22 Mother's Day Gifts for New Moms
Practical and thoughtful (and somewhat luxurious) ideas
I haven’t shut up about our daughter Daisy. She is perfect, quite beautiful, intensely smart and also uncommonly strong. Very well read and witty, too. This Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are obviously our first as parents. What a concept! And since you know I love to make you gift guides, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a little swerve. By which I mean, what to get the mother of a new child. A new mom.
In the postpartum phase, sometimes called “the fourth trimester,” the idea of luxury and peace and quiet shifts dramatically. A half hour of alone time where you can be worry-free? A luxury. A long and lazy shower? A luxury. So for new mom gifts, I triedto think of things that might elevate these previously mundane moments. Even a simple candle in a quiet room can have a powerful effect. And if it’s not luxury or comfort, then I thought about what could make life simpler. After all, when caring for a baby, you don’t even have two hands. Not really, at least. (If all else fails, there’s always jewelry.)
Toi et Moi Necklace: I did a whole post about the history of this style, generally meant to symbolize romantic love between two people and often used as an engagement ring. But still, a “you and me” necklace would be a more than appropriate gift for your coparent or partner as long as you back it up with your share of paternal duties, duh.
A Very Comfortable Quilt: There’s a lot of moments in those early days where you aren’t sleeping where you’d like. I’ve taken to the plush shag carpet in our living room when I’m on the night shift. A comforting quilt makes all the difference, though. And it comes in quite handy for staying cozy during night feedings.
That Tomato Candle: “Oh, did you guys get the Flamingo Estate tomato candle?” asked a friend when she walked into our apartment the other day. Yes, we did, Madison. I can’t explain it but this makes it smell like the outdoors way more than any of those “ocean mist” varieties out there. It’s being in the garden without being near a garden.
Vintage Locket: One of the first things my wife asked for when she got pregnant was a locket. It’s a thoughtful first mother’s day gift to treasure those early mom days and might just become an heirloom.
Another Vintage Locket: Same as above, really. Except this one doesn’t have the guilloche detailing.
Ultra Noise Canceling Headphones: A bomb could go off in the next room and you wouldn’t hear it. These are honestly worth it even when you’re not listening to anything — just pure silence. Almost like disappearing. (I love the white ones but you may want to opt for a darker color if you’re worried about getting them dirty.)
The Momcozy Mobile Pump: This may be more of a registry item for expectant mothers, but we’d never heard of the Momcozy in our house until a friend told us how liberating it is. (She had it on at the dog park.) It allows you to be mobile while pumping which sounds “blah” but is actually extremely glamorous.
Neck Massager: Pregnancy does a number on the body. Parenting an infant doesn’t help. This thing isn’t fancy, but my god, it will work wonders on a tired neck and shoulders. I got really into it when I had some lifting injuries, but works just as well for baby injuries.
New Socks: I know. I know. But truly, a plush and clean pair of socks feels like a five star hotel if you’ve been on your feet all day. And it’s these little things that new parents often don’t have time to even think about.
A Really F’ing Good Brush: Newborns love to grab at hair and beauty routines often take the backseat when you’re trying to keep a child alive. This lux detangling brush from
’s Crown Affair will come to the rescue. And if you really want to inspire some expensive indulgence, pair it with a Mason Pearson brush.Cookies: If the mom on your list has to pump or breastfeed, these will help a lot. It takes a remarkable amount of calories to keep it up. And if they don’t, well, who doesn’t want a box of Levain cookies? Pyschos, that’s who.
Fancy-But-Utilitarian Bag: I have resisted the lure of the sling bag for a while. But, I caved and got one at last and I hate how practical and good they are. This Loewe one is technically a men’s bag but what does that matter? It provides quick access to one off essentials and saves you from the stroller sack searching. (My hell.)
Big Ass Hair Clip: We almost got these for all the nurses in the maternity wing at our hospital. This chomper is big enough to grab a full on mess of hair and get it out of your face. Very handy when a newborn is starting to grab and pull at it.
Opulent Pillow: Sleep is the most important thing a new parent can get. Without it, your regular tasks become painful drudgeries. An opulent pillow, like this one from Frette, will make any amount of sleep even better.
The Polaroid Printer Lab: I put this on every gift guide. Simply put, one of the best reviewed gifts I’ve ever given. It takes phone photos and turns them into perfect polaroid prints. They’re great ways to save first baby photos that aren’t digital and without the hassle of working an actual polaroid camera (harder than it looks).
Big Vase: This isn’t exactly new mom dependent but just fill this with some flowers and call it a day. It’s a really beautiful piece and maybe pair it with a promise to freshen the bouquet every month or so. (When I was more gainfully employed we had a new bouquet for every astrological season which was fun.)
Pearl Phone Strap: We’ve got our phones on us at all times. Not having to dig around for it would just make things a little simpler. Note: You’ll have to grab the case that goes with this phone strap, too.
Elitist Baby Carrier: Artipoppe carriers have a cult following for their aesthetic, comfort and because they signal that you *know* about stuff. Many new moms may have had this carrier or others on their registry but just in case they didn’t, it is the one to have.
Gigi Burris Sun Hat: It’s walking season and the strollers are already out in full force. Trust Gigi Burris for some sun coverage and style.
Wonder Valley Hinoki Body Oil: A very small touch that goes a long way towards feeling clean, refreshed and luxurious. It’s all about making those small moments more impactful. (You can always trust Wonder Valley for that.)
Good Lighting: Waking up in the dark to feed a newborn is hard enough. Why blast your eyes with overhead lighting when you can have a softer, calmer and generally better-looking alternative? We put a Stray Dog Designs lamp in our nursery and never looked back. Normally they’re made to order but this collab with Anthro is ready to ship!
Big Dumb Water Bottle: I have to tell you, getting up to get a glass of water after you’ve just settled yourself and a baby is miserable. A giant water bottle solves that problem, though. Easy solution, very good gift.
So as you can see, a lot of these picks aren’t about the pomp and circumstance of motherhood. They’re more about the practicality or simple joys that are often lost when welcoming a new baby into the home. Don’t get me wrong, parenthood is great but anybody who tells they haven’t lost a little something of their old selves is probably lying. Hopefully giving them anything above will help them get it back.
Until next time,
JJ
