com
Pregnancy safe red hair colour by Light Mountain
Rihanna has redefined pregnancy style, so much so that nothing is off-limits anymore. So if the new mom you know is a trend-setter, or has a penchant for donning different hair colours, she will appreciate you gifting her this pregnancy safe hair colour by Light Mountain.
Certified organic, cruelty-free, and formulated with henna powder, this red will give your hair a refreshing oomph. And what with redheads having their moment in the sun, this colour is the perfect option for new moms to flaunt a new look during pregnancy.
And it’s perfectly fine if you want to get one for yourself now too.
Photo credit: desertcart.in
Postpartum recovery essentials kit by Frida Mom
Many new moms are in for a surprise post-partum — and not the good kind. Help in their recovery by gifting them this handy kit containing disposable postpartum underwear, quick ice maxi pads, perineal cooling pad liners, and perineal healing foam, all of which are conveniently kept in a toilet-top storage caddy.
For people who have had difficult births or who underwent tears and haemorrhoids, the cooling pad liners are a godsend. You may not want it but your new mom friend and her perineum shall forever be grateful to you for this service.
Photo credit: mymuse.in
Date Night Kit by My Muse
It is no secret that reviving your sex life after giving birth can prove to be harder than kickstarting that scooter your father has had since the 90s. This date night kit by My Muse will help the new moms in your life get in touch with their sexy inner self once again.
Featuring a suction massager, eye mask, and a fun intimate card game, this dream team is exactly what new moms need to set the mood for some alone time with that special someone. And the eye mask will help them get some much-needed R&R after their strenuous activities. *wink wink, nudge nudge*
Photo credit: amazon.in
There Are Moms Way Worse Than You: Irrefutable Proof That You Are Indeed a Fantastic Parent by Glenn Boozan
All moms suffer from a syndrome that makes them believe they are the worst moms in the world. Especially new moms, who fret constantly over their baby’s eating, sleeping, pooping, and breathing habits. Gifting this book to the new moms in your life is the equivalent of a warm hug that tells them they’re not alone and you see their hard work. Plus, it helps to reassure them that no mom, not even the ones with animal instinct on their side, know what the hell they’re doing.
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This book provides practical and essential information in a lighthearted manner that will keep new parents smiling even on the most trying days. Right now, they’re probably receiving a great deal of unsolicited mommy advice. Why not shake it up a little?
Photo credit: ibhejo.com
The sleep miracle sound machine by Baby Shusher
The baby shusher is the gift that keeps on giving. It will put not just their baby to sleep, but also the tired new moms who have barely had any shut-eye in weeks.
The machine is a true wonder that perfectly imitates a verbal shhh and is great for calming down an overtired infant during nap time. You can programme it at 30- to 60-minute intervals to assist your baby to sleep or settle down during a tantrum.
Photo credit: ubuy.co.in
Microwavable slippers by Tavenly
Pregnancy and swollen feet go together like pav and bhaaji, except this combination is far less enjoyable. So, believe us when we say these microwavable slippers by Tavenly will be a blessing for the new moms in your life.
Even postpartum, these heated slippers will give their tired feet a well-deserved break every once in a while.
Photo credit: getuscart.com
Feminine cleansing and moisturising wipes by Cora
Even if the new mom you know is the cleanest clean freak of them all, chances are it’s been a while that they’ve stood under the warm current of water in their shower. These cleansing and moisturising wipes by Cora will come to their rescue.
Subtly scented with coconut oil and lavender, they’re exactly what new moms need to freshen up in between those rare showers — especially when they have somewhere important to be.
Experimenting with babies: 50 science projects you can perform on your kids by Shaun Gallagher
Even for a doting new mom, there’s only so many times you can stare at your baby’s angelic face before wondering how (if) their brain works or how they process information, especially after spending all that time with them.
If the new mom you know is going a little stir-crazy stuck with the baby in the house, devoid of adult conversations and jokes, this book will keep her engaged while shedding light on how her kiddo is acquiring new skills.
These easy, surprising tasks will help them experience the world through the eyes of their baby, whether they are a newborn, a few months old, or a toddler.
Well, now that you have the new mom of your group covered, what about the mom friend? The mother hen who’s made it her business to take care of you, whether it’s chasing away your snooty college boyfriend or holding your hair back when your ill-advised vodka shots are going down the toilet bowl. Remember how she always seems to have an endless supply of band-aids in her purse, which miraculously never look like they’ve been living with the rest of the bag gunk for centuries? Your mom friend will love you for gifting her a pack of these Shakespearean insult bandages. Just the thing she needs when the heels she told you not to wear on a crazy night out have ended up giving you a blister.
