My Top 5 Gifts for a New Mom

People love buying gifts for a new baby.  I think it's a weakness we all have.  Before I even had a kid, I'd browse the Baby section at Target, ohh'ing and ahh'ing over the outfits and accessories.  There's just something about seeing a tiny fur vest and mini-glittery scarf that makes you want to squeal.

Items such as blankets, outfits, toys, nursery decor, baby gadgets, and the like are popular baby shower gifts.  I once talked with a woman who received 20 baby blankets at her shower. 

TWENTY.

Listen, y'all.  No mom ever needs twenty baby blankets.  I guess multiples may warrant extra items but this is just a little excessive.

In fact, most moms don't need the majority of the stuff they're gifted with.  And there are gifts out there that Mom needs but never gets.  We're often so focused on a new baby being born that we forget a mom is being born, too.  Below is a list of alternative gift items that could benefit mom in the postpartum period.  In turn, I think her baby will reap those benefits, too.  Happy mama = Happy baby.  Take a look...

1. Postpartum support
   Help in the home after my baby was born was pretty crucial for my sanity.  It's a constant job taking care of a newborn.  My husband and I didn't really want to keep up with the dishes and laundry.  I would have rather stared at our cute baby.  Or slept.  
   
   Set up a donation jar at the shower for folks to pitch in for mom's postpartum support fund (see photo above).  Keep in mind that some doulas often offer gift certificates, too, so that could also be an option.  Just make sure it's someone mom feels comfortable working with! 
   
   
2. Food
   I took for granted how easy and enjoyable it was eating a meal before my baby was born.  Once you have a kid, you become ambidextrous.  You learn to eat with one hand.  You don't mind food being cold, and you may eat whatever is put in front of you (I did and still do if I'm hungry enough). 
   
   There are a few different ways you can support mom in this realm:  Gift cards for restaurants and grocery stores, setting up a meal train, or hiring professional help.  Talk with mom about her preferences.  Trust me, she'll love that you're helping her out in this way.  
   
   
3. Pampering
   Gift Mom with a mani/pedi.  Massage, chiropractic work, and craniosacral therapy are real treats, too!  Offer to go with mom and hold baby while she visits her favorite hair salon.  A fun magazine, some bubble bath, and a bottle of wine sounds like a fantastic gift basket to me.
   
   
4. Target
   Everyone loves Target, right?  Target has everything.  If Mom feels like getting out of the house, offer to watch her baby and hand her a Target gift card.  Or go with Mom to Target and hang with her baby while she tries on a couple of new, comfy outfits.  Oh, and she'll probably want to hit up the Starbucks in Target which brings me to my last (and very important) gift idea...
   
   
5. Caffeine
   Get Mama a gift card to her favorite coffee shop.  Make up a cute little gift basket with coffee, half and half, and the like.  Buy her an amazing coffee maker.  My friend did this for me when mine broke during those first few weeks postpartum.  Best gift ever! Not sure I would've coped without it.

Any other ideas you'd add to this list?