There can’t be many times in life that scramble your brain more than those first few weeks after having a baby. Your uterus feels like it’s turning inside out, night might as well be day and your shower is interrupted 17 times by those phantom baby cries. So, if you’re visiting someone who’s experiencing all of this for the first time (plus the hormones! Oh the hormones!) and wanting to bring a gift that will really, truly be useful to them, I’ve got eight gift ideas for first-time mums here for you.
Freezer meals and easy snacks
Almost unanimously, my friends tell me that meals are the absolute best gift they received, whether it was after their first, second or fourth baby. Choose something that freezes well, has high levels of iron and protein, and lots of veggies. My go-to is a bolognese (sidenote: I always have this in my own freezer for nights I need a quick dinner on the table that I know everyone will eat). I’ll also try to take a batch of bliss balls. Bliss balls can pack a punch in terms of energy and nutrients, they keep well in the freezer, and they’re super easy for a busy mum to eat.
Baby backpack
When you’re grappling with a baby, anything that frees up your hands is on the money! A nappy backpack differs from a regular backpack as it’ll generally have an insulated space for bottles/drinks, a change mat, heaps of compartments so you’re not digging around blindly whenever you need something. I have this one from ALUXO, but there are plenty available at different price points.
Meal delivery service voucher
Not dissimilar to a home-cooked meal, but without the need for immediate freezer space! Uber Eats (or similar) is a good choice, assuming the family you’re buying for haa options available to them. We received a voucher for The Dinner Ladies which was super useful; I saved it for a couple of months down the track when our freezer was looking particularly empty. If the first time mum lives somewhere without access to services like these, you could call a local restaurant and put down a tab for them to use whenever it suits.
Books with a personal message inside
We L O V E books in our family and have always read to our kids as much as possible. It was – and still is – part of our routine before every nap and sleep. And now, when energy levels are through the roof, it’s a lovely way to have some connection and quieter time. I do want to emphasise the importance of the personal message here though; we love being able to share stories about the person that gave the book and why the book was given.
Voucher for a cleaner (or offer to do it yourself)
When you’re a first time mum, everyone tells you not to worry about how messy the house gets, or how high the pile of washing is (I bet it’s equal first in terms of advice given, alongside “sleep when the baby sleeps”). And while that’s great in theory, most people don’t want to wallow in their own mess for too long. A voucher to a local cleaning service is a great gift idea, or you could offer a time to come and do it yourself. Focus on getting the washing done and put away, change the bed sheets and give the kitchen and bathroom a once over. Anything that lessens the mental load of a new mum is a good thing.
Button up pyjamas
In those early days you don’t always have time for luxuries like showering and getting yourself dressed. Being able to receive visitors in functional PJs that also feel a little bit luxe is a massive bonus. Bae has some cute maternity options that would still be great if you’re breastfeeding, though if I was to go again I’d be getting a cute cotton set like this from Piyama.
Luxury bath set for mums and babies
For such tiny little creatures, babies are very expensive; even just the bare basics can put a fair sized dent in your bank account. A luxury bath set is something that a lot of parents won’t spend money on, but will love using. I like this one from Gro-To because the packaging is super cute plus it has a mask for mum (I’ve used it and it’s great!). And this lovely pack from Willow by the Sea has everything needed to make mum and baby feel a little bit special.
Massage voucher
New mums are exceptionally bad at self care. They need help. Giving her a massage voucher is a little reminder that she is important too. And even if she doesn’t use it for a year (I literally just redeemed a voucher I got almost five years ago) it’s something for her to look forward to.
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