Mother’s Day Gift Guide for the Expectant Mom

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and many of us are thinking about what to get our own fabulous moms–but what about the expectant mom? As an expectant mother, I’ve wondered–will I get anything for Mother’s Day? I neither want, need or expect anything. To me, Mother’s Day has always been a bit of a sore point. I spent my thirties watching moms gush all over social media about their gifts and wonderful children and adoring husbands and then praising their own wonderful moms. And honestly, I was always annoyed by the whole thing. Motherhood is a big deal, yes. Every time I feel my baby move inside of me I’m struck by the awesomeness of what is happening–in my body, and in my life. But I still don’t see why everyone is suddenly maudlin over motherhood to the extent that many who aren’t mothers have to take a social media break on Mother’s Day. They are, after all, moms the rest of the year too. Why the outpouring? Maybe I’ll understand when I’m a mom with a baby in my arms, but I doubt it.

However, while I expect or want nothing for this day, I do think there are things you could gift to an expectant mom that would be appreciated and may even be needed.

New Pyjamas

How many of us are hanging onto to years old, threadbare pyjamas? Stretched out of shape, faded, but still in our drawers? All of us, and I know for a fact that many of us hardly ever treat ourselves to nice sleepwear. And nice sleepwear is just what the mom to be needs. Something new to pick her up and make her feel good during those first couple of months after the baby is born. Perhaps a nursing nightshirt, or just a nice seasonal set of pyjamas. I’ll tell you right now, I wouldn’t be saying no if someone thought to gift me new jammers. As an expectant mom, this is something I am secretly coveting and really ought get for myself.

Sweets and Treats

It’s always nice to get together with mom for a tea on Mother’s Day, and while this year that might harder with Covid still in our lives, and lockdowns very much not a thing of the past, you could still drop off sweets and treats for the expectant mom to enjoy with her tea. I am thinking something a wee more decadent, like butter cookies, or brownies, or scones. Something that we don’t normally get for ourselves will always be appreciated.

Hair Accessories

I remember when my sister in law had her babies. She had them less than two years apart, and her hair was always up in some sort of messy bun. Not a purposeful messy bun, but a messy bun. And how many women do you know who get the mom cut because they “can’t” wear their hair down long anyway? Support the expectant mom by supporting her luscious locks and putting together a little basket of hair accessories. Clips, barrettes, pretty scrunchies, headbands and turban headbands are all going to help the expectant mom when she’s tired in those first months from the constant care a newborn needs. My local drugstore sells sooo many cute hair accessories, so these ought be easy to find and make a thoughtful little gift.

Silk Pillowcases

Honestly, I am so itching to try out silk pillowcases, especially mulberry silk as I know silk pillowcases are so much better for your hair and skin. But, this is one of those things I just haven’t bought for myself. Always waiting for…later, although I don’t know why. But honestly, this would be a perfect gift for the expectant mom as hormones can really do a number on pregnant women and acne can become problematic for some, and silk pillowcases keep dirt and oils away from skin and hair. This is a thoughtful gift that will be much appreciated by anyone, and is an especially nice thought for the expectant mom is likely spending all her money on baby. Plus, talk about luxury–I mean who isn’t dying to have silk pillowcases? If I do buy silk pillowcases, I plan to go with LilySilk.

Aromatherapy Diffuser and Essential Oils

Believe it or not, this is yet another thing I am not getting for myself. I have two diffusers–one in the office and the other in the bedroom, and I would LOVE one for the living room, but nice diffusers can be pricy and I just keep putting it off. However, for me this makes the list because every expectant mom could use the serenity offered by aromatherapy. Lavender oil for relaxation, circus oils to uplift, dreamy blends for bedtime. I’d be totally over the moon if someone gifted me this.

Related Article: Aromatherapy for Self Care and it’s Calming Affects

Bath Bombs, Salts and Oils

Being a mom doesn’t mean we forget about self care. Remind the expectant mom of that by gifting her some relaxing items for the bath. Bath salts might be especially nice as Epsom salts can relieve muscle aches and strains and new moms are likely to be aching for a variety of reasons. But bath bombs and oils can offer comfort and moisture for the skin, so those are a great option too. Get some fancy ones for the mom to be and remind her to relax.

Final Thoughts…

I have been around a lot of pregnant women in my life, and a re-occurring statement from many people is, “it’s all about baby now!” Meaning, forget about getting gifts or even polite inquiries after your health, everyone is far more interested in the baby. And of course, this is natural. Who doesn’t love babies? But I have never thought it was especially healthy that the mom should be forgotten about simply because she has become a mom–she’s still a human being with needs. And, dare I say it, wants. It’s great to get baby things–babies need sleepers and teething rings and rattles but their moms also need things, and not just to help them change diapers and soothe a baby’s upset tummy. They need things to help them take care of themselves and make them feel like human beings instead of just a round the clock caregiver. So take care of the expectant and new moms this Mother’s Day.

Have you ever bought an expectant mom a Mother’s Day gift? Share your thoughts in the comments.