Do you have a pregnant woman in your life that you’d like to give a gift to but not make it all about the baby? Everyone else is getting them onesies and diapers for their baby shower gift, but you’d like to get them a special gift just for them. This post is going to have some great ideas from both a mom to three and a labor nurse for 20 years who has seen a LOT of great pregnancy products for expectant mothers, so let’s get started.
These first five are my absolute favorite gift ideas for a pregnancy gift …. so let’s jump into those first:
The best gifts for a pregnant friend that are NOT for baby 2023:
Pregnancy Pillow – you may need to do some sneaking, but pillows a a HUGE part of their last few months of pregnancy. You just need a lot more support that you did not need previously. I like this one, this one and this one.
Birth class – Especially if your friend is a first-time mom (or had a hard birth last time) taking a birth class can be SO helpful. A lot of people just stop because they don’t want to take the time to find one, but this one is created by an expert, it’s fun and it only takes a few hours — PLUS we’re going to get that partner of theirs involved. Doesn’t get better than that. Definitely a gift that keeps giving! Read this to find out how to easily give it as a gift!
Postpartum Pajamas – Some comfy PJ’s to wear after baby are a GREAT gift for pregnant women. Bonus if they can wear them DURING pregnancy… remember that right after baby their belly is still at about 5 months pregnant, and then over the next couple of months it shrinks back down. So, make sure to order something that will be roomy enough for that dark giant uterus. I have a whole post on the best postpartum Pajamas, but this set is my favorite!
Donate to their maternity leave – If you two work together you may actually be able to donate some of your vacation hours to them. Or, you can just give them cash telling them to stay home longer with baby. New moms in the US just don’t get enough leave, and this is the perfect gift that keeps on giving (because they’ll have less daycare costs too).
Prenatal Massage – One word: Heavenly. This thoughtful gift can be used in the third trimester when she just feels miserable. I don’t know a single pregnant mom out there that doesn’t wish think a prenatal massage sounds amazing as they get closer to their due date. It’s just miserable, so help a lady out! I have a whole post on if prenatal massage can put you into labor too!
Ok, these last ones aren’t in any particular order
Good Gifts for a Pregnant Friend (still not for baby)
Stretch Marks Cream or Lotion — I almost put this in my top 5, because dry pregnant skin definitely needs to be nourished but the main issue is smell. Even if it’s a scent they loved before baby, they may simply not be able to tolerate the smells of some essential oils now. So, if you purchase a body lotion or a belly butter, be sure to include the receipt with gift so they can switch scents if they want to. A very thoughtful gift, as maybe they can encourage their partner to rub their body (since they can’t get a prenatal massage every day). A perfect inclusion in a pamper gift set. This one is probably the most popular.
Pregnancy Journal – I love these. I just think it’s sweet to look back on all my hopes and dreams for my little one as a pregnant mama. All the things I wanted for my baby, or felt for the first time during my first pregnancy. She won’t get these back, and it’s a great keepsake (and maybe get out some feelings as well). I have a pregnancy planner that does this plus a LOT more!
Fancy Diaper Bag – I’m not talking the diaper bag covered in rabbits or pastel stripes — I’m talking a nice one. I know a lot of people love this one — but you could also see if there’s one she’s had her eye on and purchase it for her. A nice diaper bag will just help your best friend feel a bit more like herself as she schleps off to all the doctor’s appointments after baby arrives. It’s a GREAT gift for an expecting mom!
Pro Tip: Be sure to always include a receipt if possible — people can be very particular about things they want to take care of baby and you don’t want your Christmas gift to go unused because it didn’t fit the bill.
Cute Compression Socks – Ok, just as I typed that it sounds like we’re all 90 years old around here. BUT there are a lot of cute styles out there, like these or these. Compression socks can also decrease swelling, decrease leg pain and prevent blood clots. Compression socks are a MUST if she plans to travel a lot!
Foot Spa – While we’re talking feet it’s amazing how PAINFUL your feet can get when your pelvis is moving and you’re carrying extra weight in new places. This is a great way to soothe those tired feet and may help those aches and pains in their legs too as they relax!
Water bottle – Still in the vein of personal care hydration is SO important during pregnancy. Having a fun water cup that keeps things cold (or hot) can help her get more water in, and enjoy doing it. While the Stanley is all the rage, I’ve heard great things about these too!
Lip Balm – This is one that I always recommend to have handy in the hospital bag. If you have a favorite lip balm it’s a good thing to get for a pregnant friend. All that breathing in the hospital (or honestly, just walking to your car as you get closer to your due date) makes this VERY necessary and practical! This kind is my favorite!
Maternity Belt – Oh man, this list has taken a turn — don’t worry, we’ll be back to fun things soon — but a maternity belt can be SUCH a practical gift for her baby bump that is getting too large. Help support it with a maternity belt that will help her feel better. This one is a favorite.
Slippers – Shoes just don’t have the same joy they used to have. Feet are tired and could use some TLC right now — so some cute slippers is a GREAT gift. Something like this will still give her support too. These also look amazing (and would be great for the hospital too).
Labor Ball – Does your friend have a yoga ball? During the last few weeks before her due date, she may enjoy sitting on one and rotating those hips. This has many benefits including stretching them out, as well as helping baby find their best way out. I recommend a larger one rather than a smaller one just because it can be harder to get up from a small one as your bump is growing. Probably 26 inches if she’s average size, or 30 if she’s on the tall side.
Bath Soak – a warm (but not hot) bath can feel great during pregnancy. Grab her some bath salts or a bubble bath she can lounge in the tub with. Note: This isn’t a great gift if she suffers from any UTI’s during pregnancy as they can exacerbate the problem.
Hospital Bag – Maybe she could use a cute bag to take to the hospital. I actually recommend a few different bags. In the labor room I don’t recommend a large bag. It would be nice to have something new to take to the hospital with you. Something like this or this would be nice.
Disposable Underwear – Oh man, this sounds luxurious doesn’t it? BUT a pack of Depends or some of this nice mesh underwear would be a welcome gift. You just need things to be stretchy, soft and absorbable after you come home from the hospital. It may seem weird right now, but I bet she’ll thank you for it.
Hospital Robe – While the hospital will provide all the things she REALLY needs in labor, having a nice robe to cover your backside can be a nice addition to their maternity room. I wouldn’t get one too expensive as you’re not sure what she’ll get on it in the hospital — but having one like this will make her feel cozy and loved.
Maternity Clothes – Sometimes it’s hard for a mom-to-be to splurge on a new outfit she’ll only wear for 3 more months, but maybe get them a gift card to a favorite shop to get them something they’ll enjoy those last few months of pregnancy. It only adds to their misery when they’re wearing the same 4 outfits every day, so something new can brighten their spirits! Old Navy Maternity is a favorite of mine.
Heat Pack – Heat can help with back pain and ligament pain. I recommend a microwavable heat pack (or water bottle, but I always worry a water bottle will leak). I have a whole post on heating pads in pregnancy, but they need to remember NOT to drape it over their tummy, to use it as WARM heat, and only for about 20 minutes (but most microwavable packs cool down after 20 minutes, which is why I love them).
Maternity Leggings – Having something soft and stretchy to come home to is a BIG win for your pregnant friend. Just a little bit of relaxation in a world that seems so uncomfortable right then is a good gift! Plus, many people wear these for months after baby is born too!
Face Masks – Even faces take a toll with pregnancy. They might feel puffy or just tired. A face mask can help them feel a bit more rejuvenated. A great one to combine into a gift basket for them (maybe along with some body oil or lotion and a bath soak). These are extra pregnancy-fun. 🙂
Pedicure – A gift card for a pedicure would be amazing — huge bonus tips for one that includes a fancy foot soak and massage. I actually have a whole post on if a pedicure can start labor that has some good tips on finding a salon that will be safe for them.
Hospital Gown – Some pregnant people love to bring their own gown to the hospital. I wouldn’t get one that is too pricey (I love this one) because there is a chance she will want to throw it away depending on what happens at the hospital (think dirty, very dirty).
Hair Ties – Having your hair back is a MUST during labor and delivery. Even once baby is born her new life won’t leave a lot of time for doing her hair. So, having some fun hair ties can help her feel a bit more put together.
External Battery – We’re going RELALY practical with this one. BUT, running out of battery juice in your phone is not something any pregnant person wants. I REALLY like this one acts as a stand too, or get a long-run one like this (bonus if it’s fast-charging). She’ll use this before baby, and after baby as she’s stuck breastfeeding and wants to post cute pictures of the baby on social media (which is frankly, a win for both of you).
Gift Card – When all else fails, do a gift card. Great options are:
- Meal delivery services like Grub hub or Hello Fresh
- A favorite take out place
- Big box stores to stock-up for baby
Bonus First Trimester Gift:
If your newly pregnant friend suffers from morning sickness, get her some pregnancy lollipops. She’ll at least get some sugar in her and some of them do seem to help with it. Either way she’ll know you care and that she’s suffering. 🙂
Still stuck? You could always consider a gift box like one of these. Or, just ask your friend if there’s anything she’s been wanting. Maybe she’s wanted something but doesn’t have the time, energy or money to get it right now. That’s the perfect gift! She honestly doesn’t need any more suprises in her life right now. 🙂
I hope you found something that works for you among my best gifts for pregnant women in 2023. Expecting mothers have a lot of extra pressure and burdens on them right now, so getting them something JUST for them can be a really sweet gift.
Did you have something else in mind? Tell us in the comments!
Leave a Reply