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The gifts for new mums that they really want, according to mums themselves.
The perfect gift for a new mother after birth will not only make her feel special and supported, but will also be useful to have to hand during those whirlwind first few weeks at home. And whilst flowers are all well and good, gifts like a baby book that they can fill with precious memories to look back on or some soothing bath products can sometimes be just the tonic.
“Finding that perfect gift for a new mother can be tricky,” says GoodtoKnow’s Family Editor Stephanie Lowe. “As a mum-of-one and friend to many a mum, useful or tasty are my main two litmus tests when choosing a gift. Always remember that the term ‘fed is best’ works for baby, and mum and dad too. Send a COOK meal box or tower of Gower Cottage Brownies and you will go down in history as THE best gift giver at this new and exciting time. Especially when feeding yourself falls to the bottom of the to-do list.”
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a host of great (and useful) gifts for new mums that have been tried and tested by our teams or directly recommended by new mums, so you know you’re in good hands if you purchase these presents.
Best gifts for new mums 2021
1. New arrival essentials gift box
There are loads of great gift boxes out there for new mums but this one was a particular hit with us thanks to its thoughtful combination of bits for the baby and helpful gifts for new mums. Items like the Natural Birthing Company Bottoms Up Spray is a tried and tested product for soothing stitches and tears plus postpartum healing while the muslins are a must-have for any new parents.
(Credit: JoJo Maman Bebe)
A soft toy, with the baby’s year of birth embroidered on it, is a lovely keepsake.
2. Bespoke baby fingerprint necklace
We always love the idea of giving a new mama a piece of jewellery to celebrate the birth of a new member of their family, but this ‘Heirloom Kit’ from CAST takes the concept to a new, unbelievably special level.
(Credit: experiencecast.com)
The Heirloom Kit includes everything you need to capture this moment in time and create a bespoke, precious piece of jewellery to treasure forever. Simply make an impression of your baby’s finger in a piece of soft putty-like wax and send it off to CAST. Their talented team will then cast a perfect replica of your design in the finest recycled silver, gold or platinum, creating a priceless memory of this special time to cherish.
VIEW AT EXPERIENCE CAST | FROM £75
3. Birthing Essentials Kit Gift Set
This gift set contains six natural products that have been developed with the help of midwives to help safely support mums though the journey of birth.
No, it’s not the most glamorous present on this list but new mums have said that they were “delighted” to receive this practical kit and used it much more than other presents they received.
(Credit: Holland and Barrett)
“The bottoms up spray completely takes away the sting after the birth. Stopped using it thinking i maybe just wasn’t sore and then the pain came thick and fast. Used the spray and away it went again so it really does work.”
VIEW AT HOLLAND & BARRETT | £49.99
4. Lavender pillow and body spray by Lush
While new mums don’t need a reason to lie down for a long and welcome nap, this natural spray made by Lush, who champion products with no nasty chemicals or toxic ingredients, is tried and tested when it comes to soothing anxious minds and stressed bodies.
“I spray Twilight before bedtime, firstly in the air then secondly over my pillow, the comforting gently sweet smell soon sends me to sleep.”
5. Baby Hand And Foot Inkless Print Kit
“Being a mother of two I know only too well how children grow up fast and you soon forget how tiny they once were. This inkless hand and footprint kit will help you remember in years to come how little they really were.”
We love the price of this simple yet fun gift for new mums that creates gorgeous little prints that in years to come will become truly priceless.
6. Spa Restore Luxury Bath Oil
Bath oil is a great gift as it’s a product you doesn’t usually buy for yourself. For new mums, a relaxing bath can help them unwind and catch their breath for a short period of time.
(Credit: White Company)
This one is perfect as it’s designed to reinvigorate and rejuvenate, blending neroli, geranium and eucalyptus.
VIEW AT THE WHITE COMPANY | £35
7. Contigo Jackson Reusable Water Bottle
Though it might not seem like a groundbreaking gift to you, a one handed water bottle is actually a perfect reminder to new mums to keep up their hydration levels.
(Credit: Amazon)
“A water bottle with a leak proof seal that you can pick up and open one handed is a game changer. You get so thirsty those first few weeks, as you are either breastfeeding or just forgetting to drink water. Plus with a little one constantly making use of one arm/hand, a bottle that you can just have lying next to you is the best!”
8. Silver Engravable Bar Dot Bracelet
“My sister-in-law gifted me a bracelet engraved with my son’s name after I gave birth. It was such a special thoughtful gift and something that I still treasure and wear years (and two more children) later!”
(Credit: Thomas Sabo)
What we love about this sterling silver bracelet is that it’s great value and great quality from Thomas Sabo. Plus the middle of the bracelet can be individually engraved with symbols, numbers or letters. So you can engrave the baby’s name, initials, date of birth and more.
9. Pamper gift hamper for new mums
Created by a mum for mums, Don’t Buy Her Flowers was started in 2014 by Steph Douglas following the birth of her children. She got eight bunches of flowers when she had her first baby and quickly realised the well-meaning bouquet soon lost its shine when you had a newborn to tend to!
(Credit: Don’t Buy Her Flowers)
Create a bespoke pampering gift for any new mum via their website, that will help the recipient relax. From pillow spray and calming tea to a facemask and a good book, you can pick whatever you think the new mum you know might want or need.
VIEW AT DON’T BUY HER FLOWERS | £8.50
10. Welcome to the World 6 piece Set
If you’re looking for a gorgeous gift for a new mum then this super cute set of impossibly soft sleepsuits, bodysuits and bibs is a pretty yet practical present.
(Credit: Mamas and Papas)
“It’s makes you feel really excited to meet your baby when you get the little clothes and they come in handy in those first months when you can never have enough baby grows for all the constant changes!”
11. aden + anais essentials Muslin Swaddle Blankets
“Getting a pack of these swaddles just before I gave birth was so useful. They were a welcome gift because I had them saved in my Amazon basket for when I could afford them and so being gifted them meant it was one less thing to get!”
We love aden + anais swaddles as they are 100% cotton muslins and their quality and size is a cut above the rest. Our go-to swaddles, these muslins also come in an array of different colours and patterns, including a cute Disney themed range.
VIEW AT ADEN + ANAIS | From £15
12. COOK new parents meal boxes
“One of the best things I received as a new mum was a week’s worth of COOK frozen meals – delicious, varied and healthy for when you have no time in that first few weeks!”
(Credit: COOK)
COOK have a whole range of meal boxes for new parents, ranging from a box of one portion meals that can be warmed up for lunch or dinner, to a whole box of meals that will last a fortnight.
13. Baby Memory Book
A memory book is a lovely gift for any new parent, because while they’ve probably stocked up on all the essentials and must haves for looking after a newborn, they might have forgotten to buy some of the less necessary things – like a baby book!
(Credit: Not On The Highstreet)
We like this one for its simplistic yet stylish design and the guided journal with prompts inside – ideal for helping you write down the details when baby brain might have you forgetting some moments.
14. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Masks
Having a baby is exhausting work, so beauty and skincare products are thoughtful gifts that are bound to be appreciated by new mums when they don’t have time to think about it themselves.
The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Masks use hydrating properties to renew tired eyes in just 10 minutes. They come in a four pack and after being tried and tested we felt the skin under our eyes looked fresh.
15. Ultimate Afternoon Tea Selection
When you’re up all night and on the go most of the day meeting the needs of a newborn, having a handy supply of sweet treats and snacks nearby – and a good supply of caffeine – is essential.
(Credit: Marks & Spencer)
With Marks and Spencer you are guaranteed good quality and this hamper is packed with treats considering the affordable price. As well as a Victoria Sandwich cake and sponge roll, this gift contains All butter Viennese raspberry creams, chocolate brownie mini bites, Cherry bakewell tarts, all butter shortbread fingers and tea and coffee.
Looking for a vegan alternative? We love this carefully curated hamper of vegan goodies because it also comes with a bottle of Royal Road Malbec vegan wine – because who doesn’t fancy a glass of wine after a long day (or pregnancy!)
16. Treatwell gift card
One of our favourite gifts for new mums and a present that won lots of praise from the grateful parents who have received one of these, what better way to shower a new mum with love than by giving her some time to get pampered?
Give the new mum you know some time to herself by giving her a Treatwell gift card and offering to watch the baby for an hour or so while she has a treatment of her choice.
(Credit: Getty)
The best thing about a gift card from Treatwell is that the recipient can choose any treatment, anywhere at any time. So new mums can get their hair washed, nails done or even have someone visit them at home to give them a massage.
17. Truesleep Joggers from GAP
“I have about 5 pairs of these PJ pants I highly recommend them. They are just so silky soft and so comfy.”
(Credit: GAP)
Any mum of a newborn knows that in those first few weeks your priority isn’t going to be getting properly dressed, so a pair of super comfy, easy-to-throw on joggers will become a wardrobe staple in no time. If you’re looking for thoughtful gifts for new mums that they will use time and again, look no further than these. Our favourite thing about this pair from GAP in comparison to other lounge pants? These one have pockets – essential!
18. Audible gift subscription
Some of the best gifts for new mums are presents that you can give them that they wouldn’t think to buy themselves. When you’re up in the middle of the night for hours at a time for night feeds, having something to listen to in the background and keep you company can really help you through.
(Credit: Getty)
Buying a subscription to Audible gives your lucky recipient access to a new book every month from a vast archive of best selling fiction, new releases and much-loved classics.
VIEW AT AUDIBLE | From £7.99 a month
19. Hotel Chocolat’s most-loved chocolates box
After sleepless nights followed by long days getting used to being a new mum, chocolate is a welcome sugar hit.
(Credit: Hotel Chocolat)
Hotel Chocolat chocolates feel like a luxury little treat. Even if they only last a brief moment. And lets face it, that might be all the time mum gets to herself in those first few weeks!
VIEW AT HOTEL CHOCOLAT | £36.50
20. Cheeky Chompers Every Cloud Gift Set
Okay, so they are not gifts for new mums directly, but this must-have pack of teething essentials will come in handy a few months down the line and a happy baby makes for a happy mum.
(Credit: NOTHS)
The Every Cloud Gift Set from Cheeky Chompers is the perfect starter pack for new mums who will soon have little ones that need relief for their tender gums. It includes a Neckerchew, Neckerbib and Comfortchew. Plus, it can be personalised with the baby’s name embroidered on the comforter, and personalisation always makes for a thoughtful gift!
21. Gift of a cleaner
“No matter what you say to them, friends and family WILL visit. When my sister-in-law gave me a ‘hire a cleaner’ voucher it was such a weight lifted off my shoulders! We had been in hospital for a few weeks and my house was left in such a state to have someone come and do it while I stayed on the sofa was a Godsend.” – Mum-of-two, Jasmine D
(Credit: Molly Maid)
A family cleaning service, Molly Maids clean with their own range of eco-friendly cleaning products including their specialist disinfectant and anti-microbial cleaner Xtra Protect to thoroughly clean and sanitise safely – perfect if you’ve just had a little one.
22. Brownies in a box
“I almost cried with joy when these fell through the letter box. I hadn’t gone shopping and was so hungry, but couldn’t face the logistics of feeding a baby while getting the bread out, into the toaster, buttering and grabbing plate… but these? One handed, in the mouth – easy and delicious!”
These gooey fudgey brownies are worth every penny, not only do they come in mouth-watering flavours – erm, hello Oreo – they also do gluten free and vegan options – perfect for the new-mum in your life!
VIEW AT BAD BROWNIES | £14.50 per box
23. Lumie Light
While it might not seem the most obvious ‘new mother’ gift, it’s useful for during all those night feeds, and will continue to be useful well into toddler-hood when they’re waking for teething and night-time potty training, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
(Credit: Amazon)
“This was the best gift ever! It has 10 different light settings. We used level 3 for night feeds to minimise waking and level 9 for a CODE BROWN situation! A gift we didn’t know we needed!”
24. Nursing Chair and footstool
A premium present for those looking to spend a little more, this is one of the best gifts for new mums as it can be used for years to come. What we love most about this nursing chair compared to others on the market is that it has been specifically designed and tested to fit the shape of your body, so it’s super-comfy, especially if you’re spending a hours sitting in it during night feeds.
(Credit: Mamas and Papas)
Not a fan of grey? The chair and footstool are available in a variety of colours and finishes to suit whatever your nursery style is.
25. A good book
“My best friend bought this for my baby shower gift and all through my last trimester I was howling at it, it’s funny and refreshingly honest! It helped put my mind at ease for what lay ahead and to set realistic expectations of my own motherhood and what that could look like.”
(Credit: Amazon)
Written and compiled by Becca Maberly of A Mother Place this book will fill the void of information you may be missing. Now, newborns nap, a lot. So when you’re not napping too, get stuck into this fantastically funny and raw-but-honest book about pregnancy, birth and parenthood – warts and all.
What are the best gifts for new mums?
If you’re looking for the best gifts for new mums, and want to be original, pull together your own pamper hamper. Buy all the things you know your friend will like – personal and tailored to her. That way nothing is wasted. You can include little handwritten notes of advice from other friends who have had babies. Plus the practical items you know she’ll need. Think chapstick – lips get so dry when breastfeeding. And also a water bottle that is leak proof and can be opened with one hand. Another nice idea is offering to do a food shop for her. She can just send you her list and you’ll deliver it, with a hot coffee too.
Additional advice from GoodtoKnow Parenting Editor Stephanie Lowe:
Bringing a whole new person into this world is a hugely overwhelming and mind-blowing experience. New mothers need to be heard and helped. Whether that’s with items that will make their new life easier – like a Lumie light up clock, or some essential me time. This ‘me time’ doesn’t have to be a day at a spa. It can literally be as simple as you taking the baby for a walk in the pram while she has a quiet hour to sit and drink a hot coffee and scroll instagram, catch up on TV or read a book.
