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

Leakproof Underwear

Listen. Leakproof underwear may not be the sexiest new mom gift, but it’s definitely the most useful. She’s about to go through a lot down there, and having the comfort of knowing she can wear these super comfortable high rise Knix underwear means she can focus on what’s most important: doting on baby. This pair is thin (not like the diaper the hospital sends you home in!) and has a cotton gusset that can absorb up to one tampon’s worth of moisture. You’re not only buying her underwear, but peace of mind. 

A Personalized Ring She’ll Love Forever

Instantly illicit “awws” from the mom-to-be with this personalized ring from GLDN. Inscribe it with the baby’s names, birth dates, or initials—anything up to 12 characters. Here’s betting she’ll wear the petite stacking ring every day, once the hand swelling goes down. If she chooses to have more kids, these sweet and petite rings are made to stack, so you’ll have a built-in gift for each baby to come. 

Fresh Groceries for a Year

Save a mom some time and cut down her grocery trips with a grocery delivery service. Seriousy. The last thing she’ll feel like doing is going to the grocery store—especially if she lives in the city. If you’re in the Greater New York City area, snag a FreshDirect subscription. A six-month or one-year subscription includes “unlimited delivery orders as often as you want and never be charged a delivery fee,”per the brand.

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. Nab the Cheryl’s Buttercream Cookie Box has a dozen cookies in a variety of flavors, 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 Nursing-Friendly Nightgown

If the new mom in your life is nursing, she’s going to appreciate nursing apparel that doesn’t scream “I’m a human milk machine.” Sincerely, a new mom who appreciates apparel that doesn’t scream “I’m a human milk machine.” This nightgown by Petite Plume was great during maternity, and it’s a lifesaver now that my daughter is here and I’m breastfeeding and pumping. It’s soft, luxurious, holds up in the wash and dryer, and it makes me feel pretty. Plus, it’s easy to clip on and off in the middle of the night, when I’m groggy and it’s dark (almost nothing worse than fumbling to get your boob out when your baby is screaming). 

Best of all? I was given a matching onesie for my baby girl!

A Stylish Scarf Perfect for Nursing

When the momma-to-be indulges in her first post-pregnancy date night, she’ll want to feel equally fancy and comfortable. This lightweight linen scarf from Quince checks both boxes. Not only is this soft, breathable layer perfect for chilly restaurants and even cuddling on the couch, but it’s a perfect layer if she prefers to cover up while nursing. Plus, you can’t beat the price. It costs $30 but looks like that price needs an extra zero on the end. 

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 cuddling up on a wintry day, made even better with a newborn baby in your arms.

An Ultra Comfy Clog

Comfort is key throughout pregnancy and, let’s face it, motherhood in general. That’s where these Rothy’s Casual Clogs come in. No new mother has time to shower, much less tie her shoes. With these, she can slip on supreme comfort and go for a walk in style. Plus, they’re machine-washable—a must for the messy newborn and toddler stages.

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. 

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.

Gorjana 14k Gold Mama Necklace

Yes, mama! Gorjana’s mama nameplate necklace is a bit of a splurge, but she’s worth every penny. She did birth an entire baby out of her body, after all. It’s made of 14k gold, so this keepsake will last forever, becoming a timeless accessory in her jewelry box. Chances are she won’t (ever!) take it off. 

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.

The Coziest (Lightweight!) Hoodie, Ever

It’s October here in Los Angeles, which means it’s chilly in the morning and at night, and scorching during the day. I take my daughter out on walks in the mornings and at night—aka when the world is quiet—so I need something that keeps me warm, but isn’t full-on winter gear. I’ve been wearing this Free Fly bamboo hoodie since I gave birth two months ago, and I love it. It’s soft, just cozy enough, and it makes me feel more put together (which is hard when you’re postpartum—iykyk).

It’s got an athletic feel, too, so if you’re like me and miss the gym but still want to look the part, it’s got that going for it, too. Pair it with Free Fly’s All Day leggings (my favorite) in a size up or so than what she’d normally wear while she’s getting used to her post-baby form. They’re just compressive enough without feeling tight.

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.

Easy Postnatal Supplements

I’m breastfeeding, so I knew I needed a really solid postnatal vitamin that would give me all the nutrients I needed to keep up with my daughter’s needs—as well as my own. I’ve been loving Ritual’s, which are designed to take new moms up to 6 months postpartum. They include nutrients for immunity support, brain health, and omega-3 DHA for breastfeeding. I love that all ingredients are traceable, so I trust the brand a bit more than something random I could order off Amazon.

PLUS, they’re a delayed-release capsule, which means you can take it with or without food and you won’t feel nauseous (can confirm this is true—I take mine first thing), and they’re coated with mint, so they don’t have that herb-y, fishy taste so many other pre- and postnatal supplements have. 

I’m currently two months postpartum, and really happy with my milk supply *and* I feel less zombie-like every day, so I’m definitely going to keep taking these. Give the mom in your life next-level postpartum supplements—she’ll appreciate you forever.

A Luxe Hand Cream

Dedcool is known for its It Girl fragrances like “Milk” and “Taunt,” and now you can get those scents in hand cream form. One thing I didn’t expect as a new mom was how *dry* I would be. I find myself slathering hand lotion every 10 minutes (all the hand-washing to keep Baby germ-free isn’t helping), and using a luxurious cream that has the same scent as my perfume makes me feel way more pampered. 

The formula is really good, too—it contains skin barrier protecting and anti-aging ingredients like niacinimide and cerramides, making hands feel softer with every application.

Detergent That Makes Your Laundry Smell Heavenly

As a new mom, I really had no idea just how much laundry I would really be doing. Fancy laundry detergent isn’t a must, but it certainly makes the chore feel slightly more decadent. My current favorite I’m testing is Laundry Sauce, which makes better-for-the-planet pods that contain concentrated, next-level fragrances that smell more like perfumes than your average detergent.

I’m loving French Saffron, which is a stunning blend of red currant, tonka bean, freesia, and cinnamon. To me, it honestly smells like Rich Person Fresh Sheets, and I’ve been washing my and my baby’s laundry with it (the ingredients are really gentle, and I feel fine about using it for my two-month-old’s stuff, too). Come laundry day, and my whole house smells SO good—and stays that way. 

A Reed Diffuser, So Your Room Smells Nice (& Not Like Diapers)

Even with the best diaper pail that money can buy, your house will slowly start smelling a little…stinky. I’ve managed to mask the very subtle poopy smell with reed diffusers in every room, and my favorite is P.F. Candle’s, which is strong but not overpowering. I personally love the Ojai Lavender, but I’ll be switching them out for their holiday scents soon. 

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). 

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 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 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.

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). 

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. 

A Red Light Therapy Mask

Red light therapy masks are relaxing for moms and have a laundry list of benefits. The light helps boost collagen for youthful-looking skin, reduce inflammation, firm skin, eliminate excess sebum, and much more. Yes, this mask is pricey, but it’s worth every penny!

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.

A Luxury Soap Set

It’s the small things that count for moms, even if it’s a soap set. These bars from Caswell-Massey feature a fragrance that combines tart cherry and sweet almonds drizzled with creamy tonka bean and a hint of sea salt.