Becoming a mum is one of life’s most joyous, but challenging, experiences. If you have a friend or family member who’s just had a baby, you’ll naturally want to spoil them with thoughtful gifts. But trying to avoid giving them a useless and bland gift for new mums is tricky. That's why we've compiled this guide to the best gifts for new mums that will leave them feeling valued, pampered and rejuvenated at this special time in their lives.
How To Buy Presents for New Mums
When Should You Give to a New Mum?
Timing is everything when it comes to buying presents for new mums. Immediately after the birth, the new mum might be a bit overwhelmed (to say the least), so it’s often best to wait a few weeks. A special new mum gift given after the initial rush has settled will always be a lovely surprise and will give her time to truly appreciate it! But it's also a good idea to check in with the new mum about her needs and wishes, as these can change quickly during the early stages of motherhood.
What New Mum Gifts Do They Really Want in the UK?
New mums in the UK, much like anywhere else, appreciate new mum gifts that are practical, pampering, and personalised. While it’s easy to default to baby items, remember that mums need some care too. Consider new mum gifts that will make her life easier, give her some much-needed rest, or allow her to enjoy a bit of luxury.
How Much to Spend on a Gift for a New Mum?
When it comes to spending on gifts for new mums, there’s no strict rule since it really depends on your relationship with the new mum and your budget. A small, thoughtful gift for a new mum can mean just as much as a more expensive one. Whether you’re spending £10 or £100, it’s the thought and effort behind new mum gifts that counts the most.
16 Helpful Gifts for New Mums They'll Actually Want
1. Postpartum Care Kit
Price: ££
Kicking off our list of helpful gifs for new mums is a postpartum recovery essentials kit. These kits can be a lifesaver for new mums as they often include essentials like perineal spray to help soothe and heal post-birth soreness, nipple cream to relieve the discomfort of breastfeeding, and comfy, absorbent pads to manage postpartum bleeding. Having these items on hand can make the postpartum recovery process much smoother. Brands like Lansinoh and Frida Mom offer well-curated kits that are highly recommended by mums. This new mum gift shows that you understand the physical challenges she’s going through and want to help her feel comfortable and cared for.
2. Meal Delivery Service
Price: ££
When you're recovering from giving birth and have a new bundle of joy to look after, cooking can seem overwhelming and stressful so gifting a meal delivery subscription like HelloFresh or Gousto can be a real blessing for new mums. The early weeks with a newborn are incredibly busy and often exhausting, leaving little time or energy for meal planning and cooking. These services deliver fresh, pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes right to her door. This means she can enjoy healthy, delicious meals without the hassle of grocery shopping or meal prep. It's one of the best presents for new mums that provides nourishment and saves time, allowing her to focus more on bonding with her baby and taking care of herself.
3. Gift Card for Her Local Salon
Price: ££
A gift card for her local hair or beauty salon is one of the best gifts for new mums that encourages them to take some well-deserved me-time and feel pampered and refreshed. After weeks of sleepless nights and constant baby care, a little self-care can go a long way. Whether it’s for a haircut, manicure, or pedicure, a visit to the salon offers a chance for her to take a break, relax, and feel like herself again.
4. Activity Gift Card
Price: ££
Soon after giving birth, life can feel monotonous. Allow your new mum the chance to blow off some steam and shake up her routine by gifting her a gift card for new mums that let her try something fun and engaging, like a:
With an Activitygift card, she can choose exactly the gift experience she fancies at a time that suits her, providing a much-needed escape and the chance to try something new. New mums often find it hard to make time for themselves amidst the demands of baby care so by giving her this personalised new mum gift she'll be more inclined to take that time off for herself. An activity that she can enjoy either on her own or with friends gives her a break from the routine and an opportunity to reconnect with her interests. It’s a thoughtful way to encourage her to take some "me time" and explore new hobbies or revisit old ones.
5. Comfortable Loungewear
Price: £££
Soft, cosy loungewear is a perfect gift for new mums who spend a lot of time at home in the early months. Look for brands that prioritise comfort without sacrificing style, like Hush or The White Company. Comfortable loungewear can make a huge difference during long days (and nights) of feeding, napping, and caring for the baby and are easy fillers if you're planning on giving a gift hamper for new mums. It’s also ideal for those early weeks when visitors come to meet the new baby; she can look and feel good without having to change out of comfortable clothes. This new mum gift combines practicality with a touch of luxury, making everyday moments a bit more special.
6. Nursing Pillow
A good-quality nursing pillow can make feeding sessions much more comfortable for both mum and baby. Brands like Boppy and My Brest Friend are highly recommended for their supportive designs. These pillows help to position the baby at the right height for breastfeeding, reducing strain on the mum’s back, neck, and arms. They can also be used for bottle feeding, propping the baby up during tummy time, and even as a support for the baby when they start to sit up. A versatile and practical gift for new mums, a nursing pillow can make those frequent feeding sessions a bit more comfortable and enjoyable.
7. E-Reader or Audiobook Subscription
Price: ££
For those moments when she has her hands full but wants to escape into a good book, an e-reader or a subscription to an audiobook service like Audible can be perfect. New mums often find it hard to carve out time for themselves, but with an e-reader or audiobooks, they can easily fit in some reading while breastfeeding, during nap time, or even while doing chores. It’s a unique gift for new mums that offers a little mental escape and relaxation, helping her to stay connected with her love of books amidst the busyness of new motherhood.
8. Streaming Service Subscription
Price: £
Next on our list of the best new mum gifts is a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+. These can be a lifesaver for new mums during those long breastfeeding sessions and late-night feeds. With a wide range of movies, TV shows, and documentaries to choose from, she can enjoy some much-needed downtime and escape into different worlds. This cool gift for new mums can help her unwind and relax, offering a bit of distraction and enjoyment whenever she has a moment to herself.
9. A Gift Card For Hotels
Price: £££
Every new mum deserves a break, and a hotel gift card allows her to take a well-deserved mini-holiday in a luxurious setting. With a over 750,000 hotels to choose from, she can pick the best hotel to relax and rejuvenate whether she chooses a:
- Countryside retreat
- Seaside escape
- Chic city break
- Far-flung adventure
- Festive getaway
- Romantic rendezvous
A hotel gift card is a new mum gift offers her the opportunity to unwind and recharge away from the daily routine without pressuring her to go far from her baby. Whether she's ready she could book a hotel in Europe or further afield, or if she'd rather stay local but just fancies a change of scene, she can choose from hundreds of hotels across the UK. It’s one of the best personalised gifts for new mums that acknowledges the hard work she’s been putting in and encourages her to take some time just for herself or with her partner. Plus, she'll have 2 years to redeem her hotel voucher so she doesn't feel pressured to leave her baby before she's ready.
10. Offer to Clean Their House
Price: FREE
One of the most valuable gifts you can give a new mum is the gift of time. As a truly unique present for a new mum, offer to clean her house, whether it’s doing the dishes, vacuuming, or tackling the laundry pile. A clean and tidy home can make a huge difference to her mental well-being, reducing stress and helping her to feel more relaxed and organised. Your kindness and support will be deeply appreciated, allowing her to focus on caring for her baby and herself without the added worry of household chores.
11. Essential Oil Diffuser
Price: ££
Closing our list of the best gifts for new mums is an essential oil diffuser with relaxing scents like lavender or chamomile can help create a calming environment in the home. Aromatherapy can be incredibly soothing and beneficial for new mums, helping to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being. An essential oil diffuser is a small luxury that can make a big difference, turning her living space into a tranquil retreat making it one of the best gifts for new mums that shows you care about her mental and emotional health, as well as her comfort.
12. Subscription to a Baby Photography Service
Price: £££
Another gift idea for new mums is something they'll surely treasure forever - a subscription to a baby photography service that lets her book professional photoshoots throughout the year of her and her baby. Whether it’s for milestone moments like the baby’s first smile or just candid shots of everyday life, this is one of the top gifts for new mums that lets fill her home with gorgeous photos of her little one.
13. Mum and Baby Yoga Classes
Price: ££
Another great new mum gift are mum and baby yoga classes. Typically, you can book several sessions in one where the new mum and baby can bond and stretch in a relaxed, welcoming setting. This is a thoughtful gift for new mums as they also encourage the new mum to take care of their physical and mental health - something that's often neglected once they have a little one. Plus, it’s a great way for new mums to meet other parents and build a supportive community.
14. A Gift Card for Train Travel
Price: ££
Last on our list of helpful gifts for new mums is a train gift card that provides her with a much-needed change of scene and a way to reconnect with family and friends. The beauty of a train gift card is that she'll have 2 years to book whichever train journey she'd like and she can even take her baby along too if she can't find a sitter or simply wants to introduce her baby to her long-distance loved ones.
15. Foldable Pram
Price: £££
A foldable pram is a game-changer for new mums who are always on the go. Compact, lightweight, and easy to store, it’s the ultimate blend of convenience and practicality. Look for models like the Babyzen YOYO² or the Bugaboo Butterfly, which are perfect for navigating busy UK streets or hopping on public transport. These foldable prams fold down in seconds, making them ideal for car journeys, small homes, or even as carry-on luggage for family holidays.
Practicality aside, foldable prams often come with additional features like adjustable handlebars, storage baskets, and cosy inserts to keep the baby snug. It’s a useful gift for new mums that can make a new mum’s daily outings smoother and stress-free. Plus, with sleek designs and trendy colour options, she'll be looking super stylish.
16. Stokke Tripp Trapp Newborn Bundle
Price: ££££
The Stokke Tripp Trapp Newborn Bundle is a top-tier gift for new mums. It's practical, sylish, and high quality making it a versatile high chair that can seat your baby at the table from day one, giving them a safe and elevated spot while you eat, cook, or simply relax. It's perfect for modern UK homes and the chair’s sleek, minimalist design can be customised with a range of colours to match any decor. As your baby grows, you can add a toddler seat (sold separately) or adjust the chair to accommodate older children.
Will You Choose One of the Best Gifts for New Mums?
Choosing the right gift for a new mum can show her how much you care and support her during this special (but at times overwhelming) time in life. Whether it’s a luxurious hotel stay with Hotelgift or a thoughtful postpartum kit, your gift for new mums can provide comfort, joy, and a bit of much-needed rest. For an extra level of love and care, why not choose one of the personalised new mum gifts included in our list but remember, it’s the love and thoughtfulness behind your present for new mums that will be most appreciated.