Gift ideas for mom AFTER baby arrives

My beautiful daughter during her newborn photo shoot in August 2010. (Photo: Heidi Hope Photography)

Usually after a mom gives birth friends and family come visit at the hospital or at your home. And sometimes, as a visitor, you might be stumped as to what to bring with you to congratulate mom or welcome new baby. Baby usually receives adorable new outfits or monogrammed blankets and mom sometimes is forgotten. Let’s face it, she did all the work!

I’ve been fortunate enough to receive some lovely gifts from friends and family after having my two children and thought I’d share some ideas that would be great for a new or experienced mom after giving birth.

Food: You can’t miss with this one! Whether it be a homemade meal mom can freeze or a gift card to a local take-out place, moms will be busy with new baby and will definitely be in need of some help in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful gift idea, especially if mom already has other children at home.

Gift certificate to salon or spa: I remember when I had my first and second child I made sure to get to the hair salon to get a cut, have my eyebrows sculpted and even get a pedicure before my due date. I knew it would be a long time coming before I’d see the inside of that place again! Maternity leave flew by and before I knew it, it was time to return to work and I didn’t even recognize myself. If you give mom a gift certificate to her salon, it’ll serve as a great reminder that she can relax and get pampered even after baby is born.

Help at home: Gifts obviously do not have to be bought and wrapped. Some of the best ones come in the form of company or a helping hand. Offering to help mom watch the baby so she can take a shower, nap or do whatever she needs to do, is a priceless gift to give. If this isn’t moms first baby, she most likely will need help with the other children, so offering an hour or so of your time will mean the world to her.

Basket of her favorite beauty products: At some point, mom will inevitably run out of her beauty essentials. If you know her really well, picking up a few of these items will be great help for mom to have on hand when she starts to feel like herself again.

From mascara to shampoo to body wash, anything that will make mom feel good is a win in my book!

A favorite lotion of mine is Crabtree & Evelyn LaSource Hydrating Cream with Vitamins A & E.  This cream has been great on my expectant tummy and definitely helps with stretch marks. I think it’d be fabulous to use after birth as well.  It can be used for dry skin on legs, feet and elbows. LaSource products have such a clean, fresh fragrance and mom would love to add this to her beauty regimen! I found my lotion at Soap & Water in Newport, Rhode Island.

So, whatever it is you decide to do for the new mom in your life will be greatly appreciated no matter what. These are just a few ideas to help you pick out something different.

I’m due with my third baby in less than three weeks and I know I would welcome a visit from a friend or warm meal with open arms. I’m still not sure how I’m going to pull off handling three little ones! Stay tuned!

Have you received a new mom gift after baby was born? If so, what was your favorite or most helpful?