gift guide

First Mother’s Day Gifts (and What to Expect for New Moms)

Lauren Hays

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP

Best First Mother's Day Gifts For New Moms (and What to Expect on Your First Mother's Day)

Hey there, mama! Can you believe it’s almost Mother’s Day? If you’re a first-time mom, let me tell you, it’s pretty exciting! As a mom of three, I’ve been through my fair share of Mother’s Days (some great and some not-so-great), so I’ve got some tips to help make your first one extra special. First things first, let’s talk about gift ideas. Whether you’re a husband looking for the perfect present or a new mom wondering what to ask for, I’ve got you covered. Here are my do’s, don’ts and Mother’s Day gift ideas for 2024:

Best First Mother's Day Gifts

Essential Self-Care Gifts

Let’s be real, being a new mom is exhausting. If there is one thing new moms will always have a need for, it’s self-care gifts to help the new mama relax. That’s why self-care gifts are always a great place to start if you aren’t sure where to begin. Think comfy robe, self-care kit from Anya (use code THEMATRESCENCE for 15% off!), gift card for a massage, or a red light therapy mask from HigherDose. Moms have a hard time investing in themselves after a new baby is born, so anything that helps mom relax and recharge is a definite yes in my book. It’s essential you also carve out this alone time for her to enjoy these self-care gifts! Help her take a break from mom life and take care of herself!

Best Keepsake Gifts for a New Mama

Your first Mother’s Day is a milestone you’ll want to remember forever. Keepsake gifts like personalized gifts or jewelry, photo albums, or even a custom piece of art with your baby’s handprint or a footprint kit are all great options. Trust me, these sentimental gifts will make you tear up when you look back on them years from now.

Best Personalized Jewelry

Speaking of jewelry, you can never go wrong with a pretty piece of bling. Whether it’s a necklace with your baby’s initials or a bracelet with their birthstone, jewelry is always a classic gift every mom will love and is a gift that keeps on giving to commemorate her motherhood journey and is a perfect gift for a first-time mother.

Mom and Baby Mother's Day Gifts

If you really want to melt a mamas heart, go for a matching mommy and me set. Think matching crewneck sweatshirts, pajamas, or even a mommy and me spa day. There’s nothing cuter than twinning with your mini-me.

First Mother's Day Gifts on a Budget

I get it, being a new parent is expensive. But don’t worry, there are plenty of thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts that won’t break the bank. A handmade card, photo of you and baby in a picture frame, or even a homemade breakfast in bed are all thoughtful gifts that show how much you care.

Mother's Day Gifts to Avoid

Now, let’s talk about what not to get for Mother’s Day. As much as we appreciate the thought, steer clear of household appliances (no mom wants a vacuum for Mother’s Day, trust me), anything weight loss related (just don’t), or generic gift cards (it’s the thought that counts, but put a little more effort into it). Motherhood is the biggest transformation of a women’s life and she deserves to be celebrated! Make her feel loved and seen by putting some thought into a gift that will symbolize how good new motherhood looks on her and show appreciation for this new role.

How to Set Yourself Up for Success on Your Special Day As A New Mom

Okay, so you’ve got gifts for mom sorted out, but what about the rest of the day? Here are a few tips to make sure your first Mother’s Day is a success:

Communicate your expectations: Let your partner and family know what you want out of the day. Whether it’s sleeping in, a day off from diaper duty, or a fancy brunch outing, make sure everyone’s on the same page. If you’re newly postpartum the day might be much slower and that’s ok too! Communication is key, as much as we’d like our partners to be mind readers, they just aren’t. So don’t set yourself up for disappointment. Don’t be afraid to speak up and set expectations and be direct with your asks.
Don’t overbook yourself: It’s tempting to want to celebrate with everyone, but don’t feel like you have to pack your day full of activities. Remember, this day is about you and your little family. If celebrating your mom or your mother-in-law is important, make sure to make a plan in advance so no one gets their feelings hurt on the day of.
Take lots of pictures: Trust me, you’ll want to document every moment of your first Mother’s Day. Make sure to get lots of pics and videos of you and your little one (and don’t forget to actually be in some of them, too!).
Embrace the chaos: Let’s face it, life with a new baby is unpredictable. Don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as planned. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you’re surrounded by the people you love most. Set realistic expectations to avoid being let down if the celebration’s don’t go exactly to plan. Chaos sometimes comes with the territory and it’s ok to give yourself, and your plans of the ideal Mother’s Day, some grace and flexibility.

So there you have it, mama. Your guide to crushing your first Mother’s Day. Remember, this day is all about celebrating you and the incredible job you’re doing as a new mom. Soak it all in, because before you know it, you’ll be a seasoned pro like me (well, at least until the next kid comes along!).

Happy Mother's Day, mama. You've got this!

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