Postpartum

Best Gifts For New Moms

While an itty bitty baby outfit is hard to resist, expectant mothers have spent the last few months preparing for a newborn, so why not ease the transition with a gift just for her?

Because you don't know what you don't know until you're feeding a tiny person 24/7, we asked real moms to share the surprise hits and saving graces they think are the best gifts for new moms during those first blurry weeks. Hint: It's not about the baby.

Photography: Christian Högstedt

An Eye Mask For Tired New Moms

While I'm not normally a mask person, trying to "sleep when the baby sleeps" in middle of the day required leveling up and investing in a proper eye mask. A mask is also super helpful in the hospital if you're there for any extended period of time. -KC

Shop

an eye mask for new moms from Smalls Merino

A Kit with Breastfeeding Essentials

Giving unsolicited advice on breastfeeding is a no-go, but dropping off the tools that worked for you can be a lifesaver in the middle of the night when the baby is starving, and a new mom is down to try anything. If they're breastfeeding, I'd pack a small basket with a water bottle, chapstick, nipple balm, lactation-boosting cookies, and a list of your favorite shows to stream or books to read. -LP

Shop

A Luxe Lip Balm

My go-to beauty look before having a baby was a red lip, but it was a lot less less cute on my newborn's bald little head. Enter Henné Luxury Lip Balm. The sleek metal tube feels satisfying in your pocket, while the creamy formula with coconut oil and coconut butter feels great on your skin. Henne Organics is my go-to gift for anyone that needs a little pick-me up. -KC

Shop

Ice Cream, Delivered

Nobody needs ice cream, but when a box of Jeni's ice cream arrived a month into new mom life, my husband and I nestled the Brambleberry Crisp and Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns pints beside the stacks of breastmilk in the freezer and helped ourselves to a little of each late at night. When a case of IT'S IT was delivered, a beloved San Francisco oatmeal ice cream sandwich, it was excessive in the best way. -KC

San Francisco's IT'S IT ice cream delivery gift for new moms

A New Monogram For A New Mom

She just worked hard on finding the perfect name for a human so let her show it off with a monogrammed gift like a sweatshirt, canvas tote, or gold necklace. -JD

Shop

Period Underwear

A lot of women are woefully unprepared for the physical challenges that come with the postpartum period so I like to invest in items that will allow them to feel a bit more human during the healing process. A fancy pair of period underwear or a luxurious robe they can slip on and off while adjusting to “on-demand” breastfeeding can make all the difference. -SV

A Workhorse Outdoor Blanket

I received a water-resistant outdoor blanket – an upgrade to the tie-dyed, paint-splattered version I used for park hangs – for the music classes, tummy time in the park, and playdates on my New Mom schedule. Gathre and Little Unicorn make outdoor blanket versions that look great, protect babies from damp grass, wipe clean, and fold or roll up small to throw in the bottom of the stroller. -KC

Comfy Hospital Essentials

The Hatch to Hospital Kit is a gift that brings cozy vibes to the Labor & Delivery floor. The kit just for new moms includes soft styles in dark shades they'll thank you for later – an organic bamboo brief, an organic bamboo nightgown, a nursing-friendly tee, a matching robe made for sweet little snuggles, and a pair of fuzzy grey socks. -KC

Shop

Baby's First Year Keepsake Book

While you're going through the first year, the moments often feel so special that it's hard to imagine that you'd ever forget them. A year later and I'm surprised at how much I don't remember. I love these Savor Keepsake Boxes that give you a structured and thoughtful way of keeping track of baby clothes or momentos. It's such an amazing gift for new moms in your life keep those memories forever. -MK

Shop

A Sun Hat

Walks around the neighborhood meant I was outside more during my maternity leave. To avoid pregnancy-induced melasma, I picked up a packable hat that I still use running after my toddler. I love a canvas hat I can stash in the stroller or fanny pack. It's Peak New Mom. -KC

Shop

Hair Accessories for New Mom Flyaways

Nobody thinks they're going to lose their hair, but heads up–it happens precisely when you think you've managed to avoid it. A few months into the postpartum period an oversize hair accessory like a silk headband or rhinestone clip can be a cheerful way to tame fine flyaways while soft scrunchies decrease breakage. -LC

Shop

A Cozy Cardigan for Breastfeeding

If she's planning to breastfeed or pump a few cardigan sweaters in rotation can keep a new mom cozy and a bit more put covered than a robe. I liked being able to pull up a tank or unbutton a shirt and stay covered when it was cooler out or family was visiting. -KC

Shop

A Hands-Free Bra

After pumping 8+ times a day, I invested in a soft nursing bra from Hatch that was the MVP of my postpartum wardrobe. Since they're stretchy it's an easy gift for a new mom who is heading back to work without knowing their exact size. - KC

Shop

Food For Mom

I was always starving during recovery and early days of nursing. I loved receiving food – middle of the night chocolate chip cookies baked by a neighbor, a delivery of Daily Harvest smoothies that I could pop in the blender, or a lasagna I could reheat. Anything quick, easy, and hearty were the most helpful new mom gifts. -BK

Post pandemic companies are getting downright genius in the frozen deliverable food space. A few of our favs:
Brodo
Ipsa
Mosiac

Simple Slip-On Shoes

Often a complicated shoe was just out of the question – a slip-on shoe like a slide, mule, or loafer helped me get out the door for a trip to the pediatrician or coffee when I was still navigating baby-wearing and finding my abs again.

After stocking up on a pair to bring to the hospital, EVA slides in bright prints were my squishy go-to for neighborhood coffee runs. Baby and toddler spill slide right off to three years later they look brand new. -KC

Shop

Breastfeeding Friendly Skincare

I was surprised to find myself with tiny pockets of time throughout the day I couldn't plan around and I couldn't do anything productive, even nap. Ten-minute facials with breastfeeding-friendly skincare that smelled heavenly made me feel more awake and almost human again. -KC

Shop

A Middle-of-the-Night Kit

My go-to unglamorous, but oh-so-necessary gift for a new mom, is a chic Find toiletry kit filled with problem-solving staples that you don't know you need in your nursery until you do — a swaddle blanket, a travel noise machine, a timer to keep track of feedings, naps, and diaper changes. Expect a thank you text at 4AM a few weeks after the baby is born. -LR

Shop

A Personalized Necklace

Look, no new mom will turn their nose up at a personalized necklace – whether it's an initial, a monogrammed name plate, or a charm with their birthdate. Marcella Kelson suggests an astrological take, "I have always loved astrology, so one of the first things I did when my son was born was book an astrological reading for him. I think this Zofia Day charm is such a nice gift for a mama who loves astrology. I would have loved a pendant with his star sign (Pisces) to keep close to my heart."

Shop

Zoe Lev gold space necklace for new mom gift

A Book to Make Her Feel Seen

Moms record their baby's milestones, but what about their own? In "Mom Milestones The TRUE Story of the First Seven Years," doctor and cartoonist Grace Farris shares milestones from the early parenting years – from parent sleep regression to mastering toddler tasting menus. Grace is the artist behind the popular Weekend Mom series and in her first book is her "love letter to mothers and caregivers who are either at the beginning of their parenting journey, or are submerged in the later years. It’s meant to be a celebration of the joys and merriment of parenting, as well as a send up of the less glamorous parts."

A Belt Bag (Don't Call It A Fanny Pack)

An everyday bag with a not-so-everyday detail—it folds up flat and zips into a barely-there pouch. "Walking around the neighborhood, even just to get a cup of coffee or leave the house, saved my sanity as a new mom and having a belt bag packed and ready to go meant one less thing to corral to leave the house. It works whether you're bringing a stroller or a carrier. Tuck it into a tote or the stroller until you needs hands-free access to your wallet and phone." -SV

Shop

A Bag Organizer For New Moms Who Hate Diaper Bags

While we're not opposed to a chic diaper bag,if you have a leather tote you love there is no reason to switch it up. The Totesavvy Original and Deluxe convert an existing favorite handbag into an organizer diaper bag. There is a nice variety of pocket sizes for the million tiny baby things you need for a day out and about, including a removable changing pad. Plus, the fabric is wipeable nylon that makes it easy to spot clean when sh*t happens.

Shop

Lunya Washable Silk

For my first Mother's Day, my husband gave me Lunya's washable silk jumpsuit and the luxe, breathable, fluid fabric that thermoregulates for those early, sweaty nights. It's a silky sheen that made me look more put together than I felt for Facetime or deliveries. Throw on a sweater, and you could leave the house – easy breezy. -LP

Shop

Naghedi NYC St Barths Tote

A Maisonette go-to, the bestselling Naghedi NYC St. Barth's Medium Tote works for new moms without looking like a Mom Bag. Instead, the woven neoprene reads like a classic leather handbag but is easy to clean and still looks great after a season of heavy wear. Use the matching pouch to stash your essentials––or as a clutch for a night out.

Shop

Nagedhi NYC tote is a perfect gift for new moms

Breast Care Kit

Frida Mom is the GOAT for inventing things moms never new they needed and the Breast Care Kit is no exception – it includes a lactation massager, instant breast masks and breast warmers. It's everything breastfeeding moms need to handle stubborn clogged ducts + milk let-down lags. -PH

Shop

Frozen Coffee That's Actually Great

Cometeer works with the best roasters, like Counter Culture and Joe, to brew and flash freeze coffee that can be served hot or cold and doesn't require any machines or gadgets to deal with when you're sleep deprived (or that will wake up a sleeping babe) and want a cup of joe. It also comes in a recyclable capsule to cut down on waste. Send new parents a subscription based, choosing from light to dark roasts – or a mix.

Initial Earrings

Gold letter earrings from Loren Stewart are a low-key way to keep a baby's new name close. It's dainty size means it's perfect for stacking. This 14-kt stud will make a thoughtful gift for a new mom and an excuse to get a second or third piercing. Nothing makes you feel like a Cool Mom than getting a new piercing. Alternately, birthstone studs are a more traditional take on personalized earrings.

Shop

A Vacation In A Candle

Inspired by the island of Mustique, Aerin's L'Ansecoy Orange Blossom fragrance captures the flora that lines the island's beaches, with sun-kissed orange blossom and sweet Cedar enhanced by the greens and citrus. "I craved things that felt calming and luxurious when I was a new mom, and lighting a candle is a nice signal to yourself that it's evening or quiet time when the days and night blur together." -GM

Shop

Belly Oil

Hatch's quick-dry botanical belly oil intensely hydrates with sweet almost and argan oils and reduces the appearance of stretch marks and scars with rosehip oil and grapefruit peel. Baby-safe and created with mamas in mind, it supports skin as it stretches during pregnancy but also beyond, without a greasy feel. -PL