The best gifts for new moms bring the focus back to her when the baby has taken over, well, just about every aspect of her life. They have the power to make her feel special when she may be feeling all out of sorts, making the more mundane tasks (cleaning burp cloths and prepping bottles ’round the clock) feel somehow more manageable.
We’re not talking baby gifts, because there’s an important distinction to be made here. Think of it this way: Baby gifts are those long-fulfilled baby shower registry items, like onesies, sleep sacks, and feeding accessories. Gifts for moms, on the other hand, are purely for her benefit. Like a fresh meal so she doesn’t have to cook, childcare services, or a self-care gift to help her relax. Think new silk pillowcases to help her get the most of her limited sleep and comfy pajamas (since she’ll be living in them). Other nice-to-haves include top-rated diaper bags (or go in with a friend on a designer diaper bag), which the new moms we asked said were a must for keeping hands free for all things baby.
The best gifts for new moms, at a glance
- Best Overall: Ugg Tazz Slippers, $130
- Best Budget-Friendly Gift: Lucy Darling Baby Memory Book, $49
- Best Relaxing Gift: Miko Foot Massager, $130
- Best Self-Care Gift: Hatch Mama Must-Haves Kit, $128
- Best Gift From Husbands: UrbanStems Flower Subscription
The best gifts for new moms by category
- Gifts That Aren’t for the Baby
- Gifts for After the Birth
- Luxury Gifts
- Trendy Gifts
- Unique Gifts
- Things They Need for Themselves
- Best New-Mom Gifts Under $50
- Best New-Mom Gifts Under $25
Gifts That Aren’t for the Baby
Pamper her with cozy gifts that will help her get enough sleep, ease back into her routine, and feel her best. And yes, they all double as great gift ideas for pregnant women too.
Ugg Tazz Platform Slippers
First-time moms always talk about how much time they spend on their feet, so we’re certain that these will make standing, rocking, and cleaning the baby slightly better at the end of the day. “I thought my feet hurt when I was pregnant,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “But those early days? I don’t think I ever stood more in my life—especially with my second child, since he quite literally refused to be put down.” Plus, can you ever go wrong with a classic pair of slip-ons?
Ana Luisa Mama Necklace
Yes, a sweet birthstone necklace or a big-day keepsake would make for a very thoughtful gift, but this dope “mama” necklace gets her instant access to the cool-mom club, says Glamour contributor and mom, Shanna Shipin.
Mellanni Sheets Set (Queen)
“After the whole postpartum healing period and months of nursing, my sheets felt so grimy, and I desperately needed a refresh,” says Earley. “A luxe pair of sheets would be such a treat for a new mom, and you really can’t go wrong with this Amazon bestseller.”
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
“My camera roll basically exploded immediately following the birth of my baby,” says Earley. An instant camera is a fun way to indulge the snap-happy new mom, delivering printed photos as quickly as she can take them.
Vivitest Ceramic Diffuser
When you’re spending a lot of time in hibernation mode, little things that make the home feel a little more special have a big impact. A diffuser for essential oils is a great alternative to candles, especially during the newborn period when new parents may be a little nervous about sending any synthetic fragrances into the air.
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Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes
“Getting out of the house for stroller walks saved my sanity, so I would have loved a sneaker upgrade,” says Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein. These are one of our editor favorites, plus frequently recommended walking shoes by podiatrists, because they’re lightweight and supportive, with bouncy foam soles for added cushion. Plus they come in all kinds of fun colors.
Loop Switch Earplugs
No matter how in love the proud parents are, there’s only so much high-pitched crying you can take. And now there’s a brilliant solution: earplugs that filter sound rather than cancel it out. Think of it this way: It helps reduce all of the high-pitched sounds you don’t want to hear—shrill crying or loud cartoons, for example—while still allowing you to participate in conversations and hear what’s happening in a room. “These have been life-changing for me,” says Earley. “I pop these in every day around dinner time when my kids are all riled up and I can feel myself getting impatient. It helps take the edge off, but I can still parent appropriately.”
“Mom of the Year” Sweatshirt
“My new title, Mom, felt novel for a long time, and I loved any opportunity to display it loud and proud,” one new parent told us. “Not to mention, I spent way more time than I care to admit in black leggings and loungewear like this sweatshirt during those first three or four months.”
Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
“Since I often needed to be hands-free, I thrived on podcasts and audiobooks,” says Glamour’s Moeslin. “And a quality pair of headphones are key for that.” This pair offers up to nine hours of listening time (or more than 24 hours with the charging case)—entirely suitable for those marathon night feeds and diaper changes.
Factor Gift Card
We polled more than 200 new mothers for their take on the best gifts for new moms, and the top answer was—overwhelmingly—a fresh meal. Unfortunately, ordering delivery is expensive, and there are only so many healthy five-minutes-or-less recipes. “This meal delivery service was a lifesaver,” says Moeslein. “Every week my husband and I knew we’d have an assortment of delicious, dietitian-designed meals that could easily be heated in the microwave in two minutes. Everything tasted fresh, and the variety never got stale.”
Gifts for After the Birth
These are the practical and splurge-worthy gift ideas for new moms who can use some TLC right after birth.
Bodily Care for Birth Box
“One thing many moms recommended to me was some kind of postpartum or breastfeeding care box, and Bodily caught my eye,” says Shipin. “The gift boxes are comprehensive, and the way the brand talks about all kinds of motherhood really resonated with me.” The Care for Birth box has the usual absolute necessities—like a silicone peri bottle, an inflatable cushion, mesh undies, and hydrating nipple balms—but there are other goodies like postpartum recovery lattes, grippy socks (way better than the hospital ones!), and two very useful guidebooks. “I read the ‘Guidebook for You’ from cover to cover (well, metaphorically; I read a lot of it on the brand’s site); and the ‘For Your Supporter’ section is such a thoughtful inclusion,” Shipin says. Another win: The brand is understanding and considerate of all birthing experiences—Bodily even has Pregnancy Loss kits for moms that experience miscarriage and stillbirth.
Elvie Stride Hospital-Grade App-Controlled Breast Pump
Pumping and breastfeeding take up a lot of a new mom’s time. “This wireless hands-free breast pump is a game changer,” says Stella Simona, cofounder of Amarilo Jewelry and Haati Chai.
Hatch Mama Must-Haves Kit
“Hatch does such an incredible job of knowing what moms want and delivering it in a sophisticated and smart way,” says Eden Grinshpan, host of Top Chef Canada. “After giving birth, we tend to put ourselves last, and these wellness products, including oils and lotions, make us feel special and give us the TLC that we need.”
Maude Soak Bath Salts
Hanging out in a sitz bath isn’t really anyone’s idea of glamorous, but it’s a big part of postpartum recovery. Luxe bath salts, like this vitamin-infused pick from Maude, can make a big difference to make the experience a little less unpleasant, says Earley.
Luxury Gifts
Speaking of self-care, here are a bunch of great picks that can really upgrade a new mom’s wellness routine or simply help lift her mood.
Miko Foot Massager
New moms are tired, obvi—but they can’t just slip away to a day spa at a moment’s notice. This gadget brings the massage experience home, offering endless hours of heated foot rubs that can make even the most taxing nights almost relaxing. “I bought this for myself when I was pregnant with my twins, but it would make a great gift for any pregnant or postpartum mom,” says Earley. “Is it exactly like a real foot rub? Not quite, but it’s the next best thing—and a favor you don’t have to ask of anyone. Perfect for the middle of the night.”
Nuface Mini+ Starter Kit
“It took me a really long time to feel like myself again,” says Earley. “During the first year, little indulgences, like this NuFace skin care device, really helped give my confidence a little boost when everything felt so different.” The microcurrents help contour and lift in just a matter of minutes (key for busy parents!).
UrbanStems Flower Subscription
“Anything that brightened the mood at home was a hit for me,” says Earley. “Having flowers around the house was such a simple thing, but it brought so much joy.” Make it easy on yourself by opting for a flower subscription. Urban Stems will send flowers each month for the duration of your choosing, no action needed on your part.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
We’re willing to bet the new parents already have a coffee machine, but when sleep is such a precious commodity, now’s a great time for an upgrade. Our editors love this one, which expertly crafts both iced and hot espresso or coffee, including barista-style lattes.
Mejuri Engravable Bar Bracelet
Have we convinced you that personalized gifts are a new mom’s favorite gifts yet? This engravable bracelet offers one more opportunity to hammer it home. “When my second child was born, I got a bracelet just like this one with his name on it, since I already had a necklace with my first child’s name on it,” says Earley. “I loved having little reminders of my kids in my jewelry—and still do six years later.”
Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock
“I got one of these after I fell in love with the Hatch Rest night-light for our baby, and this Smart Sleep Assistant for adults does not disappoint,” says Shipin. “It really helps keep Mom and Dad feeling human.” With customizable LED light settings, a gentle alarm system, and of course, pitch-perfect white noise, it’s a great gift idea for any new parent struggling to get their hours in.
Trendy Gifts
If you’re shopping for the cool new mom, here are picks that really speak to their style.
Insulated Stainless-Steel Tumbler With Handle (30 Oz.)
This jumbo water bottle is so pervasive for a good reason—and it’s the perfect little treat for a new mom. “The insulated cup can keep coffee cold or hot for hours, but maybe more importantly, the mom you’re gifting can fill it with water and not need a refill for half a day—which is essential for new moms who are nursing or toddler parents chasing their kids around the playground,” says Melissa Bykofsky, executive editor at What to Expect.
Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Leopard Grey
There’s a reason you’ve likely seen the Artipoppe Zeitgeist on so many shower registries. Moms we polled raved about how soft, easy to wear, and comfortable this one is. Plus, the celebrity favorite is undeniably stylish.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer
“This is a perfect gift for busy moms who can barely get a comb through their hair before being interrupted by their kids,” says Bykofsky. “It styles and dries at the same time, leaving them room in the morning to actually sip a cup of coffee before running out the door for drop-off.”
Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
One of the first things to go after a new baby? Mom’s skin care routine. A shame, especially considering those sleepless nights can leave you with a serious case of morning puff. This beauty buy is a great antidote. “I notice an immediate difference in puffiness and lift after using the Solawave wand,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour’s senior beauty editor.
Mark & Graham Initial Block Baby Blanket
Luxe (kinda looks like a Hermès dupe, no?!) but not super expensive, and perfect for snuggling up under with a sleeping baby. “Anything soft and comfortable was a win in my book, especially since I gave birth in the winter and basically went into hibernation mode,” says Earley. Of course, this option does make a pretty posh stroller blanket too.
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Hanna Andersson Mommy & Me Lemon Matching Apparel
Proud new mamas will relish the opportunity to have a mommy-and-me matching moment with their mini. “Hanna Andersson has so many fun prints in both pajamas and everyday wear, it’s hard to go wrong,” says Earley. “The material is all super soft and durable too—all four of my kids have cycled through some of the same styles.”
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Our Place Wonder Oven
Because it heats up faster and cooks more quickly than a traditional oven, an air fryer will help new parents whip up quick dinners during those foggy newborn days. It’s also a very handy appliance for parents of chicken-finger-obsessed toddlers. This one is light years prettier than your average model, but just as hardworking.
Unique Gifts
Whether you’re celebrating her birthday, a holiday like Christmas or Mother’s Day, or her first few postpartum days back at home, these are the unique gifts the new moms in our lives say they cherished the most.
Once Upon a Farm Snacks Subscription
Ask any parent what the best gift they received after their baby was born, and food is always top of the list. But toddlers are notoriously picky, so takeout isn’t always the best option for them. The solution: a subscription of pouches and healthy snacks for older siblings. “It’s like Christmas when Once Upon a Farm shows up at our house,” says Earley. “My kids love the pouches and the new oat bars so much that they finished our last shipment in less than two days!”
Nordstrom Demi-Fine Puffy Heart Locket Necklace
Kara Lacey, cofounder of PR agency The Hours, loves giving new moms a locket (bonus points if you can get one engraved!) with a photo of their child or children inside: “It’s a beautiful way for them to keep the baby close to their heart when they’re apart.”
Teardrop Breast Milk Ring and Necklace Set
“Every person’s breastfeeding journey is a unique experience, but I think anyone who has done it can agree that feeding your baby from your own body is an accomplishment worth celebrating,” says Stephanie McNeal, Glamour’s senior editor. “When I was breastfeeding my daughter, I began to yearn for a way to always remember this tiring, special, unrelenting, but fleeting experience, and landed on breastmilk jewelry.” It may sound weird to turn your breast milk into a necklace, but it’s actually a very simple process. “All I did was send them one of the spare packs of frozen milk I already had on hand,” says McNeal. “A few months later, I received a gorgeous necklace with a perfect oval stone that you would seriously never believe used to be milk. It’s a sweet reminder of what she and I accomplished together.”
LuxuryDaintyJewelry Dainty Birthstone Ring
A birthstone ring, like this one, is a great piece for everyday wear. “I have something very similar that I wear in a stack with my wedding band and engagement ring,” says Earley. “I love that it adds a little color, but even more than that, I love the symbolism behind it: a reminder of the family we’ve built.”
Things They Need for Themselves
Of course, we can’t forget about the useful essentials new moms will need everyday, like a handy backpack, a travel-friendly changing kit, and comfy sleepwear.
Lululemon New Parent Backpack
Many parents find that diaper-bag backpacks are more convenient than totes, and this one from Lululemon scores high marks. “I couldn’t live without mine,” says Earley. “Especially after my twins—kiddos number three and four—were born. I needed to bring a lot everywhere, plus needed both hands at all times.” It’s roomy, it’s stylish, and you can use it way after the toddler years—a win all around.
Dagne Dover Joey Changing Kit
“I think a portable changing pad is a must for a new mama,” says Bronfman. This one from mom-beloved brand Dagne Dover is perhaps the most stylish option available anywhere, complete with a stroller strap and easy-to-clean surfaces.
J.Crew Short-Sleeve Pajama Pants Set
There’s something about motherhood that warms you up to the idea of luxurious pajamas—even if you’ve always slept in an oversized tee and sweats. “These feel very similar to my beloved Eberjeys, but because, unlike Eberjey, you can often find them on sale, they’re usually half the price,” says Glamour’s commerce director, Brie Schwartz. “They’re so soft that they’re one of the few brands that I can wear without a camisole underneath (no chafing!), and you can even get the pair with a monogram.”
Lunya Washable Silk Robe
A robe isn’t necessarily a ground-breaking idea for new moms, but make it silk—now we’re talking. “I felt anything but glamorous in the weeks following childbirth, but little luxuries like this machine-washable (yep, really!) silk robe helped me feel at least a little bit more human,” one new mom told us.
Audible Subscription
When the baby is up in the middle of the night in a dark nursery, Audible’s subscription service makes the perfect companion (besides that snuggly little one, of course). “I got really into audiobooks and podcasts during my maternity leave,” says Earley. “It was a huge sanity saver for me and made me feel more productive than just scrolling my social feeds at all hours of the day.”
Best New-Mom Gifts Under $50
Shopping on a budget? Below are gifts under $50 and under $25 that still feel meaningful.
Baby Shusher Sleep Soother Sound Machine
The Baby Shusher is the ultimate crowdpleaser—and Shatken goes so far as it to call it the gift that keeps on giving. “Although we use a sound machine at night, I still consider this gadget a must-have. It perfectly emulates a verbal shhh and is ideal for calming down an overtired baby at nap time. You can set it for 15- or 30-minute increments to help get your baby to sleep or just calm down a tantrum. It is truly a miracle machine,” she says.
Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask
Sleep can be tough to come by in the early days of parenthood, but this best-selling sleep mask can help her pack in as much shut-eye as possible. It’s soft and heavy, like a weighted blanket for your eyes. “It seems like such a simple thing, but this eye mask really helped me sleep when my mind was running a million miles an hour in those early days,” says Joanna Park, a mom to two in New Jersey. “The light pressure relaxed me when nothing else would.”
Slip Abbey Silk Scrunchies Gift Set
“After having my babies, I wanted to look as put-together as possible but couldn’t stand having my long hair down—it was always getting caught while holding the baby or, worse, getting spit-up on it,” says Earley. “These silk scrunchies made me feel a little bit better about my constant messy bun.” Plus, the gentle silk material can even help prevent further breakage and postpartum hair loss.
Best New-Mom Gifts Under $25
Lucy Darling Linen-Covered Luxury Baby Memory Book
“This baby book is exactly what I asked my mother-in-law for after my first child was born,” says Earley. “The prospect of walking through my son’s first year felt like such an important milestone. There was just so much to look forward to, and I wanted to make sure I remembered it all forever.” The prompted style makes things easier on the busy new parent—just fill in the blanks and paste in photos or mementos.
MonétBeauty Ice Globes
These soothing tools fight puffiness and redness, two skin concerns that sleep-deprived new moms may be dealing with. They also act as a great reminder to take some time for herself each day, even if it’s just a few minutes for her skin care routine.
“Mom’s One Line a Day”: A Five-Year Memory Book
“I bought one of these for myself in the beginning of my journey into motherhood and have been blessed that I was able to start a second one,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I cannot express how therapeutic this journal is for a person waiting for their child and for after their child comes. It is hope, laughs, frustrations, and joy. Besides that, it makes it easy to document things about not only your child’s progress, but also your own. It’s simple—one sentence a day.”
“The Secret Language of Birthdays: Your Complete Personology Guide for Each Day of the Year”
You realize pretty quickly that your baby is a real person with their own unique personality. “I found myself staring at my kids a lot, wondering what they’d be like once they started smiling, laughing, and talking,” says Earley. “This book, which gives you some insight into personality based on how the stars aligned the day they were born, has long been a family favorite. We have so much fun reading all about everyone in the family, including any new additions.”
Related:
- The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Mom
- The Best First Mother’s Day Gifts, According to Parents
- The Best Gifts for Parents, Endorsed by Fellow Parents
