10 Gifts for Mamas-To-Be

originally posted December, 2019
updated December, 2020

I don’t do well with Christmas lists – I’m one of those people who gets things for myself throughout the year, so when the holidays roll around, I’m fresh out of ideas! Seeing that I’m currently 36 weeks pregnant with baby number four and have been asked by family and friends to provide them with a few ideas, I started making a list of things I’d appreciate both pre and post baby. I’m also trying to focus on not adding more clutter to our house as we get ready to transition to a family of SIX! ‘Tis the season to be pregnant, so here are my 10 gifts for mamas-to-be.

1. Manicure/Pedicure

I actually didn’t get my first mani/pedi until I was out of college and I don’t know what took me so long! These are especially great in the third trimester when I can hardly bend down to tie my shoes. Gift cards to a specific spa or salon work great, or better yet – offer to go with her! One of my local favorites,  M.C. Spa & Nail Bar, even offers pedicures WITH massages. (Even the lowest package offers a 15 minute massage!).

2. Maternity Photos

I took plenty of weekly belly photos, but professional maternity photos were something I never wanted to splurge on for myself. Since this is most likely our last baby, I decided to treat myself to a maternity session with local photographer, Jessica Morelli. Most photographers will offer gift cards or money towards a future session, so that the mama-to-be can pick the date that works best for her. Some (like Jessica!) even offer dresses to wear for the sessions, which was wonderful because I didn’t need to go shopping for anything extra!

3. House Cleaning

There’s nothing like the feeling of your entire house being clean, especially when you just want to put your feet up and relax! This gift is great for pre or postnatal mamas. I found a mom that came highly recommended in my Winter Garden Moms group. She cleans my house from top to bottom, twice a month and it’s been one of the best investments I could have made.

Tip: Ask around to find a recommended and local favorite (don’t forget to check Groupon and Amazon Home Services)!

4. Postpartum Doula Services

I use a doula during delivery, but didn’t actually know about the postpartum services offered until having my second baby. There’s a wide range of services that can be included, but they often include breastfeeding help, sibling care, light housekeeping, sleeping solutions, care for baby when parents want to shower/nap/spend time with older children, prepare pump supplies or bottles, caring for mama as she recovers from birth, errands and overall support during the transition time. Most doulas will cater to the specific needs of each new mom. Childbirth Concierge in Winter Garden offers a wide range of these services, as well as my doula, Ohana Mama Birth Services.

5. Food Delivery Services

One of my favorite things to do is bring meals to new moms after they have their babies. I remember that I didn’t feel like leaving my house with a newborn – ESPECIALLY to go grocery shopping. Dropping off home cooked meals isn’t always feasible, but there are all kinds of delivery services that would make incredible gifts for new moms: Instacart, Shipt, AmazonFresh, or even Uber Eats for something quick and already prepared!

Tip: Set up an ongoing meal train using Take them a Meal or Mealtrain.

6. Massage (Pre OR Post-natal)

I’ve gotten a few prenatal massages that have been absolutely incredible! Now that I’m towards the end of this pregnancy, everything is aching and sore, my ankles are swollen and I’m just feeling generally uncomfortable. I’d take a massage once a week until delivery if anyone was offering! I had a few friends say that post-natal massages, within the first 12 weeks after having baby, were also equally relaxing and needed. There are some massage places that even offer monthly memberships, which could be nice to get a mama through pregnancy and beyond!

Tip: If you are giving a prenatal massage, be sure the location offers that service.

7. Newborn Photography

These photos are best taken in the first 7-10 days and most photographers will pencil in the due date and work around mom and baby. Tip: Find a photographer that will come to the house and do a lifestyle session! There’s something about capturing those first precious memories at home that are worth holding onto! 

8. Pajamas/Lounge Wear

I don’t care what anyone says, clothes just fit weird after having a baby. You’re stuck in between the maternity clothes being a little too big and your regular clothes not fitting. When you’re recovering from birth, you want stretchy, comfortable and cozy. If mom is breastfeeding, make sure any tops are nursing friendly! Some of my favorite brands are Gilligan & O’Malley and Kindred Bravely.

9. The Gift of Downtime

Sometimes we just want a night off (from cooking, taking care of other children, running errands, whatever it may be). You could put together a basket that includes an essential oil diffuser, spa/bath products, candles, comfy pajamas, a Redbox rental code, and a sleep mask. Don’t forget babysitting services if there are older kids – give her the house to herself!

10. Hair Salon Services

This could be a variety of things: a new cut, color, even just a blow out! I always feel SO good after getting my hair done and once baby is here, it’s so much harder to find the time.

Tip: You could combine a few of these ideas to put together a pamper day for the new mom! 

Share your favorite gift ideas in the comments below! What sort of things did you enjoy, or looking back, what do you WISH you would have asked Santa for?