If only a full night’s sleep–what a new mom really needs–could be wrapped up and tied with a bow. While the best gifts for new moms won’t solve that (hang in there, mama), they can definitely make the transition into motherhood a whole lot smoother. Early motherhood can be a wild ride: a mixed bag of newborn bliss, immeasurable joy, recovery, diaper changes, and soothing cries (from both mom and baby). That’s why the most appreciated gifts for moms are the ones that will help her relax and provide some much-needed pampering (even if that means slapping on an cooling eye patch between feedings).
But don’t just take our word for it. For the ultimate gift guide, we went straight to the source, tapping new fellow moms who have been there and done that. Visiting her right after she’s given birth? Of the 200 new moms we polled, they all said they wanted food they didn’t have to cook, which is why the meal delivery service we have here is a top pick. Others said earplugs (yes, really) were a game-changer in those early days.
The baby registry may cover all manner of baby gifts like onesies and swaddles, but these gifts are all about her. From comfy pajamas (think soft, nursing-friendly options) to indulgent self-care gifts to help her sneak in some quick, yet much-needed rejuvenation, these thoughtful presents will help her feel supported, comforted, and a little more like herself again.
The best gifts for new moms, at a glance
The best gifts for new moms by category
Gifts That Aren’t for the Baby
Pamper her with cozy gifts that will help her get enough sleep, ease back into her routine, and feel her best. And yes, they all double as great gift ideas for pregnant women too.
Ana Luisa Mama Necklace
Yes, a sweet birthstone necklace or a big-day keepsake would make for a very thoughtful gift, but this dope “mama” necklace gets her instant access to the cool-mom club, says Glamour contributor and mom, Shanna Shipin.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
“My camera roll basically exploded immediately following the birth of my baby,” says Earley. An instant camera is a fun way to indulge the snap-happy new mom, delivering printed photos as quickly as she can take them.
Vivitest Ceramic Diffuser
When you’re spending a lot of time in hibernation mode, little things that make the home feel a little more special have a big impact. A diffuser for essential oils is a great alternative to candles, especially during the newborn period when new parents may be a little nervous about sending any synthetic fragrances into the air.
Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes
“Getting out of the house for stroller walks saved my sanity, so I would have loved a sneaker upgrade,” says Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein. These are one of our editor favorites, plus frequently recommended walking shoes by podiatrists, because they’re lightweight and supportive, with bouncy foam soles for added cushion. Plus they come in all kinds of fun colors.
Loop Switch Earplugs
No matter how in love the proud parents are, there’s only so much high-pitched crying you can take. And now there’s a brilliant solution: earplugs that filter sound rather than cancel it out. Think of it this way: It helps reduce all of the high-pitched sounds you don’t want to hear—shrill crying or loud cartoons, for example—while still allowing you to participate in conversations and hear what’s happening in a room. “These have been life-changing for me,” says Earley. “I pop these in every day around dinner time when my kids are all riled up and I can feel myself getting impatient. It helps take the edge off, but I can still parent appropriately.”
Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
“Since I often needed to be hands-free, I thrived on podcasts and audiobooks,” says Glamour’s Moeslin. “And a quality pair of headphones are key for that.” This pair offers up to nine hours of listening time (or more than 24 hours with the charging case)—entirely suitable for those marathon night feeds and diaper changes.
Factor Gift Card
We polled more than 200 new mothers for their take on the best gifts for new moms, and the top answer was—overwhelmingly—a fresh meal. Unfortunately, ordering delivery is expensive, and there are only so many healthy five-minutes-or-less recipes. “This meal delivery service was a lifesaver,” says Moeslein. “Every week my husband and I knew we’d have an assortment of delicious, dietitian-designed meals that could easily be heated in the microwave in two minutes. Everything tasted fresh, and the variety never got stale.”
Gifts for After the Birth
These are the practical and splurge-worthy gift ideas for new moms who can use some TLC right after birth.
Elvie Stride Hospital-Grade App-Controlled Breast Pump
Pumping and breastfeeding take up a lot of a new mom’s time. “This wireless hands-free breast pump is a game changer,” says Stella Simona, cofounder of Amarilo Jewelry and Haati Chai.
Luxury Gifts
Speaking of self-care, here are a bunch of great picks that can really upgrade a new mom’s wellness routine or simply help lift her mood.
Miko Foot Massager
New moms are tired, obvi—but they can’t just slip away to a day spa at a moment’s notice. This gadget brings the massage experience home, offering endless hours of heated foot rubs that can make even the most taxing nights almost relaxing. “I bought this for myself when I was pregnant with my twins, but it would make a great gift for any pregnant or postpartum mom,” says Earley. “Is it exactly like a real foot rub? Not quite, but it’s the next best thing—and a favor you don’t have to ask of anyone. Perfect for the middle of the night.”
Nuface Mini+ Starter Kit
“It took me a really long time to feel like myself again,” says Earley. “During the first year, little indulgences, like this NuFace skin care device, really helped give my confidence a little boost when everything felt so different.” The microcurrents help contour and lift in just a matter of minutes (key for busy parents!).
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
We’re willing to bet the new parents already have a coffee machine, but when sleep is such a precious commodity, now’s a great time for an upgrade. Our editors love this one, which expertly crafts both iced and hot espresso or coffee, including barista-style lattes.
Mejuri Engravable Bar Bracelet
Have we convinced you that personalized gifts are a new mom’s favorite gifts yet? This engravable bracelet offers one more opportunity to hammer it home. “When my second child was born, I got a bracelet just like this one with his name on it, since I already had a necklace with my first child’s name on it,” says Earley. “I loved having little reminders of my kids in my jewelry—and still do six years later.”
Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock
“I got one of these after I fell in love with the Hatch Rest night-light for our baby, and this Smart Sleep Assistant for adults does not disappoint,” says Shipin. “It really helps keep Mom and Dad feeling human.” With customizable LED light settings, a gentle alarm system, and of course, pitch-perfect white noise, it’s a great gift idea for any new parent struggling to get their hours in.
Trendy Gifts
If you’re shopping for the cool new mom, here are picks that really speak to their style.
Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Leopard Grey
There’s a reason you’ve likely seen the Artipoppe Zeitgeist on so many shower registries. Moms we polled raved about how soft, easy to wear, and comfortable this one is. Plus, the celebrity favorite is undeniably stylish.
Revlon One-Step Volumizer
“This is a perfect gift for busy moms who can barely get a comb through their hair before being interrupted by their kids,” says Bykofsky. “It styles and dries at the same time, leaving them room in the morning to actually sip a cup of coffee before running out the door for drop-off.”
Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
One of the first things to go after a new baby? Mom’s skin care routine. A shame, especially considering those sleepless nights can leave you with a serious case of morning puff. This beauty buy is a great antidote. “I notice an immediate difference in puffiness and lift after using the Solawave wand,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour’s senior beauty editor.
Mark & Graham Initial Block Baby Blanket
Luxe (kinda looks like a Hermès dupe, no?!) but not super expensive, and perfect for snuggling up under with a sleeping baby. “Anything soft and comfortable was a win in my book, especially since I gave birth in the winter and basically went into hibernation mode,” says Earley. Of course, this option does make a pretty posh stroller blanket too.
Our Place Wonder Oven
Because it heats up faster and cooks more quickly than a traditional oven, an air fryer will help new parents whip up quick dinners during those foggy newborn days. It’s also a very handy appliance for parents of chicken-finger-obsessed toddlers. This one is light years prettier than your average model, but just as hardworking.
Unique Gifts
Whether you’re celebrating her birthday, a holiday like Christmas or Mother’s Day, or her first few postpartum days back at home, these are the unique gifts the new moms in our lives say they cherished the most.
Nordstrom Demi-Fine Puffy Heart Locket Necklace
Kara Lacey, cofounder of PR agency The Hours, loves giving new moms a locket (bonus points if you can get one engraved!) with a photo of their child or children inside: “It’s a beautiful way for them to keep the baby close to their heart when they’re apart.”
LuxuryDaintyJewelry Dainty Birthstone Ring
A birthstone ring, like this one, is a great piece for everyday wear. “I have something very similar that I wear in a stack with my wedding band and engagement ring,” says Earley. “I love that it adds a little color, but even more than that, I love the symbolism behind it: a reminder of the family we’ve built.”
Things They Need for Themselves
Of course, we can’t forget about the useful essentials new moms will need everyday, like a handy backpack, a travel-friendly changing kit, and comfy sleepwear.
Lululemon New Parent Backpack
Many parents find that diaper-bag backpacks are more convenient than totes, and this one from Lululemon scores high marks. “I couldn’t live without mine,” says Earley. “Especially after my twins—kiddos number three and four—were born. I needed to bring a lot everywhere, plus needed both hands at all times.” It’s roomy, it’s stylish, and you can use it way after the toddler years—a win all around.
Dagne Dover Joey Changing Kit
“I think a portable changing pad is a must for a new mama,” says Bronfman. This one from mom-beloved brand Dagne Dover is perhaps the most stylish option available anywhere, complete with a stroller strap and easy-to-clean surfaces.
J.Crew Short-Sleeve Pajama Pants Set
There’s something about motherhood that warms you up to the idea of luxurious pajamas—even if you’ve always slept in an oversized tee and sweats. “These feel very similar to my beloved Eberjeys, but because, unlike Eberjey, you can often find them on sale, they’re usually half the price,” says Glamour’s commerce director, Brie Schwartz. “They’re so soft that they’re one of the few brands that I can wear without a camisole underneath (no chafing!), and you can even get the pair with a monogram.”
Audible Subscription
When the baby is up in the middle of the night in a dark nursery, Audible’s subscription service makes the perfect companion (besides that snuggly little one, of course). “I got really into audiobooks and podcasts during my maternity leave,” says Earley. “It was a huge sanity saver for me and made me feel more productive than just scrolling my social feeds at all hours of the day.”
Best New-Mom Gifts Under $50
Shopping on a budget? Below are gifts under $50 and under $25 that still feel meaningful.
Baby Shusher Sleep Soother Sound Machine
The Baby Shusher is the ultimate crowdpleaser—and Shatken goes so far as it to call it the gift that keeps on giving. “Although we use a sound machine at night, I still consider this gadget a must-have. It perfectly emulates a verbal shhh and is ideal for calming down an overtired baby at nap time. You can set it for 15- or 30-minute increments to help get your baby to sleep or just calm down a tantrum. It is truly a miracle machine,” she says.
Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask
Sleep can be tough to come by in the early days of parenthood, but this best-selling sleep mask can help her pack in as much shut-eye as possible. It’s soft and heavy, like a weighted blanket for your eyes. “It seems like such a simple thing, but this eye mask really helped me sleep when my mind was running a million miles an hour in those early days,” says Joanna Park, a mom to two in New Jersey. “The light pressure relaxed me when nothing else would.”
Best New-Mom Gifts Under $25
Lucy Darling Linen-Covered Luxury Baby Memory Book
“This baby book is exactly what I asked my mother-in-law for after my first child was born,” says Earley. “The prospect of walking through my son’s first year felt like such an important milestone. There was just so much to look forward to, and I wanted to make sure I remembered it all forever.” The prompted style makes things easier on the busy new parent—just fill in the blanks and paste in photos or mementos.
MonétBeauty Ice Globes
These soothing tools fight puffiness and redness, two skin concerns that sleep-deprived new moms may be dealing with. They also act as a great reminder to take some time for herself each day, even if it’s just a few minutes for her skin care routine.
“Mom’s One Line a Day”: A Five-Year Memory Book
“I bought one of these for myself in the beginning of my journey into motherhood and have been blessed that I was able to start a second one,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I cannot express how therapeutic this journal is for a person waiting for their child and for after their child comes. It is hope, laughs, frustrations, and joy. Besides that, it makes it easy to document things about not only your child’s progress, but also your own. It’s simple—one sentence a day.”
UGG Tasman Slippers
As a new mom, investing in an ultra-comfy, durable pair of slippers is one of the little luxuries that makes the day-to-day that much smoother. “From late pregnancy through the early postpartum months, I practically lived in my slippers,” says Glamour contributor and mom of two Danielle DiMeglio. “These were so supportive and I loved that I could wear them in and out of the house.”
Birkenstock Arizona Slides
It’s no secret that carrying a baby puts added pressure on your feet, which is why finding a supportive everyday shoe is all the more important. The cork and latex footbed is designed to absorb shock and relieve pressure as you walk. “I love the ease of sliding them on with practically any outfit and heading out the door without a second thought,” says DiMeglio.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Finding time for yourself—let alone reading—can feel impossible, but there are ways to sneak in the ‘me time’ while tending to the baby. “I kept my Kindle on my nightstand, and it was such a better way to pass the time during feedings than endlessly scrolling through Instagram,” says DiMeglio.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Ribbed Robe
When you’re in the comfort of your home for days on end and in the throes of recovery with a newborn, you may just want to reach for your robe every time over actual clothes—and we don’t blame you. “This was the most comfortable thing to wear during recovery, especially after a C-section,” says DiMeglio. “It’s lightweight, breathable, and so incredibly soft just like the luxe blankets the brand is known for.”
Ekouaer Pajamas Set
Cozy pajamas are a postpartum essential, and this soft, loose-fit set hits all the marks. The fabric feels luxuriously soft without breaking the bank, and the button-down top makes nursing so much easier. “I loved them so much that I ended up buying multiple sets in different colors,” says DiMeglio. “They’re perfect for lounging, even when you have company, and still feel super comfortable.”
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Body Butter
“Making time for self-care helped me stay grounded in those early postpartum months, even if it was something as simple as applying lotion,” says DiMeglio. True Botanicals’ nutrient-rich body butter, infused with bright notes of citrus and sandalwood, provides deep hydration when it’s needed most. “My skin was incredibly sensitive during pregnancy and after giving birth, so finding a lotion with quality ingredients was essential for me.”
Baimei IcyMe Jade Roller & Gua Sha
“My lack of sleep was written all over my face, especially under my eyes,” says DiMeglio. A jade roller and gua sha tool can make all the difference and help reduce puffiness and muscle tension. When you can’t run out for a facial, this is an easy way to treat yourself—whether you’re lounging or multitasking.
Bella Coterie Bamboo Sheet Set
“I spent so much time in bed during recovery, and having fresh, high-quality sheets was a luxury I didn’t know I needed,” says DiMeglio. The bamboo sheet set is breathable (a major plus for postpartum moms who run hot), silky smooth, hypoallergenic (great for baby), and all around a dream to sleep on.
Ember Smart Mug
“I can’t tell you how many times I had to reheat my coffee as a new mom,” says DiMeglio. “You make a fresh cup, and just as you sit down, the baby starts crying.” A temperature-controlled mug solves that problem—keeping your coffee hot for 90 minutes, or all day if it’s on the charger. Plus, you can set the perfect temperature right from your phone using the app.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Checks & Stripes Throw Blanket
“These are the kind of blankets that make you stop in your tracks and insist your shopping buddy feel just how soft they are,” says DiMeglio. With its luxurious texture and playful design, this throw blanket is perfect for cozying up on the couch with your newborn baby.
Lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger
Postpartum is all about cozy pjs, leggings, and sweatpants, and these laid-back joggers are a perfect go-to. Whether lounging at home or heading to those frequent pediatrician appointments, their oversized fit and soft fleece fabric provide the comfort, style, and ease that moms need and want.
Theragun Massage Gun
As much as new moms would love to book a deep-tissue massage, finding the time can be nearly impossible. “My neck and shoulders had never felt so tight,” says DiMeglio. “Having the ability to work out the kinks at home made a huge difference and really helped alleviate a lot of pain and stiffness.”
Oak & Luna Customizable Necklace
“Wearing a sentimental jewelry piece like this—be it baby’s initials or a birthstone—is a reminder not just of the incredible life she brought into this world, but the journey it took to get there,” says DiMeglio. Choose from materials like gold or sterling silver and personalize with up to four initials on this dainty, layerable design.
KaeBabies Duo Clean Touch Inkless Hand & Footprint Frame Kit
“You’ll blink and suddenly your baby is out of newborn clothes,” says DiMeglio. This DIY project is a quick, mess-free way to always remember those tiny hands and feet, and will be the start of many keepsakes to come. First time moms will love it.
Yeti Monogrammable Rambler 42oz Straw Mug
Hydration is crucial for new moms, and a generously sized water bottle ensures she stays refreshed. “My tumbler was practically attached to me at all times,” says DiMeglio. The Yeti comes in bright colors, fits in cup holders (a must), is dishwasher safe, and keeps your drink nice and cold. Its monogrammable feature adds a personal touch, making the gift even more special.
Anico Night Light
“This has truly been a life-saver when I’m navigating a pitch-black room, rummaging for a diaper or bottle,” says DiMeglio. The small, lightweight device is made of BPA-free soft silicone and features a simple design: just flip it to turn the light on and flip it back to turn it off, with no buttons or switches required. It’s hyper functional and omits an inviting, warm light.
Patchology Chilled Rose All Day Eye Gels
“Incorporating these into my routine has been a simple self-care step that makes a big difference—it just makes you feel good,” says DiMeglio. Packed with antioxidants like resveratrol (from grapes), strawberry extract, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, these eye gels help depuff and brighten dark circles. They’d also be a thoughtful addition to a DIY self-care gift basket for any new mom in need of a little pampering.
Herbivore Botanicals Calm Bath Salts
After a full day of mom duties, nothing helps you unwind quite like a warm bath. These calming bath salts, a blend of Himalayan pink salt crystals, floral ylang-ylang, and natural vanilla, create an aromatherapy effect that soothes both body and mind. “If creating a mini-spa in my bathroom is what it takes to stay sane, I’m all for it,” says DiMeglio. Add this in a care package for a mom-to-be.
Kitsch Satin Scrunchies
Moms often find themselves pulling their hair up throughout the day, and if it has to be functional, why not make it stylish too? These satin scrunchies prevent creasing and minimize breakage, all while adding a chic touch to any bun, says DiMeglio.
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