Journal Entry

Unique and personal gifts for new moms

A thoughtful gift tells a new mom she’s extra special

I’ve been a new mom three times, and I’ve given many gifts to other new moms through the years. It’s easy to run to a department store and grab a sleeper, a baby blanket, or a bottle warmer. And while these gifts would certainly be appreciated, a really unique gift would probably be more treasured. With just a little thought and extra effort, you can present a gift to the new mom that tells her she and her baby are special to you. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Framed keepsake. Get a copy of the baby’s birth certificate and attach a small photo of the baby’s hospital picture somewhere in the white area. Have it matted and framed. This will become a treasured keepsake for years to come.
Photo album. Buy an album with a place on the cover for a photo. Insert a photo of the baby, or a photo of the mother holding the newborn. You know that book will be filled in no time! Moms love pictures of their baby. Purchase one that has the plastic sleeves for easy insertion of the pictures.
Hand-made coupons. Use your color printer to make “coupons” for the new mom. Include some for free babysitting, a home-cooked meal, or for grocery shopping or other errands. New moms are usually harried, so a gift of your time would be much appreciated. And while these gifts don’t cost the giver a cent, they will be priceless for the recipient. In our busy society, time is at a premium, so this gift will certainly convey your message of “I care.”
Restaurant gift certificates. Purchase some certificates for local restaurants and place them in a cute card or small gift bag. Choose restaurants that offer delivery. Mom can call in a hot meal to be brought right to her door. Or she might want to use one of the certificates for a night out with hubby for some alone time.
18-years baby book. My daughter received one of these with her first baby, and they’re really neat. Not your run-of-the-mill photo album, the book has a section for every year from birth to high school graduation. There are lines for notes and places for school photos, mementos for activities like sports, and even report cards. The completed book would make a great graduation gift for the child, too!
Spa treatment. Make the new mom feel special with a couple of hours at a spa, while you volunteer to babysit. If you can’t afford the full treatment, you can give her certificates for a manicure or a pedicure. The pampering will give her spirits a lift by getting her out of the house and making her feel pretty.
Bath goodies. Another way to make the new mom feel pampered, without leaving the house, is a collection of bubble bath, fancy soaps, and bath sponges or mitts. Buy a pretty waterproof basket or caddy to hold everything, and maybe throw in a bottle of her favorite cologne and body lotion. She’ll appreciate the “me” time the assortment will offer.
Growth chart. This is a fun gift. It’s usually a tall wooden giraffe or other animal that doubles as a measuring stick to follow the child’s growth. It’s cute and whimsical, so it’s an attractive addition to the baby’s room. Most of these have lines beside the inch markers to record dates and the child’s height. Some even have slots for photos that correlate to the dates and measurements.
A new mother experiences a lot of conflicting emotions. She might be ecstatic one moment and overwhelmed the next. She might not feel as attractive as she did before pregnancy. With all the attention on the new baby, she might even feel a little ignored at times. A special gift from a friend can be a real mood elevator. With a little thought and a dash of creativity, you can be the giver of that one-of-a-kind gift that stands out among all the booties, onesies, and stuffed animals.