30 New Mom Gifts That She’ll Actually Want—According to a Pregnant First Time Mom To-Be

Delicious Cookies, Delivered

As someone who loves to bake (and then eat the baked goods), I know I’ll want some cookies around to nosh on—without having to lift a finger or go to the store for some. Plus, there’s just something special about freshly baked cookies, which is what you can get from 1-800 Flowers, along with gorgeous flowers and other gift baskets. Cheryl’s Buttercream Cookie Box has 12 cookies for just $35, and 1-800 Flowers even offers same-day delivery for some locations. And honestly, send her a bouquet while you’re at it—you can never go wrong with some beautiful blooms.

Tip: Use SAVETWENTY and get 20 percent off your order!

A Delicious New Candle

I’m a sucker for candles. I really am. Whether I’m working, or winding down for the day, I must light one of my 10,000 candles, otherwise I don’t really know what to do with myself. This is especially true when I’m feeling frazzled—an emotion I anticipate a lot of when I welcome Baby M. Candles won’t fix all my problems, but they sure make me *feel* better. Plus, a candle is one of those “can’t go wrong” gifts, and this three-wick one from Bath & Body Works smells like a raspberry parfait and instantly fills the room with its glorious, delicious scent. I highly recommend! 

An Easy Espresso Machine

Most likely, a mom in your life is still running on endless cups of coffee. If you’re looking for a gift to give this season, snag this Nespresso that makes having a cup of coffee a breeze in the mornings. The Vertuo coffee and espresso machine uses pods from the brand and has an ample selection of flavors to also gift. The machine also includes the milk frother, which completes any latte or drink.

A Subtle “Mom” Necklace

Are they cheesy? Maybe. But I know I’ll want a necklace with my baby’s initials or birthstone, and wearing it around my neck every day will bring me infinite joy. This Oak and Luna necklace lets you pick their zodiac sign, color of heart (red or black), initial, and length of necklace, so you end up with this customized, stunning necklace that captures your little one’s identity on a chain. Choose between sterling silver, 18K gold vermeil, 14k solid gold, and a diamond if you want.

A Smart Cup That Cups Drinks Warm for Hours

Most new moms are 20 percent coffee at any given time, but having to put their cups down for diaper changes, feeds and calming baby means they might be holding a lukewarm unfinished cup two hours later. The Ember mug keeps java at a perfect preselected temperature for up to 1.5 hours — without being plugged in.

An Effective Hair Growth Supplement

Post-pregnancy, hair may shed—and that’s totally normal. But it may make her feel a certain way (I know I’m already adding these to my cart preemptively), so a few months’ supply of Nutrafol’s Postpartum hair growth supplement makes for a good, practical gift. Many people swear by Nutrafol, seeing growth within three months of use (you just have to make sure to use it regularly). And it’s breastfeeding-friendly, which is key.

A Beautiful Diaper Bag

I’m going to add two types of bags to this list: An actually chic diaper bag that she can wear and not feel like a human cow, and a regular bag that will make her feel like sexy lady with the cool bag that she is. Both are great, and I have them and find them absolutely essential. This Dagne Dover diaper tote is something I actually have been using as a work bag as I wait for my little one to arrive, so I know it’s multifunctional, and it’s glorious. Spacious and convenient, this smart diaper bag has extra zipper openings for quick access, extra pouches, and comes with a mini changing mat for poopy diaper situations. And the extra wide handle option makes carrying it around not a painful experience for my shoulders. 

A Sleek, Quiet Luxury (Non-Diaper) Bag

And this is Option 2: A large-enough tote bag that will hold all her crap and baby’s (sometimes literally, sorry) but is still beautiful enough to wear out and about (like work, brunch, etc.). I personally love Cuyuna’s “quiet luxury” leather tote bags that are known for their craftsmanship and design. Choose from nine colorways, three sizes, and whether or not you want a zipper enclosure. 

A Rejuvenating Skincare Set

I’ve sworn by Sunday Riley’s Ceramic Slip cleanser to keep my finicky pregnancy skin clear and bright, and I’ll be using it postpartum, too. For a tired, washed out complexion (hello, no sleep!) Good Genes is such a good, effictive resurfacing treatment, and the Pink Drink is another great essence and firms and brightens skin. Use altogether and watch your nap-deprived skin come to life again. And it’s at a good price at QVC.

The Only Alarm Clock She’ll Ever Want to Use

I, too, was skeptical when I learned about the $200 Hatch Sunrise Alarm Clock. $200 for an alarm clock I could get from Target for like $20? Or just use…my phone? For free? Excuse me? But then I tested one for work and recently renewed the subscription with my own money because there’s no way I could go back to a regular alarm after using Hatch for a year. There’s so many cool things about it, but my favorites are using it as a white noise machine as I go to bed (so helpful now that I’m not sleeping as well), a gentle wake-up function with nature sounds like ocean waves crashing or birds chirping along with a “sunrise” alarm that supports your natural circadian rhythm, and app and app-free controls. If you’re willing to spend a bit on Mom, I pretty much promise you this will be her all-time favorite piece of sleep tech. 

A Multi-Tasking Highlighter

I love makeup that can multitask, and that’s precisely what this Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk Multi-Glow highlighter does. It’s really a highlighter-blush combo that you can use all over: Your cheeks, eyes, the bridge of your nose, collarbone—you name it. It gives you an ethereal, pinky-tan, lit-from-within shine that’s inspired by the best-selling Pillowtalk lipstick. I’ve been testing this for weeks, and just love the dewy sheen it gives my skin. Even after a night of uncomfy tossing and turning (thanks, pregnancy).

A Dry Shampoo That Fakes Wash Day

My kid isn’t even here yet, and I already dread taking showers. It’s just so time-consuming, and then it means I have to blow dry my hair, and moisturize my body, and blah blah blah. You get it. It’s exhausting. So I’ve been stretching out Wash Day by using this stuff: Amika Perk Up dry shampoo. It goes on clear (I have dark brown hair), absorbs instantly, and makes my hair look freshly-washed (while also providing me with quite a bit of volume, which I appreciate). It also smells oh-so fantastic (and it’s talc-free!). 

A Meal Delivery Gift Card

If you’re really at a loss for what to get the new mom in your life, you can never go wrong with a Doordash gift card (which you can conveniently get on Amazon). She will NOT be cooking right after giving birth, and she WILL want sushi/sandwiches/all the foods she wasn’t allowed to eat during pregnancy.

A Hair Growth Scalp Treatment

Massage the scalp with this treatment whenever you take a shower, and you’ll notice hair growth, as well as shinier, healthier strands. Hair health really does take a hit postpartum (due to hair shedding and general stress and loss of sleep), so this is like a hair reboot in a bottle.

The Best Joggers, Ever

During pregnancy and post, the idea of pants is psychotic. I’ve been living in these Cozy Earth joggers during this pregnancy (and actually way before that, if we’re being honest). Crafted from an ultra-soft viscose (from bamboo), these are perfectly fitted and have pockets. Choose from seven colors, and get yourself a matching shirt (or just wear it with your handy dandy nursing tank). 

Magnesium Lotion

I’ve been swearing by magensium supplements throughout my entire pregnancy (for muscle tension and anxiety) and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. It may not look sexy, but this bottle of Ancient Minerals magnesium lotion naturally calms achey, irritated muscles and provides all-over body relief and relaxation. It absorbs quickly and is fragrance-free!

A Professional Photo Sesh

If you know she’s been wanting a new family photoshoot, set her up with a Shoott photo session. How it works: Choose from available locations, figure out a date (booking is free—you get 30 minutes with a professional photographer free of charge), and then choose from the photos you actually love and pay for those. Prices start at just $25 a photo, so you get the most bang for your buck.

A New Water Bottle

It’s always important to keep hydrated, but it’s especially important postpartum, when she’s exhausted, losing sleep, and possibly breastfeeding. The bougier the water bottle, the more likely I’m personally going to drink from it (IDK why I am like this, but I know I’m not alone), and Stanley fits the bill. Plus, it’s insulated and leak-proof, and cute.

The “Everything” Bra

Get her an all-in-one bra: A nursing bra that she can also wear once she’s done with breastfeeding (and even during pregnancy). This best-selling bra is a huge hit, since it’s ultra adjustable (super important since the body changes reeeeeall fast during and post-pregnancy), and offers a ton of support. It’s also just really, really comfortable—so she won’t hate wearing it all the time. 

A Buffing Bar

Summer is upon us, and it’s likely the new mom in your life has been too busy, too sleep deprived, too everything to care much about how soft her skin is. This buffing bar from Soft Services is similar to a full body scrub that you’d get at a Korean spa: It buffs away all the bumps and rough, dry skin, leaving you with baby-soft skin. I use this stuff at least once every two weeks in the shower, and I’ve never had smoother upper arms. And butt. (TMI, but true.) And just saying: This new buffing bar scent (Green Banana) from Soft Services is *divine*. 

My Favorite Cuticle Oil

You don’t need to get too fancy when it comes to nail care—and a little goes a long way. I’ve been using Essie’s apricot cuticle oil since high school, and recently, the brand released a roller version which is ultra convenient. This conditioning treatment nourishes cuticles, skin, and nails, making your mani/pedi last just a bit longer. And if you can stretch out the days in between salon appointmenst for her, the happier she’ll be. 

A Luxurious Body Oil

Time for her to swap out the belly lotion for some all-over body care, and my go-to has been Mara Sea Sculpt Body Oil. Formulated with plankton and celery, it’s supposed to firm up skin while simultaneously leaving you softer and more supple (which I can attest to). It’s the perfect post-shower self-care move, and it smells wonderfully spa-like.

A Nap Dress

The “nap dress” became a thing in 2020, back when we were all quarantined at home, watching Sex & the City reruns and eating Phish Food ice cream for dinner (just me?). They’re *still* a thing, and as a mom-to-be, I love how this dress accommodates my growing bump, yet is easily something I’ll continue to wear postpartum. Hill House, the brand that kicked the whole trend off, makes the best patterns and cuts. I do recommend every human have at least one of these in their wardrobe—naps optional, but advised. 

A Fancy Shmancy Nail Polish Set

A set of luxe nail polish is the next best thing if a nail appointment is out of your price range, and Jin Soon makes the highest quality polishes that last forever, are 21-free, and come in the most delicious colors (I love this combo, but you can choose from their site if you think your giftee would like something else). 

A New Bracelet

A new mom deserves spoiling, and there is no better way to do so than with some new jewelry that makes a statement. This tennis bracelet from Baublebar is stunning and is perfect for everyday wear. Moms don’t have to worry about snagging it while doing chores or diaper changes, thanks to its smooth design.

Superfood Cookies

These “superfood” cookies have 7 grams of protein in them, giving her lasting energy (plus other yummy, healthy ingredients like dates and almonds) and providing her with a sweet tooth fix. Choose between banana bread (my favorite), cherry almond, chocolate chia, mocha chip, and pumpkin chip.

Wireless Headphones

Conventional wisdom says new moms should keep nighttime feedings dark and quiet for their babies, so to combat boredom, a good pair of wireless headphones for late-night podcasting is clutch. These are ultra-lightweight but stay put in her ear and have a great battery life and awesome sound quality.

A Throw for Lounging On the Couch

The first few weeks as a new mom are mostly spent on the couch bonding with your new baby and taking time to rest. Make sure you gift a new mom (or yourself) this cozy throw blanket that is loved by thousands of shoppers. Barefoot Dreams blankets are known for their soft textures and durable fabrics that hold up even after you wash them. They’re not only extremely plush, but the throws are also perfect for cuddling up on the couch.

A Sparkling Drink Maker

With this, she can mix up her routine with a little sparkling water and save some money on her LaCroix budget.

A Meal Subscription

New moms are so preoccupied feeding the baby that they don’t have time to feed themselves. Treat the new mom in your life to a subscription to Territory Foods. She can whip up meals that fit her lifestyle, whether she’s dairy-free, vegan or gluten-free, in just two minutes. The meals rotate weekly and seasonally, so she’ll enjoy the variety.