Tips for Choosing a Proper Gift for a New Mom

In the first few months after the baby is born, moms are very busy and do not possess time for themselves. Every so often they don’t have time to sleep or spare a little free time. What to give moms? If you are trying to come up with the ideal gift for a new mom, you are in the right place. We have designed creative and useful gifts that mom will surely like. There are classic gifts like baby diapers, clothes and blankets that have become traditional, but we went a step further and found gifts that every mom will adore!  Find out below how to select the best gift for a new mom!

Tips for Choosing a Proper Gift for a New Mom
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Professional photography

New moms need to record every moment with their baby. Photos of a newborn baby become precious family memories. Moms are very grateful when they give away a voucher for professional photography or organize the arrival of a photographer at their home address. These photos are kept for life.

Personalized necklaces

Personalized necklaces made of silver or gold carry a dedication in the form of a name or initials. You can give a new mom a piece of jewelry with the baby’s name written on it, and we believe she will be delighted! You should think about what she prefers to wear, whether it is bracelets, necklaces or earrings. This kind of gift is a good investment because they will wear it proudly.

Comfortable pajamas

Moms need to feel good and comfortable in the beginning. At home, they will usually wear a nightgown, bathrobe or pajamas. Choose a piece of simple clothing and made of natural materials. In addition, you can consider new leggings, warm socks or slippers that have a light and soft sole.

6 Clothes You Need for Your Postpartum Body
.

Grocery shopping

Moms don’t have much time to spend shopping, so bringing groceries will be a gift for a new mom that will make them very happy. You can also surprise your daughter, friend or sister, by sending her a basket full of fruit. Fresh fruit gift hampers are a gift that moms can’t resist! After pregnancy and childbirth, they need a lot of vitamins and fresh fruit to keep their immunity strong and be able to cope with the new schedule.

Cleaning service

If you pay for a cleaner as a gift for a new mom, she will be very grateful. Moms have little time and try to be with the baby as much as possible. Cleaning and maintaining a home can be very hard and stressful in the first months. If you do not want to pay for additional cleaning services, get organized with friends and family.

Moms require more rest

For the first few months, mothers are sleep deprived and tired. Taking care of a child for a few hours a day can help moms dedicate themselves or go to the hairdresser. They can only sleep or take a warm bath that will relax them. This free time is precious, and mom will be very happy that she found an extra hour or two to go for a manicure or do something she didn’t get to do.

12 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for the Sleep Deprived Mom
.

Massage

Moms need a massage that will relax them, and that will relieve back pain. The masseur can also come to your home address. A gifted massage will make mom more rested and calm. Massage is the easiest way to relax and achieve good health. This method of treatment has been used for more than 5,000 years, and masseurs say that regular massage improves general health, mental and physical condition.

Free evening with a partner

Although the first months when the baby arrives are very hectic and stressful, moms claim to enjoy every moment. However, every so often they require a dinner with a partner where they will be able to get closer, talk and enjoy food. Dinner for two and baby care for a few hours is a gift that moms can hardly wait for! That is an opportunity for mom to get dressed and shine again in high heels.

How to Make a Postpartum Plan for a Smooth Recovery
.

Coffee maker

All new parents need a little extra caffeine! Many moms do not have the time to prepare delicious coffee and spend time in the kitchen. A coffee machine can help them with that! If your coffee machine is currently inaccessible, consider a standard coffee maker that has a lower price.

With these gifts, new moms will be able to relax and find a little more time to spend alone or with their baby. Instead of traditional gifts, select the really useful and functional ones. That will mean something to your mom in the upcoming weeks or months.


Author Bio

Alison Pearson is an interior design student. She is a writer and designer, but her ultimate passion is fitness and health. She is also a bibliophile and her favorite book is “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. Follow her on Twitter. 

 

Baby Shower Gift Ideas That Will Impress

The arrival of a new family member is exciting for every mother, especially if it’s their first child. Baby showers are an important way for friends and family to celebrate new life and give congratulations. However, as with any celebration, there’s the endlessly tricky matter of choosing an appropriate gift to give.

Fortunately, though, finding perfect baby shower gift ideas that will impress doesn’t require a Herculean effort. The mother-to-be will always appreciate a relaxation gift basket, a vintage gift, or a handmade item, to name a few.

Baby Shower Gift Ideas That Will Impress
*This is a guest post and all opinions are those of the author. This post may also contain affiliate and/or paid links. Rest assured that we only work with companies and individuals that we trust. While some of those companies and individuals may work in the medical field, this post is not intended to be a substitution for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor if you have concerns about your mental or physical health.

Relaxation Gift Sets

Often, when people think of a baby shower, the average gift-giver goes for the easy mark. Buying cute clothes and soft toys for the soon-to-be newborn saves parents time and money, so it’s always a great idea. But it’s also predictable.

To really impress, head straight to the bath and beauty section of your favorite shop. Many retailers, particularly specialty crafters, often have wonderful handcrafted and premium bath gifts. Luxury soaps, skincare products, bath bombs, and similar items will be a blessing for future parents in need of downtime.  Gifts for moms-to-be are some of the best baby shower gift ideas!

Pregnancy Self Care Tips That Will Benefit Mom and Baby
.

Sterling Silver Baby Gifts

When it comes to baby shower gift ideas that will impress, think long term. Something you buy today could turn into a cherished heirloom that the receiver will pass down to future generations. Most parents will eventually throw out or donate baby items due to wear or stains. However, many more traditional baby items are made of more durable materials.

For instance, starting a silver charm collection to mark each birthday is a tradition and a treasure that’s sure to last as well as impress. If mom is an antique enthusiast, consider a few vintage baby gift ideas as well. Antique toys are as impressive as they are valuable the more time goes by.

Gifts for Mothers with Postpartum Depression
.

Homemade Gifts

Gifts handcrafted by the giver are always meaningful and unique baby shower gift ideas. Depending on your unique talents and hobbies, you can create a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Making baby treat boxes for guests as well as the host is an amazing and simple way bakers can share their talents in gift form.

Anyone who can stitch, knit, or crochet can easily make baby blankets, family quilts, or even handmade baby clothes. Even artwork, carvings, and other small tokens are unique and wonderful ways to set aside time and show your friend how much you’re happy for her.

With such a momentous time in her life, you want to give her a gift that she’ll cherish for years to come. By finding ways to care for the receiver, choosing something with lasting value, or giving up your time to create a unique item, you can achieve exactly that. Regardless, it’s the thought that counts, and the mom-to-be will appreciate any effort you go to surprise her.

How to Make a Postpartum Plan for a Smooth Recovery
.

Author Bio

Christina Duron is a writer living in the Chicagoland area. Her passion for writing and mental health help create thought provoking and engaging pieces and hopes to use them to empower mothers and women to embrace the beauty of motherhood.

16 Gifts That Will Boost Anyone’s Mood

Holidays can be exciting.  But what about when they’re not?

For many people, the holidays can be stressful and offer more to dread than look forward to.  Mothers suffering from a mood disorder can feel an added amount of pressure to make things special when they really don’t feel up to it and anxiety can worsen with all of the extra socializing.  And anyone who has lost a loved one may miss them more than usual around the holidays.

Between the cold weather, long stretches of darkness and the financial strain of the holidays, it’s no wonder that up to 20% of people report suffering from seasonal affective disorder.

If someone you love is feeling down around the holidays, then consider one of these gifts from Etsy that are sure to boost anyone’s mood.
16 Gifts That Will Boost Anyone's Mood
*This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust.

Light Therapy

Warm, soft lighting is a great mood booster.  One thing that often makes us feel down during the winter is the lack of sunshine.  Anything that simulates natural light will help to boost our mood naturally.

image 0
NewMoonBeginnings on Etsy

This lamp from NewMoonBeginnings is made from raw, natural Selenite, which is a crystal used for cleansing negative energy.

Himalayan Salt Lamp

Himalayan salt lamps are also very popular for their healing benefits and soft lighting.  They are great for cleansing and purifying the air in a room and can promote a better night’s sleep. 

Christmas Candle Set Set of 3 or 6 Christmas Gifts Winter image 1
BreatheintheLight on Etsy

Candlelight is another great way to boost your mood and add that hygge home vibe through the winter months.  This set of Christmas scented candles makes a great gift idea!


Inspirational Messages

Quotes and sayings that inspire us have a way of boosting our mood, both directly and subconsciously.  Being surrounded by inspirational messages, whether it’s a framed print in our designated self care sanctuary, or worn on clothing and accessories, is a great way to remind someone of how strong they really are.

image 0
RaincityPrints on Etsy

RaincityPrints does some beautiful work on famous inspirational quotes including everything from Buddha to the Gilmore Girls.  You can have it professionally printed in different sizes, or get it in a digital file and print it yourself (a great last-minute gift idea)!

Customized inspirational mantra cuff image 1
StampinStitchin on Etsy

These gorgeous minimal cuff bracelets have a mantra engraved on them so not only will you look stylish, but you’ll have a little mood boost with you wherever you go.

image 0
TattooMoments on Etsy

Believe it or not, these are temporary tattoos!  This collection from TattooMoments includes 14 tattoos that can last up to 7 days.  This is a great way to show off a motivational message without the commitment of a permanent tattoo.  


Download these 4 FREE 8 x 10 Inspirational Prints in the Running in Triangles Free Resource Library, available exclusively to subscribers of the Postpartum Depression Survival Guide. Click here to subscribe.


The Gift of Comfort

Perhaps it’s our natural instinct to want to hibernate come cold weather, but nothing makes us feel happier than being warm and cozy.  Comfort gifts are a great mood booster, not only because they make us feel good, but also because receiving one is like getting permission to be lazy all day.

Weighted blanket. plush minky Charcoal & Black minky weighted image 1
LittleMimis on Etsy

If you’re gonna give a blanket as a gift this year, then you have to go with a weighted blanket.  There are so many benefits of a weighted blanket for someone suffering from depression, anxiety or insomnia.  Even those without a mental health condition will still benefit from the comfort of a weighted blanket.  It’s like being wrapped in a giant hug.  This one from LittleMimis comes in different weights, colors and patterns and can even be custom embroidered.  

image 0
WineALittleGifts on Etsy

These socks are a great way of telling your loved one to put their feet up and relax.  Don’t worry if they’re not a wine drinker because WineALittleGifts sells over 100 different designs, so you’re sure to find the right pair!

LaAquarelle on Etsy

Sleep deprivation can have a negative effect on a person’s mood.  Help your loved one get better night’s sleep with this sleep mask set from LaAquarelle.  It comes in a choice of organic fabrics and includes a lavender sachet you can put under your pillow to help you sleep.


Meditation Tools

Meditation and mindfulness are great ways to improve your mood.  Even for a beginner, the practice of meditation can be easily incorporated into anyone’s self-care routine.  While actual “tools” aren’t a necessity for meditation, there are several gift ideas that can help to enhance the experience.

Essential Oil Diffuser Necklace Diffuser Necklace Aromatherapy image 1
EssentialRays on Etsy

Aromatherapy is an excellent mood booster and supplement to meditation.  The wide variety of aromatherapy jewelry has become more popular and makes your favorite essential oils portable and easy to utilize.  Check out this Etsy shop for a huge selection of beautiful pieces including necklaces, lockets, bracelets and more!

Silent Mind Meditation bowl Tibetan Singing Bowl Set Beaten image 0
SilentMindBowls on Etsy

Tibetan singing bowls have been used in meditation for thousands of years.  The tone they produce is designed to help relax the mind and body and drown out background noise to aid in focus and concentration.  These bowls from SilentMindBowls are not only a stunning art piece, but useful for meditation and relaxation as well.

7 Table Top Air Plant Holder  Air Plant Included image 1
AirLifeGreenery on Etsy

Indoor plants have so many incredible mood boosting benefits.  Being surrounded by lush greenery indoors while everything lays dead and dormant outdoors is one way to keep spirits up during the winter.  Choose a low maintenance option, such as this set of 12 air plants from AURAMORE.   Air plants are a great way to incorporate greenery without needing to worry about pots and soil.  Check out some of these air plant holders from Air Life Greenery.


Encourage Creativity

Being bored and cooped up inside the house during winter will put anyone in a bad mood.  For the holidays this year, consider giving the gift of creativity.  If your loved one already has a hobby, then you’re off to a good start.  But here are a few suggestions if they’re looking for something new to keep their mind distracted and to help lift their mood.

image 0
KirstenBurkeDesign on Etsy

The art of calligraphy is so modern and popular right now.  It’s also an art form that isn’t time-consuming, tedious or strenuous and offers a lot of different applications.  With this beginner’s set from KirstenBurkeDesign, anyone can learn this fantastic skill, all while keeping busy to beat the winter blues.

Creative Mind. Happy Soul. Doodle Journal Guided Journal image 0
DOODLELovelyNow on Etsy

Coloring and doodling offers a simple way to turn off the brain and soothe the mind.  Using an array of bright colors can also work as a mood booster on the dark, grey days of December.  This doodle journal from DOODLELovelyNow gives you space to write, doodle, color and more!

Weaving Loom Kit. Small rectangular lap loom. Learn to frame image 1
WoolCoutureCompany

There are so many different ways to encourage creativity.  Crafting of any kind can make a person feel proud and accomplished, but it’s also a way to ban boredom during the winter months.  On Etsy, you’ll be able to find so many different DIY crafting kits, such as this beginner weaving loom kit.  Some other popular favorites include a macrame kit, a beaded embroidery kit and paint by number sets.  


Celebrations
Give the Gift of Etsy

If you didn’t see something specific on this list that appealed to you, or if you just couldn’t decide, then consider giving an Etsy gift card instead.  It can be printed or emailed to the recipient so it makes a great last-minute gift.  And with thousands upon thousands of different things to choose from, it’s a gift that will definitely put a smile on someone’s face.


I know, firsthand, how difficult winter can be – no matter how much you love the holidays.  The extreme high of celebrating with family and friends ends so abruptly, that it’s common for people to feel depressed shortly after the holidays are over.  By giving a gift specifically to help boost their mood, you’re encouraging long-term happiness.

Seasonal Affective Disorder
.

16 Gifts That Will Boost Anyone's Mood 16 Gifts That Will Boost Anyone's Mood

16 Gifts That Will Boost Anyone's Mood 16 Gifts that will Boost Anyone's Mood 16 Gifts that will Boost Anyone's Mood

The Best Gifts for Mothers with Postpartum Depression

Holidays can be difficult to celebrate for a woman suffering from postpartum depression. 

What should be a happy time spent making memories, instead reminds her of the pain and shortcomings she’s felt since becoming a mother.  When shopping for a gift for a mother with postpartum depression, look for something that is considerate of her condition.  Not all gifts are appropriate for a woman who feels guilty or unworthy of being a mother and can make her feel worse than she already does.

Here are some ideas for gifts for mothers with postpartum depression.
Gifts for Mothers with Postpartum Depression
*This post contains affiliate and/or paid links which means that if you click on one of these links and buy a product, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured that I only recommend products that I love from companies that I trust. Furthermore, I am not a medical professional and nothing in this post should be taken as medical advice. I am simply a mother who has been there and lived to tell the tale.

Personalized Jewelry

GracePersonalized on Etsy

Don’t just buy her a generic diamond necklace.  Look for a piece that includes her children and family so that when she wears it, she will be reminded of who she’s fighting for in the first place. 

A beautiful option is this fingerprint necklace from GracePersonalized on Etsy.  Having a necklace that contains her child’s fingerprint, hand or footprints will remind her that she created an entire unique person.  But the kids aren’t the only things keeping her going.  I like this lovebirds necklace from MenuetDesigns on Etsy because it speaks volumes of how important a strong support system is.  Sincerely Silver is another great site to find a unique, personalized piece that’s extra meaningful. 

[For more ways to offer support, read: 14 Ways to Help a Mother with Postpartum Depression]


Something That Won’t Die

Teardrop Terrarium DIY Kit image 2
PlanetPlanters on Etsy

Cut flowers wilt and die and there’s nothing she can do about it.  Get her something that she can watch grow and blossom.  Growing something will bring her a sense of pride. 

So instead of a bouquet of flowers, get her a houseplant or a DIY terrarium kit.  Gardening or growing indoor plants is an excellent form of self-care as well and can become something that not only keeps her mind distracted, but brightens up her living area as well.  If she doesn’t have a green-thumb, get her a book about gardening instead. 

[For more information on the benefits of gardening, read: 16 Ways Ecotherapy is Good for Moms]


Matching Mommy & Me Outfits

ByMissSally on Etsy

Bonding with baby can be tough for a mother with postpartum depression.  Matching t-shirts, outfits or hats might seem cheesy, but it can make her feel more connected to baby and remind her of the special connection they share.


A Monthly Subscription Box

BumpBoxes

In the category of gifts for a mother with postpartum depression, monthly subscription boxes should be at the top the list!  Chances are, she doesn’t want to go out and shop for herself.  Even some of the basic necessities she needs become less of a priority for her.  Having something delivered to her door is a wonderful surprise that she can look forward to each month.

Here are a few that I would recommend for a mother with postpartum depression:

Bump BoxesIf she’s expecting or just had a baby, then definitely sign her up for a Bump Box!  They’re monthly boxes tailored for each trimester of pregnancy.  You can also order a breastfeeding box, a new mommy to be box and a variety of newborn boxes.

Blume Formerly known as Ellebox. This is the ultimate self-care subscription box!  Mothers with postpartum depression can dread “that time of the month” especially because they haven’t had to deal with it during their pregnancy (and possibly longer if they were breastfeeding) so it becomes just one more thing they need to handle.  The addition of the mood swings and cramping can become overbearing for someone who’s already suffering so much.  Take the stress out of it with this monthly subscription box that includes organic pads and tampons, specially formulated cramp oil, acne and face washes and more!

Callia Flowers – A monthly bouquet of fresh cut flowers delivered to her doorstep is sure to brighten the day of any new mother.  Callia’s bouquets are specifically designed to be long lasting and sourced with local flowers. 

InstaCandy – who doesn’t love candy?  Getting a box of candy delivered to your door every month is sure to brighten up the darkest of days.

Like the idea of a delivered box full of goodies but not ready to commit to a monthly subscription?  Check out the Pampered Mommy Box! Their “Best of” Box is full of surprise goodies valued over $100! 


A Customized Photo Book

Mixbook.com

Photos can have a lot of meaning for a woman with postpartum depression.  Looking back at pictures of happier times can be an excellent way to relieve stress and help keep her connected to those memories.  Creating a photo book filled with pictures of baby can also help to connect her to her child and reduce some of the guilt that often comes along with missing out on those first few months.  A photo book is sure to be something she will cherish long after she has recovered from the darkness of postpartum depression.

You can create fully customized photo books and/or prints at Mixbook.com


Self-Care Products

5 Reasons Why Self Care Does Not Make You Selfish

It goes without saying that self-care is SO important for moms to keep up good mental health.  This category of gifts offers such a wide variety of choices, depending on what’s most important to the mother in your life.  A robe, bath bombs, self care boxed sets, or a massage unit are all great gifts for her to use on a daily basis to make sure that she’s getting in regular self-care.

The best self-care gifts for a mother with postpartum depression are things that she can use regularly, don’t consume too much of her precious time, and can help her relax and take care of herself.

If you want to really want to give her the gift of self-care, then splurge on a spa day!  Click here to purchase a Spa Finder Gift Card  that she can use at thousands of different locations.  It’s available to print or e-mail so it makes a great last-minute gift too!

[Related Reading: Self Care Tips for Battling Postpartum Depression]


Aromatherapy

Essential Oils for Depression and Anxiety 1

Essential oils and aromatherapy can have a big impact on a mother with postpartum depression.  This 12 pc essential oil gift set is a great way for a new mom to begin to incorporate essential oils into her life.  Plus, a diffuser makes a great gift, with so many styles to choose from and makes it easy to enjoy the benefits all day long.

[Related Reading: How to Use Essential Oils for Depression and Anxiety]


A Personal Assistant

Amazon.com

You know what mothers with postpartum depression REALLY want?  A personal assistant…

The Amazon Echo smart speaker connects to “Alexa” a voice-based personal assistant.  The best part is that Alexa will respond to anyone’s voice, as long as they call her by name.  So older kids who ask a million questions a day or want to hear their favorite song over and over again – can now ask Alexa instead of Mom.

Alexa can also look things up online, tell jokes, keep notes, make lists and reminders, play music and make phone calls – all completely hands free!  It’s one of the best gifts for a mother with postpartum depression who is suffering from a severe case of foggy brain!


Journaling Equipment

Indigo.ca

Writing about postpartum depression is one of the best therapies available.  It’s a great way to get all those dark feelings out of the brain and onto paper.  A journal is a great gift option for a mother who needs to express her feelings.  Bullet journals are the latest trend right now.  You can eve find printable bullet journal kits on Etsy to create a one of a kind personalized gift.


Coloring Books

Indigo.ca

There’s a huge difference between coloring with the kids, and coloring by yourself.  I, myself, have recently jumped on the adult coloring book train, and it’s an incredible way to release stress and shut off the brain for a few moments.

There are adult coloring books everywhere these days so you’re sure to find one that suits the mom you’re shopping for.  My favorite ones are the patterns or the inspirational quotes, but there are also ones with swears for the moms who really need to let it all out.


Remember: One of the best gifts for mothers with postpartum depression is your love, support and understanding…

Gifts for Mothers with Postpartum Depression

Gifts for Mothers with Postpartum Depression