Great Gifts for New Moms

New moms don't want clothing or plants or pets. They don't want spa trips or weekend retreats. They don't want stuff for a toddler they will have to store. They don't want a crib that has been recalled. Avoid anything messy or time-consuming. Don't buy a membership for a gym. For ten great gifts to buy a new mom see my list of suggestions below.

1. Homemade Meals: Who has time to cook after having a baby? Newborns need to eat every couple of hours but moms and dads often forget or are just too exhausted to take care of themselves. Frozen casseroles, chili, lasagnas and stews make wonderful, practical gifts that are sure to be used.

2. Movies: Most new parents spend the majority of time at home caring for baby. Watching TV is entertaining and restorative and lets you escape from reality for a couple of minutes. Movies, TV sitcoms on DVD and movie channel packages make great gifts for new parents.

3. Baby Monitors: You should be able to relax when your baby is sleeping and owning a good baby monitor can help. Just knowing you will hear your baby wake up lets you sleep more soundly. With a good monitor you can hear a baby breathe without background static.

4. Necessities: Parent and baby essentials make good gifts. Diapers, wipes, blankets, bath supplies and formula are good choices for baby. For moms and dads, buy staples like shampoo, soap, toothpaste and Kleenex. Just getting out to the store once the baby is born can be a challenge and having a reserve of necessities can make life easier!

5. Roadside Assistance Plans: Safety is very important to new parents and roadside assistance plans like CAA memberships make great gifts. No parent wants to get stuck on the side of the road with a newborn in the car!

6. Wholesale Store Memberships: Wholesale stores like Costco and Sam's Club sell everything in bulk and cater to families. Memberships for these types of stores make great gifts new parents would appreciate.

7. Jewelry: Pregnancy takes a toll on a woman's body. After having a baby, it is very important for new moms to feel beautiful. A locket or necklace pendant with baby's name or birthstone is a good choice. Avoid buying rings or clothing as sizes can change.

8. Cameras: Babies are cute, cuddly and photogenic. Who doesn't like pictures of babies? Digital cameras, video cameras and photo printers make good gift choices. Help new parents capture important memories!

9. Tips: Use recipe cards and write down tips or advice for different parenting dilemmas. How did you potty train your child? How did you deal with a tantrum? Even if the new parents don't use your advice they might still find it helpful.

10. Educational Savings Plans: Children are expensive and parents have to start saving early for important things like education. Why not buy a bond or put money into an RESP for the child? A lot of times children have more toys than they can possibly use. On a birthday or Christmas you can add to the fund.

New parents need a lot of love, support and help from family and friends. It's true when they say it takes a village to raise a child. Offer to care for the baby and let mom and dad sleep. Clean the house or cook a meal. What's great about caring for someone else's baby? You get to give it back! Happy shopping!