2024 Holiday Gift List For New Moms!

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(Note* There are no affiliate links or paid promotions on this list)

Surprisingly I have not done a holiday gift list before. But while discussing wish lists with my adult kids and watching some YouTube videos on them I thought I would put together a list of items that would be good to give to your newly birthed parents.

Now I'll be honest, I did need a little inspiration to come up with some good stuff I thought would be helpful, relaxing and enjoyable to these new parents. But during my search the lists I found were on the annoying side. Mainly because everything that was listed was stuff for baby. Swaddles and breast pumps and bottles and sleep sacs. But I think that is a common practice for many. As soon as baby is born, they become an extension of the new parent and the mom basically fades into the woodwork. Well I say, "Hell NO!!" This 2024 Holiday Gift List for new moms is solely for the comfort and love of the new parent. Because even though they have become a parent, they are still a partner, sister, daughter, aunt, friend. Having a baby is only one part of who they are and they didn't loose any of those other parts. At least they shouldn't have.

So when buying something for the new parent, think about what would make them happy from before they became a parent. What would you have bought them before the new baby arrived. And if you are at a loss, I have some ideas for you.

*Note: If the birthing or newly birthed parent has baby items on their wish list, get those but add something in their specifically for them and not for baby.

Journal and Fancy Pen

Not every person journals but with a new baby, the new parent may be having a ton of feelings and thoughts that need to be released. Journalling is not just about writing down specific events, but also about writing down those feelings and ideas and thoughts that they may not want to share out loud.

You could add a second journal to add in the things that happen with baby, the milestones and words of love and support. This would be a great keep sake for baby when they are older and become an adult.

Epsom Salts Bath / Bubble Bath

Not everyone is a bath person but think about items that could create a spa experience in your own bathroom. Think comforting smell, soft towels, bath pillows, scented shower tabs if they don't do baths, skin care masks, moisturizers, you get the idea.

*Note: Some of these suggestions are going to require someone to look after baby for a couple of hours. Consider taking baby for a walk or going for a drive to give the house to the new parent alone. P.S. Take the dog too!

Story Time:

Once I had three babies in my life, my husband at the time, would come home from work and take everyone, including the dog out for a walk, over to the park to play for 30-60 minutes. During that time I would take the first few minutes to sit in silence and breathe, then I would either shower or nap or do something for myself. As the kids got older or when winter set in, he would manage bath and bed time. This allowed him to connect with the kids and then I would have alone time to do some yoga or go for a walk or something for myself.

Fun and Fancy Headbands and Scrunchies

Many new parents will often not have time to do their hair. And before baby came their hair may have been something they spent a lot of time on. But throwing your hair into a pony tail can feel drab and lazy, but with fun and fancy scrunchies, clips and headbands it can make them feel less drab and lazy. Think colour, pattern and, gasp, sparkles!

Gift Certificates

In this case I'm talking gift certificates from her favourite salon for manicures, pedicures and hair treatments. Sometimes we just don't have the time or energy to do these things for ourself, but paying ahead of time and taking baby for the afternoon so they can go and treat themselves is a great idea. Again, it can make the new parent feel better and give them a rejuvenated feel.

Consider a gift certificate for a massage. After giving birth and feeding baby for the first few weeks our whole body can feel like it was hit by a car. A relaxing massage can be just what they need to feel physically better moving forward.

Postpartum Doula Support

So while, a little self serving, getting the new parent some postpartum doula support can be so helpful not just for them but for you too. It takes the pressure of you to be their main support person and allows you go also rest and enjoy the postpartum period at your own comfort level. Or, as the spouse of the new parent, you could have the postpartum doula start after you have gone back to work, to give the new parent extended support after the baby is born.

Now don't get me wrong, some of this support can be taken up by family and friends, but think about how much you want to lean on those people. And when we are talking support from the new grandparents, think about the dynamics. What is the relationship like. Will the newly birthed parent find their help relaxing or stressful? Sometimes hiring the help can save the family dynamics.

Comfy, Light, Cotton Lounge Wear

Who doesn't love new pajamas, especially during the holidays. You want to make sure the pjs are light and cottony as it isn't uncommon for new parents to go through hot flashes in the early weeks with a new baby. They should also have buttons or flaps to make breastfeeding easier.

Along with those new jammies, you can add comfy, supportive and non-slip slippers and or comfy fluffy socks.

And finally, top it off with a light washable robe that can be worn when visitors come.

And consider colour, fun patterns that can help boost anyone's mood. Unless colour is absolutely not their jam.

Iced Drink And Coffee Pods

When baby comes home, especially in the winter, it might not be so simple to go out to your local coffee shop. But you can get those barrista moments at home with a Keurig or Nespresso. If you already have one of these machines at home, considering stocking up on the fancy flavour pods and ice drinks that can be drunk during a quiet moment. Yes quiet moments can happen.

Plan A Dinner Date

It doens't have to be outside the home if the birthing parent isn't ready for that. Ordering in, setting the table nicely (all the birthing parent has to do is show up) and even having a glass of wine (yes a breastfeeding parent can have a glass of wine).

*Note: Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption, meaning up to one standard drink in a day, is not known to be harmful to the infant. To be safest, the mother can wait at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.

Their Favourite Snacks

Put together a basket of their favourite snacks. Those snacks can be healthy, but they don't all have to be. If a bag of Doritos mixed in with fruit, and nuts, it's all good.

A Fun, Cute Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is super important for breastfeeding. The large, popular Stanley water bottles are fantastic, but they are also quite heavy, so Stanley makes smaller versions or you can get something fun and light. Either way, make sure the birthing parent stays hydrated.

Nap Kit

Along with the promise of taking baby out of the house for an hour or two, put together a basket with a cozy blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs.

When baby is otherwise occupied, its important for the new parent to get some rest. Not do laundry, not wash dishes or empty the dishwasher or cook dinner. Helping to facilitate naps is one of the best gifts.