Maternity Gifts: 10 Presents for the Expecting and New Mom

When a mother-to-be goes on maternity leave, it is not just a big thing – it is a huge thing! Her pregnant body is tired, her back aches, and the thought of a well-deserved break has never felt more needed. So maternity leave should of course be celebrated – and that calls for gifts that truly pamper mum.

We have gathered the best maternity gifts you can give, either before the baby arrives or just after. These are gifts that will not only make mum smile, but also make a real difference in her everyday life.

Gifts before baby arrives

1. Pregnancy bola

A pregnancy bola is a symbolic piece of jewellery with a very special meaning. The bola consists of a hollow sphere that gives off a gentle, soothing chime, and it is worn on a long chain so it rests on the belly. The baby can actually sense the sound in the womb from around week 18, and after birth the sound of the bola will feel safe and familiar to the child. It is both a truly beautiful piece of jewellery and a symbolic bond between mother and baby that lasts after birth. A gift full of love that she will love to wear.

See our selection of bolas here

2. Massage oil or belly cream

Every pregnant woman deserves a little pampering – and what is better than a lovely massage? With a beautiful massage oil you can give her a wonderful massage, and she can enjoy it every day as part of her own little self-care ritual. Rubbing the belly with a good oil can often bring a lot of relief from things like itching, the feeling of tight skin and stretch-mark prevention.

A lovely unscented massage oil with almond and jojoba oil, such as Honest Oil from The Weeks, is a small gift that can actually make a big difference.

If she really deserves pampering, we warmly recommend Ilado’s wonderful, organic Mama Oil. In addition to being dermatologically tested to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, it also has the most luxurious (but not overpowering) scent with gentle notes of vanilla, orange blossom and rose. 

If she prefers cream to oil, she will be incredibly happy with Miracle Balm from Ilado. So lovely, organic, beautifully scented (like the oil) and beautifully wrapped.

3. Maternity bracelet

A bracelet that represents the nine months of pregnancy with stones that radiate love and protection? Such a thoughtful gift. This bracelet is not only a piece of jewellery, but a symbol of the special journey mum is on. Perfect for the mother-to-be who wants a memory of this time – and something beautiful to wear at the same time.

4. A complete postpartum package

What about mum when her body needs to heal after birth? A complete postpartum package is one of the loveliest and most caring gifts you can give. At Homeborn, we have put together 3 different packages depending on your needs and budget. The package contains things that make a big difference in the first days and weeks, including a peri bottle for intimate hygiene and relief, soft postpartum underwear and soothing spray for the intimate area. See everything for loving care of her postpartum body here.

5. Pain-relieving contraction balls

Pregnancy can lead to sore muscles, and contractions can be very painful. Most mothers-to-be fear the pain of birth. This is where the beautiful wooden contraction balls come to the rescue. By squeezing a ball in each hand during a contraction, the pain signals are distracted, and the balls distribute the pressure evenly without hurting the hands. They are also ideal for massage that stimulates blood flow before and after birth. You will find them here.

6. Pregnancy massage or rebozo massage

If you really want to pamper her, send her off for a professional massage. A pregnancy massage is a luxurious way to release tension and find a little calm in the body. Rebozo massage with a shawl is also a wonderful gift – especially for someone who would like to try something different. She will love you for it!

7. Pregnancy photography

The time as pregnant passes quickly (even if it does not always feel that way!), and what could be better than preserving the baby bump with a beautiful photo session? Give a pregnancy photoshoot as a gift so she can have some wonderful pictures to look back on. A gift that lasts forever.

8. Gift card for a course

Another thoughtful gift is a gift card for a course that can prepare mum for motherhood. For example, a breastfeeding course, which can be a great help for many women who experience challenges with breastfeeding. If she is interested in carrying her child in a wrap or sling, a babywearing course is a sure way to get off to a good start. A practical and caring gift that shows you are thinking of her.

9. Maternity wear

Comfort is the key word here. A good piece of maternity wear such as soft leggings or pregnancy shorts is guaranteed to be a hit. Maybe her belly feels heavy and her back is sore? Then a pregnancy support band is a welcome gift that relieves the back. It is something mum can use every day and feel good in – and it does not have to compromise on style! See our selection of clothes for the new mum here.

10. Experience gifts

It can be hard to get out and experience things once the baby has arrived, so give mum an experience while she still has the chance. Take her to the cinema, a museum or a concert – something that gives her a break from everyday life and a little time to enjoy.

Gifts after baby arrives

1. Wrap and ring sling

When the baby has finally arrived, there is no gift as practical as a good (and beautiful!) wrap or sling. With a wrap, baby can be close to mum while she has her hands free – worth its weight in gold when she needs to multitask. There are both stretchy and woven wraps, and both can be used from birth. A ring sling is also easy to use, and baby will love being close to mum or dad while they still get things done. We love babywearing at Homeborn, and it is one of our specialties. You will find our selection here. 

2. Maternity bracelet

The maternity bracelet with 9 stones, each symbolising one month of pregnancy, is of course also a perfect gift after birth. It is a gift that keeps reminding mum of the love and strength she has – and it can also become a symbol of her new role as a mother. 

3. Package with care products for her body after birth

After birth, the body needs extra love. Give a package filled with postpartum care products, soft underwear and a peri bottle for the first toilet visits. It may sound a little practical, but trust me, it is a gift that will be appreciated more than you think. Take a look at the lovely products from The Weeks, and possibly add a peri bottle, postpartum pads and a pair of comfortable underwear.

4. Washable nursing pads

Nursing pads are a must for most new mothers, but reusable pads are both better for the environment and much softer against the skin. They can be washed and used again and again, so mum does not have to worry about running out – and that is really practical in the middle of the night. We stock several different kinds here at Homeborn. The ones with silk are truly lovely!

5. Ready meals or gift cards for meal boxes

When baby is here, there is not much time for cooking. That is why ready meals for the freezer or meal boxes are a brilliant gift that saves time and energy. Mum (and dad) will love being able to put food on the table without having to lift a finger in the kitchen. Food is always a good gift!

6. Lots of snacks!

Let us not forget snacks. After birth, mum needs lots of energy, and snacks are one of the best ways to get it. Give her a gift basket filled with chocolate, nuts, lemon cake or a lovely tea that supports breastfeeding – whatever can give her a boost during the day (or night!).

7. Gift card for a baby class

When baby is born, the days can quickly start blending together. A gift card for a baby class – such as baby swimming or tumbling time – is a wonderful gift that gives mum and baby the chance to get out and do something fun together.

8. Relaxing aromatherapy

When you are dealing with lots of smelly nappies during the day, a little fragrant pampering is always welcome. A scented candle or a diffuser with lovely scents from essential oils such as lavender and sweet orange can give the home a relaxing atmosphere and help both mum and baby find calm.

9. Photoshoot with baby

Capture the first moments with baby through a professional photo session. Give a gift that creates memories for life – a photoshoot with mum and baby that she can look back on with joy.

10. Soft and comfortable clothes

Last but not least – a gift that will truly make a difference in everyday life. Soft and comfortable clothes that mum can relax in at home are always a safe winner. Nursing-friendly clothes are especially worth their weight in gold when you have just become a mother, and things need to be both practical and comfortable. It is a gift that shows you are thinking about her comfort while she navigates her new life as a mother.

See our selection of nursing-friendly clothes here

Conclusion:

Choosing a gift for a mother-to-be or new mother is about finding something that makes a difference. Whether it is something practical that makes everyday life easier, or a personal gift that shows you are thinking of her, any of these gifts will be received with great gratitude. Pamper mum – she deserves it!