Top Gifts for the Mother-To-Be

Mothers-to-be are very gracious for the gifts they receive for their babies. These gifts, given throughout the pregnancy, are meant to help the expectant parents prepare for their new arrival. Once the baby arrives, more gifts are showered upon the parents, almost all of which are meant for the baby. As much as all these gifts are appreciated, the mother-to-be can use a little something special as well. The holidays are just the right time to let her know how special she still is. Here are a few gift ideas.

1) A Foot Spa: Swollen feet often accompany the many joys of pregnancy. Help her relieve some of the soreness with a foot spa. These can be purchased rather cheap at most discount stores. The receiver fills it to the correct level with hot water, turns the spa on, and inserts her sore, swollen feet. It is not only helps to relieve the aching, it is also very relaxing. This is a gift the mother-to-be will enjoy long after delivery.

2)A Massage: Take the mother-to-be for a massage, or give her a gift certificate to use on her own time. Nothing relieves the added tensions placed on a pregnant mommy like a great massage. However, please make sure that the massage is given by a licensed masseuse, trained in what areas to avoid on a pregnant mommy, as certain areas can trigger prater labor.

3)A day of beauty: Toward the end of the pregnancy, many women start to feel unattractive. Help her look and feel more beautiful. Treat the mother-to-be to a haircut, manicure, and pedicure. The pampering will help her to relax, while reminding her that she is still just as pretty (if not more beautiful!) as she was pre-pregnancy.

4) Jewelry: Almost every woman loves jewelry. There is something special about the glitz and glamour of a new piece of jewelry. Mothers-to-be are just as appreciative of a new pair of earrings, a bracelet, or a necklace as they were before. Consider a new pair of earrings or another piece of jewelry with the baby's birthstone on it. Another great jewelry choice is a necklace with a mother and child charm. Diamond earrings are also a classic gift that is sure to please. It is best to avoid giving rings, however, since pregnant mommies often experience swelling in the fingers, making it hard to determine proper ring size.

5)A Journal: While a baby book is a place to record the baby's information, a journal allows the mother to record her feelings and emotions, during pregnancy and after. Pregnancy is a time filled with emotion and changes. What better way to record those feelings than with a journal? Pair a pretty journal with a nice pen, and it makes a very special gift.

6)Dinner out: Once the baby arrives, the new mommy rarely gets to enjoy a full meal without stopping to care for a crying newborn. Help give her at least one more quiet dinner and make the mommy-to-be feel special by allowing her to be waited on. Take her for a nice dinner at her favorite restaurant. She gets to have a great meal without having to cook or to clean up afterward.

7) A relaxation basket: Fill a gift basket to help the mother-to-be relax. Toward the end of pregnancy, it is often hard to get comfortable enough to get a good night's sleep. Help her get some much-needed rest with items such as lavender candles, a classical CD, or bubble bath. Soft wash clothes or towels make great additions, as well.

8) A gift certificate: Though not very personal, a gift certificate can often be very much appreciated. Give her a gift card to her favorite clothing store, with a note telling her to use it after the baby is born to buy some new clothes for herself, as she most likely won't be wearing her pre-pregnancy clothes any time soon. A gift certificate to a food delivery service is another great idea. Many food services offer frozen meals that just need to heated and served.

Whatever you choose, she will enjoy a present given just for her. Pamper the mother-to-be in your life this holiday season, and she is sure to feel special.