What a Mom Wants! 6 Gift Ideas for New Moms

Family and friends are so generous when a new baby is born. We’ve been the recipients of fine and thoughtful gifts for each of our sons.

Sometimes, though, the tired mama herself gets just a pitying look, and many rounds of “sleep when he sleeps” advice. But new moms need a few pick-me-ups too! Here are some of my favorite gifts or helpful ideas for mamas that I’ve enjoyed receiving:

Meals! Drop off a home-cooked meal, a bag of prepared foods from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, have pizza delivered, or include a gift card to a local restaurant in a card… new moms appreciate the break from making dinner for a few nights!

Babysitting! If you’re low on funds, donate a couple hours to watching older siblings while mama spends time with the baby (then she MIGHT be able to nap while the baby naps!). Get right to the babysitting duties, so the mom doesn’t feel she has to play hostess! Play with the kids outside, in the basement, or if possible take them to the park, a library, for ice cream, etc. Consider coming at bedtime to get kids bathed and ready to hop into the hay! Basically anything that gives a mom a break for an hour or so, especially if she is breastfeeding!

Personal Care! Give mom a gift of a pedicure, manicure, massage…maybe you can offer these services yourself! New moms spend little time taking care of themselves the first few weeks. Or, as mentioned above, watch the kids so mom can hop in the shower!

Treats! Now, most mamas watch what they eat after birthing, whether from breastfeeding concerns or a desire to lose weight. Consider sending a fruit basket, Edible Arrangement, or baking a coffee cake so she can have something on hand to serve guests.

Housekeeping! Housework usually takes a backseat to feeding and caring for a baby and family. Offer to dust, vacuum, clean bathrooms, or even run errands like returning soda cans, library books, etc. One friend gave me a generous gift card to a housecleaning service, for top to bottom cleaning! Maid services often clean deeper than you do, so a new mom will breath a sigh of relief to see her house restored to order once more!

Amazon.com! This might seem odd, but giving an Amazon.com gift card is a great new mom gift! With all this breastfeeding at all hours, I am already on my third e-book on my Kindle for iPad! Giving an Amazon.com gift card gives mom the luxury to buy e-books for entertainment. Or, she can do some online shopping for last minute things needed for baby, and avoid a trip to the store!

What’s the most helpful gift you received as a new mom?