31 Practical and Useful Best Gifts for New Moms -

Avoid gimmicky presents and gift something meaningful. These 31 gifts for new moms are useful, practical, and show that you care. You can’t go wrong with them.

Finding the perfect gift for a new mom can be overwhelming. So many items get advertised as the perfect gift for baby showers that it can be hard to choose what to gift. But what if we told you that, sometimes, a well-meaning gift can become a hassle for already stressed-out moms? (Fun, gimmicky giant teddy bear, anyone?)

We want to help you avoid that, which is why we put together this guide. In it, you’ll find 31 awesome gifts for new moms that are practical and will get a lot of use. From pampering treats for the new mama to smart long-term splurges for the baby, we’ve got you covered.

1. Beauty Kits

A beauty set goes a long way in helping new moms relax. They’re perfect for self-care quality time, no matter how little there is of it. Choose a nourishing, moisturizing cream, a luscious hair mask, and a few refreshing face masks you think they’ll like. The new mom will surely love it.

2. Bath Salts

Bath salts are also a great gift and a must-have addition to the mom self-care ritual. It will help your friend relax better when she gets a little time away from the baby. Calming, soothing baths that smell nice, what could be better? (Maybe a little sleep, but we won’t count that).

3. Wellness and Pampering Gift Cards

A new mom needs her me-time too, so you could give her a wellness gift card. Plenty of spas do special deals for pampering new moms. From acupuncture to a long, relaxing spa day, there is a lot for you to choose from. Even better, offer to also look after their little one while they’re off being pampered.

4. Squishy Robe

A squishy robe is the perfect middle ground between comfort and utility—and a great gift for new moms. Pick something that is cozy, has super soft feel, and has pockets. Robes are great to throw over pajamas or to slip into after a relaxing shower or bath.

5. Nursing Bras

If you’re very close to the new mom, you could also gift them a couple of soft nursing bras made of natural fibers. These come in handy if your friend is nursing, as they will give the baby easy access to the nipple. Just make sure to get the best sizing and fit right—or include a receipt so they can exchange the pieces.

6. Cute Lounging Clothes

Lounging clothes are everything most new moms want to wear for the first few weeks (and maybe even months). So why not gift the new mom in your life a cute soft set that is also comfortable? You can choose anything they might like, from leggings, t-shirts, cozy knitwear, and pajamas—or go for a bundle and package them all together.

7. Comfortable Shoes

New moms are on their feet all day, so investing in a pair of comfortable shoes is a must. Whether they’re slippers or ultra-comfortable sandals, we’re sure the new mom will love them.

8. Husband Pillow

Once you get past its weird name (no, no one is trying to replace the new dad), husband pillows are awesome gifts. These soft pillows give moms great lumbar support (and let’s be honest, most moms need it) for when they’re laying back in bed or sitting on the couch trying to sleep comfortably during the day.

9. Back and Neck Massager

Likewise, a back and neck massager is a great help for any tired new mom (and we’re pretty sure she will like this gift). These gadgets do an incredible job of relieving pain and boosting any mom’s comfort levels—especially after a long day of carrying the baby around the home.

10. Weighted Blanket

Rest time is precious, and sometimes too hard to come by. So when a new mother can kick back and relax, they have to get the most out of it. A soft weighted blanket helps with just that. It makes them fall into a deep sleep quickly.

11. Sound Machine

Sound machines help, too, and they’re the gift that keeps on giving. With these gadgets, getting into a deep sleep is a breeze, even for a new parent with insomnia. Plus, they can be used for years and years to come to bring on a good night’s sleep.

12. An Entertainment Subscription Plan

For the new moms who don’t want to stay out of the (cultural) loop, entertainment subscription plans are great. There are dozens for you to choose from, and most are pretty affordable. You can gift access to thrilling audiobooks, exciting tv-shows, and award-winning tear-jerkers—they all make awesome gifts. With so many hours of entertainment, late-night feedings get easier, right?

13. Convenient, Healthy Ready Meals

Most moms do a fantastic job of keeping their babies well fed, but they could use a little help in the whole feeding-themselves-with-nourishing-food department. Why not give them a little help by gifting them a bunch of easy, ready-made meals? You could stock up at the grocery store or, if you like to cook, you can put in the time and love to prepare and freeze them yourself. Future-new-mom will be grateful.

14. Restaurant Gift Cards

Restaurant gift cards are another good alternative. Pick their favorite chain (or their favorite local gem) and purchase a gift card for her to get future filling meals.

15. Stash of Treats

Along the same line, you could also prep a care box and stuff it with their favorite treats. The snacks will keep her going when she most needs it.

16. Temperature-Control Mug

If your friend is a big tea or coffee lover, these mugs are a must-have. They keep her drink at the perfect serving temperature so she can finish her beverage at her own pace. Pro tip: make sure to get one that’s suited for travel, she’ll love it.

Useful Gift Ideas for the New Baby

You can also spoil the mama by spoiling the baby. We’ve included baby gifts at every price range, so you’re sure to find something that fits your budget.

17. Childhood Memory Book

One of the best baby gifts for new moms is a childhood photo and memory book. She can register every single one of her favorite moments with the baby, as well as every milestone they hit. In the future, she can look back at the photo collection and cherish the baby’s journey.

18. Crib or Bassinet

A bassinets and a crib are excellent baby shower gifts, if you know how to pick them. Choose something that will be comfortable and safe for the baby to sleep in but will also fit with the parents’ room design.

19. Stroller

Strollers can also be pricey, but they’re essential. If you can afford it, pick a sleek model that’s easy to set up and comfortable for the baby to sleep in (emphasis on easy to set up).

20. Car Seat

The baby will always need a car seat, so it’s a worthwhile investment. Choose one that is easy to install, extremely safe, and that can be adjusted to the growing baby.

21. Changing Table

Of course, a changing table is key for babies. Nowadays, they come in every shape and format, so you can pick one that fits perfectly with the new parents’ aesthetics.

23. Diaper Bag (and a Stash of Diapers)

Since we’re on the subject of pee and poop, getting the new mom a practical diaper bag is a good idea. Make sure the model you buy has lots of pockets for maximum organization. Moreover, if you know the parents’ preference for diapers (disposable or machine-washable cloth?), you can also throw in a few. Bonus points if you also include diaper rash cream.

22. Baby Monitor

Baby monitors nowadays come with all kinds of advanced features. Not only do they stream image and sound, but they also tell moms what their baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels are while they sleep. Plus, you can also know at a glance what the temperature and humidity levels look like. All this is delivered to the mom’s smartphone. Now can you tell why this makes one of the best gifts for new moms?

24. Baby Sling or Cradle

Baby slings and cradles are perfect ways to keep the baby close hands-free. It lets moms get other things done (such as cleaning or cooking) while knowing their little bundle of joy is okay. Plus, this kind of baby carrier is great for mom-and-baby bonding time.

25. High Chair and Eating Mat

Making a baby eat can be tough, but if you have the right tools it gets a lot easier. A high chair and an easy-to-clean eating mat makes meal times more manageable.

26. A College Savings Plan

It might seem silly now, but once you look at how much college costs per child, it will make total sense. Setting up a college savings plan is a great way of setting up your new baby for success in the future. Most accounts are easy to open and easy to keep. Plus, thanks to platforms such as Upromise, the new mom can even reap some cash-back and gift card rewards as she saves.

Even More Ideas for Gifts for the Home

The next five gifts fit neatly into any new mom’s home and can make their life a whole lot easier.

27. Convenient Pressure Cooker

For the moms who love to cook but don’t have the time for elaborate dishes, a convenient pressure cooker is a right match. Throw in the ingredients, tinker with the settings, and you’ll have a delicious one-pot meal ready with barely any effort. Pastas, rice dishes, soups, stews—moms can cook this and much more with this kitchen appliance.

28. Breast Pump

Breast pumps are especially helpful for when new moms go back to work. They can leave their little one their meals and rest assured they’ll be well fed. There are great manual and electric models made from all kinds of materials, so it’s all up to the mom to decide and let you know what she prefers.

29. Bottle Warmer

Whether the new mom’s breastfeeding or using formula, they can always use having a bottle warmer. Feeding a disgruntled baby who won’t stop crying will be made easier, we promise.

30. Baby Food Maker

New moms who have a lot of counter space and want a quick way of preparing their child’s first solid meals will love getting a baby food maker. These kitchen appliances work as steamers and blenders at the same time. Since they’re so easy to use (and incredibly intuitive), they make the transition to solid foods more seamless for the little one and the mama.

31. Smart, Wireless Vacuum

Lastly, we couldn’t not mention smart vacuums. They’re all the rage now, for obvious reasons. They keep the floors clean every day without any effort on the mom’s part, which is crucial since babies spend so much time on the floor playing and crawling. Who wants to clean the floors and take care of a baby at the same time?

How to Pick Out the Best Gift for a New Mom?

All these items make great gifts, but which one you choose is up to you. Here are a few pointers to help you make the best choice:

Think of the mom’s lifestyle before buying a gift. For example, if the parents don’t have a car, buying a car seat would be a waste.
Ask parents what they need. You should always ask the new dad and mama what they want or need as gifts. It’s a fool-proof way of getting them something they will actually use for a long time. If they don’t show a preference for anything in particular, you’re free to choose whatever you like.
Keep it practical and useful. The best gifts are those that will get a lot of wear. A onesie that fits for a month might not be the best gift, whereas an easy-to-clean bottle warmer that will be used several times a day every day is.

If you want to spring for baby clothes (they’re so cute they’re hard to resist), consider a more coveted, high-end brand like L’ovedbaby, Lulu + Roo, Mini Boden, or Hanna Andersson. While these brands are spendy, new moms will appreciate the splurge. You can always find good deals, and Hanna Andersson promo codes are especially plentiful.

31 Practical and Useful Best Gifts for New Moms