New moms have a lot going on. In addition to daily life, they now have a brand-new human to care for. Motherhood is a time of wonder and love, but it's also a lot of work. Whether it's the first week or the first year, new moms deserve all the love and compassion you have to offer. While Mother's Day is a great opportunity to celebrate Mom, you don't need a special occasion to give new moms a thoughtful gift they'll be excited to use right away.
Essentials for the first week
For comfort
Vekkia XXL Soft Reading and Bed Rest Pillow
Give a new mom a comfortable way to prop herself up for baby care in bed. This sit-up pillow has armrests and an extra-high back support with a head pillow. The cover is machine washable, and it comes with extra stuffing to customize firmness.
Sold by Amazon
Depending on Mom’s delivery, a donut pillow can help her feel more comfortable during the recovery process while caring for the baby. It has a soft machine-washable cover and comfortable foam core.
Sold by Amazon
NY Threads Women’s Fleece Bathrobe
A soft and cozy robe is a hospital and postpartum essential. It gives a new mom and baby comfort and warmth, is easy to put on and take off, and has pockets. The longer length provides more coverage and it’s machine-washable.
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Comfortable and supportive slippers from a premium brand keep a new mom’s feet warm. They’re lined with soft sheepskin and the rubber outsole provides sturdy traction. They come in a variety of colors.
Sold by Amazon
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
A new mom will love having a massager to help relax and soothe sore muscles. This pillow kneads for a deeper massage and heats up for extra comfort. It features straps so it stays in place on a chair.
Sold by Amazon
Comfortable and soft loungewear is essential for a postpartum mom. This set has a flap for convenient nursing access, but it can be used whether or not Mom breastfeeds. The top and adjustable shorts are easy to wear right after delivery.
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Chanasya Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Mom and baby can feel cozy and warm in this luxurious blanket. It’s available in different sizes and colors and is machine-washable. A new mom will feel more comfortable in the hospital with a soft blanket from home. When not in use, it looks great as a throw blanket on a sofa or chair.
Sold by Amazon
For healing
Artnaturals Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential oils are natural remedies that can be restorative, calming, and healing. This diffuser is stylish and easy to use and doubles as a humidifier. It’s a versatile bedside device that features a clock and Bluetooth speaker.
Sold by Amazon
doTERRA Family Essentials Oils Kit
This comprehensive set comes with pure essential oils from a trusted brand. The oils are designed for use on all members of the family and can help a new mom with postpartum recovery. The kit includes popular oils such as lavender and peppermint and includes an oil for immune system defense.
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Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Bath Soaking Solution
No matter how she delivers, a new mom can appreciate taking a bath or sitz bath with Epsom salts to help her body relax and heal. The set comes with two large bags of pure Epsom salts mixed with essential oils. Each bag offers different options for scents and effects on the body.
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Medline Standard Perineal Cold Packs
These cold packs are more sanitary than reusable ones and are easy to use in the hospital or at home. They work well to minimize swelling and discomfort and are useful for any mom, no matter how she delivers.
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These shower steamers are all-natural and cruelty-free. They’re simple to use by unwrapping and placing on the floor of the shower near water flow. A new mom can feel relaxed and refreshed from the calming and light essential oil vapors.
Sold by Amazon
For convenience
Instant Pot Ultra 10-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
This versatile kitchen tool makes cooking meals faster and easier for a family adjusting to a new baby. It even has a sterilize setting, so parents can easily sanitize the baby’s bottles and other items.
Sold by Amazon
Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine and Night-Light
This device provides a convenient night-light for Mom for middle-of-the-night diaper changes and feedings. It also offers a variety of soothing sounds and volume control. The best part is the Hatch is Bluetooth-enabled and grows with a child, so it can be used in their room for many years.
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Buying a new mom a tray table for at-home use means she can keep essentials close by and reach items with less effort. It’s easy to move around, has a cupholder, and has a sturdy handle to help her stand up.
Sold by Amazon
Trend Lab Diaper Storage Caddy
A diaper caddy is a useful tool for a new mom to store both baby and postpartum recovery items. It has a bunch of pockets so Mom can organize and separate baby’s care and Mom’s self-care. The caddy is easily portable so essentials can always be kept nearby.
Sold by Amazon
Pacific Coast Women’s 32-Inch Rolling Duffel Bag
This duffel bag can be carried or pulled on wheels with a hidden telescopic handle. It has a stylish pattern and is a great size for Mom’s belongings during her hospital stay. The various compartments offer easy organization and access to items.
Sold by Amazon
Some new moms may have a hard time moving around the first few weeks after birth. This shower and tub bench makes it easier, safer, and more comfortable for Mom to get in and out of the tub or shower. A recovering mom can sit on the bench while she showers to be off her feet.
Sold by Amazon
Other top deals in this space
- A wireless charger to make it easier to charge a phone from a hospital bed
- A travel toiletry bag that can be hung up for easy access in the hospital
- A toiletry kit for the hospital with natural skin products and daily essentials
- A robot vacuum for hands-free house cleaning at the touch of a button
- A supportive belt to make mom’s postpartum belly more comfortable
Useful gifts for the first year
For the kitchen
Beaba Babycook Solo 4-in-1 Baby Food Maker
This appliance makes it easy to cook nutritious meals with ingredients parents choose themselves. It can steam and cook foods such as vegetables or even raw chicken in just 15 minutes. Plus, since the Babycook can make any stage of baby food, from purees to solids, it can be used for years.
Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Machine
This machine lets parents mix up a warm bottle of formula by simply pushing a couple buttons. Fill the canister with the preferred formula ahead of time, then when the baby needs a bottle, just select the settings for the perfect bottle of formula and let the machine do the work.
Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine
Help new moms who aren’t breastfeeding handle sleepless nights with an easy-to-use espresso machine. Brew rich coffee shop favorites such as cappuccinos or flat whites with its ergonomic filter and manual milk frother. The machine’s small footprint means it won’t take up too much counter space.
Sold by Amazon
Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Mom can get her coffee fix straight from the fridge with this make-ahead cold brew coffee brewer. Just fill its fine mesh insert with coffee and in 24 hours, she’ll have cold brew coffee ready to serve. The pitcher is made from shatterproof BPA-free plastic and its airtight lid keeps coffee fresh for up to two weeks.
Sold by Amazon
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
It’s all too common for a busy new mom to set her hot drink down somewhere and not return to it until it’s cold. With this smart mug, tea or coffee can stay at her ideal temperature for up to one-and-a-half hours. The mug features a scratch-resistant ceramic coating and comes with a matching charging coaster.
For better sleep
Owlet Dream Duo Sock Baby Monitor
For parents trying to understand their baby’s sleep schedule, the Owlet can be a game-changer. This set includes specially designed, high-tech socks that work with an app to show parents their baby’s sleep quality, heart rate, and oxygen level. Plus, the included HD baby monitor camera can be checked on from your smartphone.
For going out
Ethan & Emma Universal Baby Stroller Organizer
Designed to fit on most strollers, this handy organizer offers two insulated drink holders, outer mesh storage pockets, and a main compartment that seals with a quiet magnetic closure. The user manual shows how to configure the sturdy hook-and-loop straps for a variety of strollers.
Sold by Amazon
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
This lightweight and compact pump is portable but still powerful and effective. It’s designed for moms who pump several times a day and connects to an app to help track pumping sessions. It features a closed system design and has a battery life of two hours.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby
Skip Hop Forma Backpack Diaper Bag
Keep everything the baby needs on hand in one lightweight, roomy diaper bag. It features an extra-wide opening, two packing cubes, insulated bottle pockets, and a cushioned changing pad. The exterior has stylish quilting, stroller straps, and padded backpack straps. It comes in four colors.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby, Macy’s, and Amazon
J.L. Childress Diapering Station To-Go
Set this up in the car and Mom will never need to worry about being able to access a changing table. It hangs from a car headrest and offers three large mesh pockets to hold all the diaper-changing essentials. The included changing pad measures 18 by 36 inches and easily wipes clean.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby
For at-home convenience
This smart speaker can help set reminders, check the weather, and play lullabies, amongst other things. It features an LED clock display and easy-to-use controls. It can work with other Alexa devices to perform tasks such as turning on lights, starting appliances, or adjusting the thermostat.
Sold by Amazon
Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra
This nursing bra features a wire-free, pullover design and soft recycled nylon fabric that adapts and stretches to support the body. Special features include removable molded cups and nursing clips that can be fastened and unfastened with one hand.
Sold by Buy Buy Baby, Macy’s, and Amazon
Moby Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Made by a trusted brand, this comfortable sling can hold a child up to 33 pounds. At 85 inches long, it’s one of the largest slings on the market, and the ring design is easy to adjust for both front- and hip-carrying options. It comes in several colors.
Sold by Kohl’s, Buy Buy Baby, and Amazon
Even dedicated bookworms struggle to find time to read with a new baby. A subscription to Amazon’s audiobook service Audible can help a new mom enjoy her favorite books during nursing or walks with the stroller. Subscriptions are available for three, six, or 12 months.
Sold by Audible
Other top deals in this space
- A roomy, adjustable nursing cover for private, comfortable nursing that also helps a new mom remember which side she last nursed from
- A tethered baby wipes dispenser that keeps up to five diapers plus wipes easily accessible
- Relaxing magnesium bath salts to help soothe postpartum aches and pains
- A Yeti water bottle that’s shatter-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and comes in more than 20 color choices
- A machine-washable travel wet bag to separate dirty clothes or wet swimsuits
First Mother’s Day
For commemorating motherhood
Mignon and Mignon Birthstone Necklace for Mom
This boho-style 19.5-inch necklace can feature Mom's birthstone, the child's birthstone, or both with initial letter charms in the shape of leaves. It comes in gold, rose gold, or silver.
Sold by Etsy
Baby Mushroom Baby Handprint and Footprint Keepsake Photo Frame Kit
The handprint kit comes with a 9- by 11-inch frame, non-toxic clay, and a stencil, so the baby's name and birthday can be featured beneath the impressions. The frame has two spaces where baby photos can be inserted to accompany the hand and footprint.
Sold by Amazon
Vilight Mommy & Me Picture Frame
This farmhouse-style wooden picture frame fits a four-by-six-inch vertical photo of mother and child alongside the words "Mommy & Me, I'm as lucky as I can be, the best Mommy belongs to me" with an elaborate string art heart below the text.
Sold by Amazon
Grace and Mercy Books Set of Personalized Books
This rustic set comes with four decorative books wrapped in twine. Each spine is customized with an important date in the family's story, including anniversaries and/or birthdays.
Sold by Etsy
Minimalist in style, this leather cord bracelet features a sterling silver infinity design in the center, personalized with the mother and child's first names. The infinity piece comes in silver, rose gold, or gold tones.
Sold by Etsy
Birthstone Co. Solid Gold Birthstone Ring
This 14-karat gold ring features a baguette cubic zirconia birthstone centered between two faux diamonds. The ring can accommodate up to seven stones and is available in white, rose, or yellow gold.
Sold by Etsy
For making memories
Letters to My Baby: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever. by Lea Redmond
There are 12 prompts in this book so new moms can write letters for their child to read as a teenager or adult. Letters come with built-in envelopes and seal stickers for an all-in-one family record time capsule.
Sold by Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
The Family Travel Handbook by Lonely Planet
This book features 168 pages of tips and suggestions for traveling as a family, including travel checklists and destination ideas. It's a great way to get excited about planning that first family vacation.
Sold by Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer
Available in three colors, this Bluetooth-capable printer lets Mom print photos of the new baby directly from her phone. The pictures develop as soon as they're printed and it takes less than two minutes.
Sold by Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Film Camera
If Mom wants to take baby pictures without bothering with her phone, there’s this fun vintage-inspired instant film camera. It comes in three signature colors and the battery is included. Film is sold separately.
Sold by Amazon
For well-deserved pampering
Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray
Available in seven colors, this extendable bath caddy is made from high-quality bamboo. It features a tablet/book tray, cupholder, candle holder, and other compartments to make relaxing in the tub a lot easier.
My Zero Waste Farm Store Organic Lavender Spa Gift Set
This all-natural spa set comes with a variety of organic lavender spa essentials. It includes two bath bombs, a hand-poured soy candle, a jar of bath soak salts, a bar of handmade soap, a bathtub tea bag, peppermint lip balm, as well as a few wooden accessories.
Sold by Etsy
This heat-based foot massager features deep-kneading and compression capabilities as well as five pressure settings. It comes with two wireless remotes in case one gets lost, and a washable foot liner for convenience.
Sold by Amazon
For everyday ease
Sweetwater Decor Best Mom Ever Coffee Mug
That first Mother's Day is a great opportunity to get a new mom her very first "best mom" mug. This 14-ounce mug is made from stone with a natural base. It says "Best Mom Ever" in black lettering across a cream-colored background. It's dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
Sold by Etsy
Joy Apparel USA Magical Mom Shirt
Available in 12 colors and several sizes, this cotton T-shirt is great for the Disney-loving new mom. It says "I'm a Disney Mom, it's like a regular mom but more magical" across the front in white lettering.
Sold by Etsy
Tea Drops Bagless Tea Party Pack
There are 25 individually wrapped, lightly sweetened tea "drops" in this set in five soothing flavors. This tea is packed with antioxidants and it's environmentally friendly with less waste than traditional tea bags.
Sold by Amazon
Hoka One One Bondi 7 Women’s Shoes
For the mom on the go, there are these breathable sneakers with foam-padded insoles. The shoes are made from synthetic materials with a rubber sole and come in 12 colors. Half-sizes and wide widths are available.
Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Breville Juice Fountain Cold Plus Centrifugal Juicer
This dual-speed stainless steel juicer has an extra-wide chute and a precision mesh filter designed to protect vitamins and minerals. It comes with a juice jug, froth separator, cleaning brush, and a removable spout.
Other top deals in this space
- A matching mom and baby puzzle piece T-shirt set
- A personalized blanket covered in family photos
- A custom star map poster for the day she became a mom
- The Sonos One speaker, offering a hands-free listening experience
- Ancestry DNA kit so Mom can learn more about her family history
Contributing authors: Emily Verona, Margot Malverty, and Laura Duerr
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