Whether you hunting for the best gifts for expecting moms to treat a future mom-to-be or adding things to your own wishlist, cheers! Someone in your life is growing a baby, and that’s wonderful. But finding a present can be easier said than done. What exactly should you be gifting? Should it be something for the baby or mom?
Take it from someone in her third trimester: No matter what stage of pregnancy they’re in, expectant moms appreciate gifts that make these nine months and the months postpartum a little more comfortable. All I’m looking for is a little relief from my fast-changing body—the stretching skin, sore breasts, aching feet, and more—and the even faster changes I have to make to my lifestyle. Read on for gifts any mom-to-be would love, tested and researched by moms on the Allure team.
In This Story
For During Pregnancy
True Botanicals Mindful Mama Belly and Body Oil
True Botanicals
Mindful Mama Belly & Body Oil
Why it’s worth it: I oil my growing belly at least twice a day to help soothe the itchy, tight feeling of my stretching belly, and I have found that this is the body oil that I reach for most frequently. It absorbs quickly and has a calming scent that’s both earthy and citrusy. It combines a lengthy list of oils—including sunflower seed and jojoba—with centella asiatica extract, which can help support the skin barrier when it’s under stress.
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream
Aveeno
Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream
Why it’s worth it: As various parts of my body grow, my patience for applying body care shrinks. I’m literally out of breath stretching to apply cream to hard-to-reach places (which now include my feet), and I don’t want to spend more time than I need to massaging it in. This drugstore body lotion spreads easily and absorbs quickly, yet keeps my skin moisturized for hours. (Seriously, I’ll apply it before bedtime, and my skin still feels velvety soft well into the next day.) It isn’t the least bit greasy and never leaves residue on my clothes.
Frida Mom Sore Nipple Kit
Why it’s worth it: I can’t say I paid much attention to my nipples until I got pregnant, but as the skin around them stretched and chapped, I realized they needed consistent care. I keep this kit in my purse because I never want to be without it. It includes a spray-on saline solution to cleanse the area and an emollient balm that has a non-messy, easy-to-use applicator. Together, they soothe dryness and discomfort.
Why it’s worth it: This comprehensive set includes pregnancy body-care essentials—a decadent cream, luxurious oil, subtly scented deodorant, emollient nipple balm—in travel-friendly sizes. It’s perfect for getaways (like a weekend trip or babymoon) or a soon-to-be-mother still looking for their body-care faves.
Lola Blanket x Dagne Dover Dune Bundle
Why it’s worth it: This luxe bundle is for mothers looking to prioritize coziness. It includes a plush, buttery-soft blanket that keeps you warm (but never too warm) and a medium-sized tote that they can use as a hospital bag on the big day.
Ritual Magnesium+ Mind and Muscle Relaxation Powder
Ritual
Magnesium+ Mind and Muscle Relaxation Powder
Why it’s worth it: Before I was pregnant, I regularly used magnesium supplements to help relax my mind and muscles before bed. Two teaspoons of this powder—formulated for prenatal and postpartum use—swirled in water helped me sleep more soundly with fewer interruptions throughout the night. Of course, make sure to check with your doctor before using it.
Why it’s worth it: I’m a voracious reader, but being pregnant means not staying up until 2 AM to find out if enemies become lovers. (That, and reading more books on babies.) The new Kindle Colorsoft’s display is comfortable and doesn’t overstimulate—making it easy to put down a book when I know my body needs rest.
Why it’s worth it: On days that I’m too busy to sit down with a physical book or my e-reader, I’ll put headphones on and dive into an audiobook. This pair has been doing wonders at blocking out distractions while providing clear sound. They’re also so lightweight with interchangeable earpads that don’t get too hot or sweaty, even if I’ve had them on my ears for a few hours.
For Her First Few Evenings With a Newborn
Why it’s worth it: Pumping can be an arduous process, but Willow Go strives to make this wearable pump as comfortable as possible. It’s quiet, hands-free, and includes inserts that help ensure the best fit around your nipples.
Dreamland Baby Bamboo Classic Non-Weighted Swaddle
Dreamland Baby
Bamboo Classic Swaddle
Why it’s worth it: A swaddle like this extra-soft one by Dreamland is a thoughtful gift for both mom and baby. It grows with the child and accommodates their preferred sleep position—whether that means both arms tucked in or splayed out. The better the baby sleeps, the better mom—and everyone else in the house—sleeps, too. It’s a win-win.
Harpaa Cuddly Signature Bassinet
Harpaa
Cuddly Signature Bassinet
Why it’s worth it: Maybe the mom-to-be is planning to share a room with her baby. Perhaps she hasn’t set up the nursery yet. (You’ll find me in both camps.) Either way, she’ll thank you for the Harpaa Cuddly Signature Bassinet, which features five adjustable heights, can be rocked, and has wheels that make it easy to move from one room to another.
Why it’s worth it: This swing ensures good vibes only. Whether the new baby likes to be swayed from side to side or prefers gentle vibrations, this seat has you covered with over a hundred combinations of movement and sounds.
For Easy Travel With a Newborn
Nuna TRIV LX and PIPA Urbn Travel System
Nuna
TRIV LX + PIPA Urbn Travel System
Why it’s worth it: There aren’t many stroller systems that are as pragmatic and feel as luxurious as the Nuna Triv LX and Urbn Travel System. The Triv LX has wheels that ensure smooth rides (and seamless turns) with a seat that easily moves into the car. It grows with her baby, accommodating a newborn on its way home from the hospital and toddlers up to 50lb.
Bumpsuit
Armadillo Baby Carrier
Why it’s worth it: Carriers are deeply personal, but of all the carriers I’ve tried—and I’ve tried on quite a few, thanks to friends with babies of their own—this one has felt like the most secure. Its thick (but airy) materials, straps that cross the back, and lumbar support keep baby comfortably close and snug against your chest. It also comes in an array of patterns—my favorite being Leopard print.
More Gift Ideas from Expecting Moms
Ked’s Center III Leather Slip-Ons
Keds
Center III Leather Slip On
Why it’s worth it: “There’s nothing worse than wrestling to lace up your sneakers before dashing out of the house while nine months pregnant. Slip-on sneakers are a must for support and comfort to carry the new mom in your life all day long. My go-to pick are the Ked’s Center III Leather Slip-Ons, which check all the boxes and can be worn long after pregnancy.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
Mabe’s Monarch Accessory Bag
Mabē
Monarch Accessory Bag
Why it’s worth it: “There is nothing worse than digging into your handbag and realizing you left your favorite lippie, hair clip, or sanity in your diaper bag. Mabe’s Monarch Accessory Bag is the perfect essentials holder that they can toss in their purse and strap right to the baby carrier.” —Silva
Tubby Todd All Over Ointment
Tubby Todd Bath Co.
All Over Ointment
Why it’s worth it: “You can’t scroll for more than five minutes on MomTok without hitting a Tubby Todd recommendation, and to be honest, the moms are right! I purchased the brand’s All Over Ointment before my daughter was born to have on hand and used it after a particularly bad flare-up of eczema. Near-instant relief! I still use it to this day, and it’s a household staple.” —Silva
Momcozy KleanPal Pro All-in-One Bottle Washer
Momcozy
KleanPal Pro All-in-One Bottle Washer
Why it’s worth it: “As a mom, time is the greatest commodity. Meet the Momcozy Bottle Washer, which will save you many crying sessions in the kitchen while washing pump and bottle parts in the dead of night. Is it expensive? Sure. But you can’t put a price on sleep in those early days of motherhood.” —Silva
