{Gift Guide} 7 Intentional Gifts for Young Motherhood
My sister messaged me the other day asking what I thought a soon-to-be mom absolutely needed as a first time mom. And as I was typing back, I realized, I actually had a lot to say! Yes, there are the must-have items for baby that make functioning with a newborn easier, but just as important are the must-have items for mom herself. Because when you're navigating that steep learning curve, the best gifts aren't things, they are permissions-permissions to rest, permission to seek support, and permission to gently reclaim your presence in a body and life that feels completely different.
must-haves for baby
My oldest is two and a half and my youngest is eight months, so when I think about what must-haves a baby needs, I think about what items I genuinely used (and loved) for both babies. This includes:
☑ Safe sleeping space
☑Bottles & bottle sanitizer
☑4-5 sleepers with zippers
☑Soothers
☑Nipple pads + good nursing bras
☑Water bottle
☑Pump
☑Muslin cloths & bamboo cloths
☑Swaddle, diapers, and wipes
I also really loved cute outfits for baby to wear, a handmade quilt and milestone blocks. However, chances are a new or soon-to-be mom already has most of these items checked off. What she might not be thinking about however, is the dramatic changes ahead and the support she will need to navigate them.
After two babies, here’s what I think moms really need:
Encouragement out of the house (think a coffee holder for her stroller and a giftcard to a local walk-by cafe — with a text a few weeks later saying that you’re available anytime to go with her!)
Low effort items to make her feel beautiful (think facial water, high quality lip balm, soft underwear or loungewear)
Someone she trusts to watch baby while both her and her partner sleep (think reminding her that lack-of-sleep leads/worsens depression and that you’re available every Sunday 1-3 for as long as she needs.)
Something to look forward to (think tickets for an afternoon spa date or a reservation to her favourite restaurant six months from now)
Photos of herself and her baby (think booking her a newborn photography session to book at a time convenient for her or offer to take them yourself!)
Electrolytes and high nutrient (breast-feeding safe) snacks (think wandering the healthy food aisle at your local supermarket and putting together a basket of treats she wouldn’t normally buy herself — new mom’s don’t often register that they are hungry, and they definitely aren’t out gathering healthy snacks.)
Reminders to breathe, and that no matter how hard it gets, things do get better (think a ‘Mom and Baby’ Oracle Deck or a book that actually validates her experience. If she’s highly sensitive, an empath or clearing spray could be a beautiful companion for when she feels overstimulated.)
My recommendations
The first year of motherhood is a life-changing time in a woman’s life, and the gifts that matter most are the ones that acknowledge the person behind the title of "Mom." Whether you're buying a thoughtful gift or offering to help out around the house, remember that you are giving permission—permission for her to feel supported, nourished, and most importantly, seen too.
The greatest gift we can give a new mother is the belief that she deserves to be gentle with herself as she finds herself in her new role.
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