Presents for expectant mums

[Vroomfondleswaistcoat]

My DD AND one of my DILs are both expecting springtime next year. I'd like to get them something for Christmas that acknowledges their pregnancy by either being useful in pregnancy or just after the baby(ies) arrive. When I was expecting my eldest I was pregnant over Christmas and my ILs gave me loads of baby stuff as presents, for which I was very grateful but which made me feel a bit like a walking womb. So can I have your best suggestions for presents which acknowledge that there is going to be a baby but aren't entirely focussed on the baby - if you see what I mean?

Nothing too drastically expensive, around the £50 mark (and my DD lives overseas, so can't do vouchers for experiences for her or send anything too heavy).

I’m currently 7 months pregnant with my second, was pregnant with my first over Christmas and I’d say the best gifts I could receive would be:

• Food, snacks😂
• Comfy maternity PJ’s
• Some self care bits, a nice face mask, bath bomb etc

When I was pregnant over Christmas I asked for:
comfy pjs (I ask for them every year, pregnant or not!)
voucher for a massage either pre or post birth(you could still sort a voucher for somewhere near where your dd lives)
skincare that I already use (not new brands that may cause issues)

Perhaps a pregnancy massage voucher?

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
A very luxurious moisturiser, not specifically for stretch marks, but leaves skin feeling silky smooth. And too expensive to buy for yourself 🙂

Thank you, everyone. Concensus seems to be some treats for mum and possible massage (not sure how DIL feels about massage, will have to ask DS). I know my DD loves them and I'm sure I can buy a voucher for her for the spa near her home!

I can also back up the pregnancy massage voucher, a friend got me one for my birthday this year (I was 5 months pregnant) and it was the best gift! It fits the brief of acknowledging the pregnancy but the gift is very much for mum.

A voucher for a months supply of a food subscription service for once baby is born? When mine was born a few weeks ago the best gifts weren’t babygrows and teddies, but batch cooked meals for the freezer and a hello fresh box.

Pyjamas, face masks, lovely toiletries, candles.

When I was pregnant one of my friends made me a pack of useful bits for me (not the baby!) to go in my hospital bag. Hair scrunchies, lucozade, sweets, a phone charger with a long wire, paracetamol, dry shampoo, lip balm, a cute water bottle etc. That was a really useful and thoughtful gift!

Has anyone got any recommendations for maternity pjs? I'm 30 years pp and don't know the brands to go for any more!

Contigo travel mug - you can put it in a bag and it doesn’t leak, and keeps drinks hot so you actually get to drink a whole warm cup of tea. Could add a good quality pram cup holder and some nice drinks.

The Yankee Candle called Baby's Breath might be nice?

Do they really want their pregnancy acknowledged? "Treats for mum" still makes them sound like a walking incubator, they are still a person and worthy of gifts at Christmas that cater to their tastes! Specific pregnancy gifts would, to me, be something you simply give as an extra as and when you think it would be helpful, rather than instead of a normal Christmas gift.

If your DD likes massages, that is a good one and avoids postage. Jewellery is light to post. Cashmere scarf? What would you ordinarily get them, that would make them feel loved in their own right?

They've been trying for a while and this pregnancy has been very welcomed. I fear that just buying for mum might come across as ignoring the fact that there's going to be a baby (I remember very well how I felt during my first pregnancy - I wanted people to acknowledge that I was a pregnant woman rather than give generic gifts). DIL has been part of the family for a while and she's had all the 'scarves and smellies and my DD isn't really one for scarves. Earrings might be a good call for her though.

I personally wouldn't want a pregnancy-present either. I am still the same person with the same likes and hobbies, just pregnant,

I would gift something you would normally buy and if you really want, then add a small token. A water bottle or very good travel mug are a godsend though.

I hated the pregnancy massage - too soft for me. I felt weird and jealous of DH who had a proper one. I very much preferred the facial I had as part of the package.

My SIL is pregnant, due in March. Her birthday is in November and I’m planning to get her lovely maternity pjs from Next, a nice candle, and some chocolate / sweets.

Cowshed bump balm is really luxurious, and it comes with a lovely shower gel too if you buy the set - I saved my shower gel for post birth and it was a lovely treat.

i was heavily pregnant over Christmas twice and most definitely didn't want pregnancy related presents, I wanted the usual books, DVDs (it was a while ago!) etc. Whatever you would normally have bought me. But obviously not alcohol.

OTOH when the babies were born I only wanted things for them not for me, especially not pampering type stuff as that isn't me at all. Definitely not candles as I didn't trust myself to remember to blow them out as I was so tired.

Agree with PP, consider something they'd like as people, not just Mums. Are they avid readers and would love audio book vouchers so they can listen while feeding and at home more? Or a radio for room that doesn't have one? I love the one in my laundry room so I can listen as I work. Or if they're sporty types then maybe vouchers they can use to get new kit once they're back in the game post partum.

Chelsea Peers have lovely maternity pjs and I was still in mine for a while after giving birth!

I second PPs suggestion of a travel mug. Something insulated, with a secure lid so that she can enjoy a cup of tea while it's still hot and not have to worry about spils near the baby.

Agree with the poster who suggested Chelsea Peers maternity PJ’s or Their Nibs - if you get button - down ones they can wear post birth if breastfeeding or for skin - to skin. Similarly, nice loungewear, either for pregnancy or post birth.

Agree with the hot drink mug. I bought one from a brand called Smash recently (have my third baby atm, a few months old) and it keeps tea warm for 5 hours!! So I just carry it round the house with me as I do washing or put baby down to sleep etc

DIL's birthday is two days before Christmas, so that's when I will be buying things that are purely for HER, with no reference to pregnancy or baby, which is why I thought Christmas was a good opportunity to buy pregnancy/birth related gifts. It's not like I'm only buying her one present - she'll get a few things, I just wanted some ideas for things that weren't baby-based.

Thanks for the tips and the PJ suggestions!