New motherhood is many things: exhilarating, exhausting, precious, and painful, all at once. And chances are good that while the new mom in your life has been inundated with baby gear, tiny clothing, and toys from well-wishers, she’s probably gotten very little that’s actually for her. Here are some gifts that might put a smile on her (very tired) face.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$15 from Amazon
She’ll probably be short on rest for a long time, but you can help her fake it with these hydrating eye gels. They’ll help reduce dark circles and puffiness, giving her that coveted “my baby just slept through the night” glow.
$40 and up from Etsy
Save her from scrawling an angry note that threatens unwitting delivery drivers and solicitors, and give her this cheeky hand-painted doormat instead.
Related: The Best Heartfelt and Hilarious Personalized Gifts for Everyone on Your List
$89 from Athleta
Comfy high-rise waistband? Check. Breathable, supportive fabric? Check. Stylish silhouette? Check. Honestly, she’ll live in these, so maybe get a second pair — they’re available in several colors.
Starting at $25
Is a DoorDash gift card an exciting thing to unwrap? Maybe not, but she’ll be singing your praises when she gets to dig into a warm meal from her favorite restaurant without so much as touching the baby’s carseat.
$32 from Homage
Look, she’s not a regular mom, she’s a cool mom — and with this ultra-soft retro T-shirt, she won’t forget it (even if she doesn’t get this inescapable “Mean Girls” reference).
$180 from Amazon
Spare her the indignity of microwaving that half-finished cup of coffee over and over again. The Ember will bring it to the perfect temperature and keep it there, even sending a message to her smartphone when it’s ready.
$20 from Amazon
As if she really needs an excuse to gobble down some cookie bites (she did just birth a fully formed human, after all) these treats that include oats, brewer’s yeast, and flaxseed can actually help boost her milk supply.
$45 from Birchbox
It may be a while before she has time to peruse the aisles of Sephora or even the local drugstore. But she can still experiment with a personalized box of beauty samples from Birchbox, from makeup to skincare, and feel a little more human again.
Related: Subscription Box Gifts That Keep the Giving Going
$12 from Amazon
There’s no escaping it: That peaceful newborn will develop some formidable chompers in a few short months. A teething necklace like this silicone option can give both mom and baby some sweet relief — and it’s actually kinda cute.
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$89 from Athleta
A soft, cuddly wrap is a new-mom must: It’s cozy, nursing friendly, and polished enough for those days when she’s lucky enough to actually leave the house. It also has pockets for the essentials, from pacifiers to phones.
Related: Warm and Fuzzy Gifts for Introverts
$149 a month from Happiest Baby
What’s a Snoo? A ridiculously pricey high-tech bassinet that many parents claim is downright magical for calming fussy babies. Chip in with a few friends and rent it for her for a few months, because there’s nothing more precious than an extra hour of sleep.
$17 from Amazon
Cool and on trend, these tie-dye patterned pacifiers from Denmark company BIBS will look cute in baby's mouth while also giving mom a little more peace. Made of BPA-free latex, they come in four colors: Mustard Ivory, Blush Ivory, Sage Ivory, and Cloud Ivory. Each purchase includes two pacifiers, and they're also available in solid colors, too.
$32 from Uncommon Goods
Whether she’s still smarting from labor or can’t seem to stop falling asleep in uncomfortable positions, this pillow filled with cherry pits can be zapped in the microwave or chilled in the freezer to soothe all her aches and pains.
$99 from Amazon
It’s a nightmare moment for many a new mom: The baby is finally asleep in her arms, and her phone has 1% battery life. This clever charger connects magnetically to newer iPhones, letting her stay juiced up even if she’s far from an outlet.
$59 from Instacart
Grocery shopping with an infant? Hard pass. Help her keep the pantry stocked without moving from the couch thanks to an Instacart membership that allows for unlimited free delivery.
Related: Online Grocery Delivery Comparison: Is One of These Services Right for You?
$58 and up from Amazon
If there ever was a time to upgrade her ratty old bathrobe, trust us: It’s now. This soft, chic option made from a blend of modal and polyester is machine-washable and light enough for all-year use.
$27 and up from Etsy
Options abound for motherhood-inspired jewelry, but one of our favorite options is this delicate, understated initial necklace. Choose her favorite metal, from rose gold to sterling silver, and customize it with baby’s initials, or a disc for every member of the family.
$28 from Amazon
Postpartum hair loss will probably do a number on her once-lush locks, so help her show those strands a little love with this cult-favorite hair strengthener.
$40 from Bombas
Keep her feet warm during those endless nights … and mornings … and nights with these super-soft slipper socks. Bonus: The grippy bottoms will keep her surefooted while carrying her precious cargo.
Related: Useful Gifts for All the Practical People On Your List
$50 from Amazon
There’s no sugarcoating it: Those initial post-birth trips to the bathroom can be painful. She can have everything she needs in easy reach with this not-so-glamorous but oh-so-necessary kit of essentials, from cooling maxi pads to disposable undies.
$229 from Goldbelly
You just can’t miss with a food gift. This indulgent Goldbelly subscription will bring the best of the nation’s restaurants right to her door, from Philadelphia cheesesteaks and Maine lobster rolls to iconic bakery treats.
Related: Beloved Local Eats That Can Be Shipped to Your Doorstep
$110 from Amazon
Sure, she may already have a diaper bag, but probably not one this chic. Owners love the versatile, unisex design, and say they’ll use it as everything from a work bag to a gym bag to an overnighter long after the baby days are over.
$15 from Uncommon Goods
She can jot down all those important “firsts” with this sweet kit of a dozen letters with prompts to inspire her. She can even postdate them and give them to her child when they’re grown as a tear-jerker of a gift.
$13 from Amazon
Being a new mom can be terrifying, so help put her fears to rest with this data-driven look at early parenthood. All the hot topics are here — and the author reassuringly breaks down what (if any) evidence there is to back everything from “breast is best” to “cry it out.”
$45 from Audible
If she needs an alternative to scrolling, podcasts and audiobooks can make for a relaxing diversion during late-night feedings, tummy time, or that fifth stroll around the block with a fussy baby.
Related: Fun and Thoughtful Gifts for Women Who Love to Read
$25 and up from Chatbooks
Help her get all of those baby pictures into print the easiest way possible — with Chatbooks. Her photos can go straight from her phone and into a monthly book, and she’ll barely have to lift a finger.
$250 from Amazon
Let’s be clear — the better gift might be a few visits from a local cleaning service. But if she’d rather not have strangers in every nook and cranny of the house during the early days of motherhood, a robotic vacuum might be the next best thing, and she can schedule cleanings right from her phone.
Related: Awesome Gift Ideas Under $250
