Holiday Gift Guide for New & Expectant Parents

If you're anything like me you've been thinking about the perfect gift for everyone on your list since December 26 2021. If you're not a crazy planner, maybe now that November is here you're just starting to think about what gifts to plan. Whether you plan ahead, wait until the last minute or are somewhere in-between, everyone can use some help when it comes to holiday shopping! As a seasoned doula-turned-student-midwife I see the "behind the scenes" needs of new and expectant parents; if someone on your Christmas list fits that description, read on for great gift ideas!

*Disclaimer* I can make a small profit when you shop through the links provided :)

For Expectant Mothers:

• Pregnancy Journal - Most parents think about recording milestones in a baby book but don't think about recording memories about their pregnancy! This journal will be a fun surprise for first time and veteran parents on your list.

• Pregnancy Affirmations - We all know that the voice inside our own heads can be the most unkind and the most influential. Help the parents-to-be on your list set their mind on a positive pregnancy and birth experience, no matter how it unfolds.

• Adventure Cards - These are such a unique gift! The parents to be choose a card at random, scratch it off and complete the suggested activity to make fun memories during their pregnancy.

• Morning Sickness Candies - These can be especially helpful while all the holiday foods are cooking.

• Sea Bands - Helpful for motion sickness + morning sickness alike!

• LMNT Electrolyte Replacement - During pregnancy it's important to stay hydrated + maintain appropriate levels of sodium and glucose - so staying away from sugary sports drinks is a must!

• Water Bottle - The bigger the better (I'm not kidding!) A massive water bottle with a straw makes staying hydrated throughout pregnancy and postpartum 10x easier. Add some cute stickers to make it more fun!

• Slippers - Every new mom needs some comfy slippers for around the house or packing in her hospital bag.

• Bluetooth Earbuds - Great for listening to affirmations or relaxing music during pregnancy and labor.

• Pregnancy Pillow - Getting enough sleep is essential while growing a tiny human, and having the right pillow helps.

• Weekly Pregnancy Belly Stickers - Just for fun!

• Coloring Book + Pencils - Great for relaxing and unwinding at any stage of pregnancy - and even in early labor!

• Belly Butter - Pregnancy takes its toll on a woman's body, and mamas to be don't always have or take the time to pamper themselves with quality products, free from harmful chemicals.

• Upgraded Hospital Bag Essentials - Nothing more comforting than heading to the hospital with the essentials already packed, and getting cozy in your own labor gown.

• Phone Tripod - This is perfect for recording the birth or taking some first family photos with baby.

• Funny Pregnancy Shirt - It can be hard for parents to be to splurge on something worn during a very specific season but that's all the more reason to gift a pregnancy specific shirt.

• Any Current Cravings - If someone had gifted me a case of crab rangoons during my pregnancy I would not have complained!

For New Moms:

• Coffee Bar - Sleepless nights often lead to more coffee consumption. The Ninja Coffee Bar is perfect for new parents because you can customize your cup of Joe (or tea!) just how you like it!

• Gourmet Coffee or Tea - Winter is the perfect time for snuggling up with a new baby and a hot drink.

• New Coffee Mugs - Call me a sucker, but I love anything that announces my new role as a mother.

• Digital Picture Frame - How else are they going to show off and admire the 10,000 photos taken of their new little one every month?

• Tula Baby Carrier - This carrier is so versatile and can be used from the newborn through toddler stage! Giving a baby carrier is like giving the gift of freedom - especially if the new baby doesn't like to be put down.

• Good Night Lotion - Great for parents and babies alike!

• LMNT Electrolyte Replacement

• Water Bottle

• Postpartum Affirmations - This deck is great for new moms to flip through on bad days or to stick on their mirror, fridge, etc. to remind them they're doing a great job even when they don't feel like it.

• Gratitude Journal - The early days of parenthood can become a blur, with sleepless nights, slower days, and the stress of finding your family's new normal. A gratitude journal that helps you find joy in the little things (and record them to look back on later!) is such a special gift to receive! And when better to start practicing intentional gratitude that entering a new year?

Anything remaining on their registry. If they've created a registry, check it out and see what's left on it! Not everyone keeps their registry up-to-date so you could ask what they still need in case they received an item that fits the need from a source other than their store of choice, but it can be fun to receive gifts that they picked out at a celebration other than the baby shower.

Experiences & Services such as:

• Birth Doula

• Babymoon

• Prenatal Massage

• Float Spa/Sensory Deprivation Tank

• House Cleaning

• Babysitter

• Date Night

• Gift Cards (for their favorite restaurants or grocery store)

• Instacart+ / Walmart+ Subscription

• Uber Food/Dash Gift Cards

• Amazon Prime Subscription

• Netflix / Hulu

• Chiropractor

• Maternity/Birth/Family Photographer

• Christian Hypnobirthing App Subscription or On-Demand Childbirth Class (Click here to find out more about the class. Use code Danielle for a 15% discount!)

• Lactation Consultant

• Postpartum Doula

• Manicure/Pedicure

• Prenatal Classes - yoga, Fit4Baby, Pregnancy Power (used code Danielle10 for 10% off!) Birth Fit etc.

• Infant CPR Training

• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

• Homecooked or Freezer Meals (consider a new freezer too!)

• Carwash/detailing

BONUS: Consider Making a Gift Basket!

Nursing/Pumping Moms: Find a cute basket or storage container, add an extra long phone cord, a good book or two, lip balm, snacks, coconut water, water bottle , nipple cream, Haakaa (be sure to get one with a lid!), nursing pads (either disposable or reusable), Soothies, Water Wipes, Tide to Go Pen, nice pens & one-line-a-day journal and the softest swaddle blanket.

New Dads: Fill a diaper bag just for dad with a Dad-joke book, working hands, devotional, snacks, coffee, Loops, and slippers.

Big Sibs: I Am a Big Brother or Sister book (or big sibling journal for older sibs), reusable sticker pad, reusable Water Wow, low sugar fruit snacks, organic snacks, their own baby to care for + all the extras - things that can help include and occupy the big sibling while adjusting to a new baby in the family.