These pages are always jam packed with all manner of loveliness for the littles but us mamas deserve a little treat now and again too. Specifically those new mums who are surviving in a daze of sleepless nights after the arrival of their new little bundle of joy.
When a new little baby enters the world it is all too easy to get carried away with the serious cuteness that is out there with everything from teeny tiny outfits to the cutest cuddlies. A while back we shared our favourite gifts for newborns but today we are focussing on the mums. They’ve just done a lot of hard work after all.
I can personally say that those little gifts that were given to me made all the difference and were so appreciated. Here’s a round up of the favourite gifts for new mums that the team has received or given. And if you are looking for more gift ideas check out Rock My Style for gifts for your best girls and Rock My Wedding for thank you gifts for your bridesmaids.
Flowers
A simple one but you can’t go wrong with flowers. Something super pretty to brighten a room and make you smile. You may think they will have loads but that’s not always the case. Lolly only had one bunch, some pretty freesias, and she loved them so much. Visit a cute local florist or if you need to post I rate John Lewis or Bloom & Wild for their pretty displays.
PJs
Let’s face it, most new mums spend a large amount of time in PJs. I know I did. Go for comfort rather than all out glamour as they are most likely going to be worn sat on the sofa and soon covered with copious amounts of sick and digestive biscuit crumbs. I really rate The Rosie range at M&S, especially the soft jersey sets. For super comfies Hush is always a good option and have lots of lovely buttoned pairs which are ideal for breastfeeding (also in the sale now!). This new Mama design from The Bright Company and Selfish Mother are fabulous. Plus £10 from every sale will be donated to WaterAid.
A Spa Treat
This was by far one of the loveliest things I received for me. A spa voucher is such an amazing gift. Yes, I didn’t get to use it straight away (actually 6 months) but the thought that it was there waiting for me made me do a little happy dance inside. When Molly was 6 months I was able to leave her for a morning of pampering and preening and it felt sooooo good. A touch more pricey but my work friends clubbed together and bought it so this is a great group gift.
Mama Bag
These new Mama bags from Jem and Bea are just the best. Super cute in the softest leather and I adore the bold design. Ideal for keeping all the essentials close at hand and their is also a sweet Baba version available in wipe clean fabric for all those baby bits and pieces.
Survival Kit
I’ve been known to pop together a little survival kit for friends. It’s a great fun way of putting together a few treats for mum (and Dad!) – sort of like a new mummy hamper. I pop in some magazines, a good DVD box set, a nice lip balm and bubble bath, a cute bobble water bottle (you get seriously thirsty), chocolate and some champers. You can choose whatever you like but it’s a nice way to put together a few of the essentials. I also package it in a sweet storage basket or bag that can then be used in the nursery.
Typography
Sometimes just a little note to let them know you are there to help is all it takes. Lolly found this card and it is just perfect! Or how about a cute print like this ‘Naps Fix Everything’ from Sarah and Bendrix. I also need this ‘Baby Notes‘ notebook, although mine needs to say 4 year old notes, as I’ve been rubbish at remembering everything they say and do.
Netflix Subscription
If this is there first baby they will probably watch A LOT of tv. If it’s their second they are mostly likely to be watching CBeebies in the day but fingers crossed they get some non Mr Tumble TV in the evenings. If they haven’t already got one a Netflix subscription for a few months is a great idea. So much choice to keep you entertained during those early weeks.
Newborn Shoot Vouchers
This is the loveliest gift to get from a group of you. A way of documenting those precious first few weeks and months. Find a lovely local photographer and your friend will have some gorgeous memories of that little newborn. Have a peek at our post on the best time to have a newborn photoshoot as well.
Newspaper
A very small gift but a lovely one for a sentimental friend is a paper from the day the baby was born. Most new parents won’t think to go out and buy one as they will be slightly busy with other things but this is a really cute little gift. If baby is born at five to midnight it may not be so easy but there are all the wonders of ordering back papers available on the internet now or ask your local store if they still have a copy.
Meals on Wheels
This is one for those of you who love the kitchen. Make some meals and package them all up ready for the freezer. Simple meals like casseroles or chilli that can be taken out and simply reheated will be a lifesaver. I think I survived on sandwiches and crips (and cake!) for some time, especially once Edd went back to work. I have also been known to bake a batch of cupcakes and cookies for new mums. You can just buy them obviously! These are perfect for the constant stream of visitors that will be arriving when you suddenly realise you have nothing to offer them. Or obviously just as good to keep your friends sugar levels up!
Nice Smellies
Most new mums will be lucky if they get more than 5 minutes in a bath. I remember running numerous hot bubbly baths only to sink in only for Edd to walk in with a crying baby who needed feeding. However, a shower was possible (at least once a week!) so some gorgeous shower creams were much appreciated. Fern said it made her feel like she was at the spa. Believe me, it is the little things! Lorna was lucky enough to receive a huge hamper of Benefit goodies from her work colleagues and said it was AMAZING.
Meals Out
Once baby is able to be left it’s lovely to treat your friend to a nice lunch or dinner out. Lolly’s friends did this for her and she said it was amazing. So nice to have a few hours out, catch up with friends and have a good old natter. Also, more often than not they will be watching the pennies so it’s a lovely treat.
Clothes Vouchers
How about some vouchers for their favourite clothes store. I know I certainly felt like a right frump after having the girls and this is a lovely way to give your friend a little pick me up. So whether they are a Topshop girl or a touch of Boden this is sure to be well received. Plus they can do their shopping from the comfort of the sofa and just await the postman!
Did you receive any lovely gifts as a new mum or what have you given friends that they loved?
COSTA GIFT VOUCHERS #sleepdeprivedsendcoffee
Excellent idea!!! x
Aah I have those Hush feather PJs!
Some gorgeous picks… I’m just wondering at the moment if anyone knows a good online gift registry? I’m sure I recall some general chat a while back but names have gone out of my head (asking for a friend!) 😉 xx
I’m tempted to purchase them myself! Have you looked at John Lewis? (https://www.johnlewisnurserylist.com/giftint/JSPs/NurseryList/glsmain.jsp) great for pretty much everything xx
Hmm, I’m thinking the same… between JL & This Modern Life, they have every base covered! Although being able to drop in a few other fab independents would be ace. I might go for a JL / Pinterest combo! x
I always do new mum rather than baby gifts, I mean who needs another jellycat rabbit however soft and adorable they are! I’m a big fan of the survival box, chocolates, a favourite tea, arnica bath oil, a scented candle, nice PJs or loungewear etc. or if I live locally then a lasagne and some brownies left on the doorstep always seem to go down well.
Please can you stop by mine with a lasagne and brownies?! I’m not a new mum but sounds pretty delish to me! xx
8! 8 Jellycat Rabbits was our total!
Pretty sure your baking would top mine any day!
I definitely think food/drinks/supplies are the best thing you can possibly buy! I received loads of gorgeous flowers which were beautiful don’t get me wrong, but I really would have appreciated some food so I didn’t have to cook. I think when your family are far away this is even more important – there was no one to pop round and help tidy up/chuck a load of washing on/empty the dishwasher, so having some food prepared would have really helped me. From now on when friends have babies, I try to make them something, or drop off easy to cook food, it makes a huge difference.
There are some lovely gift ideas here though, anything to make a new mum feel a little bit special is always going to be massively appreciated 🙂 x
I had already batch cooked the f*** out of the freezer so we didn’t have room for all the meals people were bringing by!
My cousin came around and bought not only lunch but disposable plates so no one had to wash up. There speaks a mother of THREE #winner
Batch cooking was one of my last week of pregnancy jobs Rebecca, then Elle came a week early, the little monkey. Next time round I’ll be cooking from about month 7 I reckon!!!
Haha yes disposal items are a must. I remember one evening standing in the kitchen eating one of those Innocent veg pots and feeling so liberated because there was no mess (!)
Spa vouchers are great! I got given some for ‘Spa By Car’ so they came to my house and I got a lovely pedicure whilst breastfeeding – perfect! I’ve also put together a survival hamper, with letters from me (‘read me when…’), a handknitted blanket, baked goods and Lansinoh cream, but the water bottle is also an excellent idea that I will be poaching! On a separate note – where is the wrapping paper used in the cover image from?! x
Loving the cute little notes idea Sian. So sweet. I am also all for people coming to you. In fact my hairdresser has just been to my house. Best change I made since having kids as they just play/cause havoc whilst I get blonded. So good. It was from Paperchase but not sure if they still do it I’m afraid xx
I got a couple of scarves from Oliver Bonas when I had my little one 11 weeks ago. I’ve found them very useful for breastfeeding and throwing over the pram as extra shade. I also feel they will last when I no longer need them for my son.
Another nice idea for friends who might live further away is a cake tin from Beverley Hills Bakery. A few of my friends have had these now and whilst a little on the pricey side, are yum! http://www.beverlyhillsbakery.com/
Cook vouchers are another winner of a gift for new mum’s if you have one near you!
I used to struggle with what to buy new mums – you know someone has probably bought them every idea you come up with! However, I found this online shop, It’s Handmade who make incredible personalised handmade gifts. Their personalised ‘mummy and me’ sets are definitely recommended. They add that little special touch to the present and they are really easy to deal with also!
Thank you for sharing such great gift ideas for Mums! Just bought some beautiful stationery and cards for my baby’s first birthday from Paperchase recently and it truthfully was a tremendous experience. Would certainly acclaim their products to anyone looking for gift/greeting cards or other stationery stuff!
xx Kate | Paperchase Discount Codes