36 best gifts for new mums 2024 - thoughtful ideas for parents and mums-to-be

Best gifts for new mums, from lip balm to leak-proof bottles eye masks to food deliveries - we've got you covered

Collage showing some of the best gifts for new mums
(Image credit: Future)

Gifts for new mums are so fun to buy - and when you get it right it has the power to make life so much easier for the new mum in your life. To create our list, we've researched the most useful and wanted presents for new mums, and got the stamp of approval from new mums themselves.

But choosing the right thoughtful pressie can be a challenge. Something that will make a new mum feel seen, heard and supported as she navigates matrescence is a good shout, but also something that's useful in those whirlwind first few months with a newborn is worth it's weight in gold, such as one of the best breast pumps or a swaddle.

While they might seem like a good idea, forget flowers and plants - works in theory, but in practice, it's a chore with good intentions.

The founder of Don't Buy Her Flowers and mum-of-three, Steph Douglas agrees: "I think new mums really need and deserve some TLC. Anything that will make life easier, offer comfort or soothe them. The best gifts I received when I had my babies were definitely in the ‘for mum’ category. Food was high up there, fancy moisturiser for my weary body, really soft socks, and reassuring words."

With this in mind, we've compiled a guide of great gifts to suit a range of budgets, including everything from pillow spray and lip balm to jewellery, pamper boxes and cosy clothes.

36 best gifts for new mums 2024

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

What's a good present for a new mum?

If you’re looking for the best gifts for new mums, and want to be original, pull together your own pamper hamper. Buy all the things you know your friend will like - personal and tailored to her. That way nothing is wasted. You can include little handwritten notes of advice from other friends who have had babies. Plus, think about the practical items you know she’ll need. Think chapstick - lips get so dry when breastfeeding. And also a water bottle that is leak proof and can be opened with one hand. Another nice idea is offering to do a food shop for her. She can just send you her list and you’ll deliver it, with a hot coffee too.

GoodtoKnow's Family Editor Stephanie Lowe adds: "Bringing a whole new person into this world is a hugely overwhelming and mind-blowing experience. New mothers need to be heard and helped. Whether that’s with items that will make their new life easier - like a Lumie light up clock, or some essential me time. This ‘me time’ doesn’t have to be a day at a spa. It can literally be as simple as you taking the baby for a walk in the pram while she has a quiet hour to sit and drink a hot coffee and scroll Instagram, catch up on TV or read a book."

What should I buy for a newborn mum?

Having a baby, no matter if it’s their first or third, is a monumental achievement and should be treated as such. The new mum will have all the feelings, emotions, and needs so go beyond the normal ‘new baby gifts’ and instead give gifts that are useful to her. Like, gift vouchers for when she’s up to shopping, food deliveries because feeding herself is a number one priority too, and time - offer to take the baby for a walk in the pram while she has a shower. Another great idea is a coffee shop gift card, because she will need all the caffeine to low-key function on very little sleep. 

What do you bring someone who just had a baby in hospital?

Food is always a good gift to bring to new parents, so they can spend all their time focusing on enjoying their new baby. Think a Tupperware buffet platter of their favourite food, or just a nice meal that they can reheat and enjoy. A postpartum recovery kit made up of practical items like large pads, nipple cream, painkillers, pretty socks, new deodorant, and moisturiser is also a useful idea.  

What to give a new mum who is struggling?

If you know a new mum who is having a hard time, the best gift you can give is a non-judgemental ear and a shoulder to cry on. Mothering is hard, finding a new life balance, figuring out this brand new person who’s arrived and carving out time to themselves. New mums need to know that it’s okay to find it hard and not be happy always. Promote rest and relaxation when you talk to them. Give them time, offer to take the baby out while they nap (time it in between the baby’s feeds so mum can relax).

How we chose the best gifts for new mums

First, here's how we chose the best gifts for new mums;

  • Reviews: We try to review all products we deem 'best' but where we've been unable to test ourselves, we dig deep into comments to check what consistently scored highly from verified shoppers who rate them for value and quality.
  • Price: We have included gift ideas to suit all budgets. It's worth noting though that, some suggestions might be pricier than expected, but that's because we know that some people buy and gift from large groups. 
  • Variety: Life as a new mum can throw many curve balls your way and needs they never knew they had might crop up - from pelvic floor machines and water bottles to lip balms and cosy blankets, we've got you covered.

Once you've bought the new mum in your life the best gift she could ask for why not take prep yourself for the 1st birthday party, and take a look through some of our best personalised children's books or maybe you're stuck with what to write in the 'new baby' card? We've got all the best inspirational quotes for kids that could work perfectly. 

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Stephanie Lowe
Family Editor

Stephanie Lowe is Family Editor at GoodToKnow covering all things parenting, pregnancy and more. She has over 13 years' experience as a digital journalist with a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to all things family and lifestyle. Stephanie lives in Kent with her husband and son, Ted. Just keeping on top of school emails/fund raisers/non-uniform days/packed lunches is her second full time job.