Nobody ever said being pregnant was easy. After all, you’re growing an entire human body — within your human body. You’re likely tired, maybe it’s hard to move around, and depending on how far along you are, even getting dressed can be uncomfortable at best. All kinds of weird parts of you swell during pregnancy. And then there are those oh-so bizarre pregnancy cravings — plus all the questionable pregnancy “rules” you really don’t actually need to follow. But you know what else is hard? Shopping for a gift for a pregnant mom. Wine is out. Even food-based gifts are risky thanks to morning sickness and food aversions. And due to physical changes, shoes and clothing are pretty much a no-go.
So what gifts for pregnant moms can you buy that will actually be worthwhile and get use? Because pregnant people don’t really need another bath bomb. Sure, that’ll encourage the pregnant person in your life to indulge in some much-needed self-care and pampering. But expectant parents need more than some fancy bath crap. What exactly might they need, you wonder? Products that will make their life — during pregnancy and postpartum — a little bit easier, cleaner, healthier, less stressful, more luxurious…or, you know, all of the above.
So, before you hand your favorite preggo all the scented creams, lotions, potions and oils you come across, check out a few of the gift options ahead to ensure the most pleasant of practical surprises — that they’ll actually use. From the most minimalist diaper bag (scratch that: fanny pack) ever invented to key cleaning items to save their sanity to a few luxe purchases that will make that nesting period so much more inviting, we have the best gifts for pregnant moms of all personalities and stages, right here.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
A version of this article was originally published in December 2015.
A Beyond-Luxe Set of Sheets
Parents of newborns should be spending as much time in bed as possible — especially if they birthed that newborn with their own body. So encourage that preggo to rest up post-birth with a luxe set of customized sheets that seems to whisper, “shhh, relax: you don’t need to get fully dressed until your child is at least a few months old.”
Color study sheet set, $614.00 at Flaneur.
Spiritless Kentucky 74
While we’d never judge a preggo who enjoys a glass of wine now and then (some of us certainly did!), we also totally understand that some pregnant folks prefer to abstain from alcohol. That’s where Spiritless comes in; it’s a delicious distilled “spirit” that’s entirely alcohol-free but tasty as all get-out. Mix up a New Old Fashioned, a Mint Julep, you name it — no buzz, no hangover, just flavor.
Honest Baby Arrival Gift Set
Gift boxes and subscriptions are all the rage, and Honest’s baby arrival gift set is the perfect pregnancy gift. This box includes everything from skin-pampering products for mom and baby both to wipes and diapers.
But wait! If these products don’t speak to you, don’t worry. There are hundreds of subscription boxes on the market, and one is sure to suit her needs.
Memory Foam Slippers
Comfort is key, especially when your feet are swollen and are (in some cases) two sizes too big. As such, these nonslip memory foam slippers are perfect since they add support while keeping your tootsies toasty. And that shade of blue-gray plus fluffy feather tops? So chic.
Crate & Kids Portable Baby Mat
Yes, this play mat is technically for the baby rather than the mom, but any parent will truly appreciate a baby item that’s the perfect combination of beautiful and useful. This lightweight mat is super portable and lets you bring baby to the park to play without having to deal with scratchy grass — and you can even use it for a park-bench diaper change in a pinch. Back at home, it works wonders to create a designated “toy mess” area that you can gather up and dump in the toy box after play.
Battery-Powered Luna Pump
We’ve long loved the Luna Pump, but its brand-new battery-powered edition just took pumping to the next (portable) level. It’s as quiet and comfortable as ever, but this one has a rechargable battery that lasts over two hours — which is pretty much longer than your newborn will last awake, anyway.
Takeout Gift Card
While a gift card may seem sort of blasé, a restaurant gift card is worth its weight in gold. It means a night out, a night off and no dishes. Oh, and bonus points if the restaurant delivers — because sometimes the best part of pregnancy is kicking up your feet while balancing a big ol’ bowl of Chinese on your belly.
Dazzle Dry Nail System
Depending on the state she lives in, nail salons may or may not have reopened by now (or reopened and shut down again). But even if they are open, pregnant folks may not want to take the risk of potential COVID-19 exposure. That’s where Dazzle Dry comes in: This kit lets you pull off a super-strong, gel-like, salon-worthy manicure (or pedicure!) within your own home, no extra equipment required.
Fanny Pack Diaper Bag
We warned you it would be the most minimalist diaper bag of all time! You didn’t believe us, did you? But yes, Kibou’s groundbreaking diaper bag fanny pack is chic, durable, and has everything new parents really need — and none of the nonsense. This small but mighty pack comes with a fold-out changing pad, a waterproof compartment for diapers or spills, and even a “Bou-boo” first aid kit.
Noodle & Boo “Giving Candle”
A candle may not feel like the most extraordinary gift, but this is no ordinary candle. In addition to making your new-parent friend’s home smell like Irish linen and green pear instead of, um, diapers, you’re also making a contribution to support expecting moms in the military. That’s the “giving” part of this Giving Candle!
Au Natural Skinfood Brush-On Sunscreen
Makeup pretty much goes out the window when you’re pregnant/postpartum/a generally stressed new parent. But one thing she shouldn’t let slide? Sunscreen. After all, her babe needs her to stay strong and healthy and cancer-free for years to come! Au Natural Skinfood is the perfect mix of both: a brush-on mineral powder foundation that includes SPF 25, to even skin tone, protect from harmful rays, and generally bridge the gap between makeup and totally naked — in the best way.
So Good So You Immunity Shots
She’s probably already stocked up on the breastfeding teas, lactation cookies, whatever else she feels her body needs to usher in Baby’s arrival in a well-nourished fashion. But what about her immune system? Because we can tell you from personal experience: Getting a plain-old cold in those last yucky months of pregnancy can really be the straw that breaks the stressed-out camel’s back. Help her stay well with this natural mixture of cold-pressed juice, probiotics, raw honey, and organic cayenne pepper.
Help With the Housework
Pregnancy may be amazing, but it’s also exhausting. Let’s be real. Growing a human is hard. As such, any downtime is good time. So if you want to give that mom-to-be something extra-special, offer to help her with her housework or — bonus — get her a part-time maid or cleaning service. It’s a generous gift that will be greatly appreciated.
Eufy HomeVac S11
But hey, if you can’t get the pregnant person in your life a maid, the most easy-to-handle vaccum ever is a great alternative. The Eufy HomeVac S11 is cordless, battery-operated, shockingly lightweight and maneuverable, and perfect for those tough-to-reach corners as well as all that random Cheerio dust she’s bound to face when Baby arrives.
ErgoErgo Stool
Pregnant women experience a lot of pain. From back pain and stomach pain to low leg pain, the discomfort can be overwhelming, but this stool — from Alan Heller — is designed specifically for pregnant women and/or anyone who could benefit from a straight spine and stronger core.
Neck & Back Massager
This neck and back massager from Resteck can ease stiffness, eliminate fatigue, soothe aching muscles and promote proper blood circulation. It’s like a deep-tissue massage on the go.
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