35+ Pregnancy Gift Basket Ideas That Expecting Moms Actually Want

Parenting Tips
Written By Clarice at Mom's First Steps

Choosing the perfect gift for an expecting mom can feel overwhelming—I know this from experience as a mom of 5! According to a recent BabyCenter survey, 68% of pregnant women receive gifts they never use.

A thoughtful pregnancy gift basket filled with items she'll actually appreciate is meaningful. Whether celebrating a baby shower or supporting her through third-trimester challenges, a well-curated basket shows you care.

From luxurious self-care items to practical essentials, this guide covers creative pregnancy gift basket ideas that will make any mom-to-be feel pampered and appreciated. Through five pregnancies, I've learned what truly helps—here are real suggestions that make a difference.

And if you're also preparing for baby's arrival, don't miss my baby registry checklist and newborn sleep tips to help you get ready for those first precious weeks.

This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclaimer policy.

Pregnancy Gift Basket Ideas

First Trimester Survival Gift Basket Ideas

The first trimester is challenging for most women. Morning sickness and exhaustion dominate this phase.

Your gift basket should focus on survival, not cute baby booties. She's trying to get through the day without throwing up.

Here's what helps during those first 12 weeks:

  • Ginger candies - Gin Gins from health food stores actually work for nausea relief

  • Sea-Band anti-nausea wristbands - These pressure point bands cost around $10

  • Peppermint tea - Traditional Medicinals makes a pregnancy-safe version

  • Bland crackers - Saltines, oyster crackers, or plain rice crackers

  • Practical pill organizer - Taking prenatal vitamins daily is harder than it sounds when exhausted

The fatigue is significant—falling asleep at 7 PM kind of tired. Include cozy items like fuzzy socks with grips, a soft eye mask for afternoon naps, and maybe a small lavender pillow spray if she's not sensitive to scents.

One thing I learned—don't assume she wants pregnancy books yet. Some women aren't ready when they're just trying to survive. But if you know she's a planner, "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster is data-driven and refreshing.

Hydration is important in early pregnancy, so include an insulated water bottle. The ones with time markers remind you to keep drinking throughout the day. Add electrolyte packets like Liquid I.V. or Nuun tablets, which help if she's dealing with vomiting.

Pro tip: Include a handwritten note that says "No pressure to respond—just know I'm thinking of you." First trimester can be isolating, especially if she hasn't announced yet.

Easy-on-the-stomach snacks:

  • Applesauce pouches

  • Pretzels or pretzel sticks

  • Lemon drops or sour candies

  • Plain granola bars without chocolate

  • Dried mango or crystallized ginger

The first trimester basket acknowledges that pregnancy isn't always glowing skin and cute bump photos. Sometimes it's survival mode, and your gift can be a lifeline.

Second Trimester Pampering Gift Basket

Second trimester is the "honeymoon phase" of pregnancy—energy returns, morning sickness usually disappears, and the bump shows but isn't uncomfortable yet.

Focus on self-care items that make her feel human again.

Essential items for second trimester:

The bump becomes real, and her body changes quickly. Belly butter becomes a daily ritual—while genetics play a role in stretch marks, moisture helps with itching, and the routine is comforting.

Include energizing snacks since appetite usually returns with a vengeance:

  • Individual nut butter packets

  • Trail mix with chocolate chips

  • Protein bars (KIND bars or RX Bars)

  • Dark chocolate (quality stuff)

  • Dried fruit and nut combinations

Pregnancy pillows aren't just for sleeping. The C-shaped or U-shaped ones help for sitting on the couch, reading in bed, or lounging. The Boppy Pregnancy Pillow is around $40-50. If that's too bulky, a smaller lumbar support pillow works well.

Maternity skincare becomes important in second trimester. Her skin might do unexpected things—some women get pregnancy glow, others break out. Include gentle, pregnancy-safe products without harsh chemicals.

Safe bath items:

Not all essential oils are pregnancy-safe. Avoid rosemary, sage, or juniper. Lavender, chamomile, and citrus scents are generally acceptable, but when in doubt, go fragrance-free.

Second trimester is when nesting might start, so organizational tools can be appreciated. A baby registry checklist, hospital bag packing list, or nursery planning journal shows you're thinking about her journey.

The loungewear situation is real. Regular clothes don't fit right anymore, but she might not want to invest in a whole maternity wardrobe. Consider a gift card to Target, Old Navy, or Amazon with a note specifically for "comfy pants and stretchy tops."

Third Trimester Essentials Gift Basket

Third trimester gets serious. Excitement builds, but so does discomfort. By 30-plus weeks, pregnant mamas deal with swollen feet, back pain, trouble sleeping, and the reality that a tiny human is about to arrive.

This basket should be all about comfort and preparation. Forget cute—we're going functional.

Third trimester essentials:

  • Peri bottle - Postpartum recovery starts with preparation

  • Cooling gel pads - Provide relief for various discomforts

  • Nipple cream - Even if she's uncertain about breastfeeding, having it on hand is smart

  • Lip balm and hand lotion - Hospitals are incredibly dry

  • Hair ties and headbands - Who wants to deal with hair during labor?

Think beyond the baby. Everyone brings baby clothes to showers, but mama needs supplies too. The postpartum period is often called the "fourth trimester," and preparation makes a difference.

Hospital bag essentials people forget:

The sleep struggle is real. She's waking up constantly to use the bathroom, can't get comfortable, and might deal with leg cramps or heartburn. A heating pad (with automatic shut-off) helps with back pain.

Foot care becomes important. By the end, many women can't reach their own feet. Consider:

Meal prep becomes important as the due date approaches, but most pregnant women are too uncomfortable to spend hours in the kitchen. Include gift cards for meal delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or grocery delivery from Instacart.

Birth affirmation cards actually help. When you're in labor questioning your choices, positive reminders matter. There are many options on Etsy, or make your own with encouraging messages.

Practical postpartum items are appreciated:

The nesting phase hits hard in third trimester. Some women want to organize everything, so organization tools, labels, drawer dividers, or a gift card to The Container Store can be perfect.

Self-Care and Wellness Pregnancy Gift Baskets

Self-care during pregnancy isn't selfish—it's necessary. Growing a human is exhausting work.

Spa-themed pregnancy baskets are consistently well-received. The key is making sure everything is pregnancy-safe.

Pregnancy-safe spa basket essentials:

Meditation and mindfulness are increasingly popular and helpful for pregnancy anxiety. Include guided meditation resources—maybe a free trial card for Expectful (pregnancy meditation app) or Calm. A beautiful journal for processing emotions during pregnancy can be therapeutic.

Prenatal yoga is beneficial if she's into fitness. You don't need expensive equipment—a decent yoga mat (around $20-30), a yoga block, and maybe a resistance band covers the basics.

Healthy snack baskets are appreciated:

  • Mixed nuts and seeds

  • Dried fruit without added sugar

  • Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)

  • Granola or energy balls

  • Herbal tea sampler (pregnancy-safe varieties)

  • Nut butter variety pack

A beautifully arranged self-care and wellness–themed pregnancy gift basket set in a cozy, softly lit environment

Sleep becomes challenging during pregnancy, especially later on. Include sleep enhancement products—silk pillowcases reduce hair frizz and are cooling, white noise machines help with middle-of-the-night bathroom trips, and blackout sleep masks are useful for afternoon naps.

Mental health support during pregnancy is important but often overlooked. Pregnancy brings up various emotions—excitement, fear, anxiety about becoming a parent, worry about how life will change.

Thoughtful mental health support items:

  • Affirmation cards specifically for pregnancy

  • Gratitude journal with prompts

  • Stress-relief tools like stress balls or fidget items

  • Information about pregnancy support groups

  • Book about managing pregnancy anxiety (not too heavy)

Wellness subscription boxes have become popular, and there are ones specifically for pregnancy now. Bump Boxes sends trimester-specific products, and Ecocentric Mom focuses on natural, eco-friendly items. A one-month subscription is usually $30-50.

Sometimes the best self-care is permission to do nothing. Including a "Get Out of Obligations Free" coupon you make yourself can be both humorous and meaningful.

Practical Mom-to-Be Gift Basket Ideas

These items might not be Instagram-worthy but will get used every single day. Practical gifts show you understand what pregnancy is like.

Memory-keeping items are more appreciated than you might expect. A pregnancy journal, milestone cards for bump photos, and a baby book for after birth help capture this time. The Belly Book is popular and costs around $15.

Documentation and memory items:

Educational resources can be hit or miss depending on the person. If you know she's a researcher, books like "The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide" or "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" are comprehensive without being scary.

Organization is valuable when preparing for a baby:

  • Hospital bag checklist (printed and laminated)

  • Baby registry must-haves list

  • Nursery planning worksheet

  • Monthly baby development guide

  • Postpartum meal planning templates

The technology aspect is interesting with considerable pregnancy tech now. A quality phone charger (long cord) is essential because pregnant women are often on their phones researching symptoms at 2 AM. A tablet stand is useful for following prenatal workout videos or reading recipes when meal prepping.

Healthcare essentials might sound boring, but they're practical. A blood pressure monitor can be reassuring if she's worried about preeclampsia (happens in about 5-8% of pregnancies). A basic thermometer, pregnancy-safe pain relief options, and an appointment tracker help her stay on top of health.

Maternity wardrobe basics are expensive, so anything helps:

App recommendations are helpful. Print out a list of useful pregnancy apps like Ovia Pregnancy, What to Expect, or Pregnancy+. There are also contraction timer apps, kick counter apps, and pregnancy exercise apps that are all free.

Themed Pregnancy Gift Basket Concepts

Get creative and show you know her personality. A themed basket feels more personal than random pregnancy items thrown together.

"Date Night In" basket is ideal for couples expecting their first baby:

  • Streaming service gift card ($25-50)

  • Gourmet popcorn or quality snacks

  • Cozy throw blanket

  • Pregnancy-safe sparkling beverage

  • Card game or conversation starter deck

  • Reminder that their relationship matters too

Couple time becomes precious once baby arrives, so encourage date nights now. Include a note like "Make time for each other before everything changes."

"Bookworm Mom" basket appeals to readers:

"Fitness Mama" basket for the active mom-to-be:

  • Prenatal workout guide or DVD

  • Resistance bands (light to medium)

  • Healthy protein powder (pregnancy-safe)

  • Water bottle with motivational quotes

  • Workout journal or fitness tracker

  • Gift card to pregnancy-friendly fitness classes

"Foodie Mom-to-Be" basket is enjoyable to put together. Focus on pregnancy-safe gourmet items:

  • Specialty teas (pregnancy-safe varieties like rooibos or fruit blends)

  • Gourmet hot chocolate

  • Artisan crackers and cheese (pasteurized only)

  • Fancy jams or honey

  • Dark chocolate from a specialty shop

  • Recipe cards for easy, healthy meals

Important: Double-check that everything is pregnancy-safe. No soft cheeses unless pasteurized, no herbal teas with questionable ingredients, and nothing raw or undercooked.

"Zen Mama" basket focuses on peace and relaxation:

"Working Mom" basket acknowledges she's juggling career and pregnancy. Include desk accessories that make her workspace more comfortable—lumbar support pillow, desk organizer, healthy office snacks, inspirational desk calendar, and a nice water bottle for her desk.

Budget-Friendly Pregnancy Gift Basket Ideas

You don't need to spend a fortune to create a thoughtful gift. Some of my favorite baskets cost less than $30 and were just as appreciated as expensive ones.

Be strategic about where you shop. Dollar Tree, Five Below, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls all have surprisingly good pregnancy-friendly items.

Dollar Store finds that work:

  • Epsom salt (same quality, much cheaper)

  • Basic body lotion and hand cream

  • Fuzzy socks

  • Small notebooks or journals

  • Hair ties and accessories

  • Crackers and shelf-stable snacks

  • Reusable water bottles

I've put together entire first trimester survival kits from dollar stores for under $20. Get ginger candies from the regular store (worth spending $3 on), then fill in with crackers, pretzels, mints, fuzzy socks, a journal, and hair ties from the dollar store. Add a handwritten note for a thoughtful gift.

A cheerful and cozy image of a budget-friendly pregnancy gift basket made with dollar store finds

DIY additions make baskets feel special without costing much. If you bake, homemade cookies or muffins are always welcome. Handwritten affirmation cards, a playlist you made specifically for her, or printed checklists you created add personal touches that money can't buy.

Free printables are readily available online:

  • Pregnancy milestone cards

  • Hospital bag checklists

  • Weekly pregnancy info sheets

  • Baby shower game printables

  • Affirmation cards

  • Nursery planning templates

Websites like Canva let you design custom printables for free, so personalize them with her name or favorite colors. Print them at home or at FedEx for cheap, frame them from the dollar store for a custom gift under $5.

Upcycled containers save money and look nice. Instead of buying a fancy basket:

  • Use a reusable shopping tote she can use later

  • Find a basket at a thrift store and spray paint it

  • Use a small laundry basket (practical)

  • Decorate a cardboard box with scrapbook paper

  • Use a mixing bowl she can keep for baking

Presentation matters, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Tissue paper is cheap, cellophane wrap is a few dollars, and ribbon from the craft store works perfectly. Focus your budget on the contents, not the container.

Budget breakdown for a $25 basket:

  • Container: $3 (thrift store basket)

  • Main item: $8 (belly butter from Target)

  • Snacks: $6 (crackers, ginger candies, pretzels)

  • Comfort item: $4 (fuzzy socks)

  • Personal touch: $0 (handwritten note)

  • Wrapping: $4 (cellophane and ribbon)

The value isn't in the price tag—it's in showing you care.

Luxury Pregnancy Gift Basket Ideas

Let's talk about going all out. If this is a close friend, family member, or you want to splurge, luxury pregnancy baskets are enjoyable to create.

High-end maternity brands make pregnancy feel glamorous instead of just functional. Hatch Collection, Storq, and Ingrid & Isabel make beautiful maternity clothes that look stylish. A cozy cardigan or lounge set from these brands runs $80-150.

Luxury basket must-haves:

  • Designer maternity loungewear set

  • High-end belly oil (Tata Harper or Drunk Elephant have pregnancy-safe options)

  • Luxury candle (Diptyque, Jo Malone pregnancy-safe scents)

  • Cashmere or silk sleep accessories

  • Premium prenatal vitamins (Ritual or Needed)

  • Gift certificate to a quality restaurant for delivery

Subscription box services are gifts that keep giving. Bump Boxes cost about $45/month and send curated pregnancy products. Gift 3-6 months depending on when she's due. There are also postpartum subscription boxes, which might be even more appreciated because everyone forgets about mom after baby arrives.

Professional services make excellent luxury gifts. A prenatal massage gift certificate ($100-150), maternity photography session ($300-800), or hiring a professional organizer to help set up the nursery shows you invested in her comfort.

A "babymoon getaway" is incredible—a weekend at a nice hotel with spa services, good food, and relaxation before baby arrives is priceless. Obviously that's a major investment (think $500-1000+), but for close family, it's an incredible gift.

Premium wellness products worth the investment:

  • Organic prenatal supplements ($60-80/month)

  • Luxury bath products from The Honest Company or Earth Mama Organics ($40-60)

  • High-quality pregnancy pillow ($80-150)

  • Professional-grade diffuser with pregnancy-safe essential oils ($100+)

  • Weighted blanket designed for pregnancy ($150-200)

Designer nursery items that serve as both decor and function are ideal for luxury baskets. A beautiful rocking chair pillow, a handmade mobile from Etsy, or a contribution toward a big-ticket nursery item like a glider shows thoughtfulness.

Experience gifts sometimes matter more than physical items:

  • Private prenatal yoga classes

  • Couples massage (pregnancy-safe)

  • Professional doula consultation

  • Birth photography service

  • Meal delivery service for a month after baby arrives

The meal delivery option is significant. Services like Sakara, Freshly, or a local meal prep company for the first month postpartum costs $300-500 but is life-changing with a newborn.

Seasonal Pregnancy Gift Basket Ideas

Pregnancy during different seasons comes with unique challenges. Tailor baskets to whatever weather she's dealing with for practical, thoughtful gifts.

Summer pregnancy baskets focus on staying cool (pregnancy already makes you hot, then add summer heat):

  • Cooling towels that you wet and snap

  • Pregnancy-safe sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, mineral-based)

  • Insulated water bottle that keeps drinks cold

  • Lemonade or fruit-infused water recipes

  • Hand-held fan or neck fan

  • Loose, breathable clothing or gift card for maternity swimwear

  • Popsicle molds for making frozen treats

Being pregnant in summer is challenging. Anything that provides cooling relief is appreciated. Even a gift card for ice cream delivery is perfect.

Beautifully arranged seasonal pregnancy gift basket display

Winter pregnancy baskets are all about coziness:

  • Ultra-soft blanket or throw

  • Warming teas (pregnancy-safe)

  • Hot cocoa mix or apple cider

  • Cozy socks and slippers

  • Lip balm (winter dryness is real)

  • Hand warmers for going outside

  • Moisturizing body butter for dry skin

Heating pads are great for winter pregnancy, but make sure they have automatic shut-off features.

Spring pregnancy baskets embrace the renewal theme:

  • Fresh scents like citrus or clean linen

  • Garden-themed items (even just attractive flower seeds)

  • Light, flowy maternity tops

  • Allergy relief products (pregnancy-safe)

  • Fresh fruit delivery or farmer's market gift card

  • Outdoor-friendly water bottle and snacks

Spring also means allergy season, and pregnancy can make allergies worse. Saline nasal spray, a humidifier for her bedroom, and pregnancy-safe allergy meds (always check with her doctor first) can help.

Fall pregnancy baskets are enjoyable to make. Autumn feels cozy and perfect for nesting:

Holiday-specific baskets add extra celebration to pregnancy. A Christmas basket might include:

Valentine's Day baskets should focus on self-love rather than romantic love (though couples stuff works too). Include quality chocolate, a journal for love letters to her future baby, luxurious bath products, and maybe a romance novel.

Mother's Day baskets for moms-to-be are special because they're about to officially join the club:

  • "Soon-to-be Mom" mug or water bottle

  • Flowers or a plant for her nursery

  • Maternity spa products

  • Heartfelt card acknowledging her upcoming journey

  • Gift card for a special Mother's Day meal

Pregnancy Gift Baskets for Special Situations

Not all pregnancies are straightforward. Sometimes you need to adjust your gift-giving approach with extra thoughtfulness and sensitivity.

Twin or multiples pregnancy baskets need to be supersized. Expecting more than one baby means:

  • Double the pregnancy symptoms often

  • Double the preparation needed

  • Double the anxiety about managing it all

  • Considerably more exhaustion

For multiples baskets, include practical items doubled where it makes sense, plus extra support items. A gift certificate for a cleaning service is valuable because nesting with multiples is overwhelming. Meal delivery cards are even more important because she'll likely be on bedrest or movement restriction.

Include encouragement specifically about multiples. Books like "What to Do When You're Having Two" or connecting her with twins/multiples Facebook groups can be helpful.

High-risk pregnancy support baskets require sensitivity. If she's on bedrest or dealing with complications:

Don't ignore that she's having a difficult time—acknowledge it while staying positive. Your gift can be a bright spot during a challenging period.

Rainbow baby celebration baskets need to balance joy with sensitivity. A rainbow baby is born after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, and the pregnancy often involves complex emotions—excitement mixed with fear and grief.

For rainbow baskets:

  • Focus on supporting her emotionally through the pregnancy

  • Include hope-themed items (rainbow imagery is appropriate)

  • Maybe a journal specifically for processing feelings

  • Avoid clichés like "everything happens for a reason"

  • Resources for pregnancy after loss support groups

  • Extra self-care items for anxiety management

The card matters considerably here. Acknowledge her previous loss briefly but focus on supporting her through this pregnancy. Something like "I'm so excited for you and here for whatever you need" works better than trying to say something profound about her loss.

Surprise pregnancy baskets should celebrate the unexpected. Even if the pregnancy wasn't planned, your enthusiasm helps her feel supported rather than judged. Focus on practical items mixed with celebration—she might not have had time to think about what she needs yet.

Long-distance friendship baskets are about staying connected despite miles:

  • Items that remind her you're thinking of her

  • Prepaid card for video calls

  • Letters or cards to open at different milestones

  • Local treats or items from your area

  • Photo book of your friendship

  • Promise of a visit when baby arrives

Shipping considerations matter for long-distance baskets. Skip anything that could melt or break easily. Focus on lightweight, non-perishable items.

Second (or more) time mom baskets acknowledge that subsequent pregnancies are different. She knows what she's doing but also:

  • Is probably chasing a toddler while pregnant (exhausting)

  • Might feel guilty for not being as excited

  • Has less time for self-care

  • Needs practical stuff more than first-time mom items

For experienced moms, focus on:

  • Time-saving items and services

  • Things for HER, not just baby

  • Help with the older kid(s)

  • Acknowledgment that this is still special

  • Coffee (if she's still drinking it) or energy-boosting snacks

A gift card for a babysitter so she can nap or a meal delivery service that feeds the whole family shows you understand her reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I put in a pregnancy gift basket for someone in their first trimester? 

Focus on morning sickness relief: ginger candies, anti-nausea wristbands, peppermint tea, and bland crackers. Add cozy socks, an eye mask, and a water bottle. Keep it simple and survival-focused.

Are homemade pregnancy gift baskets better than store-bought? 

Homemade offers personalization; store-bought saves time. Best approach: combine purchased key items with personal touches like handwritten notes.

What are the best self-care items to include in a pregnancy gift basket? 

Pregnancy-safe bath products, belly butter, face masks, loungewear, and herbal teas. Consider practical help like massage gift cards or meal delivery.

Can I include food items in a pregnancy gift basket? 

Yes! Include pregnancy-safe snacks: crackers, granola bars, nuts, dark chocolate, and ginger candies. Choose shelf-stable, individually portioned items.

What's the difference between a pregnancy gift basket and a new mom gift basket? 

Pregnancy baskets focus on comfort during pregnancy. New mom baskets address postpartum recovery and newborn care needs.

When is the best time to give a pregnancy gift basket? 

Anytime works—after announcements, at showers, during difficult phases, or just because. Late second trimester is often overlooked but appreciated.

Final Thoughts

Creating the perfect pregnancy gift basket comes down to thoughtfulness. Whether budget-friendly or luxurious, showing you understand what she's experiencing makes all the difference.

The best baskets support the actual pregnant woman—she's growing a human, managing symptoms, and preparing for major changes. Make her feel seen and cared for.

Don't stress about perfection. Fill your basket with items she'll actually use, add a heartfelt note, and deliver with genuine care. From ginger candies for nausea to spa certificates for aches, you're easing her journey.

Now stop overthinking and create an amazing gift basket. You've got the ideas, tips, and caring heart. She's fortunate to have you.

Clarice at Mom's First Steps
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