From spa treatments to stylish accessories, I’ve got you covered with ideas that will make moms feel loved and appreciated. Say goodbye to the usual baby gifts and show the mom-to-be that she deserves to be celebrated too!
When it comes to baby showers, the focus is usually on the newborn baby and all the cute little gifts they’ll be receiving. I will be completely honest with you, I didn’t want a baby shower for our second child. And I’m going to tell you why. Because we were having another boy and I actually kept everything that he had grown out of. So we weren’t technically new parents. At that time I was also an avid couponer so I was actively stocking up on wipes and diapers. I felt kind of guilty receiving baby gifts when we didn’t really need anything. However, I also didn’t want to offend anyone by not accepting a great baby shower gift.
So now that I have so many friends in the same position, I’m thinking of baby shower gifts for mom, not baby. Because I feel so often we forget about the mom-to-be! She’s the one carrying the baby for nine months. Soon she’ll be taking on the role of a new mama (or mom+). That’s why it’s important to show her some love and appreciation with thoughtful and unique baby shower gifts that are just for her.
How to say no gifts for a baby shower?
I remember overhearing a conversation between a group of women once while I was waiting in line to order some food. Apparently, they had a friend who was having her third baby in 4 years. They seemed happy for her. Then one woman asked “Do we have to get her another gift? She’s had a baby shower for every baby, and they are all girls” I wanted to laugh, but then they would have known I was listening.
Now If you don’t want baby shower gifts, you can politely communicate your wishes with friends and family members. One way you can say it is, “While I’m grateful for everyone’s generosity, I’d like to kindly request that no gifts be given. Your love and support are more than enough, and I would be happy to simply celebrate with all of you.”
What are some alternatives for the mom who doesn’t want a baby shower?
I’ve mentioned before that my pregnancies were really hard. I had HG and GERD, I was high risk, and I just never really felt my best. The absolute last thing I want to do is entertain when I legit feel like vomiting all day long. The problem is whenever I told people I don’t want to have one I started to feel awkward. It’s almost like I’ve offended them in some way. So I started thinking up some alternatives in case you just really don’t feel your best self.
Non-traditional baby shower options:
- Gender reveal
- Mommy and friends spa day (which is what my friend suggested when I told her I didn’t want a baby shower.)
- Mommy and friends brunch
- Baby Sprinkle and only ask for diapers/wipes (you can never go wrong with diapers/wipes!)
- Welcome to the world party (after the baby is born, but when you are comfortable having guests.)
What to get an expecting mom for a baby shower?
Baby showers are a time to celebrate the arrival of a new life and shower the pregnant mom with love and gifts. While it’s exciting to shop for baby essentials like cute baby clothes, silicone bibs, and blankets, don’t forget about the expectant mom herself! Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for the mom-to-be at her baby shower.
Gift certificate for a massage or spa treatment:
This is the perfect gift because all moms can always use a little pampering and relaxation, especially after giving birth. Pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body both physically and emotionally. Give her the gift of relaxation with a spa day package that includes massages, facials, pedicures, or any other treatments she may enjoy.
Subscription to a meal delivery service:
Meal delivery services can be a great idea for busy moms who don’t have time to cook. After giving birth, cooking meals becomes much more challenging than before. Help ease this burden by gifting a meal delivery subscription service so that she can have one less thing to worry about during those early days.
Set up a meal train:
Pretty similar to the subscription service. A meal train for new parents is a coordinated effort among a group of friends, family, or community members to provide meals for a new family after the birth of a baby. This is one of the best gifts because the idea is to take the burden of meal planning and preparation off the new parents, who are likely to be sleep-deprived and busy caring for their growing family.
A personalized necklace or bracelet:
A piece of jewelry with the baby’s name or birth date can be a sentimental keepsake that mom can cherish for years to come.
A nursing pillow:
A comfortable nursing pillow is a great way to make breastfeeding much easier for new moms. Breastfeeding can be very challenging without proper support and comfort tools such as nursing pillows which provide support while holding your little one during feeding times.
A stylish diaper bag:
A diaper bag that looks fashionable but is also practical and functional can be a good baby shower gift. They can be trendy yet practical gifts. Diaper bags get good use because they are on the list of best baby shower gifts. It’s a wonderful way to consolidate your handbag and all of your baby’s essentials. I actually was really blessed because my friend had recently launched her own diaper bag line so she gifted me one to try out.
A photo album or picture frame:
New moms will likely have lots of photos of their new bundle of joy, so a beautiful photo album or frame can be a generous gift.
A cozy robe or pajamas:
Soft and comfortable loungewear can be a practical gift for moms who will be spending a lot of time at home with their new baby.
A gift card to a favorite store or restaurant:
A gift card can be simple but great gift ideas that allow mom to treat herself to something she enjoys.
Pregnancy pillow:
Give the gift of sleep! Pregnancy pillows can be a lifesaver for moms because they provide support and comfort during a time when rest and relaxation are critical. They offer support for the belly, back, hips, and legs to help alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep. One of the main benefits of pregnancy pillows is their ability to help improve sleepless nights. As the body changes during pregnancy, it can become more difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Pregnancy pillows help to alleviate pressure on the joints and muscles, which can reduce pain and discomfort and help expecting mothers sleep better.
Postpartum Essentials Gift Basket:
Postpartum is a time of healing and adjustment for new mothers, and a gift basket filled with essential items can be a thoughtful baby shower gift idea to help them through this phase. Here are some ideas of what you can put in a postpartum essentials gift basket: Nursing pads and nipple cream, Perineal spray or witch hazel pads for post-birth healing, Comfortable, high-waisted underwear or disposable mesh underwear, Overnight pads or postpartum pads with wings, A sitz bath or Epsom salts for soothing sore muscles and promoting healing during bath time, Snacks that are high in protein and easy to eat with one hand, A water bottle or tumbler with a straw for staying hydrated, A journal or coloring book for relaxation and mindfulness.
The beauty of giving birth cannot be overstated. It is a journey that is both transformative and empowering, and it is a testament to the strength and resilience of women everywhere. So, let us celebrate the beauty of giving birth, honor the incredible mothers who bring new life into the world, and marvel at the wonder of creation that surrounds us. From practical baby shower gifts to unique gifts. It’s important to find baby shower gifts for mom not baby so she knows she’s loved and celebrated.
The “sprinkle” idea is truly precious for a second baby of same gender as first. About 20 years ago I wanted to do something for a friend who was having her second child. Her first had been 15 years before, also a son, with a different husband. She was a professional with picky taste and didn’t want to appear to be soliciting gifts. But her friends really wanted to get together. What we did was ask everyone to bring baby food, formula, diapers and wipes for the food bank. We took tons of photos and a few of us brought gift cards for salon services, movies, etc., to encourage her to do fun things WITH us before and after the birth. That afternoon, after everyone left, we packed up the donations and drove them to the food bank. The gratitude those volunteers showed my friend was so sincere and amazing; all the attendees had been especially generous with all kinds of food, powdered milk, canned goods, you name it.