Gift Ideas for Mother-to-Be

by Yu Qing

Overview

The birth of a child is a joyous occasion. Gifts to the mother-to-be should help her celebrate this milestone. The gift should also help ease the transition into motherhood. Being a mother is a difficult job, and the new mother will appreciate all the support she can get. Give practical gifts for the mom, clothing and toys for the baby, and gifts that help the family document its memories.
Essential Gifts

Give gifts that the mother-to-be can immediately use in the daily care of her new baby or during her labor. An example that's both practical and fun is a diaper cake. It is not a cake to be eaten. Rather, it is a cake made of diapers and other baby products such as soap, baby shampoo and toys. Diapers can be expensive for a new mother, and a diaper cake is an appreciated and good-humored gift. Another idea is to give a large tote bag filled with essentials she needs at the hospital when she delivers her baby. Fill the tote bag with things that will keep her comfortable, such as a cotton nightgown, slippers, her favorite magazines and DVDs.

Gifts for the Baby

New mothers love to spoil their newborns with cute clothes, accessories and toys. If the mother-to-be stated the baby's gender on the shower invitation, you may purchase gifts according to gender. If gender isn't indicated, choose gifts in colors suitable for both baby boys and girls such as yellow, white or cream. Give a baby outfit comprised of a baby hat, onesie and footsies. Or give a soft blanket for the new mom to wrap around her baby. Add a personal touch by giving onesies with graphics that say "Grandma loves me" or "I'm the little sister." Give toys such as stuffed animals or rubber duckies for the newborn to enjoy as he or she gets older.
Memory-Making Gifts

The mother-to-be will want to document every moment of her newborn's experience. Give gifts that help create memories. Picture frames are popular and practical, as are photo albums. The new mom will be taking many pictures. Another idea is to give her a scrapbook kit for her to create a scrapbook of baby memories. Give the new parents a digital camera so they can keep track of their baby's moments. Or give them a gift certificate to a local photography studio so they can have professional photos taken of their new family.

Overview