Gift Ideas for Expecting Moms that Will Leave Her Feeling Pampered, Rested and Loved

I remember when I was expecting my little bundle of joy, I was excited, happy, nervous, stressed, and at times in pain from aching sore muscles. It seemed like it could be any way or combination of ways all at the same time. The last thing I wanted to think about when the holidays came was shopping, for anyone else, let alone for what the baby needed and myself. So I have compiled a helpful holiday shopping guide for anyone who knows an expecting mom this holiday season.

1. One of the first things I realized I wanted half way through my pregnancy was a body pillow. These pillows can be a lifesaver (or sleep saver) as a woman's body begins to expand and grow. Most doctors will recommend an expecting mom to get a body pillow as they can help to relieve the pressure on the legs and lower half of the body when a woman is lying down. A body pillow can be an inexpensive gift and be purchased either online or in most retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Target.

2. Every mom wants to feel pampered during what can sometimes be a very unflattering time. There are many skin care products that are now tailored to expecting women and their bodies, or more specifically, their bellies. Any item that helps relieve itching from an expanding belly, stretch marks, or just feels good to put on is a great gift. The manufacturer, Earth Mama Angel Baby offers stretch oil in two different sizes at http://www.mymamabear.com.
Euphoria Maternity also has a great selection of skin pampering products.

3. The idea of a gift card may sound old and overrated but think about it: Who has time to clean when a baby arrives? Sometimes it can be hard to know what the new mom will want or need and trying to decipher that from an expecting mom can be just as difficult. Once the baby arrives, a new mom's life can become busy and exhausting. The last thing she needs to think about is having a clean home to entertain all the well wishers coming over to see the newest family addition. Merry Maids offers reasonable rates and plans. You can also look in your local paper for many private house cleaners. If you don't think that cleaning is what the new mom will need, give a gift card that will afford her the ability to get out and get that spa treatment she deserves.

4. Finally if you still aren't sure what to give the expecting mom this holiday season, why not give the gift of your time? Most new and expecting moms can really use someone to help make dinners, baby-sit older siblings, run errands or simply hold and feed the baby after he/she arrives so mom can get a shower before noon or a nap. Don't ask an expecting mom how you can help. Take the time to make up a simple gift certificate booklet (either on your PC or with 3 x 5 cards) with specific ideas on how you will help. Enclose a note or letter explaining to mom that all she has to do is call and cash the gift certificate in. This is a fun way to help out a friend and get to spend time with that wonderful new baby that you know you can't wait to meet.

Some other tips to consider when shopping for an expecting mom that will help you save time and money are:
Think about whether or not the sex of the baby is known before going the blue or pink route. Check to see if the expecting mom is registered anywhere. Find out about return policies before purchasing big-ticket items or personal care items. Think mom might want to breastfeed? Know for sure before picking up breast pads, storage bags, or any other useful tools a nursing mom will need.

If all else fails, talk to the expecting mom, listen to her talk about what is ailing her, what she has seen lately in the stores, or maybe she has picked a name for that sweet new addition. You never know when a great holiday gift idea will come up in converstaion.