Life

Gifts New Moms Will Actually Appreciate

I can imagine that one's first Christmas as a new mom can be overwhelming. You want everything to be memorable and special because it's (probably) your child's first Christmas too, which leads to a feeling of pressure on top of the rest of the responsibilities in your daily life. Aside from that, you also want to enjoy the holidays and maybe focus on yourself a little bit, which I can only think is probably impossible. A new mother kind of gets pushed to the side as their kid gets all of the attention, which is exactly why you need to buy an amazing gift for the new mom in your life. Whether she's a friend, family member, or co-worker, you should get the new mom in your life a gift she'll really appreciate, because honestly, she probably needs it now more than ever.

When looking for the perfect thoughtful gift for a new mom, you want to pick out something that is both useful and a little indulgent. Don't get them something that is just for the baby, because, well, that's kind of just a gift for a baby. You also don't want to get them something completely impractical, because chances are, it won't get used and will just be a waste. You have to find the right balance to come up with something they'll love and also something they probably didn't know they needed. Get it? I know, it's a little confusing... which is exactly why this list is here. These gifts are fun, interesting, a little unique, and not just about the baby. Because while I know that new mom loves her kid and is so happy to be spending her holiday season with them, I also know she would be thankful for a gift that isn't just diapers or onesies. Check out these gift ideas for new moms that are practical and fun:

1. Wine Bottle Labels

Once she can drink wine again, the new mom in your life is definitely going to have days where she needs a glass... like the situations described in these tags. A really cute gift option would be to put these on a few different bottles of wine and give them to her in a basket.

New Mom Gift Wine Labels, $16.99+, Etsy

2. A Diaper Bag Backpack

There are lots of chic diaper bag options out there, and if the new mom you know has already had her kid, I'm sure she already has a great one. But, like so many other things out there, I'm sure she could use one more option. A backpack is easy to carry around, and this vegan leather one from The Honest Company looks trendy and cool. It also includes an insulated pocket for drinks and snacks, five other inside pockets for easy storage, a changing pad with a zipper pocket for wipes, and an easy to clean lining.

Honest City Backpack, $149.95, The Honest Company

3. A Coloring Book For Moms

Many new moms don't have a ton of time to themselves, but when they do, they just want to destress and try to relax. Coloring is a great way to relieve stress and do something creative at the same time. And this snarky coloring book made just for new moms is sure to make her laugh and feel less alone.

Mom Life: A Snarky Adult Coloring Book, $8.09, Amazon

4. Glossier Serum

Being a new mom — or any kind of mom — means you spend a lot of time feeling, and probably looking, tired. It also means you don't always have the extra cash to splurge on a pricey bottle of skincare. So, take care of the new mom in your life by buying her a serum, like the Super Glow Serum from Glossier that has recently been re-stocked after being sold out for a while. It will give her skin a glowing look no matter how much sleep she got the night before - and it will definitely make her a Cool Mom.

Glossier Super Glow Serum, $28, Glossier

5. A Cute Coffee Travel Mug

Speaking of cool moms, this coffee mug is perfect for any new mama. It's ideal for coffee on the go, no matter where she's going, or is even great to use at home — less spillage opportunities with the cover.

I'm A Cool Mom Travel Mug, $20, Francesca's

6. A Cozy Flannel

If the new mom you know is currently on maternity leave, there's a good chance she's trying to be as comfortable as possible while still looking presentable for guests. This flannel shirt from American Eagle makes a terrific gift for anyone. It's super, super soft and comfy, it's easy to pull on, and it can go from cleaning and taking care of kids to running errands to meeting up with friends.

AEO Ahh-mazingly Soft Boyfriend Shirt, $26.97, American Eagle

7. A Dad Cap

Baseball hats, aka dad caps, are enjoying a moment right now, and we might as well take advantage of it! The best thing about these hats is that they look cute and trendy, and they help hide unwashed or messy hair at the same time. It's perfect for someone as busy as any new mom.

American Needle Classic Raglan Bones Baseball Hat, $24, Urban Outfitters

8. A Blue Apron Gift Card

Give a new mom something she'll use, enjoy, and appreciate, like a gift card to food delivery service like Blue Apron. I hate giving gift cards during the holidays, but this one is an exception. For $70, she can get three meals for four, which is dinner for about half of the week. Yes, you still have to cook, but the recipes are simple, everything is basically ready, and the meals are pretty delicious. It's also a lot easier than going to the grocery store and recipe planning, and it gives new options you might not have thought of otherwise.

Blue Apron Gift Card: 1 Week, 2 Family Plan, $70, Blue Apron

9. A Tatcha Skincare Set

If you have absolutely no clue what to get, you can't go wrong with a set of skincare products. Tatcha makes incredibly products that work so well and feel amazing. This set includes cleaning oil, moisturizer, skin mist, and their Classic Rice Enzyme Powder, which is my personal absolute favorite. This is definitely a nice treat for a gift.

Tatcha's Bestsellers Set, $59, Sephora

10. Cozy Slippers

Slippers are a great holiday gift for everyone, especially someone on maternity leave running around getting a lot done. Bearpaw makes great moccasins that can be worn inside or outside, and that are super cozy without being suffocating.

Bearpaw Ashlynn Slippers, $59.99, Bearpaw

11. A Pretty Ornament

If you're trying to get the new mom in your life something a little bit more sentimental, get this pretty ornament to represent her first Christmas as a parent. This is something they'll never get rid of!

Mommy and Daddy Ornament, $18.95, Amazon

12. Need More Sleep Sweatshirt

Get the new mom you know something that makes a statement — like this most likely accurate sweatshirt (honestly, this could apply to any of us). It's comfy, warm, and makes things pretty clear.

Need More Sleep Sweatshirt, $24+, Etsy

13. Kid Quotes Memory Book

Sure, this is something you could see someone getting at a baby shower, but I still think it makes a sweet holiday gift. Kids say the weirdest things, and this is a great way to remember all of those things in years to come.

Kid Quotes Memory Book, $30, Uncommon Goods

14. A Security Camera

Whether it's for checking up on babysitters or just keeping an eye on your home, a security camera is useful for anyone, including new parents. This little Logitech camera makes it easy to stay safe, and can be controlled via an app. You can even use the video feature to give commands to pets! It's pricey, but if you're looking for something big, this could be great.

Logitech Circle Security Camera, $199.99, Logitech

15. A Book She'll Love

If you're looking for something smaller and cheaper, buy her this classic book, a play on kids books for adults. It will make her laugh and remind her that she's not in this struggle alone.

Go The F**k To Sleep by Adam Mansbach, $12.25, Barnes & Noble

16. Slip-On Sneakers

Every new mom should have a pair of comfortable shoes that she can wear anywhere, and these Vans are the perfect option. They're easy to slip on for someone who barely has time to tie shoelaces, they go with basically any outfit, and they make it easy to go from caring for your baby to running errands.

Vans Classic Perforated Slip-On Sneakers, $59.95, Nordstrom

17. Nice Perfume

If you want to give a new mom something more indulgent, this Sephora Perfume Sampler is such a good gift. The kit comes with all different perfumes in sample sizes, along with a gift card to get one of them as a full size perfume. If you don't know what scent she likes, this is great — it'll let her try out new products for a few weeks before picking her favorite, which she can then get at the store.

Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler, $65, Sephora

18. An Easy Cookbook

If the new mom you know loves cooking, get her a practical cookbook with easy recipes. Making one pot dishes is always helpful — less clean up! This book is good for one pot options, or dishes made in the slow cooker, and is ideal for someone busy.

One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More by Editors of Martha Stewart Living, $15.69, Amazon

19. A Cozy Snood

Winter accessories always make for a great holiday gift. A snood is easy to pull on, keeps you warm, and makes any outfit look just a little more stylish.

AEO Fringe Snood, $11.99, American Eagle

20. A Diaper Cake

Luxurious gifts like skincare or fun items like coloring books are great, but when it comes down to it, what most new moms actually need are things that are a little less exciting — like diapers. Chances are, she needs more for her new baby. At least you can make it fun with a diaper cake from The Honest Company!

Snowy Roads Diaper Cake, $124.95, The Honest Company or Mini Diaper Cakes, $39.95, The Honest Company

21. A Pair Of Cute Sweatpants

When it comes to clothes, what most new moms are looking for is something comfortable and versatile while still looking a little stylish. Sweatpants are ideal, obviously, so why not get her a pair that can be dressed up or down? These comfy sweatpants can be worn in the house, or paired with cuter shoes and a nice top to go out.

Zella Harmony Harem Pants, $62, Nordstrom

22. A Calendar

Part of keeping it all together is staying organized. A big calendar like this makes it easy — and also makes for cute room decor.

Bon Voyage 2017 Calendar, $26, Anthropologie

23. A Style Book For Moms

If she can catch a few moments to read, this "self-help" or guide book on how to be a trendy and stylish new mom might be something she'll love. Sometimes, you just need a little advice!

Carrying On, $18, Anthropologie

Images: Courtesy of brands