25 of the best gifts for new mums and mums-to-be

If you do want a gift for the baby as well, check out best baby gifts and keepsakes. For gifting ideas before the baby is born, have a look at Christmas gifts for mums-to-be and Mother’s Day gifts for mums-to-be. For more gifting, we also have the best Father's Day gifts.

Best gifts for mums and mums-to-be at a glance

£15 and under

• Best for self-care: Little Book of Self Care for New Mums, £15
• Best for breastfeeding mums: My Little Coco Baby Mama Soothing Nipple Balm, £9.50
• Best for the future: Letters to My Baby, £14

£30 and under

• Best for sending in the post: Personalised Oh Baby! Letterbox Message Cookies, £25
• Best for keepsake memories: Welcome Little One Baby Keepsake Memory Box, £28
• Best for pampering: Pamper Treat Experience Box, £35
• Best for a baby shower present: Nappy Cake Neutral Baby Gift, £21.99
• Best for a small, useful gift: Aden + Anais Essentials Muslins 5 pack, £22.99
• Best for keeping drinks warm: Thermos Icon Travel Mug, £30
• Best for aiding her recovery: My Expert Midwife Spritz for Bits, £19.50
• Best for a sweet treat: Lola’s Cupcakes Deluxe Assorted Brownie Gift Box, £19.99
• Best for sleep: Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, £19.50
• Best for convenience: Frozen meal & smoothies e-gift card, £60 or £30
• Best for the personalised touch: The Cuddle Company Personalised Patchwork Snuggle Blanket, £30
• Best for both new mum and baby: White Noise Machine, RENPHO Sound Machine for Sleeping Baby/Adult, £29.99

£50 and under

• Best for relaxing: Neal’s Yard Mother Organic Collection, £40
• Best for a sentimental keepsake: Anika-Baby BabyRice 6 x 5inch Baby Casting Kit with Brushed Pewter 3D Effect Box Display Frame, £47.95
• Best for cheese lovers: Cheesegeek The Lionel – Just Cheese Selection, £38
• Best for late-night feeding: John Lewis & Partners Hi Pile Fleece Robe, £39
• Best gift for both parents: Traditional Afternoon Tea for Two, £40

£55 and over

• Best for postpartum relaxation: Bumbles and Boo New Mum Relaxation Gift Box – Nourishing Trio, £94
• Best for mums-to-be: USPAAH At Home Pregnancy or New Mum Massage, London, £56
• Best for a luxury gift: Thomas Sabo bracelet classic sliver, £65
• Best for remembering the early days: Baby. The First Year of You Book, £60
• Best for a big gift: Bowdon Nursing Chair & Footstool, £699

What to consider when buying a gift for a new mum

Who the gift is for – As stated above, it's important to decide whether you want to buy a gift for the new mum herself or if you would rather buy a gift for the baby.

Will it make the new mum’s life easier? – When buying gifts for new mums think about whether what you are giving her will make her life easier. For example, buying something practical for the baby to make the mum’s life easier is a great present for a new mum, whereas cute clothes are a gift for the baby.

Is this their first child? – Depending on whether or not this baby is the new mum’s first child, the gift you buy them may vary. If they are a completely new mum they may not have as much useful baby gear, so that might be the direction you go when choosing their gift. If they already have another child, they may have most of what they need already so a pampering gift might be best.

What have they already got? – It may be a good idea to see what they already have so they don’t end up with multiple of the same item that they have to find the room to store.

Best gift ideas for new mums and mums-to-be

£15 and under

1. Little Book of Self Care for New Mums, £15

– Best for self-care

Being a new mum can be overwhelming, so gifting them this book may help them in the newborn phase. It's written by an experienced midwife and doula to offer helpful advice for new mums, and is packed full of useful tips and ideas.

Post-natal depression affects 1 in 10 mothers¹ and this book could help ease a new mum's emotions and stress, making a thoughtful gift that shows you understand. You could also offer your support alongside the book to let them know you are there for them if they need you.

Available from: Amazon and JoJo Maman Bebe

2. My Little Coco Baby Mama Soothing Nipple Balm, £9.50

– Best for breastfeeding mums

If you know a new mum who's breastfeeding this Nipple Balm could be a very useful and appreciated gift. This balm is designed to hydrate and soothe nipples throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding and can really help mums experiencing any discomfort in the early days. The product is is it plant based, therefore it's suitable for vegans.

Available from: Boots

3. Letters to My Baby, £14

– Best for the future

This Letters to My Baby writing set would make a wonderful gift for a new mum. They will be able to store memories for their child to read in years to come that otherwise they may have forgotten in the middle of the newborn tiredness. This set includes 12 envelopes, with lovely designs, ready to be filled with letters to their little one.

Each letter has a unique prompt to encourage what to write, such as, "on the day you were born", "my wishes for you are" and "your first home was like this". All the letters are stored in this lovely book, so it can be kept safe until it is time to read them again.

Available from: JoJo Maman Bebe

£30 and under

4. Personalised Oh Baby! Letterbox Message Cookies, £25

– Best for sending in the post

These stunning customisable letterbox biscuits would be a lovely gift to a new mum. This gift is especially good if you are not going to see them in person as the biscuits are delivered straight through their letterbox. You can customise the cookies with the baby's name on the babygrow biscuit to make them extra special. No doubt the extra sugar and carbohydrate will be appreciated by a sleep-deprived new family in need of an energy boost!

Available from: Not On The High Street

5. Welcome Little One Baby Keepsake Memory Box, £28

– Best for keepsake memories

This beautifully designed keepsake box is great for a new mum to store any little treasures or memories from their child's early years. The adorable, neutral animal design would look stunning in any nursery and would be a cherished gift. The keepsake box includes milestone cards, hand and feet cards, swing tags, stickers and more, making it an excellent value and thoughtful gift.

Available from: JoJo Maman Bebe

6. Pamper Treat Experience Box, £35

– Best for pampering

Being a new mum can be exhausting, so give them a chance to get away and pamper themselves with this Pamper Treat Experience Box.

The voucher includes a selection of over a 1,000 relaxing pamper experiences for them to choose from. This could be a mini relaxing spa day or a treatment. The best thing is, you give them the voucher and they choose exactly what they want and when they want to do it. Mariola who has a 2-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter suggested: “A bit of TLC is what every mum needs”.

Available from: Buyagift

7. Nappy Cake Neutral Baby Gift, £21.99

– Best for a baby shower present

This beautifully designed nappy cake is a great new mum gift, particularly if you need something for a baby shower. The handcrafted single tier nappy cake includes premium brand nappies, a muslin square, baby socks and cotton roses. The gift set comes presented in a chiffon organza bag.

There's the choice of a giraffe, snow leopard and a bunny, which can then be given to baby as their first cuddly toy. The colour scheme of the nappy cake changes depending on which toy you choose, but all are delightfully neutral if you don't know the sex of the baby.

Available from: Amazon

8. Aden + Anais Essentials Muslins 5 pack, £22.99

– Best for a small, useful gift

If you are looking for a small new mum gift that will be really useful then check out these Aden + Anais muslins. A new mum will need plenty of muslin cloths, but these are a really luxurious choice.

The beautiful range of designs turns something that's a baby essential into a special gift. Not only are they lovely to look at, but they are also super soft, gentle and absorbent for wiping a baby's skin or mopping up a spill. The gift box set includes 5 muslins.

Available from: Boots and Aden + Anais

9. Thermos Icon Travel Mug, £30

– Best for keeping drinks warm

You may be wondering why a travel mug is on the list of best gifts for new mums? Well, getting up out of bed in the middle of the night to feed and tend to your baby can be cold and as all mothers will know, it's very rare to enjoy a hot drink once there's a baby on the scene! Buying a new mum a travel mug is a very thoughtful gift and you can be sure they'l be thanking you for it at 2am during the night feed.

MFM tester Gemma says, "My partner would make me a cuppa in my travel mug about 11pm before bed and I would drink it at 2/3am at the next night feed! Also great for those days when you’re stuck on the sofa due to a nap and your tea stays hot until you are free and can move again!"

Another brilliant cosy winter gift is a heated throw, for those days when a new mum just wants to snuggle up on the sofa.

Available from: Thermos

10. My Expert Midwife Spritz for Bits, £19.50

– Best for aiding her recovery

If you want to buy a practical new mum gift, the My Expert Midwife Spritz for Bits may be a good shout. The postnatal relief spray is made with sooting lavender oil to help with post-birth recovery, relieving discomfort and pain caused by childbirth. This spray is recommended by experts and developed by midwives, plus Kirstie, mum of 2 girls, a 2-year-old and a 6-month-old baby said "Spritz for Bits is amazing".

It may not be the most glamorous gift for a new mum, but it's a very practical one that will most likely get a lot of use.

Available from: Amazon and Boots

11. Lola's Cupcakes Deluxe Assorted Brownie Gift Box, £19.99

– Best for a sweet treat

There's nothing better than getting sweet treats delivered through the post, especially in the early sleep-deprived days of having a baby. This Lola's cupcake brownie box would be a very welcome gift for a new mum. MFM tester Jenni, mum of a 10-month-old boy said: "Brownies and chocolate were a pretty vital part of my breastfeeding diet." She also joked: "People that brought me those were elevated to top friend status".

These brownies may contain traces of milk, eggs, nut, soya, peanuts and sulphites, so be cautious of allergies.

Available from: Lola's Cupcakes

12. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, £19.50

– Best for sleep

There is one thing that most new mums really want, and that is sleep. This deep sleep pillow spray might not make baby sleep through the night, but it will give mum a better of chance of falling asleep or having snap after a busy day. This Works pillow spray is designed to help people fall asleep faster and feel more refreshed in the morning and the brand claims 89% of users fell asleep faster than normal and 92% felt more refreshed in the morning.

The spray blend of lavender, chamomile and vetiver calms both mind and body, reducing anxiety which prevents sleep. This product is also suitable for use throughout pregnancy.

Available from: John Lewis and Amazon

13. £60 or £30 frozen meal & smoothies e-gift card

– Best for convenience

A new mum may not always have time to think about dinner and cook fresh meals so a box of healthy ready meals they can just quickly bung in the oven may be the best gift you could give them.

Mindful Chef offer vouchers (£30 or £60) to buy frozen meals and smoothies. Buy them this voucher and they can go online and select their favourite gourmet ready meals to enjoy. MFM tester Ruth, mum of a 1-year-old daughter and 11-week year old twin boys said the food she was given as a new mum gift was a “lifesaver on multiple nights”. Anna, who has an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son also loved food as a new mum gift and went on to say “food was honestly the most appreciated gift!”

For more food subscription boxes, take a look at our MadeForMums reviews of the best family meal boxes.

Available from: Mindful Chef (£60), Mindful Chef (£30)

14. The Cuddle Company Personalised Patchwork Snuggle Blanket, £30

– Best for a personalised touch

One thing a new baby will always need is a blanket and one personalised with their name makes for a really special gift. These come in a range of sizes (newborn, big kids etc) and designs to choose from at The Cuddle Company.

MFM tester Kelly says: "My absolute favourite thing for a baby gift is a personalised blanket voucher, I have 2 children and 4 blankets so far. I've also gifted 2 blanket vouchers so the parents can choose what they wanted for their baby."

You can purchase a gift card from The Cuddle Company if you prefer letting the new mum decide what they want instead.

Available from: The Cuddle Company

15. White Noise Machine, RENPHO Sound Machine for Sleeping Baby/Adult, £29.99

– Best for both new mum and baby

Falling asleep as a new mum or a new baby can be a struggle, so this gift can help both of them get a peaceful night's sleep. This white noise machine has 36 high-quality soothing sounds to choose from, 7 white noise sounds, 11 fan sounds and a variety of natural sounds, such as birds, rain and the ocean. It masks background noises that wake people up at night, such as snoring, coughing or creaky floorboards.

This clever little white noise machine also has timer and memory functions so you don't have to keep setting the noise, volume and time you want the sound to play for – it will remember your routine for you each night. This is also a great gift for a new mum to use with her baby as it has lullaby recordings to help baby fall asleep faster.

Available from: Amazon

£50 and under

16. Neal's Yard Mother Organic Collection, £40

– Best for relaxing

If they do not have the time to go out for a pamper day or are exclusively breastfeeding, help your new mum friend to pamper themselves at home. This lovely Neal's Yard set will help make a new mum feel soothed and relaxed. MFM tester Stacey, mum of 3-year-old daughter and one-year-old son said a Neal's Yard Gift "helped her feel more normal". When a new mum is rushed off their feet, a little beauty treat could be just what they need.

This set contains: Mother's Balm, to help increase skin's firmness and elasticity, Mother's Bath Oil, to encourage a sense of wellbeing and nourish their skin and Mother's Massage Oil.

Available from: Neals Yard

17. Anika-Baby BabyRice 6 x 5inch Baby Casting Kit with Brushed Pewter 3D Effect Box Display Frame, £47.95

– Best for a sentimental keepsake

Many new mums would love the sentimental thought behind this gift. Hannah, who has a 7-and-a-half-month-old boy revealed her favourite gift was “a framed 3D casting”. This 3D casting kit can be done easily at home, put in the frame and kept forever as a gorgeous keepsake. In this kit, you can create up to 6 different casts for a newborn, meaning you could do both their hands and their feet. The frame is 6x5 inches with a depth of 2.2 inches.

As for the casting itself, it's relatively easy to do. All you have to do is mix the products, then put the newborn’s hand or foot in the mixture for 40 seconds, leave to dry, then remove the beautiful keepsake. This gift is perfect if you want something a bit different and creates something the new mum will keep forever.

Available from: Amazon

18. Cheesegeek The Lionel – Just Cheese Selection, £38

– Best for cheese lovers

What better gift to get a new mum than something they might’ve been craving for 9 months while pregnant? Some cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and gorgonzola should be avoided when pregnant so a selection of oozy cheeses may be exactly what a new mum wants. Laura Wood, mum of one-year-old daughter, said she “highly appreciated” the cheese selection she got given.

The delivery package includes cheese info cards, tasting notes and tips on how to pair each cheese plus a scorecard to rate your favourites.

Available from: Cheesegeek

19. John Lewis & Partners Hi Pile Fleece Robe, £39

– Best for late-night feeding

Getting up for middle of the night and early morning feeds can be a struggle, especially in the winter months when it's cold. This fluffy dressing gown will make that experience a little nicer for a new mum. It's quick and easy to slip on, super cosy and is very easy to breastfeed in – all you have to do is untie the belt.

This gorgeous dressing gown is designed in a thermal fleece to make it luxuriously soft and fluffy. It has a cosy hood, for those extra cold nights and mornings, long sleeves and spacious front pockets. It comes in sizes XS to XL, and is available in 4 different colours; grey, blue, pink and oatmeal.

Available from: John Lewis

20. Traditional Afternoon Tea for Two, £40

– Best gift for 2

Give a new mum a break and the opportunity to treat herself, dress up for the day and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. You could buy the gift as something for you to do together, or you could let them pick who they take with them to enjoy the afternoon tea.

The offer is available at beautiful venues across the country and valid for 12 months, so the recipient can save it for when their baby is a bit older and enjoy a much-needed (and well-earned) afternoon off.

Available from: Virgin Experience Days

£55 and over

21. Bumbles and Boo New Mum Relaxation Gift Box – Nourishing Trio, £94

– Best for postpartum relaxation

Hampers are a great gift for new mums, as you get lots of little useful presents in one. MFM tester Charley-Marie, mum of 2 boys aged 3 years and 10 months, said "the best presents are things you are going to use a lot and nice little gifts for mum." This Bumbles and Boo pamper has just that. The hamper contains a Neal's Yard nourishing trio to help mum's skin feel comfortable and well moisturised. Also Neal's Yard relaxation chamomile tea, a silk eye mask, a candle, a teething toy and the keepsake box.

This is a lovely gift if you want to treat the new mum and include a little treat for the baby too.

Available from: Bumbles and Boo

22. USPAAH At Home Pregnancy or New Mum Massage, London, £56

– Best for mums-to-be

If you are looking for a gift for a mum-to-be, an at-home pregnancy massage would be the perfect gift because they don't even have to leave the house to enjoy it. The pregnancy massage is designed to help relieve prenatal symptoms such as water retention. swollen joints and lower leg and back discomfort. This massage is suitable during their second and third trimester. Their home will be transformed into a spa with the massage table, pregnancy safe oils and spa music playlist.

Do note that they are only able to travel to homes in a certain range so do check whether they go to where you need them to before purchasing.

Available from: USPAAH

23. Thomas Sabo bracelet classic sliver, £65

– Best for a luxury gift

This beautiful silver bracelet not only looks lovely, but it can also be personalised to make it the perfect luxury gift for a new mum. The bracelet can be engraved with dates, names, or anything else you wish.

Having the baby's date of birth or their name engraved onto it creates a sentimental gift for a new mum that they can wear on them every day. It comes with an adjustable anchor chain and is made from 925 sterling silver.

Available from: Thomas Sabo

24. Baby. The First Year of You Book, £60

– Best for remembering the early days

So many special moments happen in a baby's first year and this book allows all of those to be documented. You can make a record of their first steps, first words, first tooth, first birthday and many more firsts that they can look back on in years to come. There's also plenty of room for photos in this stunning linen bound book. It makes for the perfect gift as it is presented in a luxury linen box with a gold embossed title.

Available from: Gigi and Olive

25. Bowdon Nursing Chair & Footstool, £699

– Best for a big gift

Looking for a bigger gift for a new mum? Then this Mamas and Papas nursing chair could be perfect. With its high back and arm rests, it is designed to fit the shape of their body and the gentle rocking motion will help parents to soothe their baby. The neutral design of the chair would look good in any nursery.

The chair is made out of high quality materials and durable woven fabric designed to last. It also has a reversible cushion to help make it last even longer. The chair is available in a variety of colours too. This gift is great if you want to spend more or club together with others.

Take a look at our list of best nursing chairs if you want to see more.

Available from: Mamas & Papas

References:

^{1. Overview: postnatal depression. NHS Online}