Best gifts you’ve received as a new Mum

[Kiwiinparis]

My best friend is expecting her first baby later on in the year and I’m starting to plan/buy gifts. I would like to know what is the best gift/gifts you’ve received from friends and family when you were expecting?

So far I’ve made a lot of clothes, beanies, muslin wraps and bibs, and bought her a soft toy and some onesies.

We live in different countries so I can’t buy anything big or heavy that is going to cost a fortune to ship.

TIA!

A car seat mirror that fixes to the headrest so you can see your baby (in a rear facing car seat) whilst driving.

Baby usually gets clothes or blankets and we've had babys 1st year photo frames which are lovely, flowers and chocolates for me.
When I buy for new mum/baby I like to get mum a little pamper kit for "me time", baby clothes, blankets or bibs. I bought my cousin a mini bottle of wine (0% as ebf), moisturising gloves and foot packs, moisturising face mask and some bubble bath. For baby I knit a fluffy little blanket and got him a t-shirt with matching bib.

Definitely get something for mum rather than baby! Or as well as if you're budget can stretch that far. Baby will get loads and mums need a bit of care too. I loved a brownie delivery and also the Cook meals mentioned by a PP.

Lip balm! My lips were so dry after giving birth so it was really good to have in the hospital with me. Maybe do a little pamper mum package for before she gives birth. Others have posted some really good ideas to include. That way she can use the stuff to relax before baby comes and after. She may not choose to breastfeed or she might try to but be unsuccessful so I would avoid anything thats exclusively for breastfeeding as it may be a sore point for her if it is unsuccessful.

Nothing baby related. Posh body lotion, my favourite cookies and an insulated mug were probably the best ones.

Things for me - herbal tea, This Works sprays and roll one, chocolate.

For baby - clothes in bigger sizes (like 6-9m+), scratch mitts, socks, muslins, booties, soft toy that played lullabies, rattles, toys that make noise for when they're bigger.

Fybogel

It's really hard to buy food vouchers from abroad though.

Maybe you can send some UK specific goodies, treats for her to eat. Although be careful with customs - some people have mentioned teas, it's now tricky legally to send teas into Europe. Absolutely no idea why!

Buy a gift.com meal voucher for 2. When baby was about 6-8 weeks we finally ventured out as a family and enjoyed a 3 course meal, it was lovely

The best gift I got was a present for me rather than baby. It was 20 plus years ago so can't quite remember what it was - it was something small and simple like chocolates or smellies.

The friend who gave it to me said I needed a gift as I was the one who'd done all the hard work!

But I remember feeling so touched that I always try to buy a gift for mum whenever a friend has had a baby!

I don’t know why people suggest moisturiser or soap in various forms as gifts... I have enough hand/face/body moisturiser/body wash to last me until I die. Does everyone else get particularly dry skin upon giving birth...

I particularly appreciated snacks and meals, muslin cloths, multi-Mam nipple compresses, comfy button down pyjamas and a cosy blanket that I used a lot when feeding on the sofa.

We gifted lots of baby toiletries away because we knew the specific ones we want to use and bought them before they were born.

OP can you share the country your friend is in, someone may have some ideas on vouchers etc?

I've been taking notes on some of the best gifts mentioned, and I must say, I'm smitten with the idea of a custom name necklace as a special gift for a new mom. It adds such a personal touch, doesn't it? A piece of jewelry she can cherish every day, reminding her of that little bundle of joy—what a treasure!

My absolute favorite gift was a set of cozy PJs and slippers; perfect for those middle-of-the-night feedings! And a close second was a luxurious spa day pass—because let's be honest, every new mom deserves a little pampering!