Gift Guide

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26 Thoughtful Gifts For Pregnant Women & Expecting Moms

If you really want to show her you care, get her a gift that’s just for her.

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Everyone deserves a loving gift now and then, but anyone suffering from first-trimester nausea, second-trimester swelling, or third-trimester discomfort could use a little extra love. While they may not be able to take away food aversions or round ligament pains, the best gifts for pregnant women are the ones that will make them smile, help them relax, or at least take their mind off being kicked in the ribs for a little while.

Even the best and easiest pregnancy is hard on a person’s body, emotions, and energy levels in general. After all, a human is being grown and developed, and that’s hard work. Add an older sibling (or siblings) in the mix and it’s all the more exhausting. Chances are high the person who is expecting is not spoiling herself at the moment and could use a little spoiling from someone else.

The best gifts are the ones with some kind of sentimental value, so whether it’s a personalized piece of jewelry, a mommy-and-me outfit, or something that will help her relax in the final stretch of pregnancy, mama-to-be will be grateful for the thought you put into her gift. However, if you’re not entirely sure where to start, here are some ideas to help you out.

What to consider when shopping for a pregnant person

If you thought that cute baby clothing and diaper cakes are going to cut it as a holiday gift, think again. While getting those kinds of presents is perfect when you’re at a baby shower, if you want to give something to a pregnant person, it should be something that is just for them. Consider the types of things that they like (such as hobbies, interests, or other activities) or even products that can help make pregnancy more comfortable — and pretty, too.

1

Bath bombs for a soothing soak

Growing a human is hard work. That’s why a steep soak in the tub can help ease pregnancy woes. This bath bomb set from Lush contains eight popular products that are, well, the bomb. You can scrub those flaky parts away with Rub Rub Rub, a shower scrub made with fine sea salt and acts as an excellent (and gentle) exfoliator. Sweet dreams are guaranteed when they use Sleepy, a shower gel scented with lavender-tonka. And with Honey I Washed The Kids, the butterscotch-scented bar soap made with aloe vera, honey, and coconut oil works on all skin types … and smells delicious, too.

2

A mask to beautify your belly

Show your bump some love with the belly mask from Hatch. Made from all natural ingredients, the sheet mask can help minimize the look of stretch marks and scars that can occur during your nine months and beyond. Key ingredients like aloe vera offer hydration and soothe skin while encouraging regeneration, while propolis is a natural antioxidant that derives from honeybees. In addition to being plant-derived and gluten-free, the mask is free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and fragrances, so that it’s safe for your skin. Once you’ve placed the mask on your bump, you can gently rub the excess serum onto your boobs, belly, and hips while taking some quality time for yourself.

3

A candle that will make you feel blessed

Whether it’s while you’re working from home or when you’re ready to slip into a not-too-warm bath, lighting a candle can be so incredibly relaxing. The Blessed candle from Satya + Sage is designed to make you feel totally tranquil, thanks to a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Additional notes of thyme and light cedar wood only add to the olfactory experience. Each candle, which is made from 100% vegetable and coconut wax and is infused with premium grade fragrance oils, is created specifically to be a stress reliever, and comes with in a reusable recycled glass jar.

4

A necklace for the new mom-to-be

For a necklace that they’ll want to wear every day, you can give this sweet MAMA necklace on Amazon. The petite 14k gold-plated necklace has the word MAMA spaced out on a sweet, delicate chain. The necklace is ideal for layering, since it comes right below the clavicle. It’s hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so it will be safe for their skin without causing any allergic reactions. And with every necklace purchased, a portion will be donated to Hope International to help victims of human trafficking. Says one reviewer: “I love my mama necklace. It’s beautiful and doesn’t tarnish. 10/10 recommend on buying”

5

An activity book

The first few months of pregnancy are exciting. You’re telling everyone the good news, watching your bump grow, and planning your future. The last few weeks? Not so much. To help your pregnant pal pass the time, gift them The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People (Big Activity Book). The book is full of mazes, fill-in-the-blanks, quizzes, and even pages where the pregnant person can write down their deepest thoughts or even just keep track of their crazy cravings. One Amazon reviewer wrote: “I got this for my friend when she was in her third trimester…She said it gave her something to do while the last trimester dragged on.”

6

A gender-neutral journal

There are so many thoughts and feelings you’ll have when you’re expecting. And believe it or not, you might not remember most of them after Baby is born. That’s what makes the Growing Together journal an ideal gift for pregnant women. The gender-neutral journal has gentle earth tones that is designed to create a relaxing experience. There are sections to record everyone’s reactions to the news, monthly prompts to record your pregnancy, and an area to write notes about Baby’s birth and even place their footprints. You can even include the potential baby names you’re considering as well as any nicknames you bestowed upon your bump during pregnancy, too.

7

Some comfy clothes

So much of what pregnant people get has to do with softness, and comfort. And while they definitely need as much of that as they can get, sometimes a pregnant person wants to go out and have some fun, too. And this nursing maxi momper from Latched Mama will let them feel sexy, stylish, and soothe their skin, too. The floor length pants on the romper will look like a long and fun frock, but with the comfort of being able to sit and squat, too. It has side nursing access so that it can be worn for your nine months and beyond.

8

Bling to go with the bump

When you’re expecting, everything can seem to swell. Rings that used to fit your fingers have to wait until you’re postpartum, and necklaces that were once long might feel a little like a choker. But earrings can always make a pregnant person feel pretty, and these ones from Anthropologie will add some sparkle and shine. They’re made form brass and stainless steel and have a hoop clasp hook. They’re available in silver, gold, and rose gold, and with their classic style, they’ll go with just about any outfit, from a fun party dress to even just sweats and sneaks when they are running errands or heading to a doctor’s appointment.

9

A 2-in-1 diffuser and humidifier

Winter isn’t always kind to a person’s skin, but especially so when you’re expecting. That’s why your skin can happily get some healthy hydration with the Canopy Humidifier w/ Aroma + Filter Subscription. Not only does it help if you get a cough or cold, but the humidifier (which can hydrate a room up to 500 square feet) also works as a diffuser, too, thanks to the already included premium aroma pucks. It’s also easy to clean — just pop it in your dishwasher and you’re done. And when Baby is born, it can function as a humidifier for their nursery as well.

10

A delightful candle

There’s something so relaxing about candlelight and delightful scents, which is why jarred candles make for such fantastic gifts. A quality candle can be enjoyed by mom-to-be when she’s trying to unwind before the baby comes, and during those rare moments she gets to herself after it’s arrived. This soy and coconut candle has a unique blend of citrus and floral scents and has a burn time of up to 50 hours. It’s a fantastic candle, but what makes it an even better gift is that it’s “composed to celebrate the goddess within,” and there is no better word to describe a pregnant woman than “goddess.”

11

Super soft sheets

When you’re pregnant, you want your bed to welcome you after a long day of growing a human. And the linen sheet set from Cozy Earth can do just that. The luxurious limited edition linen set is made with 70% viscose from bamboo and 30% linen. The breathable fabric is super soft and moisture-wicking as well and won’t pill like some other sheet sets might. And because it can be hard to keep your cool (literally) during pregnancy, these sheets feel cooler than cotton can, which will help when you’re trying to settle down to sleep. One reviewer wrote, “It feels like sleeping on luxury!”

12

Anti-nausea lip balm

While it’s all worth it when the baby arrives, pregnancy comes with a lot of unpleasant side effects that can really impact daily life. One of these is nausea, which is very common in the first trimester but can stretch throughout the entire pregnancy as well. Another inconvenient pregnancy side effect? Constantly chapped lips. If the mom-to-be in your life is suffering from this, then she may really appreciate this lip balm. It’s specially made to not only hydrate the lips but to also help alleviate nausea. There’s enough balm in a single tube to get her through most (if not all) of her pregnancy, and it’s small enough that she can carry it with her wherever she goes.

13

A mug for her tea

If she’s usually a coffee drinker, she might have had to scale back on how much she drinks every day (or stop drinking it entirely), but there’s still something so comforting about holding a mug with a hot beverage. Since she’ll probably be drinking more tea, then maybe she could use a new cup to help make the transition a little more exciting and enjoyable. You don’t have to look hard to find a cute mug somewhere, but this handmade ceramic option is definitely worth considering because it will end up with a totally one-of-a-kind look (plus, you’ll be supporting a small business).

14

A stylish (mom) bag

Honestly, she will probably want to start using this bag as soon as you give it to her, even if the baby is months away from arriving. However, she’s going to love it even more after the baby comes because it is the ultimate mom-bag. It has plenty of space to carry her things and some baby essentials and it can be carried as a backpack when she needs her arms free or as a tote if her diaper bag happens to be backpack style. This bag is available in six different beautiful color combinations, is made from high quality materials, and has rave reviews from shoppers.

15

A meaningful piece of jewelry

If she likes simple jewelry, consider this bangle with a mom and baby elephants (or elephant, if this is her first). The elephant is a significant symbol when it comes to motherhood because it represents the fierce love a mom has over her baby, similar to that of a mama elephant’s. Suffice to say, this bracelet is perfect for a mom-to-be who already loves her baby more than anything. You can add up to three baby elephants and even opt to include a little charm with initials. The bracelet is available in rose gold or sterling silver and slides over the hand.

16

Personalized ice cream

During pregnancy, the word “craving” takes on a whole new meaning, because once your body tells you it wants something, you have to get it. If the mom-to-be in your life is craving ice cream, then give her exactly what she wants with some personalized pints. You can choose to have either four or eight pints delivered to her in more than 20 flavors. To make it even sweeter, you get to personalize the label for her, so you can add a picture of the sonogram or an encouraging note to remind her she’s doing an awesome job. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up a package of sprinkles, too.

17

Beautiful art

How beautiful is this? It’s such a gorgeous depiction of pregnancy. You can download this incredible artwork right from Etsy and then get it printed and framed for mom-to-be to hang in her room or office, or even in the baby’s nursery. The digital download comes with five files so you can choose what size you want the print to be based on the frame you purchase, but if you need a custom size you can send the shop owner a quick note and they will happily work with you to get it just right. No matter what size you choose, this is a print a mom-to-be will really cherish.

18

A dozen cupcakes

Sprinkles cupcakes are pretty famous, and you can get a dozen for your favorite mom-to-be even if she doesn’t have a local store nearby. The specialty bakery now ships to homes all over the US, which means she can open her front door to a box of beautiful and delicious cupcakes right at her feet. Choose between a box of 12 red velvet cupcakes, 12 “celebration” sprinkle cupcakes, or an assorted box with three red velvet, three vanilla, three dark chocolate, and three sprinkle flavors. They don’t have to be eaten in one sitting, either, she can just pop them in the freezer and thaw one any time that craving hits.

19

"Pregnant AF" sweatshirt

In most pregnancies, mom-to-be reaches a point where her maternity clothes and bump stop feeling cute and precious and start feeling flat-out uncomfortable regardless of how she moves. If the expecting mom in your life has entered that stage of pregnancy, then they will probably love this sweatshirt that is the perfect blend of comfy and DGAF. It comes in unisex adult sizing, so order accordingly, and is available in three colors. Not to mention, it’s definitely a conversation starter. To make the gift even better, pick up a pair of soft leggings, some fuzzy winter socks, and a cute headband to create a complete pregnancy leisure look.

20

A new streaming app

Everyone deserves some time now and then to just kick back, relax, and watch some TV, but if there’s ever a time in life when you can really milk it, it’s during pregnancy. To encourage the mom-to-be in your life to actually take advantage of this, gift her with some kind of streaming service. While Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are among the best OG platforms, there are some really great others to consider, too, like Peacock, Disney+, AppleTV, HBO Max, and so many more. If she needs a little extra encouragement in order to slow down enough to watch tv, offer her a foot rub as an extra perk.

21

Silk sleep mask

You already know that her days of restful sleep are numbered at this point and that any sleep she can get should be savored before the baby comes along. With a silk eye mask like this one, sleep can feel just a little more luxurious. It comes in a variety of colors and is made from pure silk inside and outside, which is great for the skin because it won’t cause breakouts and doesn’t soak up (read: waste) any face products. Not to mention, that pregnancy exhaustion is real, so if nothing else this will help her fall asleep when it’s still bright outside.

22

Birthstone jewelry

Birthstone jewelry is always a hit for moms, but it’s a bit of a gamble to get a piece for a mom to be. Still, if you are confident that you know when the baby will arrive, then consider getting her some kind of sentimental birthstone jewelry like this gorgeous necklace. Choose between sterling silver, gold, or rose gold, and then fill the circle charm with the baby’s birthstone. It will look absolutely stunning on her and it’s a sweet and subtle way for her to show her love for her new baby. Chances are very good that this will be the present she loves most this year.

23

Family matching shirts

When you become a parent, some kind of switch gets flipped and you suddenly love dressing your family up in matching and coordinating outfits. You can go ahead and get mom-to-be ready for this switch with these cute little “Dope” family tops. In addition to being a lot of fun, they’re also quality made from soft 100% cotton and they are super cozy. If you think she’d want to wear the top before the baby comes, size it up so that it’ll fit her growing belly and then she can style it up with a knot once the baby has arrived and she’s ready to sport coordinating looks.

24

Love for her bump

The body goes through so many changes during pregnancy that it’s hard to keep up. Some of these changes can be uncomfortable, but when it comes to all of the growing and stretching the belly does over the course of a pregnancy, it can be downright painful. This kit is a great gift because it’s specifically made to help alleviate this pain. It comes with four bump-focused products including body butter, soothing jelly, body oil, and body lotion which are all designed to work together to keep mom’s skin comfortable and glowing. Also, all of the products are made with the purest ingredients possible to limit skin irritation or reactions.

25

A daily reminder that she can do anything

Pregnant or not, a ring and jewelry dish is always a useful thing to have at home (especially sitting next to sinks). What makes this specific dish so perfect for an expecting mom is that it says, “Today I Will Slay,” which may be just the confidence boost she needs while she’s getting dressed up and ready to go out. If this doesn’t seem like the right message for the mom-to-be in your life, then consider “Boss Lady” or “Effortless Beauty” instead. No matter which message you pick, she will get a gorgeous handmade jewelry dish that will definitely bring a smile to her face whenever she sees it.

26

New cozy slippers

A new pair of slippers is always a great gift, but they’re an extra special treat when your feet are swollen and tired from carrying the weight of a baby all day. There is no shortage of incredible options out there, but these ones are particularly great. They have a slip-on design so she won’t have to bed over to put them on or take them off, and they’re lined with super soft and warm shearling that will wrap around her feet like a pillow. It’s a gift she will love well into motherhood, too, especially every time she gets up to go to the nursery for a middle-of-the-night feeding.

Whatever gift you decide for the pregnant woman in your life, just make sure you put some extra thought into it, because she deserves a little extra love right now. Not to mention, she’s hormonal, and wouldn’t you rather your gift trigger some pregnancy happy-tears than scary pregnancy rage? It’s worth the extra effort to do it right.

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