However, reaching that point and figuring out what to get someone can be stressful. For those looking for holiday gifts for new moms and mothers-to-be, multiply that stress by 100.
Let’s review a few things to keep off of your list for new and expectant moms:
Clothes. This is a lose-lose proposition – and I’m not kidding. If it’s too large, you lose, as you think she’s bigger than she is. If it’s too small, you lose, as you think she should fit into it. Even if it’s a perfect fit, it might be a size she hates seeing on the tag. So don’t even consider clothing as a gift idea this holiday season.
Things for the baby. These are gifts for the baby and should be separate from things for her. Oh sure, she’ll love them, but not if they are intended for her. “Oh, a crib – how cute! Wait, that’s my gift? OK, well I guess I’ll return one of your gifts for some baby bottles.”
Giftcards. Enough said – you should know better. However, if you’re stuck – and I mean completely stuck even after reading this – you could go the gift card route for a manicure, pedicure or a massage. Give her a spa day for the holiday.
Finally, a few helpful suggestions:
A night out. This could even be a note with the promise of dinner reservations, tickets to a show, etc. Whatever you know would make her happy to get away for a night.
A reservation for a bed & breakfast. This could be tricky with planning around a due date, so make sure to reserve it for a few months before or a few months after the baby’s expected arrival. Also, you may want to find a B&B that allows refunds, just in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
A holiday ornament for mothers. There are countless ornaments depicting a pregnant woman or a mother holding a newborn. It will be extra special to select one that has the current year on it, as a precious keepsake.
A favorite bottle of wine to have after the baby is born. If she hasn’t had the fruit of the vine in nine months, a nice bottle (for the adults) might be welcome.
Jewelry. Even a small necklace with a maternal icon (e.g., patron saint of mothers or anything that resonates with her cultural background), would make her happy. Make sure it will fit comfortably. If you’re doing something around the baby’s birthstone, maybe hold off until the baby is born, just in case the baby arrives past his or her due date and the actual birth date happens to fall in a different month than expected.
Winter hat and/or gloves. I know, I know – I said no clothing – but these are pretty safe bets for sizes and are great small gifts.
Again, the holiday season is a great time, but can include stress over finding your loved one the perfect gift. Hopefully, these tips can help ease some of the pressure and can help you check her off your gift list.
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Gavin Long is the author of Foreshadowing Fatherhood and is the proud husband of wife Meghan and father to son, Declan (4), and daughter, Maeve (2), living just north of Boston, MA. Foreshadowing Fatherhood is geared towards first time fathers-to-be. To read more about the book and find events that Gavin will be at, go to either Gavin’s page or on Facebook.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributor’s. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.