The Best Mom-To-Be Gifts to Celebrate Her
It’s easy for everyone to focus their attention on baby’s impending arrival—but expectant moms deserve some TLC too! One way to show the pregnant person in your life just how much you appreciate them? Mom-to-be gifts to help them feel pampered and adored.
I’m a mom of four who’s been through the process of both giving and receiving mom-to-be gifts many, many times. As far as I’m concerned, the best gifts for expectant mothers help support a pregnant mama on her journey, whether it’s designed to be used while she’s still carrying her little one or in the postpartum period. And you don’t need to wait for the baby shower to share your mom-to-be gift—a thoughtful gift is always welcome. Products that either treat your favorite mom-to-be or help to make her life easier during this phase are guaranteed wins.
We get it—gifting isn’t always a breeze. To help you find the best mom-to-be gifts for the pregnant person in your life, we did the bulk of the research. This way, you won’t have to spend hours scrolling. Here are the steps we took to create this roundup:
- We researched what was being said about mom-to-be presents in The Bump community forums to learn what parents were thinking of gifting their loved one—and what they’ve received themselves.
- We surveyed over 300 expectant mothers in The Bump community for additional insight on the pros and cons of specific pregnancy and postpartum brands and products.
- We conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for when choosing a mom-to-be gift.
- Lastly, I also included options I’ve personally gifted or received as a present and offered my firsthand experience with these products.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Illustrated affirmation cards
Here’s a gift for soon-to-be-moms that recognizes how pregnancy can be both beautifully life-changing and stressful. The set includes 78 illustrated cards that a doula has thoughtfully designed to encourage moments of self-care during pregnancy, birth and motherhood. Each one outlines a meditation, exercise or affirmation for moms to reflect on as they navigate the early stages of parenthood.
Meditation app subscription
Every pregnancy journey involves some degree of change. With this subscription service, your loved one can explore the self-care benefits of meditation to help them navigate this new period in their life. Emma O., e-commerce editor for The Bump, tells us, “I'd never meditated before downloading Headspace, and now I do on an almost daily basis.” The app features a wide range of resources, whether you’re in the mood for a one-minute breathing exercise, a guided cardio workout, a soundscape to help you fall asleep or anything in between. Better yet, this digital present is perfect for those who are last-minute shopping (no shame!). Simply, choose a plan and enter the recipient's details, and Headspace will ensure it gets to their inbox on time.
Soothing skincare roller
Swelling and puffiness are common pregnancy symptoms for most—which is what makes this ice roller a top-notch mom-to-be gift idea in our eyes. The simple, ergonomic design is made from high-quality stainless steel and can relieve puffiness, redness and sore muscles. I whipped this out whenever I had a headache during one of my pregnancies, and loved its soothing feel. Reviewers love how it makes their skin feel revitalized with each use—as well as its convenient size. Your loved one can pop this at-home spa tool in the freezer and take it out whenever they’re in need of a bit of rejuvenation throughout their pregnancy.
Travel gift card
Is your loved one planning a babymoon? Then this Airbnb voucher will be a surefire winner. This mom-to-be gift can be put towards a dreamy, relaxing vacation before (or after) the little one arrives. Choose from several amounts, starting at $25 and ranging to $500. Last-minute shoppers and out-of-town relatives will also appreciate that it can be delivered instantly via email.
Our community says:
Can’t go wrong with a gift card. – Jenna B., mom of two
Sentimental keepsake book
This sentimental gift includes a set of 12 letter templates that inspire parents-to-be to write to their future child. Inside are prompts like “On the day you were born…” and “Your first home was like this…” to get ideas and stories flowing. When you’re finished, seal the envelope with a sticker. Then, when your child is older, this present will act as a paper time capsule to remind them of their earliest days—how sweet!
Monthly pregnancy gift boxes
This subscription service made our list of the best pregnancy subscription boxes. Each month, your expectant loved one will receive a curated box tailored to their stage of pregnancy. Inside, they’ll find up to eight items, like self-care products, baby essentials and other treats. Subscriptions range from 1 to 12 months so that you can find the best fit for your needs.
Bonus: Take 50 percent off your Bump Boxes order with code THEBUMP50 at checkout.
Soothing belly balm
Skin tends to get dry and itchy during pregnancy, especially as that belly expands. The Motherlove Pregnant Belly Salve is our Best of The Bump winner for best stretch mark product for itchy skin, and it’s a real savior during your nine+ month journey. I was given it during my fourth pregnancy and loved its soothing feel. The organic balm is made with beeswax, herbs, essential oils and floral extracts for a salve that moisturizes and tamps down on inflammation while also smelling great. The label is pretty, too, making it a great product to leave laying out on a counter.
Our community says:
I’ll usually put a belly balm in a basket as one of my go-to pregnancy gifts. – Alyssa V., mom of two
A meal on demand
Pregnancy can make it hard to get out of bed some days, let alone whip up a nutritious meal. A DoorDash gift card allows the mom-to-be in your life to treat themselves to indulge in cravings or have dinner delivered to their doorstep on demand. While giving your loved one a home-cooked meal is great, nothing beats the ability to order what they want, when they want. I was gifted this during one of my pregnancies and found it was the perfect pick-me-up after a long, hard day. I now give it to all of my friends when they’re expecting!
Our community says:
The BEST gift for new parents is food—an Uber Eats or DoorDash gift card works great. Once baby arrives you realize you don't have the energy to cook. – Danielle G., mom of one
Disposable undies
With seemingly infinite levels of stretchiness and next-level comfort, disposable underwear is magical in the postpartum weeks. But you can only take so many from your hospital or birthing center without raising eyebrows. Frida Mom is here to help with its soft, stretchy underwear that’s a step above hospital undies in the quality department. This disposable underwear is made from mesh-free microfiber and spandex (hello, stretch!), with plenty of room to hold a pad. It’s also seamless to avoid irritation and high-waisted for added comfort and support. Expect to hear a rave review from your loved one after they give birth.
An elevated bathing experience
Even doing something as simple as grabbing a shower can be a challenge when you’re a new mom. The Body Restore Shower Steamers let new parents maximize bathing time by delivering aromatherapy while you wash up. It’s the perfect way to infuse a little “me” time when they can. Choose from a range of soothing scents, including eucalyptus mint and lavender.
Our community says:
My favorite thing to get a new mom—shower steamers!!! Postpartum means you typically don't have time for anything other than a quick shower here and there, so the shower steamers are a great way to really take in the break a shower gives you and do some deep breaths. – Jaclyn B., mom of one
Comfy maternity robe
A soft, cozy maternity robe will come in handy during all three trimesters. This sophisticated option features a satin collar and trim that will keep your loved one feeling comfortable and put together. Plus, the belt can be tied in two ways to accommodate changes throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. I was given this robe while pregnant with my second child, and it was amazing to have in the hospital after giving birth. The stretchy fabric gently hugs your body for a flattering, cozy fit, no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey. I still wear it, even though I’m no longer pregnant!
Linen-bound pregnancy journal
Searching for a sentimental mom-to-be gift? Check out this minimalist pregnancy journal. The linen-bound book is filled with prompts to help women document the initial stages and feelings of motherhood. Parents say that they looked forward to writing in it and that it was a sweet keepsake to look back on in the following months (and years!).
Compression socks
You may not think of compression socks as a maternity must-have, but for some, they can make all the difference. This pair is available in several colors and sizes and offers a supportive fit to reduce swelling and promote circulation. You can count on them to help your loved one feel their best as their pregnancy progresses, whether they’re on their feet all day or lounging in the evening. I have a supportive pair that I wore through my last pregnancy, and I still slip them on when I travel.
Maternity clothing gift card
Seraphine is a go-to maternity clothing brand among both The Bump editorial team and parents in our community; it’s easy to see why it’s a Best of The Bump award winner. The online retailer offers an array of chic options that are equal parts stylish and functional. They have everything from maternity work attire and pregnancy loungewear to adaptable options for the postpartum period. With this gift card, your loved one will be able to pick out whatever catches their eye—and you can ensure they’ll receive a present that they’ll get a lot of use out of. It’s a gifting win-win!
Our community says:
[Seraphine’s] styles are cute and everything is super comfy and good quality. – csardaszz, The Bump forum member
Her own delivery gown
Labor and delivery gowns supplied by your hospital or birthing center are fine, but they tend to be a little scratchy and impersonal. Kindred Bravely’s Labor and Delivery Gown has a super-soft, T-shirt feel and full coverage, so your loved one doesn’t have to worry about accidental peep shows. Two big pockets provide space to hold a phone and other essentials. It also opens in the right places to allow for monitoring and epidurals during labor and delivery, just like a standard-issue hospital gown. The gown even doubles as pajamas during pregnancy and after baby’s arrival.
Our community says:
This is the best! – Alyssa V., mom of two
Super-soft swaddle
This knit swaddle is made from a premium blend of polyester and rayon, resulting in a super-soft feel that’s highly stretchy and durable. The large size means it can be used for several purposes, from a receiving blanket at the hospital to a cozy toddler blanket. I’ve even napped under mine when my baby was sleeping. Even better, Copper Pearl offers almost 200 color and print options to choose from, so you’re bound to find the best match for your loved one.
Our community says:
My favorite [blankets] are the stretchy cotton kind from Copper Pearl or Kate Quinn. They’re versatile and lightweight but still warm—and so dang soft. – miss.sally, The Bump forum member
I love Copper Pearl swaddle blankets. I just wrap [baby] like burritos for the first 2 months. No fancy velcro or anything. They are so soft and stretchy. – betsbirdy, The Bump forum member
Silk eye mask
While you can’t gift your loved one sleep, you can promote more restful experiences with the right presents. Case in point: This luxe eye mask. It’s made from washable silk and has an elasticized band for premium comfort. I need absolute darkness when it’s bedtime, and that can be tricky when I need a nightlight on for midnight feedings or diaper changes. This mask helps block out the light and has a wrap-around design that feels incredibly comfortable on.
At-home foot spa
If the expectant mom in your life is experiencing swollen feet during pregnancy, this present is the way to go. The compact spa is designed to rejuvenate sore, tired feet with water massage jets and plenty of bubbles. There’s even a built-in pumice stone to slough off calluses. It’s simple, but it’s sure to get a lot of use!
Diapers on demand
Handing over an Amazon gift is practically a guarantee that your gift will get used. Whether it’s loading up on goods before baby arrives or doing a last-minute wipes order when they’re running low, this gift will definitely come in handy. While these gift cards start at $25, adding at least $50 means your loved one can get a big box of diapers on demand.
Our community says:
After baby arrives, you realize you need to order some random baby item that you forgot to register for and those gift cards were the best. – Danielle G., mom of one
Comforting body pillow
This best-selling pregnancy pillow is made of high-density memory foam, to keep your loved one feeling her best, whether she’s lounging or snoozing. Its ergonomic U-shaped design eliminates the need for spare pillow Tetris and neatly spoons her while supporting her back, legs, belly, and hips. This way, she’ll be able to sleep like a baby—not like she’s having one. No wonder it’s a Best of The Bump award winner!
Our community says:
I received a pregnancy pillow from my MIL and used it all throughout pregnancy in different positions based on the stage of pregnancy. – Angela C., mom of one
Trendy diaper bag alternative
The BAGGU Crescent Bag is highly versatile, thanks to its adjustable strap. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody, depending on what you’re doing that day. My favorite part has to be the amount of space it offers. While it may look small, it really does hold a lot. (One of our editors owns this bag, and recently put her 32-ounce Hydroflask and an entire tube of Pringles in it, as well as her wallet, sunglasses and other essentials, and still had room.) Plus, it has two interior pockets to make on-the-go organization easy. It would be a great mom-to-be gift for a loved one who's looking for an alternative to a traditional diaper bag.
Our community says:
I’ve never found a diaper bag I liked. Currently, I just use a BAGGU tote with a pouch for diapers/pad/wipes plus snacks and maybe a change of clothes. – etnyah, The Bump forum member
Bouquet subscription service
Some gifts just keep on giving, like this flower subscription service. BloomsyBox offers artful arrangements with an array of fresh, seasonal blooms, including hydrangeas, vibrant daisies, mini calla lilies and more. Simply choose from one of the three available plans, and—voilà—your loved one will be treated to a fresh bouquet weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. A friend gave me this subscription after my fourth child was born, and it was such a lovely pick-me-up to look forward to while living in the middle of organized chaos.
Bonus: Save 20 percent on all bouquets and subscriptions with code BUMP20.
Postpartum recovery kit
There’s no better gift than helping an expectant mom prepare for the unexpected—which is one reason why this 11-item collection of essential postpartum recovery products will be the best gift she didn’t know she needed. A Best of The Bump winner ranked top overall postpartum recovery kit, this one-and-done box includes everything from a peri wash bottle to maxi pads, mesh boyshorts, stool softener, nipple creams, hydrogel pads, nursing pads, and—bonus!—cozy socks.
Soft, versatile lounge pants
Hear me out: The last thing you want to wear during pregnancy and the postpartum period is tight, uncomfortable clothes. These Outdoor Voices pants are the opposite of that. They're super-soft and the lightweight fabric makes them a great option for year-round wear. We especially like the heathered pattern; if you have an accidental spill while you're out and about, it doesn't show up much at all. Expectant moms will appreciate the stretchy, ultra-soft fabric and flattering wide-leg silhouette. The waistband also features an internal drawstring and can be easily folded up or down, depending on the desired fit.
Everyday necklace
Some of the best gifts for expecting mothers are those that celebrate their new status as a parent—and this simple, beautiful necklace does just that. The everyday design comes in three metal options and consists of two discs. The smaller can be stamped with either a birth flower, a silhouette of a state or another symbol of your choosing. Then, the larger will feature text whether that be “Mom”, your loved one’s name or anything else you have in mind.
Supportive yoga mat
On the lookout for the perfect present for the yogi in your life? Then this luxe yoga mat is sure to be a winner. The aesthetically pleasing design features a grippy surface to keep you grounded during vinyasa flows, while also offering a plush, supportive spot for more restorative sessions. I practice yoga and pilates several times a week and use my lululemon mat for both activities, whether I'm in a studio or just at home. It’s versatile enough for any activity you have in mind, including providing extra padding under baby during tummy time.
Luxurious candle
You can't go wrong with a luxurious candle as a gift, and Diptyque is one of our favorite brands when it comes to picking out presents for loved ones. This rose-scented candle is light and refreshing, and the fragrance really fills any room it's burning in. If you’re on the hunt for a lavish present that’s still practical, this option is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. It’s more than a candle—it creates a spa-like moment your loved one will savor.
Birthstone bracelet
Birthstone jewelry is a classic gift for mothers-to-be. Choose their birthstone or baby’s for an elegant, personalized bracelet they can wear every day. They’ll also appreciate the adjustable chain, which will make it easy for them to put on and take off independently. Additional customization options are also available to make this present truly unique.
Natural nipple soothers
Breastfeeding can be tough on new mamas—and their nipples. The popular Silverette nursing cups soothe and protect that sensitive area, delivering a cool feeling to help support your favorite expectant mom on her nursing journey.
Our community says:
I’ll put Silverette cups in a basket as a pregnancy gift if they know they plan to breastfeed. – Alyssa V., mom of two
They worked like magic! I am giving them to all my preggo friends. – Knottie30597, The Bump forum member
Maternity leggings
Supportive, stretchy maternity leggings are a worthwhile investment and a great gift for moms-to-be. In fact, they’re a pregnancy must-have in our book. A favorite brand among both The Bump editorial team and parents in our community is Beyond Yoga. Their signature pregnancy leggings have an easily adjustable fit that can be worn throughout all three trimesters and into the postpartum period. What’s more, they’re made from an ultra-soft yet durable fabric that your loved one is sure to adore and they come in a number of unique colors. “It’s a splurge but one I justify,” says brynn_mamaof4, a parent from The Bump forums, “Honestly, I’ve had a pair of leggings from them that I wear all the time for going on two years now and there is no wear in them at all."
Our community says:
I buy all my yoga leggings, bra tops, sweatshirts, shorts…basically everything from Beyond Yoga. They do have a maternity line and I pretty much live in their maternity leggings!" – brynn_mamaof4), The Bump forum member
Feel-good gift box
Next up on our list of the best gifts for moms-to-be is this pregnancy gift box. Each basket is full of feel-good items designed to encourage relaxation and rejuvenation. Your loved one can expect to find belly butter, a candle, a robe and other sweet surprises inside. Simply select the size and color of the robe, and in a few days, she’ll have a present to soothe her body and mind.
Elegant, minimalist jewelry
If the soon-to-be-mom in your life is a fan of simple, contemporary jewelry, you can’t go wrong with this necklace. The gold chain features two connected circles, symbolizing the close relationship you have with the receiver. Parents love that it can be worn on its own or layered with other jewelry, depending on the occasion. Plus, they say they get complimented on it all the time!
Mini massager
Pregnancy can come with a lot of aches and pains, making this one of the best mom-to-be gifts around. The handheld device is compact, lightweight and can be used to alleviate muscle tension. It comes with three attachments to achieve a blissful, targeted massage experience. You can even choose from different colorways for a personalized touch.
Chic maternity dress
This dress is so comfortable, it’s designed to be slept in. While it technically isn’t a maternity dress, the elastic, smocked bodice makes it pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. Choose from several chic styles and patterns for a fab look your loved one can wear day or night. There’s even a teeny tiny version available for babies and toddlers, so your loved one and their mini-me can have a matching moment!
Plush slippers
Moms know, foot comfort is vital during pregnancy. These signature UGG slippers are crafted from soft suede and shearling and have a thick outsole that can be worn in or out of the house. What’s more, in the later stages of pregnancy, they’ll be super easy for your loved one to slip on without having to bend over.
Our community says:
I live in a warmer climate now, but I still wear UGG slippers around the house because they are so comfy. – dukestar5, The Bump forum member
Sleek e-reader
One thing they don’t tell you about the early days with a newborn? There’s a lot of sitting still while baby feeds, and being quiet while they sleep. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is a great gift for the bookworm mama-to-be in your life to catch up on reading during those long sessions. The lightweight device has a 7-inch display screen, thin borders and a glare-free display screen to mimic the look and feel of a physical book. It can hold thousands of titles at a time and holds a charge for up to 12 weeks; it really is an ideal reading accessory!
Our community says:
If I’m tossing and turning and know that going back to sleep soon is hopeless, I will read on my Kindle Paperwhite (love that thing!) for 15-20 minutes. That usually helps my mind wind down. – saltedcaramel518, The Bump forum member
Premium PJs
Some of the best mom-to-be gifts are splurge-worthy items—just like these luxe pajamas by Eberjey. Before putting them on, you can tell they’re well-constructed and made of premium materials right away. The silky, stretchy fabric delivers premium softness without sacrificing aesthetics; we love the timeless look of them! The low-waisted pants sit comfortably on the hips, so they could be positioned under a bump. Meanwhile, the top offers a nice amount of coverage and is long enough to cover a bump, with buttons that can be undone easily, making it ideal for nursing. One piece of advice: I’d recommend getting a darker color; one of our editors has a white pair with a light pink floral pattern, and tells us it’s a bit see-through.
Hands-free pump
Being able to pump hands-free is a gift for new moms, especially when they have other kids to take care of. I used the Lansinoh Discreet Duo after my third and fourth children were born and loved that I could pump while making dinner, cleaning up or spending time with my other kids. I even once kicked a soccer ball around the yard while pumping! The pump, which is our Best of The Bump winner for overall best wearable breast pump, is comfortable to wear and surprisingly quiet. It’s also comfortable to wear, has intuitive controls, and even boasts a pause button for when you need to take a timeout.
Top-rated baby carrier
Give your loved one the gift of having two hands free. This top-rated baby carrier from BabyBjörn earned a Best of The Bump award, and is one of our favorites. Your loved one can count on it to offer her and baby optimal support, whether they’re strolling around the house, running errands, on a light hike or anywhere in between. I used it constantly during my last pregnancy to keep my often-fussy baby snuggled against me, even when I needed to continue to do things around the house. The ergonomic design can be adjusted into four different carrying positions, so this present will be useful from those early newborn days all the way through toddlerhood. If that’s not all, it’s also stylish and boasts luxe craftsmanship to boot.
About the writer:
Korin Miller is a writer who’s penned dozens of features for The Bump. She specializes in commerce, wellness and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Women’s Health, Prevention, WSJ and more. A mom of four kids, ranging in age from 2 to 11 years old, Korin knows the needs of a mom-to-be many times over. She has a master’s degree from American University and lives by the beach.
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