76 Best Postpartum Gifts in 2023 – Ultimate List

When it comes to buying a postpartum gift for a new mom, there can be a lot left up to question. What does she need? What does she like? What would be helpful?

Bringing a human being into the world is no small task. As a fairly new mom myself, I have come up with a comprehensive list of gifts that are practical, fun, and meaningful.

Take a look through the list to find the perfect gift for the new mom in your life as she walks through one of the most unique experiences of her life.

What Are the Best Gift Ideas for New Moms?

There are several different categories to consider when it comes to finding the perfect postpartum gift. New moms are going through a lot physically and emotionally.

The gift ideas are separated by categories to make it easiest for you to find what you are looking for.

I hope you are inspired by this list and find the perfect postpartum gift.

Last-Minute/Online Gifts

1. DoorDash Gift Card

A DoorDash gift card is great at any stage of life but when it comes to a new mom, it seems to be especially handy. Hot food & no clean-up!

2. Gift Card to Her Favorite Coffee Shop

Whether this is Starbucks or a local coffee shop, everybody knows that the newborn stage is notorious for leaving moms way overtired.

3. Target Gift Card

The nice part about Target is a new mom could use it for practical things (diapers) or fun things. Regardless of how it is spent, who doesn’t love pursuing the aisles (or online pages) of Target with some extra money?

4. Grocery Gift Card

Groceries seem to be a nonstop necessity and can feel like one more thing new parents are spending money on. Bonus! A lot of grocery stores now offer home delivery so recovering moms don’t have to get off of the couch.

5. Amazon Gift Card

I am embarrassed at the amount of Amazon orders I placed in the first couple weeks of my daughter’s life. I didn’t know what I was missing or needed until I was in the midst of it. With the quick delivery this is a great postpartum gift.

6. Gift Box

There are plenty of wonderful postpartum Gift Boxes that you can send directly to someone’s home. Companies that offer great options for these boxes include: Cater to Mom, TheraBox, and Mama Needs Box.

Recovery Related Gifts

7. Ember Mug

The Ember mug is the perfect postpartum gift for new moms because it keeps their coffee or tea at just the right temperature for an extended period of time. Just one less thing to worry about!

8. Postpartum Tea

PinkStork has a postpartum tea that is geared towards supporting a new mom’s mood and hormone balances. The reviews say it not only works, it tastes great too. This is a great postpartum gift to pair with the Ember mug.

9. Herbal Sitz Bath

After labor and delivery it can get a little…sore…down there. Herbal sitz baths are a great way to help relieve pain and heal the area. Earth Mama is a brand I love since their stuff is always non-toxic and organic.

10. Tucks Pads

If you haven’t heard of tucks pads, they are medicated cooling pads that help with relieving the itching or burning from hemorrhoids. Just keeping it real. They can be lifesavers.

11. Peri Bottle

Okay, so, hospitals often give moms a peri bottle after delivery but the ones they give can be hard to maneuver. The key to a good peri bottle is an angled spout. It will make it much easier for mom to use. Again, not a glamorous postpartum gift but incredibly practical.

12. Organic Padsicles

If you haven’t heard of a padsicle it is simply a frozen concoction that aids healing in the nether region. You can get a pack of the FridaMom instant ice Maxi Pads or Popped reusable hot or cold pads on Amazon.

13. Dermoplast

This gift idea will make the most sense to women who have delivered a baby before and um had some tearing. Some women claim this was the only item that truly helped them postpartum. It would be a great addition to a postpartum gift basket.

14. Postpartum Belly Band

Some women will appreciate this postpartum gift and others may find it offensive so make sure you know how the new mom will respond before going with this. For me, the postpartum belly band added comfort and security as my organs shifted back into place.

15. Heating Pad

A heating pad can solve a huge variety of aches and pains. New moms experience their fair share of uncomfortable body changes and a heating pad can help manage the pain.

16. FridaMom Postpartum Recovery Kit

The FridaMom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit is a comprehensive set of items to assist in postpartum including: disposable underwear, instant ice maxi pads, perineal cooling pad liners, perineal healing foam, and a toilet top storage caddy. It is the ultimate postpartum gift for recovery.

17. AfterEase Tincture

AfterEase is an herbal tincture that is designed to help women with the after birth contractions that often happen as a mother breastfeeds and her uterus shrinks. The reviews are glowing and many moms say their only regret is that they didn’t know about it sooner.

18. Rebalance Postpartum Tincture

Another herbal tincture that can be helpful for a first time mom is called Rebalance. After pregnancy and birth, hormones can be all over the place and Rebalance can assist in grounding emotions during that sensitive, fragile, first several weeks.

19. Essential Oils

Essential oils can be a great gift as they provide a more natural form of relief and relaxation. Great scents to consider for a postpartum gift are lavender, tangerine, and frankincense.

Nursing Related Gifts

20. Nursing Friendly Pajamas

Nursing can feel like an all day every day thing, because, well, it pretty much is. New moms will find themselves loving anything with buttons or easy access that help the process be smoother.

21. Nursing Friendly Nightgown

Since some women don’t prefer sleeping in pants, getting a nursing friendly nightgown for the new mom in your life could be a good alternative to regular pajamas, especially if it is summertime.

22. Nipple Butter

Let’s just say breastfeeding can hurt and having high quality nipple butter nearby can be a lifesaver.

23. Reusable Nursing Pads

The postpartum gift that keeps on giving. Since you never know when breastmilk will leak it is always good to be prepared with some nursing pads. The nice part about reusable ones is that they can last a long time.

24. Nursing Bras

Again, anything that gives easy access. Kindred Bravely and Bodily are brands known to have excellent nursing bras but I have a three pack from Amazon that worked great as well.

25. Booby Tubes

Earth Mama has a product called ‘booby tubes’ that new moms rave about. They are essentially gel-free breast packs that help relieve pain from breastfeeding. They can be used warm to encourage milk flow or cold to provide cooling comfort.

26. Silverette Nursing Cups

100% natural, safe and effective, Silverette nursing cups help relieve pain from cracked and sore nipples almost immediately. I can personally attest that they are amazing. This is a good gift for a mom who may be struggling with breastfeeding or experiencing a lot of pain.

27. Mother’s Milk Tea

Several brands have tea that aids a new mom in producing milk but my favorite is Traditional Medicinals Organic Mother’s Milk Tea. The herbal tea helps promote increased production of breastmilk and could be just the boost a new mom needs.

28. Lactation Cookies

Similar to the Mother’s Milk tea, lactation cookies are designed to help a new mom produce more milk. This could be a great option for the mom who doesn’t like tea. Amazon has bags of premade cookies or cookie mix that you can easily order and whip up.

29. Books

Since moms spend a lot of time breastfeeding, a thoughtful gift could be a good book or two to keep her occupied.

30. Stanley Cup

Stanley cups seem to be all the rage right now amongst women on Instagram. Breastfeeding moms need lots of water to stay hydrated. If the Stanley Cup can help them with that, then it is a great gift! But honestly, any large tumbler will do.

31. I.V. Liquid Hydration Multiplier

A great option to pair with a drink tumbler is I.V. Liquid Hydration Multiplier packs. These easy on-the-go packs come in various flavors and deliver hydration to the bloodstream quicker than water alone.

C-Section Related Gifts

A c-section requires very specific items for recovery as it is major abdominal surgery.

32. Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit

This all-in-one pack includes: an upside down peri bottle, disposable underwear, abdominal support binder, cleaning wipes, silicone scar patches, and grip socks. As someone who ended up with an emergency c-section this kit is pretty comprehensive on what is needed.

33. Bodily High Waisted Underwear

Bodily is a brand with the most wonderful high-waisted underwear for postpartum moms who have had a c-section. It is hard to find anything that feels quite right with the c-section scar so high quality underwear can help manage the sensitive area.

34. Silicone Scar Strips

Silicone scar strips can help the scar heal well and lessen the appearance of it. Although it is not a glamorous postpartum gift, it is incredibly practical and thoughtful.

35. Dr. Mae Hughes C-Section Postpartum Course

Dr. Ava Mae Hughes came out with a movement through early postpartum course designed specifically for women who had c-sections. I went through it after my c-section and it was incredibly informative and helped me feel a little bit more comfortable in my body again.

Classic Gifts

36. Flowers

This is an obvious go-to gift but I remember saying to my husband before we had our baby “Do you think anyone will bring us flowers after she is born?!” There is just something special and celebratory about a bouquet of fresh flowers.

37. Balloons

Balloons can be a fun gift to bring to the hospital as it celebrates the new life that was born and also the accomplishment of the mother. If you know the baby’s name in advance, you could even have a custom balloon ordered to make it extra personal.

38. A Potted Plant

Postpartum life with a newborn can be a bit of a blur and a fresh plant may be just the pick me up a new mom needs. My baby was born in November so fresh greenery inside the house was a nice contrast to the gray skies outside.

39. Baby Outfit

Who doesn’t love a cute baby outfit?! It is fun for the mom and it is fun for you to pick out. Try to avoid newborn sizes as many babies don’t fit that size for very long.

40. Stuffed Animal

Every baby needs a stuffed animal right?? This go-to postpartum gift can provide comfort for many years to come.

41. Matching Mom & Baby Outfits

Is there anything cuter than matching outfits? Surprising a new mom with a matching outfit (or hat, shoes etc.) is a really fun way to love on both the mom and the baby.

42. Solly Baby Wrap

The Solly baby wrap is a baby carrier that holds the baby close to mom’s chest and allows for mobility in those first couple months when the baby just wants to be held. I have one and it is super handy and super cozy.

43. Any Leftover Items from Her Baby Registry

A wise gift idea is to just go ahead and buy a leftover item from the mother’s baby registry. If it is on there, she wants it. It takes the guesswork out of gift-giving.

Personalized Gifts

44. Necklace with Baby’s Birthstone

A necklace for the mom with the baby’s birthstone is a sweet way to gift something beautiful, practical and thoughtful all at the same time.

45. Necklace with Baby’s Initial

Another good option is a necklace with the baby’s initials. This may be especially thoughtful if the name was not announced beforehand and therefore the mother likely doesn’t have many items with the baby’s initials.

46. Your Favorite Baby Book

Instead of a card for your postpartum gift, consider signing a baby book. Perhaps one that means a lot to you or your kids for added sentimentality.

47. Embroidered Baby Blanket

A baby blanket is a gift that can be cherished well past the newborn stage. After every baby, my mom had a blanket embroidered with the first and middle name. There is something really sweet about going the extra mile to have the blanket personalized.

48. Monogrammed Baby Onesie

Another form of personalization is a monogrammed baby onesie perhaps with the first, middle and last initials.

49. Poster from the Night Baby was Born

A fairly new trend going around is ordering a poster of the stars in the sky the night of a significant event. Ordering the poster from the night the baby was born is a special way to welcome the baby into the world and love on the mom.

50. Baby Scrapbook

A high quality baby book is a great gift to help mothers scrapbook and organize the significant moments in those first couple of years.

51. A Picture Frame

A beautiful picture frame is perfect for new moms to frame newborn or maternity photos. Could be the perfect addition to the nursery! Consider gifting the frame with a picture of the baby already in it.

52. Mama Mug

A mug that says “mama” on it is an especially fun postpartum gift for first time moms who are still growing accustomed to their new title/role of being a mom.

Free Gifts

53. Do Her Laundry

There really isn’t anything more practical than this one. Somehow laundry piles up at triple the rate after a baby is born. Doing the laundry (and folding and putting it away) can help a new mom focus less on housework and more on the baby.

54. Clean Her House

In addition to laundry, cleaning the house is a great postpartum gift. There is something about a clean kitchen that makes everything else seem more manageable.

55. Hold the Baby

This simple gesture may mean more to a new mom than any other gift. Gifting a mom with the peace of mind that her baby is taken care of and she has a moment to herself will do wonders for her mentally and emotionally.

56. Let Her Hold the Baby

Sometimes it is hard to enjoy those newborn snuggles when there is a to-do list running through your mind. Ask the mom what you can do for her to allow her the time to sit and enjoy her baby. This could be housework, errands or babysitting older siblings.

57. Encouraging Notes

Scatter encourages sticky notes or letters around the house as pick-me-ups for the mom. Days can be long and lonely — this may be just what she needs.

Self-Care Gifts

58. Slippers

After giving birth, comfort is key. Slippers are perfect for the hospital and weeks after birth. My mom gifted me with UGG slippers as a postpartum gift and I wear them almost constantly.

59. Robe

Robes are absolutely underrated and one of the best articles of clothing postpartum when nothing fits right.. In fact, it may be all she wears for weeks.

60. Loungewear Set

Loungewear sets have become quite popular and are a great way to stay comfortable but also somewhat fashionable. New moms spend so much time in t-shirts and leggings it can be nice to have a matching outfit that still feels cozy.

61. Fuzzy Socks

Fuzzy socks aid in ultimate comfort and relaxation. Bonus if they have grips on the bottom to keep the new mom from sliding on slippery hospital floors.

62. Cozy Blanket

In the first couple of weeks after a baby is born there is a lot of time spent cuddling and nursing and sitting. A blanket is a great addition to this new rhythm.

63. Lotion

Lotion helps with self-care and could be a great addition to a self-care themed basket. I recommend sticking with ones that are subtly fragranced (preferably with essential oils) or are even fragrance free as her sense of smell may be sensitive at this time.

64. Sleep Mask

Many new moms find themselves greatly sleep deprived. The precious moments where they get shut-eye can be significantly elevated with a good sleep mask.

65. Scrunchies

Ever since I had a baby my hair is up 99% of the time. Scrunchies look cute in the hair or on the wrist and are a better alternative to regular hair ties.

66. Bubble Bath

For many moms baths are the gateway to relaxation. A nicely scented bubble bath is the perfect addition and can be easily found at Target or Walmart. My personal favorite is Dr. Teal’s lavender foaming bubble bath.

67. Bath Caddy

Okay before your mind goes to the plastic caddies that college kids use in dorm rooms, picture the bath caddy made out of bamboo that sits across the bath and holds up a nice cup of tea, iPad with a show, or a book. Believe me, it will become a staple in her bath routine.

68. Face Mask

Nothing says self-care like a face mask. A face mask can help a new mom feel refreshed and rejuvenated without taking extensive amounts of time or energy.

69. Under Eye Masks

Between sleep-deprived days and trying to balance a new baby, under eye masks can help with the bags that quickly show up.

70. Chapstick

Can anyone have enough chapstick? Also, is there anything worse than needing chapstick and not being able to find any? This could be a great addition to a self-care themed postpartum gift.

71. Facial Spray

Some days (maybe a lot of days) new moms don’t have time for a 12 step skincare routine. Facial sprays are a great way to feel fresh quickly. My favorite ones are coconut, rose or cucumber.

72. Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases are supposed to be healthier for skin and hair. Beyond that, they just add a level of luxury that a new mom could grow to really appreciate.

Food Related Gifts

73. Homemade Freezer Meals

Is there anything that says “I love you” more than homemade meals? Although they require time and effort, homemade meals as a postpartum gift will allow the new parents to adjust to life with a newborn.

74. Easy to Grab Snacks

New moms, especially breastfeeding moms, find themselves constantly hungry. Easy snacks like granola bars, energy balls, and trail mix are great items to keep around the house and grab during that midnight feeding session.

75. Chocolate

Need I say anything on this? Chocolate is chocolate. Any chocolate will do. But honestly, for what the new mom in your life has gone through, splurge on some of the fancy chocolate.

76. Pints of Her Favorite Ice Cream

Stock up her freezer with pints of her favorite ice cream. These are not only quick and easy for her to grab, they will bring a smile to her face and be the perfect pick me up for those sleep deprived days.

What Are Postpartum Gifts

Postpartum gifts are specific to the time of life that a mom is in. Since recovery and newborns are such a specific time of life, having the right products can really help.

Additionally, moms deserve to be celebrated. Birth is a huge accomplishment — and there is still a child to raise.

How Can Postpartum Gifts Benefit New Moms

Postpartum gifts help new moms balance the new life they have entered into. Babies are EXPENSIVE and every little gift helps.

Also, postpartum depression and anxiety are also very prevalent and can be tough for new moms to navigate on their own. Knowing that someone is looking out for them can alleviate a little bit of the mental load. If you know a new mom in your life is experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, encourage them to reach out for help.

Conclusion

In short, postpartum is a time unlike any other. People say it takes a village to raise a child. Showing up for that new mom in your life with a meaningful postpartum gift helps her not only in a practical sense but an emotional one.

In a time that is packed with hormones and sleepless nights it is important that a new mom is reminded that she is seen and loved. A gift can do just that.