Talk to me about presents for pregnant people!

[islandmummy]

My sister is pregnant. I am looking for a Christmas present for her (I know, I'm an awesome planner! )

I don't want to get her something for the baby, as I'm sure she'll get a lot of that nearer the time. What would be a nice present for her? A pregnancy massage is one idea. Anything else?

Thanks!

Well, to be honest, all I was interested in during the latter stages of pregnancy was the baby, so baby stuff was all I really did want. I particularly didn't want pampering type stuff, especially if it would have meant leaving baby, eg manicure voucher. What would have been good was a decent travel mug, snuggly blankets, nice hot chocolate, easy reading books (no misery lit!).

A kindle! So much easier to hold than book when spending hours bf in the early days.

Easy to apply fabulous make up. Tinted moisturiser and luxury mascara was enough to stop me looking like death warmed up in the early days post birth. And quick to apply.

L'occitane sweet almond shower oil. Omg this stuff smells divine and super moisturing so meant i could save time and skip body moisturiser. Also good for during pregnancy.

Stylish but comfy shoes/trainers for pregnancy and walking baby.

For me personally when I was pregnant , pregnancy massages were a life saver..!

You feel like crap and a afternoon of pampering is lovely , so for me I'd get her a 1/2 day at a spa type thing.

Check first re: the massages, does she like them normally? I can't bear being touched by strangers so for me that would have been a very bad idea.

I am currently 34 weeks pregnant and every time someone has gotten me something in the last 6 months saying 'It's something for you, not the baby' I have sighed - mainly because directly after that I have received pregnancy massage butter for stretch marks and an Emma Bridgewater mug that says 'Mummy' across the front.

It really depends on how pregnant she is and how much your sister has been shopping and if she is going to have a baby shower.

I personally would take someone's hand off if they offered me a candle, my favourite brand of bath salts/smellies and a large bar of galaxy chocolate - but that's just me, I am so big right now I can't stand up in the shower for long without wanting to lie down so baths all the way!

Aside from whiskey and some blue cheese - maybe you could go for something that you would get her normally, pre-pregnancy? Rather than something maternity or bump related.

That being said - any maternity clothes, a coat or cardigan or a nice dress is always appreciated as some maternity clothes are expensive and you don't want to shell out on something that will only last a few months, but that doesn't mean you don't want to look nice as well!

Sorry for the long answer! Hope that helps.

Whereas I never went near the bath in later pregnancy because there was a serious risk of needing help to get out again, and I have never been much of a bath person anyway. So definitely go for things she'd like normally, not just because she's pregnant.

Oh yeah lovely makeup! Going on Mat leave often means cutting down of luxuries so I'd love some fancy guilt-free products! Space nk vouchers if you're unsure what to get?

Or vouchers for a haircut/beauty treatment?

I'm currently 25 weeks and at the moment would like a big massive box of chocolates. Also a good box set that I could get into during the stuck to the sofa newborn days

I would of really liked a nice posh changing bag. I love bags and I find changing bags useful. I have about 4 at last count.

Neals yard does a really nice pregnancy kit. Quite ££ but nice gift. One of my favourite pressies which was technically for the baby but more for me really, was a little cashmere cardigan which made dd1 extra perfectly snuggly to hold.

Candle
Charbol and walker chocolate
Cashmere bed socks
Cashmere gloves ( for all walking after with baby in winter)

A really decent insulated mug - because otherwise she won't get a hot drink for at least a couple of months after baby is born!

Following for my friends baby shower present!!

Thank you everyone for all these fantastic ideas! She's due early Feb. I was looking at a nice bf top from Seraphine earlier. I don't think she'll have a baby shower, and I don't think she's done much shopping yet, but equally she's comfortable financially so I honestly don't know whether things that for me would be a treat will be for her iykwim? I like the smellies ideas. And the changing bag. What's good these days? Any nice brands? I think when mine were little people liked pacapod (sp?) and those ones with the cupcake on that said yummy mummy! (Though not sure that's her thing!)

I was 9 months pregnant on my 21st birthday and my uncles wife bought me a Sanctuary Spa set, which is good for before and after birth especially if she likes baths as it gives her a chance to relax without leaving the baby :) (they also do a Mum To Be box which has stretch mark oil and lotion for swollen feet, plus it all smells lovely)

I think a changing bag is a pretty personal choice as they are all so different and she'll be lugging it about daily for ages. So only go for that if you are pretty sure of her taste

A couple of nice breastfeeding tops (or just nice blouses/shirts she can breast feed in - or not if she chooses not to.) would be a lovely present... maybe do a hamper of post-birth things. Reusable breast pads, maternity bra (if you know her size... I know my sister's sizes but maybe I'm too involved... lol), big knickers, smellies, chocolate...