Don't Forget the Newbies: Great Gift Ideas for New Moms

As a new mom I often forget that I am just that, "a new mom". I haven't had the experience yet of my daughter calling me mom and with all the hustle and bustle of everyday post-pregnancy life, it usually it slips my mind. I mean I know I have a child, but when I think of celebrating Mother's Day, I make a mental note to send my mom something nice and to send my sister at least a card since she has four little ones at home running around crazy. I typically don't think of myself.

Something strange happened though the other day; my mom called and asked me what I would like as a Mother's Day present. I told her that I would have to think about it and get back to her. Here is my list thus far ... hopefully it helps you pick out the perfect gift for your "new mom":

1) A Massage: Even though I very rarely escape from my house outside of going to work, the muscles in my back are getting so tight that pretty soon I am going to need to purchase one of these for myself. I would feel a whole lot less guilty paying for a babysitter if the cost of the massage was already taken care of. There are varying types and each correlates to a different price range. Relaxation massages range from $50-$100; deep tissue massages run from about $80-$115; rejuvenating massages cost anywhere between $90-$115. Please remember that I live in Des Moines, so the prices here are most likely lower than that of a large west or east coast city. Massages are often done in a massage studio or a Salon/Spa. If you look in the right places though, try craigslist.com or just Google the idea, you might be able to find a masseuse that comes to the new mom's home (just remember that she might actually want to go to the studio to get some much needed alone time).

**Note: If you are looking for a gift for a mom-to-be, this can also be a great gift because many salons/spas offer "pregnancy massages" which cater to the pregnant body. These typically last about an hour and cost are $100.

2) Gift Card to Favorite Clothing Store: While a gift card generally looks like the easy way out, remember that most new mom's take maternity leave so they have little money to spend on themselves and what money they do have usually goes to necessities like diapers, formula, that "must-have-but-impractical" outfit for the little one, etc. You also must remember that most of the clothes your new mom might have had before hand probably won't look the same on her anymore due to a little excess baggage. Even the mom that has lost all the pregnancy weight probably has a few skin rolls where she didn't before. That being said, clothes aren't cheap so anything helps in this category. If you know of a sweater she would love, go out and buy that but be careful not to offend her (which is why I suggested the gift card to a clothes store she likes). If you think the size she used to wear will be too small and buy a size up, you might end up looking like you think she needs to drop some more weight ... just go with the gift card ;)

**Note: Make sure that you pick a store she will actually use the gift card at and for an amount that will make it easy for her to shop. Typically a whole outfit for a woman costs around $100 so that is a good starting point.

3) Personalized Anything!: The #1 thing new mom's love is their new baby and showing him/her off however they can. Stores like "Things Remembered" will engrave just about anything with cute phrases like "Best Mom Ever!" or "(Insert Baby's Name) Mommy!" Try to go with a theme and give her something that she can use that will go with the interior of your living room or bedroom (example, if you are buying the frame for the living room and all the picture frames are coordinating shades of brown ... try to be sure that the frame isn't bright red with polka dots ...)

**Note: This is a gift that you can fit into any budget. If you are looking to go really cheap, stop by your local craft store and pick up items that can be completed at home by you. Michael's has a great selection of wood objects (frames, benches, jewelry boxes) that you can paint and attach her child's pictures too or paint on their handprints, etc.

4) Digital Frame: When I went back to work, the first thing I realized was that I missed my daughter terribly. I ended up covering my entire office with pictures of her making it difficult to hang up any documents that I might need. My husband resolved this problem for me by getting me a digital frame. It's awesome because I can rotate out pictures just by putting in a new memory card full of pictures and since it flips through them I always have something new to look at without all the clutter. I loved mine so much that I went out and bought another one for home and now am pining for another to go in our bedroom. I have seen them for as cheap as $60 and on up. The newest versions have cool features like ones that are connected to a handheld phone or a clock. The more features the frame has, the more it will cost. You can find these at anywhere from Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy.

**Note: If you are getting one of these, make sure the "new mom" has a digital camera (if not ... that would be a great gift as well). If she does, you might want to throw in an extra memory card so that one card can be in the camera and one card can be in the frame.

5) Birthstone Jewelry: Most women LOVE jewelry so it's always a great gift idea. A necklace, bracelet, or ring with the birthstone of your new baby will most likely make her tear up as well as be something that she will probably wear daily. It will also make her feel good when people notice it and ask her what the stone is for (mom's love every chance that they get to talk about their baby). Jewelry stores usually run specials on items like this around Mother's Day and often start at about $75 and work their way upward depending on type of material used for band, chain, etc. and if there are any other stones.

**Note: Want to make it really special? Add the new mom and new dad's birthstones on each side of the child's birthstone. If you can't afford the higher priced stones, look for charm bracelets that can be added onto each year or for different holidays with multiple charms. I saw a charm bracelet that you added a charm for each of baby's major accomplishments which was an adorable idea.

6) A Full Night of Sleep: Expectant mothers are warned months before delivery about how little sleep they will get once their new bundle of joy arrives, but it doesn't really hit home until about the second week home with the baby when days are starting to run together, there is spit up all over her, and the bags under her eyes seem to be growing larger by the second. In fact, the thought of a half a night of sleep makes her smile longingly. The best part about this gift is that it is completely free so if you are broke, you can give her a gift she will completely enjoy without having to spend a dime.

**Note: Be sure that if you are going to give this gift that you can go through with it. If you are the type that won't wake up with a screaming baby, either don't give this as a present or hire someone to do it for you (make sure the mom trusts this person). The worst thing you can do is promise a mom a full night of sleep only for her to wake up to a screaming, hungry, poopy baby and you snoring on the couch.

7) Designer Purse/Mommy Handbag: As we all know, motherhood isn't the most glamorous job in the world. Most moms trade in their heels for flats mid pregnancy and don't return. One item though that any mom would appreciate is a great purse. Not only will this make any outfit look a little more put together but can also be used on a daily basis. Kate Spade and Coach make some amazing purses that will not only hold everything a new mom needs but will also make her look trendy and hip. These purses generally run at about $300 but if you are looking for a deal try sites like eBay and overstock.com.

**Note: Don't even think about buying a new mom a clutch. She'll look at you like you are nuts! Also, try to pick a somewhat neutral color that can coordinate with many outfits. One thing that new moms don't have is time to switch out purses everyday.

8) A Maid for a Month (She'll probably keep her for Longer): Some new mom's might be able to not only take care of the baby but also keep a sparkling clean home. Us "non-supermoms" need a little help. A maid that comes once a week generally costs about $50 a week or $200 a month. This includes everything from bathrooms to vacuuming and can provide a much needed break for mom. Look in your phonebook or yellow pages for maid services in the area. I would also recommend asking around and getting recommendations because you want to be sure that people you are allowing into the house are trustworthy.

**Note: Make sure that the new mom is open to this idea. Some people may not like others cleaning or going through their personal belongings.

After thinking about this list, I realize that Mother's Day shouldn't just be about the gift-it should be about showing this new mom that she really is special and is doing an amazing job. I know that if I was forgotten all together on Mother's Day I would feel upset and left out thinking that all my hard work is going unnoticed. The one thing about new moms is that their children can't yet come up with gifts for them so others around them need to step up. As a final note: even if you don't have money or time to do something elaborate, your local Walgreens sells cards for 99 cents. Pick one up, write a sweet note, and give it to every mom you know. She'll appreciate it more than you can imagine!