Shopping for the best gifts for new mums? You’re in the right place. To help you narrow down what to buy, we asked parents what ‘new mum’ presents are worth their weight in gold.
We know all too well that hunting down the best gifts for new mums can be a tricky task. Should you shower them with flowers? Send a balloon emblazoned with a congratulatory message on it? Or go all out and spoil her with a hamper?
While all of the above are lovely gestures, after doing some digging and asking those in the know, it turns out that the best gifts for new mums are those that make life as a new parent just that little bit simpler.
For example, the best breast pumps can help make adjusting to motherhood a smoother process. While a swaddle or bottle warmer can make navigating matrescence less of an intimidating feat.
That said, if the new mum in your life has all her baby necessities sorted, she's spent the past nine months growing a baby. So it’s a good idea to invest in a gift that will help her feel more like her — and the founder of Don't Buy Her Flowers, Steph Douglas, shares this view. "I think new mums really need and deserve some TLC,” the mum-of-three says. “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."
To help you find the best present for new mums, we asked parents what gifts they appreciated after welcoming a little one into the world and what parents they’d buy for others in the same boat. Here’s what they had to say…
43 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.
Best practical gift for new mums
RRP: £24.50 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
“All my new mum friends complain about microwaving coffee every day. But this gift means I can't join in - my coffee stays hot for hours! And, the best news, it can hold one Starbucks Grande caramel skinny latte," Tash, mum-of-twin boys tells us. The triple-insulated mug, while not designed for travelling, is perfect to keep your drink hot while you’re distracted… with a new baby.
Best sleep gift for new mums
RRP: £41 | Delivery: £1.95| Refundable: 30 days
Whether it’s the stress of looking after a new baby or nighttime feeds – falling and staying asleep can be difficult for new parents. But that’s where a sleep mask, like this silk option from Dore & Rose, steps in. 100% light-blocking, designed by dermatologists and hypoallergenic, this breathable sleep solution is just what any new parent needs.
Most sentimental gift for new mums
RRP: £85 | Delivery: FREE 2-3 days | Refundable: 28 days
"I love this, my daughter's teeny tiny fingerprint captured forever. I get teary when I think about it - in a good way", Lauren, mum to Nancy says. This bespoke jewellery is so simple. All you need to do is send an impression of your baby's finger in soft putty-like wax to CAST a perfect replica of your design in the finest recycled silver, gold or platinum, creating a priceless memory.
Most useful gift for new mums
RRP: £82.95 | Delivery: £1.95| Refundable: 30 days, unopened
Your body changes a lot throughout pregnancy. But this midwife-developed mum-to-be gift set is an award-winning product for a reason. Containing everything new mums could need, from a cleverly named ‘No Harm Nipple Balm’ and a Spritz for Bits’, you can help them feel more like them.
Best value gift for a new mum
RRP: £21 | Delivery: £2.75 or free over £25 | Refundable: 35 days, unopened
As best gifts for new mums go, this award-winning super blend calms both mind and body. Mum-of-two, Dee tells us: "I know it seems unlikely to help when you have a baby, but I rate this spray. It feels good to do something just for me."
Best everyday gift for a new mum
RRP: £14.50 | Delivery: £3.95 | Refundable: FREE, 30 days
There’s nothing a good cuppa tea or coffee can’t sort. Especially if it’s been a long night and early morning start. Upgrade their tea time with this beautiful mug from Oliver Bonas. With its ecru specks and its pretty pink rim, a hot drink at any time of the day or night has never looked so appealing.
Best budget gift for new mums
RRP: £22 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE within 30 days
Once baby is born, a new mum's self-care genuinely slips down the list of priorities. But buy this little wonder pot of rich hydration for your mum-to-be friend and her tired dry lips will thank you for it. Mum-of-twins Victoria tells us: “I never had a problem with dry lips before having the girls, always forgetting to drink water never helped so having this next to my bed was a tiny balmy godsend each night.”
Best stationery gift for mums
RRP: £26 | Delivery: £3.95 | Refundable: FREE, 30 days
Help new mums reflect on their goals, habits, meals and all the things they’re grateful for with this beautifully designed Wellness Journal from Papier. It comes with daily, weekly and monthly check-ins and reflections. Containing sections to fill in like sleep, energy and asking questions like ‘how do you feel?’ — this will make them feel seen and heard while making their wellness a priority.
Most luxurious gift for new mums
RRP: £41 | Delivery: FREE 2-3 days | Refundable: FREE 28 days
As gifts for new mums go, this trio is well-known to help with sleep. Mum-of-two, Kiryan tells us: "I was so tired after having my second child, so keeping these in arms-reach of a night really helped. My hands were so dry from constant hand-washing, the moisturiser really helped and smelled amazing. Plus it's such a lush brand, one that I could never justify buying for myself, making it the perfect gift. "
Best skincare gift for new mums
RRP: £20 | Delivery: £3.95 | Refundable: FREE, 30 days
Containing rose extract, colloidal gold and pomegranate seed culture, this award-winning mask by Harley Street-based111Skin helps to firm skin, plump fine lines and soothe inflammation and irritation. The outcome? Skin that looks like it’s had all the beauty sleep it needs, even though in reality, it might not be the case.
RRP: £10 | Delivery: FREE 2-3 days | Refundable: 30 days
A gift that can make a new mum's life easier will always be appreciated and trust us, a one-handed water bottle is a perfect easy-to-use reminder for new mums to stay hydrated. And staying well-hydrated can be particularly important for those who breastfeed. Mum-of-one Steph tells us: "A water bottle with a leak-proof seal that I could open one-handed was an absolute game changer. I forgot to drink water in the newborn stage."
Best beauty gift for new mums
RRP: £55 | Delivery: £3.95 | Refundable: FREE delivery over £25
Heard of cryotherapy? Well, these globes from ESPA can bring the benefits of this cold therapy treatment to the new mum’s skincare regime, helping to reduce puffiness, tighten pores, soothe inflammation and enhance circulation. All in all, making her feel like the best version of herself.
Best gift for self-care loving mums
RRP: £22 | Delivery: FREE over £25 | Refundable: FREE 30 days unopened
For new mums, self-care bumps down the list so make it easy with these non-sticky, easy-to-apply, eye masks. Mum-of-two Sara, swears by these. "They work, I promise," she says. "Even when surviving the four-month sleep regression and a toddler waking at 5am... they work." These Pixi hydrogel eye patches instantly de-puff and revive the under-eye area. They come with a spatula to separate when getting them out.
Most unusual but useful gift for new mums
RRP: £49.99 | Delivery: £3.95 or FREE over £50 | Refundable: FREE
While it might not seem the most obvious 'new mother' gift, it's useful for during all those night feeds, and will continue to be useful well into toddler-hood. "This was the best gift. It has 10 different light settings. We used level 3 for night feeds to minimise waking, and 9 for a CODE BROWN situation," mum-of-one Chelle tells us.
Best book for new mums
RRP: £14.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE within 30 days
"My best friend bought this for my baby shower gift and all through my last trimester I was howling at it, it's funny and refreshingly honest! It helped put my mind at ease for what lay ahead" says mum-of-twins, Dee.
Written and compiled by Becca Maberly of A Mother Place this book will fill the void of information you may be missing - warts and all.
RRP: From £8.50 Delivery: Free Refundable: No
The great thing about Don't Buy Her Flowers is you get to curate the items in the box. From books and bath salts to stationery and snacks. It's all there - you just have to choose (and keep an eye on the total totting up).
"I received one of these when I broke my foot," mum-of-one, Steph tells us. "And I remember thinking, 'man I wish someone sent me a whole box stuffed with all of my favourite stuff when I was in the thick of the newborn days'."
RRP: £85 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: 30 days
You might recognise this, it's The White Company's best-selling dressing gown. It sells out every single year, so snap one up now.
Mum-of-two Joely tells us: "I lived in my dressing gown for the first four months of my son's life - no shame here. So definitely gift your friend the most luxurious one you can find."
Best journal for new mums
RRP: £10.45 | Delivery: Free next day | Refundable: 30 days
A funny, cool, and inclusive place for your mum-to-be friend to record the milestones of being a mum.
Mum-of-one Jasmine tells us how she surprised herself by actually using this gift: “When I first unwrapped it I remember distinctly thinking ‘thanks, never gonna write in it’, but actually when the fog lifts slightly after newborn days I wanted to make sure I note down things I don't forget."
Cutest keepsake for new mums
RRP: £11 | Delivery: FREE 2-3 days | Refundable: 28 Days to exchange
"Being a dad of two I know how children grow up fast and you soon forget how tiny they once were," dad, Lee tells us. "This inkless hand and footprint kit will help you remember how little they really were. Plus the inkless means your toddler can help."
Best for breastfeeding-on-the-go new mums
RRP: £24.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE within 30 days
“I remember being so nervous to breastfeed outside the house and this cover helped me to build up my confidence. The other day it stopped my son dropping jam down his trousers as I used it as a cover when he was in the pram. It really is so clever, with all its different uses and clips.” says Mum-of-one Louise.
So small it takes up no room in the changing bag the breastfeeding cover has six clever uses which means it can be used from the moment your baby is born, right through to the final teething stages and beyond.
Best for winter new mum gifts
RRP: £40 | Delivery: £3.50 3-5 days | Refundable: FREE 30 days
These faux fur-lined and waterproof pram gloves fit any pram and secure easily - to keep them attached all winter. One less thing to remember when you are heading out the door
Mum-of-one Anna tells us exactly why these were the best thing. “I absolutely love these. I’m always losing things, so having these super-cosy gloves permanently attached to the pram has been a life-saver. I’ve had so many admiring comments about them, and two of my NCT friends have bought themselves a pair after seeing mine."
RRP: from £119 | Delivery: £5.90 FREE over £60 | Refundable: 30 days
Available in gold too and can be personalised. "My sister-in-law gifted me a bracelet engraved with my son's name," mum-of-two, Sam tells us. "It was such a thoughtful gift and something that I still treasure and wear years (and two more children) later!"
RRP: £47 | Delivery: £3 2-3 days | Refundable: Only if faulty or damaged.
Mum-of-one, Lisa loved this gift so much. She tells us: "I have this print in my room, it's of me stroking my bump - I was about 8 months and big. Pregnancy was the only time I truly loved my body so to have it captured in such a beautiful way still makes me teary."
RRP: £75.60 | Delivery: free | Refundable: No
Cook has nailed it with these 14 meals for two people. Mum-of-one Steph tells us: “A bundle of frozen meals was the best gift when our son was born. In those early weeks when it's all broken sleep, night feeds, and constant nappy changes, having food a mere microwave away was a life-saver - literally."
RRP: £45.90 | Delivery: FREE over £50 | Refundable: FREE in store
“I remember, I didn’t open this straight away because I was so consumed by the baby," Mum-of-three, Anna recalls. "But I remember the day I did, I realised just how much baby sick had been an overarching smell in my life. And this gift changed that. I loved it. Plus look how chic it is, it's probably the most grown-up thing I own at the moment.”
Oil diffusers are well-known to help de-stress. This diffuser is chic and creates a delicate and fragrant atmosphere to suit the new mum’s every mood.
RRP: £19.99 | Delivery: From £3.99 | Refundable: No returns
“I loved this box, and went on to use it as my baby's keepsake and memory box, long after the wine had been polished off.” Mum-of-one, Lisa tells us.
Obviously this would be a great gift if your new mum friend enjoys a drink. You can pay £19.99 for just the box - made from all-natural FSC wood - and pop in your friend's favourite bottle of wine or pay £27.98 and it comes with a bottle already in it. Or if your friend isn't much of a drinker pop in her favorite alcohol free drink.
Best for memory-making new mums
RRP: £23 | Delivery: £2.75 3-5 working days | Refundable: Non-returnable unless faulty
Cotton and machine washable - music to parents' ears. This is a a lovely well-made blanket with two quality wooden toys. They come in a fabric bag which makes for a lovely present. With over 240 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5 star rating this blanket set makes a great gift for a new mum.
RRP: £25 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
A 75cm long hot water bottle with wearable strap which can be tied tightly around your shoulders and tummy, helping comfort aches and pains. And machine washable too. What's not to love?
Mum-of-three, Jo tells us: "This was a brilliant gift, practical and luxurious too. Sometimes I just wear it to feel like I'm getting a big hug without anyone actually touching me, which is great on days when I am feeling utterly touched out by my toddler and baby."
RRP: £12.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Trust us when we say this will be a game-changing gift, especially in those first few months where there's a lot of sitting in one place stuck under a feeding and/or sleeping baby.
Mum-of-one Steph tells us: "As a new mum, I spent a lot of time sitting on the sofa - and there was nothing more frustrating than finally getting settled with baby asleep in my lap, only to realise my book or the TV remote was on the other side of the room."
Best for crafty memory-book mums
RRP: £79.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
The Instax Mini Camera is a great gift idea. “I actually bought this myself", new mum Aliya tell us. "But I loved how many photos I had to hand straight away for my albums as I went, and I wasn't constantly losing phone memory storage from all the photos taken. The film isn't the cheapest at 20 shots for £14.99 so I'd ask for them every birthday (mine, baby's and husbands ha!)".
RRP: £37.50 | Delivery: £15 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Handmade and available in Gold, rose gold, silver, and white gold. This beautiful and stylish necklace is on an adjustable length chain. Dainty but sturdy, which is exactly what a necklace needs to be with grabby curious baby hands.
Mum-of-two Sam tells us: "My bestie got me this necklace, I love it, I never take it off. The handwritten script style of font is perfect - it gives me my 'Carrie' style while being a mum."
RRP: £82 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Designed by a chiropractor, it’s been made with full body support and comfort in mind. With a beanbag texture, the pillow is designed to be tied around your waist, it stays in the same position the whole time.
Mum-of-one, Steph tells us: “Yes, it's pricey - but if breastfeeding, then this is a sound investment that your friend will get a lot of use out of."
RRP: £32 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
As is the running theme in the first year or so of motherhood, self-care slips down the list of priorities. So gift this easy-to-apply tinted SPF to the new mum in your life. Mum-of-one, Bon tells us: "I love Drunk Elephant products, and when my friend gifted me this along with a bottle of wine I wanted to cry. It was a small glimpse of the old me."
RRP: £19.99 | Delivery: Free | Refundable: Yes
“These meant I could catch up on Greys Anatomy during 2am cluster feeds. I wish I’d had these from the beginning, I still use them now and my son is 3-years-old. I can listen to my friend’s voice notes without him shouting ‘ME SEE TOO!’ They really are the gift that keeps on giving," Mum-of-one Wendy tells us.
These earbuds make a great gift and mean the new mum in your life can disappear into her own ‘me time’ without disturbing her baby. Anything hands-free and wire-free is perfect.
Most useful gift for new mums
RRP: £34.99 | Delivery: FREE over £60 | Refundable: FREE 30 days
Mum-of-two Jasmine tells us: "These 100% cotton swaddles were so useful. I had them saved in my Amazon basket for when I could afford them, so receiving them meant it was one less thing to buy. I soon found out the saying; 'you can't have too many muslins' was a saying for a reason."
RRP: £5 | Delivery: Free | Refundable: No
These are sold in packs of 10, and they're great for gifting your new mum friend anything they'd need in the first year postpartum. You can either book them in somewhere, pay upfront and then give them this or give them an amount and a deadline to spend it.
Mum-of-three, Jasmine tells us; "My friend booked me in for a massage at home and it was the best thing ever. Pregnancy and birth puts your body through a lot. A massage is the least you can do to say thank you to it."
RRP: £54 | Delivery: Free | Refundable: Yes, if not opened
Nothing quite says luxury like Chanel.
“Having a baby means losing yourself, some can feel this effect more than others, mum-of-two, Lucy tells us. "So bear that in mind when you buy a gift. I remember I was on maternity leave and couldn’t afford to buy what made me feel like me. So if your new-mum friend likes Chanel, dig deep/team up and gift her a little bit of her old self.”
RRP: £25 | Delivery: From £3.99 | Refundable: Yes
On trend and useful. It's also available in lilac. “I get a cap as a gift…” mum-of-one, Steph tells us. “It sounds strange. But, trust me. She will thank you every time - which will be frequent - she has to leave the house and hasn’t had the chance to wash her hair.”
We get it! There's only so much dry shampoo one head of hair can take.
RRP: £95 | Delivery: free | Refundable: Yes
A real chic gift for any new mum who is trying to keep hold of remnants of her pre-baby self. Plus this is across body, so still leaves hands free while looking so cool.
Mum-of-one, Lucy tells us "My across body bag is by far the most used item of my accessories wardrobe. I'm so glad I have a cool one that even my non-mum friends love."
RRP: £29.95 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: FREE 30 days
These are a great gift for a first-time mum who struggles with too much noise. They offer up to 18 decibels of noise reduction - a newborn baby's cry can sometimes hit 112 decibels. Dionne, mum of three, swears by them, telling us: "I can still hear my kids so I know they're safe, it just takes the edge off the shouting, which makes me a calmer mum."
RRP: £19.50 | Delivery: £4.95 | Refundable: No
As best gifts for new mums go, anything to help make breastfeeding that little bit easier for her will be welcomed. Plus we love the boob bag, just look at that illustration.
For less than £20 you gift your friend
- Organic lactation tea x4
- Reusable bamboo breast pads x 6
- Baby muslin cloth
RRP: from £7.99 | Delivery: FREE | Refundable: 30 days
For less than £25 you can gift your new-mum friend escapism in the form of her three favourite books on audio. Great for when feeding or stuck under a sleeping baby. Mum-of-two, Louisa tells us: "My other half got me this when our second was born, and four years later, I still use it on school runs. Once the kids are in school, I pop my ear buds in for the power walk back home."
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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