Mamas deserve all the love. And whether she’s about to become a mother for the first or fifth time, I’m all about giving gifts that the mom will actually use and enjoy for the long run. Now don’t get me wrong…the tiny little onesies and plush stuffies make my heart pitter patter as much as the next person, but if we’re being honest, the use for those things come and go so fast and are often forgotten as quickly as they’re opened.
When I registered for my baby shower, I studied every Pinterest post I could find and curated what I thought was the perfect wish list- minimal, practical, and as earth friendly as possible. But now that I’ve been a mama for a few months, there are some things I’m so happy I got, and others that have already been passed on to expecting friends.
I’ve created a list of things we’ve used nearly every day and what I think most any mama would love to receive. If you have a soon-to-be mom in your life, I can almost guarantee that these unconventional gifts will end up being some of her favorites once the party is over and life with a baby begins.
For the “On-The-Go, But Make It Fashion” Mama-
I registered for the Colugo carrier simply for the leopard print and multiple pockets, and it has ended up being my most used and favorite gift to date. The clips are magnetic but sturdy making them super easy to attach and adjust, the fabric is easily washable and breathable, and did I mention the leopard print!?!? (It comes in other super cute colors too, btw!)
It’s perfect for the mom who’s always moving and wants to look good doing it. Even if she registers for the Baby Bjorn, get her this one instead. She’ll end up thanking you in the end.
For the “All Nat-ur-al” Mama-
Oh Primally Pure, you’ve done it again. Baby Balm is the only product needed for both mom and baby’s skin, and the ingredients will leave even the pickiest of parents happy.
On baby I’ve used this for dryness and eczema, cradle cap, and diaper rash with unbelievable results. Like…can natural products even work this well? For myself it’s helped cracked nipples (no need to wash off before baby feeds #bless), reducing smile lines around the eyes, and dry lips.
If you really want to spoil the mama in your life, they have a Baby Kit that you honestly may just want to buy for yourself too while you’re at it.
PS- code MANDM10 will get you 10% off your total purchase at Primally Pure.
For the “Germaphobe” Mama–
Ok…I just so happened to stumble across these reusable steam cleaning bags and am seriously wondering why they’re not on every “must get” registry list out there. If you know a mom who uses Clorox like other people use chapstick, this is for her.
Pumping parts, pacifiers, small toys, or bottles go in the bag with just a few ounces of water. Then microwave for a few minutes and voila! Each bag can be used up to twenty times and sanitizes just about anything in a fraction of the time as scrubbing.
I bought one box to try, then turned around and purchased five more once I realized how much I needed them in my life. Even if you just have to buy those super cute baby booties, include these with your gift and you’ll be thanked forever.
For the “Sentimental” Mama-
Preserving memories with writing and scrapbooking sounds nice and is often backed by the best of intentions, but when attempting to juggle a little one with hormones, healing, and life, documenting the precious moments tends to take the backburner.
I put the Promptly Journal on my registry, and I’m so so happy with it. In just a few minutes each month I’ve been able to keep up with our memories with this fill in the blank, guided journal that goes from womb to 18 years. With questions that make it easy to know what to write as well as a built in picture page, the whole process is a little less overwhelming and a whole lot more doable.
I keep mine in the living room and answer a question or two as the month goes on in just a few minutes of spare time. And I love that everything is perfectly kept in one, small, stylish, and minimal book making it a gift your child will cherish and actually want to keep when the day comes.
For the “Bookworm” Mama-
Yes…I am living proof that you can keep up with reading and care for a newborn. And while I mostly prefer to have an actual book in my hand (I l o v e the smell of those fresh pages!), the (waterproof) kindle has been a godsend and mayyyyy actually be swaying me to stay digital.
Reading is a non-negotiable of mine as a way to slow down and decompress, and I truly believe keeping my mind stimulated helped deter the “baby blues”. Having a kindle makes it easy to read with just the tap of a finger while baby feeding, waiting for doctor appointments, holding a sleeping babe, and getting in a quick chapter before going to bed.
For the “Clean And Toxin Free” Mama-
I’ve used Norwex body cloths for years, but honestly didn’t realize their potential until I became a mom. These cloths are made of a high quality microfiber that remove dirt and bacteria and completely eliminate the need to use soap (yes…you heard me right!). With a baby up against my skin, the last thing I want is her coming in contact with harsh chemicals, and Norwex cloths completely eliminate that risk.
And real talk…as a new mom, every once in a while I don’t have time to shower or just straight up don’t want to use my precious free time to do it. When this happens, I take a “Norwex bath” as we call it in the Davis house, and just wipe myself down from head to toe with a wet cloth and feel as good as new.
I’ve also used these to bathe my baby girl from day one, and it puts my mama heart at ease knowing she’s clean with literally zero chemicals on her skin.
For the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Mama-
I stumbled across Upchoose in my Instagram scrolling while pregnant, and this baby clothing subscription service has far exceeded my expectations. With just a few clicks I select the color scheme, size, and amount of baby clothes I want, and the organic, 100% cotton, and oh so cute items arrive at my door in reusable packaging. We keep them as long as we need while paying a monthly fee, and as soon as we’re ready for the next size up, a larger set is sent and we return the smaller ones.
I’m convinced that this service has saved me hundreds of dollars, and by selecting the “pre-loved” clothing option, I know that I’m helping the environment by reducing clothing waste.
An Upchoose subscription can be gifted, or moms can register for this serviceand you can contribute. Now how cool is that? And even if the mom-to-be that you’re shopping for has never heard of this, I can almost guarantee she’ll be hooked once you open her up to the idea.
PS- code MANDM21 will get you $21 off your first month’s subscription.
For the “Needs Her Beauty Sleep” Mama-
One of my biggest fears around becoming a mom was losing sleep. I’m someone who needs a good eight hours, and the thought of functioning on anything less left me willing to pay any and all amounts of money to avoid sleepless nights. And because Bob feels the same, we decided to try the Taking Cara Babies online course, and to call it a “godsend” is an understatement.
Cara is a neonatal nurse and certified sleep consultant, and her newborn course not only gave us a game plan to implement from day one, but a plethora of resources to try with our girl. Within the first month, Sloan was sleeping 8-10 hours straight, and I give this resource all the credit. We bought this for ourselves, but the courses can be given as a gift as well, and I can think of nothing better than the gift of sleep.
For the “Playful And Chic” Mama-
If you know a mom who wants their little one to have all the things but wants their home to still look nice while doing it, the padded Gathre Mat is a must. This completely wipeable, leather mat comes in the most perfect color hues and has become our favorite place to play, lounge, and practice rolling.
I debated this purchase for a while because it wasn’t a “need”, but let me tell you…I don’t know what we would do without it. Play corner now, reading nook later- this mat will be used for years to come and I’m excited that we’ll look good doing it.
For the “High Tech” Mama-
Music, podcasts, audiobooks, binging on TikTok…it’s the little things that help keep mamas sane, and my airpods have been a lifesaver on long walks, while feeding my girl, or just doing chores around the house.
I honestly thought I could do without this cordless luxury, but when Bob got me these for Christmas with the purpose of prepping me for baby in a month, I quickly realized that going cord free was a non-negotiable in the juggling act of motherhood.
Seriously, if you’re shopping for a mama who likes to listen to…anything…this gift will knock her socks off.
For the “Photogenic” Mama-
Sure, it might be easier to just whip out a smart phone, but the Fujifilm Instamax Mini 11 spits out the cutest little polaroids that take documenting memories to a whole new level. We all know that mama who has her phone filled with the cutest pics but never prints them out. THIS is the perfect gift for her.
We pull our Instamax out on special occasions like parties, little getaways, monthly milestones, and sometimes just because we’re feeling cute. Then we hang the pictures on Sloan’s wall and I love that she’ll grow up seeing these moments on the daily.
For the “Always On Time” Mama-
When I became a mom, there were days I couldn’t tell you what year it was, let alone the month or day. We put the Stendig Wall Calendar up shortly after Sloan was born, and I look at it daily to mark breast milk bottles and make (and keep) appointments. Plus it makes a fun statement and goes with really any home décor IMO.
I’ve received so many compliments for this simple wall addition, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a staple in the Davis house from here on out.
Aaaaaand that’s a wrap!
Each of these items were either gifted to me from fellow mamas who know what they’re talking about or purchased by me after hours of research, contemplation, and online searching. While many of these ideas are not “needs” by any means, I can promise that the moms you’re shopping for will find themselves enjoying these gifts for years to come, and I have a feeling they’ll stop to think of you in the process.
If you have something that you would add to this list, let me know in the comments below! There’s no such thing as too many ideas when gift hunting for the mama who deserves the world.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. No pressure, but I have a feeling you’re gonna like what I’ve taken the time to put my recommendation behind.
