issue #46: the gift guide you actually asked for.

it's for the moms.

I’ve been seeing quite a bit of chatter in the chats about what to buy for moms, so I thought I’d swoop in with yet another gift guide to help point those asking in the right direction. Note: this is not just for holidays! Mom’s a) like gifts year round, b) also have birthdays, and c) work very hard and deserve nice things and/or things to make their life easier all the time (if my partner is reading this, hint hint).

My daughter is just 15 months, so I can’t promise to capture all the desires of moms with older kids. But I have a hunch most of the below will transcend stages and ages. That said, if you’re a mom with older kids and have things to add, I want to hear from you! And if you’re a mom of younger kids and something made your life easy, or felt special, or you couldn’t live without - I want to hear from you too!

PS I included a few places and experiences here. Most of what I linked in NYC based, but if you’re not here, still counts. Just find your favorite local one.

For the pregnant mom:

To be fair, I was pregnant mostly in warmer months, but I lived in this little romper from Bumpsuit. So comfy and stretchy, and perfect for any mom to be for hanging around the house, or topped with a big sweater or oversize button down for running errands.

I think it’s actual effect is negligible, but the Hatch Belly Oil was such a treat to put on each evening, and was a good way to connect with my changing body. It’s also not unpleasant to look at on a bathroom counter. Nemah also makes a great pregnancy set - perfect for gifting.

Sleep is elusive, both during pregnancy and after. An eye mask helps, and makes a great gift. (She’ll also need it in the hospital).

Prenatal yoga classes are a great way to keep moving, as well as a way to meet other pregnant women in the area. Manhattanites, try this. Brooklynites, try this.

There is nothing like the thirst of a pregnant woman (ok maybe that of a breastfeeding woman). Get her a big ass fancy water bottle (please no Stanley’s).

I despise traditional diaper bags. I don’t know why they all have to look so…basic. But I do love this option from Rivedriote, which also has a mini version that is perfect for any city dwelling mom. Get it for her before she gives birth, so she can pack it for the hospital as well.

Or perhaps a monogrammed toiletry bag for the hospital? She’ll also need some cozy grippy socks and a big, warm cardigan.

The swollen feet are real, so a nice pair of slip on shoes can make a big difference throughout those later months. And if it’s winter, warm socks to pair.

This really could go in any of these categories, but a home cleaning service, although unsexy, makes a great gift for any mom - especially one rushing off to the hospital. She doesn’t want to come home to a dirty house, adding more to her stress, so book it for when she’s in the delivery room and take something off her plate.

For the postpartum mom:

Her pelvic floor will probably be a little fucked up, so some pilates classes will help. If you’re in Manhattan, I recommend New York Pilates, and in Brooklyn, try Fort Pilates.

Every postpartum mom needs disposable underwear, and these are the best. But, if you prefer to not go the disposable route, opt for these from Bodily (and pair with this nursing bra).

Because she’ll likely be spending a lot of time around the house in those few days/weeks/months, you can’t go wrong gifting this jumpsuit (I personally lived in this), a beautiful robe, some fancy PJ’s, a cozy blanket, or some comfy slippers.

Or opt for a nice lounge set, preferably one with top that makes popping a tit out easier. Try this and this from Negative Underwear, or this, this, and this from Leset, or this and this from Mikoh.

Pumping and breastfeeding are a full time job, and she’ll probably be doing one or the other at all hours of the day (or feeding from a bottle, which counts too). I recommend an easy on but lovely looking lamp to keep bedside for the late night feedings, and perhaps an audiobook subscription because she’ll want her hands free and something to occupy her mind.

A manicure. Help her start to feel like herself again, and it gives her 30 minutes to herself.

A cookie tin for late night snacking. Iykyk.

For the first time mom:

Personally, I wouldn’t have survived the early days without a wrap carrier. Everyone has preferences here, but the ability to nestle the baby in close in order to walk around or do dishes or get some coffee or just be mobile and look down at their scrunchy face pressed in close is just…nice.

I am not a baby book person, but I do like the idea of a physical photo album. This kind of does both. Also, a Polaroid camera is such a special way to track their big moments, monthly birthday, and squishy faces without getting a screen involved. Also, easy to date on the bottom and tape into that photo album right away!

For any mom:

Mom’s love something personalized. Try a custom birthdate necklace (or zodiac, or name, or birthstone), a monogrammed boat and tote, an engraved signet ring, an embroidered robe, or, for the extra cool mom in your life, a tattoo!

Mom’s also love self care, time to themselves, and relaxing. Try a day at a spa (or a massage), maybe splurge for a night at a hotel (an excellent birthday gift, too), a gift card to their favorite restaurant, a Kate McLeod stone, this Osea body oil, some fancy slippers, a session with Moms do Yoga (also great for prenatal), or a gift card to their local coffee shop and a good book.

happy gifting!

xx

jen

mom friend is a reader supported publication. if you’d like to support my work but don’t wish to become a paid subscriber please consider a donation below. thank you!

---

Quick update: I’m breaking this week into two! Weekly rundown of my purchases, loves, read, field notes, and playground chatter coming at you Thursday.