For a long time I struggled with the art of gift giving. I think most of my struggle came from not taking the time to listen. Almost every time I spend real quality time with someone I can either notice something that would be helpful in their lives or I hear something along the lines of, “I’ve always wanted one of those”…After I started really listening to my family and friends throughout the year I began making a list of gifts on my notes app of little mentions here and there and now I am known as. “The best gift giver!”, and I love that!
We give gifts for all sorts of occasions these days, and one of the most common is a baby shower gift! So, I have compiled a list of thoughtful yet practical gifts we can share with those soon-to-be new Moms in our lives. Although this article is written with Austin in mind, it can be applied locally as well.
Top Baby Shower Gifts:
Gift Card for Lactation Consultant in your area | Regardless if the new Mom in your life has health insurance or not, a gift card for lactation services can be a life changing gift. Most of the time, the gift card can can go towards prenatal consults, products, pumps, postpartum consults, etc. This is one of the most useful gifts.
Diapers and Baby Wipes | This may seem like a one off when considering thoughtful gifts but more often than not when I am with a new Mom she’ll complain about the amount of stuffed animals, or clothes and lack of diapers or wipes she has stored and ready to go. Another important thing to consider when buying for a new Mom is – How can I help lighten her load, not add to it. Think more practical gifts and less cute fluffy things. Those can always come later when baby is really ready to interact.
Gift card for Food Delivery | In Austin, Favor is a good choice as they often offer new user credits and deliver into rural areas as well. Sometimes being able to order your favorite comfort meal can be more comforting to a new Mom than anything else. I know what you’re thinking – gift cards aren’t personal, but it can be in this instance. If you’re worried about coming off weird, snag a thoughtful card and add a note like, “ I thought we’d cover a dinner or two for you. Congrats”….This can work wonders for the new exhausted family.
Laundry Pick up\Drop off | This one is so very helpful and always a hit. With a quick google search you can find several local companies that offer next-day laundry service and gift cards! They all make it very easy with customizable options when it comes to folding preferences, laundry detergent, etc. All you do it leave your laundry out on the porch and it’s returned next day! Again, sometimes taking a load off of Mom’s plate will make all the difference. This can also be good to go in on with a group of people, think- office gift!
Roomba | Now, this one is a personal favorite. There are several robotic vacuums on the market and varying in price but all essentially with the same mindset- less chores for your family. Amazon can be a great resource here so you can dive into that review section and get into the nitty gritty of each unique vacuum and it’s features. This is also a really great group gift.
Amazon Gift Card | You can’t go wrong with this one. Don’t you remember those first few weeks of parenthood? The mere thought of needing to get dressed and drive to a store for ANYTHING sounds like a monumental task. With a loaded Amazon gift card, you can alleviate that headache for any new family.
If you’re one of those friends who loves a good gift basket here are some extra add-ons to make your basket really over the top:
Earth Mama Nipple Butter – Which I’m not shamed to say I used in a funny way during vacation recently. I forgot my hair serum for frizz, and resorted to this and let me tell you, it works! It offered a de-frizz and added sheen for all day silkiness.
Chapstick– It’s easy to overlook the Mom and buy for the baby but adding in a few things just for Mom can go along way.
Lotion– Who isn’t constantly dry with this ever-changing Central Texas Weather. For this we recommend a natural option with low scent and high moisturizing.
Nice Pjs– My all time favorite post party pajamas are Kindred Bravely which they now sell as Target! This brand is soft, timeless and durable. I may or may not still wear my postpartum pajamas ALL these years later.
