Looking for great gift ideas for a new mom? Here are some ideas to treat, support and inspire her.
While many people have no problem choosing a baby gift, they have a much harder time trying to decide on a gift for mom. What do new moms need? Fun, relaxation, time to rest and time away from the baby.
New Moms Need Pampering
New moms are exhausted and their bodies are sore. What better way to relax and heal than with a professional massage? A trip to a day spa, without the baby, is a great gift for a new mom. And for a little later, when she's ready to be away from the baby overnight, buy her a luxurious night at a hotel in town. If you can't afford a hotel room, offer her your guest room, and make her meals, bring her breakfast in bed. Spoil her a little – she deserves it.
The Gift of a Magazine Subscription for Mom
Having a baby represents a major change in lifestyle. If a woman has chosen to stay at home with her baby, she may have given up an interesting job and intellectual pursuits. So why not send some thought-provoking reading material her way? Buy her a subscription to her favourite magazine, and she'll have something to look forward to in the mail. Skip the parenting mags – she's already immersed in being a parent. Choose something that's just for her and that reflects her pre-baby self.
An Anthology of Motherhood Stories
Every mother struggles with her new role. Here are some great books of personal stories about the joys and complexities of motherhood. They will offer the new mom some company and support when she feels like she's alone.
- Mothers who Think, an anthology of articles from Salon's on-line magazine archives, edited by Camille Peri and Kate Moses
- Between Interruptions: Thirty Women Tell the Truth about Motherhood, a Canadian anthology edited by Cori Howard
- Breeder: Real-Life Stories from the New Generation of Mothers, an anthology edited by Hip Mama creator Ariel Gore and Bee Lavender.
The Gift of An Outing With the Baby
Taking the baby out can be expensive. It can also be hard to think of baby-friendly places to go. The gift of an annual membership to a local activity, such as an aquarium, community centre or a zoo is priceless in terms of the incentive to get out and about with baby. She might also appreciate classes like mom and baby yoga, fit for two, or swimming lessons.
The Gift of Time Off for Mom
Being a new mom is exhausting. Offer to babysit for an afternoon or evening and give the mom a chance to do whatever she likes – sleep, go for a walk, have coffee with a friend. When you show up, bring her a home-cooked meal so she won't have to worry about dinner. Better yet, hire a house cleaner to come once a week, or even just once! Getting the house cleaning under control can feel overwhelming.
Any one of these gifts will be much appreciated by a new mom. Also, don't forget to tell her you love her and that she's doing a great job.
