Nothing says pregnancy quite like a baby shower. Balloons in pink and blue, baby-themed decorations, confetti, and cupcakes — it can be so magical to celebrate the fact that someone you love is expecting. But, of course, you aren’t JUST there to celebrate. You’re also there to help prepare the mom-to-be for baby, and that means bringing gifts.

If you’re a newbie to the world of baby showers and expecting mothers or a veteran, the perfect gift sometimes seems elusive. But don’t sweat it — that’s what we’re here for. Sit back, relax, and keep reading for our ultimate guide to five of the best luxury gifts for expecting moms.

The obvious route here is to get something functional for the baby. But the truth is, sometimes moms don’t want functional — they want FUN! Pregnancy can be stressful and taxing on even the most prepared mom-to-be.

We don’t know one expectant woman who couldn’t benefit from a little R&R. Don’t be afraid to look for a gift that shines the spotlight directly on her and her needs.

The perfect self-care gift, in our opinion, combines luxury and relaxation. Look for soothing bath salts, high-quality body lotions, and care products for her growing bump, like a belly or body oil.

A nutrient-rich botanical Belly Oil, in particular, will be any expecting mama’s new BFF.

Face and eye masks are a self-care staple, but have you heard of belly masks? Try throwing one in your care package to help your friend unwind and deal with stretch marks simultaneously. These Belly Masks are biodegradable AND all-natural. Gifts don’t get much better than that.

Other self-care items might incorporate some functionality as well — a maternity pillow is a gift we know every pregnant lady will appreciate.

For the perfect luxury gift basket, include all of the above. Everyone deserves a healthy dose of self-love, first-time moms, maybe most of all. 

Give the mama-to-be maternity apparel for a gift that combines both practicality and fun. After all, every new mom needs them — there’s no getting around the fact that her stomach will soon be the approximate size and shape of a watermelon. Even her stretchiest sweats aren’t going to be able to cut it.

If you know the expecting mother well, pick out clothes that align with her personal aesthetic. For the woman who loves being comfy and cozy, getting her luxury maternity knitwear is the way to go. Or perhaps she adores an evening out on the town and would go ga-ga over a flowy maternity dress. 

She needs to be comfortable, and you’re going to help. Consider these classic mom gifts:

Having a baby for the first time is kind of a major deal. It’s a huge life change, and it can be overwhelming to consider just how much STUFF you’ll need: Diapers, a new set of clothes every six months, teething toys, strollers, a crib — the list goes on and on.

One of the best ways to support the new parents in your life is by getting her a practical gift that will make this journey a little bit easier.

First, think about the new mom’s lifestyle and personality. Does she thrive on organization and being prepared for any scenario? Consider buying her something like a diaper bag with ample storage and or a portable changing pad so she can be equipped for emergencies wherever she goes.

Or maybe she’s very fashion-forward and on top of trends, in which case something like a knit designer blanket for snuggling or a stylish baby carrier might be precisely what she needs.

Focus your gift on the stage of motherhood this woman is currently in. Is she still pregnant and busy preparing for baby’s arrival? Perhaps a prenatal yoga class or a gift card for a prenatal pamper massage would make a thoughtful gift.

Hint: this also makes a fabulous Mother’s Day gift. 

Both new moms and women in the late stages of pregnancy can be forgetful and sleep-deprived — hello, mommy brain! Something that makes their life a little bit easier can be a lifesaver. 

What if the new baby has already arrived? The new mom is in the thick of it, trying to figure out how to be a parent without forgoing sleep altogether.

Opt for a car seat that you’ve already helpfully assembled or a gift card for a food delivery service — cravings satisfied. This lets your bestie know that you’ve got her in mind come the fourth trimester. 

Maybe the mother-to-be is a co-worker or mutual friend, and a generic gift is the best option. Perhaps she’s someone you know intimately, like a best friend or sister. In that case, going the personal route and getting her a more sentimental gift might speak volumes about how you feel about your relationship and the new journey she’s beginning.

Put some more thought into the gift, and make it something only YOU could have gotten her.

For instance, you buy her a stroller, and in the stroller basket, include a photo album of all your pictures together from college. Or maybe your gift references an inside joke, like a baby onesie with a picture of a crab on it because of that time you both ate so many crab rangoons in Florida that you almost threw up.

You might also consider getting her something sentimental centered around her growing child, such as a framed sonogram. For literary types, go for a “Letters to My Baby” pregnancy journal full of prompts for her to write notes to her child as they grow. Eighteen years later, it will make a heartwarming read for the whole family. 

These types of keepsake-practical gifts are extra special because they gain so much value over time and are easily overlooked during the hectic period of pregnancy.

We know you know, but since this is a gift guide, we have to say it. From holiday gifts to pregnancy gifts, be sure to include a thoughtful card, letting the recipient know just how much you care. No gift, not even leggings with pockets, can replace the value of words letting her know exactly how much she (and her growing little one) mean to you.

Finally, feel free to ask the new mom what exactly she needs or wants. Sure, it’s nice to surprise her with something unexpected, but it’s even nicer to give her something she’ll actually use and appreciate. 

For instance, she might have some gift ideas that she didn’t put on the registry. Like, she reaaallly wants a nursing bra or nipple balm for her postpartum queen era, but she didn’t love the idea of her co-workers seeing that list. No stress — consider that gift box wrapped because you’ve got it handled. 

Or, perhaps the mom-to-be has a close friend or partner whom you could ask for inside information about what she wants. There’s nothing wrong with being a spy to find out exactly what gift she could use the most right now! The point is to get her something helpful and thoughtful rather than any old item she could buy herself.

Whether the guest of honor is a co-worker, friend, or family member, it’s time to show your support and love for her. Pregnancy is magical and special, sure, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming and stressful. Reaching out with a thoughtful, useful, or sentimental gift might be exactly what the mom-to-be needs to get her through a difficult day. 

And at the end of the day, don’t overthink or stress about your gift — the point is to show your support and that you’re there for her. No matter how luxurious your gift is, the best gift of all is your friendship and support during this special time.

Sources:

What Is Mommy Brain? | VeryWell Family

How to Reduce Stress During Pregnancy | Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

Prenatal yoga: What you need to know | Mayo Clinic

Food cravings during pregnancy | Pregnancy, Birth and Baby