You got a bunch of gifts for the little one at the baby shower, right? But are you, her husband, supposed to buy her a gift? Yes! Yes! And yes! Friend, you should buy your wife who’s becoming a new mom a gift and I’ve got some great new mom gift ideas and tips for you.
I’ve outlined them by category to make it a little easier. There are gift ideas for moms-to-be, mom and baby, and some gift ideas by budget. Plus, a few ways to surprise her, what not to get (because that’s important too), and how best to support her beyond gifts.
Mom-to-Be Gift Ideas
You don’t have to wait for your wife to give birth to give her a present. In fact, doing so beforehand is a very encouraging and loving way to show your support as you become new parents. Here are a few gift ideas that are perfect for that time right before your wife gives birth.
Push Present
A push present is a present you get for a woman who’s about to push (as in childbirth). It’s a very personal gift typically reserved for a husband to give to his wife. The purpose of this gift is to acknowledge birthing a baby is hard!
A push present signifies you are there to love and support them through the process. This gift also shows honor and appreciation for all the work she’s doing to bring your little one into the world.
Any of the ideas below can be used as a push present but some common push presents are jewelry, a massage, or a framed photo.
Transitional Maternity Wear
It’s amazing the amount of changes a woman’s body goes through between pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum. It’s really challenging to find clothes that fit our bodies through all of those changes.
A great new mom gift idea is to find maternity clothes she can wear now, and once she’s had the baby. Think about pieces that are form-fitting but stretchy, longer versus shorter, and can be worn in different seasons or used with layers.
Not sure you can channel your inner fashionista? A cozy robe, slippers, or comfy loungewear are also great ideas for the upcoming sleepless nights you’ll experience.
These will come in handy for recovery after birth and all the late nights/early mornings with the baby. Throw in a bath bomb and some essential oils to help the new mama relax when she can.
Maternity Photo Shoot
A maternity photo shoot is a great mood booster. Especially when she’s feeling increasingly uncomfortable and, frankly, really large as her due date approaches.
Yes, you can do this yourself but should you? 🤨 I encourage you to find a local photographer with experience doing maternity shoots. Use some of those lovely transitional outfits or a nice dress to make her feel special while taking her picture.
Pregnancy is a special time and she’ll appreciate having these photos to treasure it.
Postpartum Care Supplies
Postpartum care supplies are a good new mom gift idea for husbands because others feel uncomfortable buying them. However, they are so needed for postpartum recovery. You may get all the things for the baby but mom needs some care after having that baby too.
I get it. This may feel a little out of your depth. Sure you can do your research but understanding what a woman’s body needs, especially after birth, is still a stretch.
For this gift, you may want to ask your wife what she feels she’ll need. Believe me, she’s thought about it and probably has a list.
If you want it to be a surprise, ask close friends or family members who’ve had babies before for help. You can also opt for a book or online course on postpartum self-care and parenting.
Mom and Baby Gift Ideas
These new mom gift ideas will make mom feel special but are also practical for the new baby. Double win!
Stylish Diaper Bag
Diaper bags have come a long way! Even designer brands have gotten into the diaper bag game. A diaper bag that is functional and fits mom’s style is a perfect gift for a new mom.
Baby Carrier
Baby carriers are the best gifts for busy moms. They are essential for getting things done with a baby that wants to be held. They allow you to keep your baby close, and still have free hands to work, clean, or tend to other kids.
I loved using the baby carrier the most when we’d go out as a family to the park or to an event. It’s much easier than pushing a stroller or holding them the whole time.
Breastfeeding Supplies
Breastfeeding supplies are another gift that most people tend not to buy. It’s also the one thing that only your wife can do for the baby.
If your wife is planning to breastfeed, you can really help and show your support by making sure she has everything she needs. Some of the best gift ideas for breastfeeding moms are snacks, water bottles, nipple cream, tea (Mother’s Milk Tea is great), a nursing cover, or a comfy chair for pumping.
Mom-and-Baby Photo Shoot
Missed your opportunity for a maternity photo shoot? Don’t worry, here’s another opportunity.
A mom-and-baby photo shoot is a precious way to capture the time when the baby first arrives. Your whole family will adore these photos for years to come.
Bonus points: place the pictures in a customized photo album or scrapbook to document the baby’s first year. This is a gift you’ll enjoy as a new dad as well.
Budget-Based New Mom Gift Ideas
Here’s a few new mom gift ideas to consider based on your available budget. Whether it’s extravagant and fancy or heartfelt and budget-friendly, you’ll find something that works for your wife.
Extravagant New Mom Gift Ideas
If you have a healthy budget, moms are a great place to spend it. Here’s some high-ticket gift ideas that will wow any new mom.
House
This gift is a good fit if you’ve started your life together in a smaller home. Especially if this was already in the plans. Getting a house that affords you more space now that your family is growing is perfect timing.
Alternatively, if getting a house isn’t in the cards right now, renovating or redecorating a room is another great idea. Creating a place where the new mom can have her own space will be something she appreciates for many years.
Car Upgrade
I know what you’re thinking … you don’t have to get a minivan! Unless you like minivans, then go for it. Many of the newer ones are quite nice.
However, if you are not a sliding door type of car owner there are still many family-friendly vehicles you can choose from. Or better yet, let the new mom who will drive it choose.
Vacation
You may have heard this called a babymoon. A vacation is a fantastic way for a new mom to rest and relax before the baby comes. Additionally, it gives you and your wife time to connect before the new family boss arrives.
Shopping Spree
There are so many things to buy for a new baby that sometimes a new mom gets forgotten. Give her an opportunity to enjoy buying clothes, shoes, or whatever she enjoys just for herself – guilt-free.
Moderately-Priced New Mom Gift Ideas
These new mom gift ideas may cost you a little bit of change but shouldn’t break the bank. Any new mom would have an ear-to-ear smile when receiving one of these gifts.
Jewelry
Jewelry is a meaningful gift with a little thought behind it. Gold or sterling silver are great present ideas but don’t just go for something shiny.
If you want a special new mom gift idea from a husband, try something with your wife and the baby’s name on it, or their birthstones. Something with the baby’s initials or birth date is also a special gift.
Gift Basket
Gift baskets are tried and true gifts for new moms, and any occasion really. They make great gifts because you can customize them for the specific recipient. For your wife, fill it with things she loves and things that will help her transition into motherhood.
Spa Day
Pregnancy gets pretty uncomfortable toward the end. A spa day will give your wife a chance to be pampered before she has to start spending a lot of time “pampering” someone else. 😂 #momjokes Be sure to include a prenatal massage.
Meaningful and Budget-Friendly New Mom Gift Ideas
These new mom gift ideas require a little more thought and creativity but, they are great gift options for husbands on a tight budget. Truly, the most thoughtful gifts are often those that don’t cost a lot of money.
Love Letter
A love letter is a creative way to let her know she is still your wife, not just a mom. Include thoughts about how much you love her, and how much you appreciate what she does for you and your family.
Gift Card or Coupon Book
A gift card or gift certificate may not sound very meaningful but it is when you get the right one. A generic Amazon card won’t do. It should be a gift card to a store or restaurant she really likes but doesn’t often get to enjoy.
Additionally, it is key to let her know it’s just for her to use how she wants when she wants.
Money really tight? Making a coupon book of things you’ll do for her is a great way to get the same effect. These special, custom coupons run the gamut of things you will personally do for her when she presents the coupon.
Sweet coupons include a massage, cleanup duty, dessert run, or big hug. And don’t be afraid to spice it up. Sex may not be top of mind right now, but it will be again. 😉
Flowers or an Edible Bouquet
Flowers are a classic gift for wives for a reason. Most women love getting flowers. They are a nice gesture that can be as low or high cost as you’d like depending on what flowers you get and how big.
Side note: make sure you’re the one taking care of them. Don’t let her gift become another chore.
If your wife doesn’t like flowers, try an edible bouquet. I know any arrangement of fresh fruit covered in chocolate would excite me. 😁
New Mom Gift Ideas From Husband to Avoid
These are some excellent new mom gift ideas but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few common new mom gifts that should be avoided.
Baby Items
You’ve probably gotten plenty of baby gifts and will continue to get baby gifts as your little one grows. Don’t give your wife yet more baby items.
It’s easy for the mom to get overshadowed by the baby, especially for first-time moms. Don’t add to this strange phenomenon! Stick to things that are about her and make her feel special.
Clothes She Can’t Fit
It might seem encouraging to buy her a dress for when she “drops the baby weight.” But this only adds pressure to an already pressurized situation, especially in the early days after delivery. Moms face a lot of scrutiny and judgment. Sadly, much of this is attributed to our bodies.
Giving a gift like this will only feed the self-conscious beast within us all. Instead, if you want to buy her clothes, stick with comfy loungewear she can wear after delivery.
Gifts for Other People
Gifts for other people!? Wait, what? Why would I do that, Tiffany?? Let me explain.
I’m talking about gifts that suggest doing something for other people in your family in order to use them. For example, cookware, lingerie, or any type of cleaning tool or product. These gifts are illusively selfish.
After all, most women don’t just love lying around in lingerie. Lingerie is meant to be worn for someone else’s enticement and viewing pleasure. Yup, that’s for you hubby, not her.
Moreover, how many times have you seen your wife have a hankering to dust or vacuum something just for herself. 🤨
Don’t be that guy! Make her gift for her.
Ways to Surprise Your Wife With Her New Mom Gift
Wake Up Surprise
Just as it sounds, this method means giving her a gift right when she wakes up. It leverages someone’s most disoriented state to catch them off their guard.
A word of caution: don’t get overexcited and wake her up early. Sleep for new moms, before and after the baby, is crucial and limited. Let her finish whatever sleep she’s getting.
Fake Out Surprise
Lure them into a task or activity, then have their gift waiting for them instead. The more annoying the task, the bigger the surprise.
Group Surprise
Getting other family and friends in on her gift can be fun! You can have others help with distracting her, delivering the gift, or being part of the gift themselves.
Other Ways for Husbands to Support New Moms
What do new moms need from their husbands? Husbands often get stumped by this question. Here are a few ideas to help you out.
- Watch out for burnout and offer help. It’s very easy to get overly tired and stressed in quick fashion when you’re caring for a new baby. Pay attention to your wife. If she seems like she needs a break, she probably does.
It’s also imperative to mention that postpartum depression is the number one complication after having a baby. Know the signs and let your wife know it’s ok, and encourage her to talk to her healthcare provider about it. - Give your wife time to herself. Take the initiative to watch the baby from time to time without her having to ask. Let her do what she wants with her time, with no judgment. Making a way for her to get a full night’s sleep is good idea if you can swing it.
It’s important that new moms feel a sense of autonomy because so much of them (including their own body) is used for someone else. - Show your wife regular appreciation. Don’t just wait for Mother’s Day. It doesn’t always have to be a gift. Sometimes just saying “thank you” and “you’re doing a great job” means a lot.
Gift Ideas to Celebrate New Moms From Husbands
Having babies is hard! It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done! New moms definitely deserve to be celebrated and honored. These new mom gift ideas are sure to help you do just that.
So try one or more of these amazing gift ideas. You’ll be glad you did. Happy gifting!
