Best Gifts for Expecting Mothers (She'll Actually Use)
Finding the perfect gift for an expecting mother can feel overwhelming. As a mom of 5, I've learned which gifts truly matter and which collect dust.
Whether shopping for a first-time mom or seasoned parent (like I was with baby number 5!), the right gift makes her feel supported and prepared. The best gifts for expecting mothers range from luxurious self-care items to practical essentials.
This guide covers every category and price point to help you choose something she'll genuinely appreciate and use throughout her pregnancy and beyond.
And if you're helping her prepare for baby's arrival, don't miss our comprehensive baby registry checklist and newborn sleep tips to set her up for success from day one.
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Best Gifts for Expecting Mothers: Let’s Get Started
Comfort & Wellness Gifts for Pregnancy
Pregnancy comfort is essential for physical and mental wellbeing. The right comfort gifts can transform difficult pregnancy nights into something bearable.
Pregnancy pillows are one of the best investments you can make. Those massive U-shaped or C-shaped pillows from Pharmedoc ($40-60) support the belly, back, and legs simultaneously.
Maternity support belts are game-changers for lower back pain around week 20. These belts ($25-40) lift the belly's weight off the pelvis and spine.
Other comfort essentials that make a difference:
Compression socks for swollen ankles and circulation
Heated neck wraps for instant muscle relief
Prenatal massage gift certificates ($80-150)
Comfortable loungewear is crucial. Soft, stretchy pajama sets from Kindred Bravely or Latched Mama ($35-50) work during pregnancy AND postpartum nursing.
Essential oil diffusers create calming atmospheres. Stick with pregnancy-safe oils like lavender, chamomile, and sweet orange. Avoid stronger oils like rosemary or clary sage in the first trimester. A decent diffuser costs $20-30.
Always check for allergies or sensitivities before buying scented items.
Self-Care & Pampering Gifts
Self-care during pregnancy is essential, yet expecting mothers rarely pamper themselves.
Stretch mark prevention creams require knowing your audience. If she's researching these products, choose high-quality options like Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter ($12-15) or Bio-Oil ($15-25).
Pregnancy-safe skincare sets need careful ingredient attention. Avoid retinoids, salicylic acid, and certain essential oils. Look for brands like The Honest Company, Earth Mama, or Pipette ($30-60).
Bath products provide real relief. Epsom salt soaks help with muscle aches and swelling—keep water temperature under 100°F. Create custom bath baskets with:
Spa day packages run $80-120 for 60 minutes. For at-home alternatives, create spa baskets with face masks, foot soaks, and a cozy robe.
Quality robes are worth the investment. Plush options from Barefoot Dreams ($100) or Target's Gilligan & O'Malley line ($30-40) get worn in the hospital, postpartum, and for years to come.
Prenatal yoga classes or online subscriptions ($20-30/month) help with flexibility, breathing techniques, and stress management.
Meditation apps with pregnancy content like Expectful ($90-100/year) help manage anxiety effectively.
High-quality water bottles matter—she needs 80-100 ounces daily. HidrateSpark smart bottle ($50-70) or Hydro Flask ($30-45) keep water cold throughout the day.
Practical Pregnancy Essentials
Practical gifts get used every single day and solve real problems.
Maternity clothing gift cards ($50-100) let her choose what works for her body and style at places like ASOS Maternity, Seraphine, or Pink Blush.
Belly bands ($15-25) extend the life of regular jeans and pants, often to month 6 or 7.
Supportive maternity bras are essential. Regular bras stop fitting in the first trimester. Invest in quality ones from Cake Maternity, Kindred Bravely, or Bravado ($35-60 per bra). Get 2-3 wireless, comfortable ones that also work for nursing.
Practical essentials checklist:
Belly photography session ($200-400)
Pregnancy journal like the Belly Book ($15-20)
Pregnancy tracker books like What to Expect When You're Expecting ($15)
Healthy snack subscription boxes ($25-40/month)
Insulated food containers ($20-35)
Pregnancy journals are perfect for documentation. The Bump to Birthday book ($20) goes from pregnancy through baby's first five years with prompts for weekly updates.
Snack subscription boxes from Nurture Life or Hungryroot ($30-50/month) provide healthy, pregnancy-friendly snacks for unexpected hunger.
Insulated food containers from Bentgo or Thermos ($25-40) help her prep meals and keep snacks fresh for managing blood sugar and nausea.
Books & Educational Resources
Educational gifts are underrated, especially for first-time moms learning entirely new skill sets.
Comprehensive pregnancy guides:
"Expecting Better" by Emily Oster ($15-18) - Research-based pregnancy advice
"The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide" ($20-25) - Holistic perspective
Evidence-based childbirth preparation:
"The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin ($17-20) - For labor support partners
"Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" ($16-18) - Positive birth stories
Breastfeeding guides:
"The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" ($18-22) - Comprehensive reference covering latch problems, supply issues, pumping, and weaning
Recommended reading list:
"What to Expect When You're Expecting" ($15) - Classic reference
"Cribsheet" by Emily Oster ($17) - Data-driven parenting
"The Happiest Baby on the Block" ($15) - Newborn soothing
"Heading Home with Your Newborn" ($18) - Practical care instructions
"The Fourth Trimester" ($16) - Postpartum recovery
Postpartum recovery books:
"The First Forty Days" - Early postpartum weeks with recipes
"Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts" - Postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts
Audio book subscriptions like Audible ($14.95/month) allow hands-free learning during exercises, commutes, or rest.
Parenting philosophy books:
"The Whole-Brain Child" - Child development from neuroscience perspective
"Hunt, Gather, Parent" - Cross-cultural perspective
Pair books with practical items—"The Happiest Baby on the Block" with a swaddle blanket, or "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" with nipple cream and nursing pads.
Preparing for Baby's Arrival
These gifts help in the final weeks when nesting instinct kicks in.
Hospital bag essentials matter for first-time moms. Pre-packed hospital bags or Frida Mom kits ($40-50) include:
Extra-long phone charger
Comfortable going-home outfit
Nursing-friendly gown or pajamas
Toiletries and lip balm
Newborn outfit in two sizes
Postpartum recovery kits like Frida Mom ($40-50) include peri bottles, disposable underwear, and cooling pads for those first weeks.
Newborn clothing starter sets in multiple sizes are smart—babies vary in size. Get variety packs with newborn, 0-3 months, and 3-6 months from Carter's ($30-50).
High-quality diaper bags get used daily for years. Skip cutesy designs for functional, stylish options like Petunia Pickle Bottom ($150-200), Skip Hop ($50-80), or Itzy Ritzy ($40-60).
New mom essentials before baby arrives:
Baby monitor with video ($100-250)
Swaddle blankets and sleep sacks ($40-60 for a set)
Breast pump accessories ($50-100)
Nursery organization systems ($30-80)
Baby monitors: Infant Optics DXR-8 ($150-170) for mid-range, Nanit ($300+) for high-tech sleep tracking, or basic audio monitors ($30-50) for smaller homes.
Swaddle blankets: Halo SleepSack Swaddle ($25-30 each) is easier than traditional blankets. Get 2-3 for clean backups. Ollie World swaddle ($60) is moisture-wicking.
Breast pump accessories: Extra pump parts mean less washing. Storage bags ($15-20 for 50), Pumpin Pals flanges ($20-30) for comfort.
Nursery organization: Closet dividers by size ($10-15), storage bins ($30-50), drawer organizers ($15-25) make 3am diaper changes easier.
Sentimental & Keepsake Gifts
Sentimental gifts create lasting memories and celebrate the journey.
Custom jewelry with baby's birthstone or initial becomes a treasured daily connection.
Personalized pregnancy milestone cards ($15-25) for weekly bump photos create a visual timeline.
Professional maternity photoshoots ($200-600+) capture this temporary moment artistically. Many offer mini sessions ($150-250).
Memory books like "Pregnancy: A Day-by-Day Journal" ($16-20) or "Modern Baby Memory Book" ($18-25) record firsts and milestones.
Sentimental gift ideas:
Handprint and footprint kits ($15-30) - Clay or ink sets
Custom family portrait illustrations ($50-150) - Etsy artists
Engraved ultrasound picture frames ($25-50)
Time capsule boxes ($30-60) - For preserving memories
Handprint kits like Pearhead Babyprints ($20-25) create permanent keepsakes of tiny newborn details.
Custom illustrations from Etsy ($50-200+) show growing families and make beautiful nursery art.
Time capsule boxes ($30-50) include newspaper headlines, family notes, predictions, and nursery photos for baby to open at 18.
Belly casting kits ($40-70) create 3D plaster casts as art pieces—know your audience on this one.
Pregnancy journals like "The Belly Book" ($16-20) document hopes, fears, dreams, and cravings that fade from memory quickly.
Tech & Gadgets for Modern Moms
Technology makes pregnancy and parenting easier, safer, and more connected.
Smartwatches like Apple Watch ($400+) or Fitbit Sense ($250-300) track heart rate, sleep, activity, and stress. Many use them for contraction timing.
White noise machines like Hatch Rest ($60-70) combine sound, night light, and time-to-rise alerts. LectroFan ($50) offers 20 different sounds.
Baby doppler devices like Sonoline B ($50-80) let parents hear baby's heartbeat between appointments. Use for enjoyment, not medical monitoring.
Tablets or e-readers like iPad ($330+) or Kindle ($100-140) pre-loaded with pregnancy books and podcasts create portable parenting libraries.
Essential tech list:
Wireless headphones ($100-350) - For relaxation and entertainment
Baby tracking apps (Free-$50/year) - Glow or The Bump subscriptions
Smart water bottles ($40-70) - HidrateSpark tracks hydration
Wearable breast pumps ($400-500) - Willow or Elvie for hands-free pumping
Wireless headphones like Sony WH-1000XM4 ($350) or Anker Soundcore ($80-100) are for meditation apps, childbirth recordings, and white noise.
Baby tracking apps like Pregnancy+ ($5), What to Expect (free), or Ovia Pregnancy (free) with premium subscriptions ($20-50/year) track symptoms and development.
Wearable breast pumps like Willow ($500) and Elvie ($500-550) fit inside bras for hands-free, wire-free pumping while working or doing activities.
Phone accessories: Extra-long charging cables ($15-25), portable battery packs ($30-50), protective cases ($20-40) for frequent night use.
Prenatal vitamin dispensers ($15-35) or smart pill organizers ($30-60) help remember daily vitamins during pregnancy brain fog.
Subscription Boxes & Ongoing Gifts
Subscriptions keep giving throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Monthly pregnancy boxes like Bump Boxes ($45-60/month) send trimester-specific products worth $100+ including stretch mark cream, snacks, and self-care items.
Healthy snack delivery from NatureBox ($25-35/month) or Graze ($15-20/month) addresses constant pregnancy hunger with ready-made options.
Meal kit subscriptions like HelloFresh ($65-80/week) or Factor ($60-100/week) remove dinner stress when energy is low.
Subscription box ranking:
Meal kits - Removes dinner stress completely
Healthy snack boxes - Addresses constant hunger
Self-care boxes - Monthly pampering
Coffee/tea subscriptions - Daily comfort
Book clubs - Entertainment during rest
Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ ($100-180/year) provide entertainment during night wakings and nursing.
Flower delivery from Bouqs or The Sill ($40-80/month) brings weekly or monthly joy.
Coffee or tea subscriptions need pregnancy-safe options. Pink Stork pregnancy tea ($30-40/month) or Trade Coffee decaf ($16-25/bag) work well.
Book club memberships like Book of the Month ($17-25/month) paired with Audible ($15/month) offer physical and audio options.
Wellness box subscriptions should be pregnancy-specific like Ecocentric Mom ($35/month) with vetted products.
Gifts for Different Trimesters
Pregnancy needs change dramatically by trimester.
First Trimester Gifts (Weeks 1-13)
Address nausea, exhaustion, and emotional fluctuations:
Anti-nausea remedies like Sea-Bands ($10-15) or Preggie Pops ($10)
Ginger products: tea, chews, ginger ale ($15-25 variety pack)
Loose-fitting clothing for bloating ($30-60)
Early pregnancy books ($15-20)
Pregnancy journals ($15-25)
Ginger baskets with tea bags ($8-10), crystallized chews ($5-8), natural ginger ale ($10-15), and essential oil ($10-15) help nausea.
Loose clothes like empire-waist dresses ($30-50) and oversized sweaters ($25-45) bridge the awkward pre-maternity phase.
Second Trimester Gifts (Weeks 14-27)
Focus on the "honeymoon phase" when energy returns:
Actual maternity clothes ($50-100 budget)
Belly support bands ($25-40)
Energy-boosting snacks ($20-30)
Prenatal fitness classes ($75-150)
Belly butter ($15-30)
Maternity clothes become essential around weeks 16-20. Focus on maternity jeans ($50-80), basic tanks ($20-30), and versatile dresses ($40-70).
Belly support bands like Gabrialla ($35-45) or NeoTech Care ($25-30) provide relief for ligament pain around week 20.
Third Trimester Gifts (Weeks 28-40)
Focus on comfort, preparation, and survival:
Hospital bag essentials ($50-100)
Birth plan templates and labor prep ($15-25)
Postpartum supplies ($40-80)
Relaxation tools like birthing balls ($30-60)
Meal prep services ($75-150)
Hospital bag prep with extra-long charger ($15-20), nursing gowns ($30-50), toiletries ($20-30), newborn outfit ($15-25), and snacks ($10-15).
Birthing balls ($25-35) combined with heating pads ($20-40) make final weeks more comfortable.
Budget-friendly trimester gifts:
First trimester: Ginger tea variety and crackers ($15-20)
Second trimester: Maternity leggings and tank ($35-50)
Third trimester: DIY hospital bag essentials ($40-60)
Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas Under $50
Thoughtful doesn't mean expensive.
Thoughtful handmade options:
Knitted baby items - blankets, hats, booties ($20-30 yarn cost)
Homemade bath salts ($15-20 supplies)
Custom relaxing music playlist (free)
Meal train organization (free)
Hand-written weekly notes ($10-15 cards)
Affordable comfort items: Soft throw blanket ($20-30), cozy grip socks ($12-18), neck pillow ($15-25).
DIY gift basket ideas under $50:
Self-Care Basket ($40-50):
Face masks ($8-10)
Foot cream ($6-8)
Nail polish ($5-7)
Scented candle ($8-12)
Cozy socks ($8-10)
Chocolate ($5-8)
First Trimester Survival Basket ($35-45):
Ginger tea bags ($6-8)
Crackers variety ($8-10)
Peppermint gum ($3-5)
Lemon drops ($4-6)
Water bottle ($10-15)
Pregnancy journal ($12-15)
Movie Night Basket ($40-50):
Cozy blanket ($20-25)
Popcorn and candy ($10-12)
Streaming gift card ($15-25)
Fuzzy socks ($8-10)
Practical everyday items: Insulated water bottle ($15-25), comfortable hair ties ($8-12), phone accessories ($10-15).
Where to find discounted items:
TJ Maxx/Marshalls - 30-60% off
Target dollar spot - $1-5 items
Amazon warehouse deals
Old Navy maternity - 40-50% off
Buy Nothing Facebook groups - free
Thrift stores - $3-8 per item
Used books from thrift stores or ThriftBooks cost $3-8 instead of $15-20 new.
Postpartum survival kit under $50: Disposable underwear ($8), pads ($6), stool softener ($5), nipple cream ($8), snacks ($8), water bottle ($10), encouraging note (free).
Luxury & Splurge-Worthy Gifts
For those with budget to splurge on something special.
High-end baby carriers like BabyBjörn Carrier One ($180-200), Ergobaby Omni 360 ($180-200), or LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow ($160-180) offer ergonomic design for years of use.
Premium nursing chairs like Pottery Barn Kids glider ($700-900) or Delta Children glider ($250-350) provide comfort for nursing and reading bedtime stories.
Designer diaper bags like Fawn Design ($175-200), Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack ($200-250), or Béis ($98) combine style with function.
Professional newborn photography ($300-1000+) captures fleeting first days artistically as family heirlooms.
Luxury gift ranking by impact:
High-tech stroller systems ($800-1500)
Professional photo packages ($500-1000)
Luxury nursery furniture ($800-2000)
Designer maternity wardrobe ($500-1000)
Premium baby monitors ($300-500)
Luxury strollers like UPPAbaby Vista V2 ($930-1000), Bugaboo Fox 5 ($1,400-1,500), or Nuna MIXX ($600-700) last through multiple children.
High-tech monitors like Nanit Pro Complete ($399-449) or Owlet Dream Duo ($299-350) provide smart features and peace of mind.
Upscale spa packages ($250-500) or luxury hotel spas ($400-600) offer prenatal massage, facials, and pedicures.
Investment nursery pieces like convertible cribs ($400-800), high-end dressers ($600-1200), or premium changing tables ($300-600) last years.
Luxury maternity clothes from Hatch, Ingrid & Isabel, or Isabella Oliver ($500-1000 wardrobe) including cashmere sweaters ($200-300), designer jeans ($180-220), and elegant dresses ($150-250).
Final Thoughts
The best gifts for expecting mothers show you understand and support her journey. Meaningful gifts aren't about price—a $20 belly band can mean more than expensive items if it addresses her needs.
Consider her trimester, symptoms, and personality when choosing. Get creative with themed baskets, offer your time, or give gifts throughout pregnancy.
Sometimes the best gift is simply being present—listening, celebrating, and reassuring her.
Choose something matching her needs and your relationship. When unsure, ask directly—that conversation alone demonstrates genuine care.
