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60 Gifts for New Mothers That Will Make Postpartum Life Much Easier

These picks are editor-approved.

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Soumi Sarkar

Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Procuring gifts for new mothers is slightly different than for seasoned moms. Women with newborns and infants tend to want more practical and useful goodies than their more veteran counterparts, who are often happy with breakfast in bed, a hand-written card, and a fragrant bouquet of flowers. So we went ahead and asked some of the House Beautiful editors with babies what they wish they got after their first, and what they’re asking for with their second child. Their answers may surprise you, so keep reading to see what they’re coveting ahead of Mother’s Day this year, which is on May 12.

From a breathable muslin blanket that works hard to prevent inevitable postpartum night sweats to a healthy food subscription service, we’ve listed plenty of options that are new mom-approved, so this Mother’s Day, get the woman with the hardest job in the world something she wants and will actually use. And for the sentimentalists, there are plenty of worthy picks, including a lariat bracelet with an engraved name plate, a “girl mom” mug, and an old-school Polaroid camera to capture all of the cutest moments with her baby.

Luckily, plenty of our favorite finds are available on Amazon, so if you often wait until the last minute to snag your gifts, these will arrive just in the nick of time. That said, if you’re going the customization route, you may want to start brainstorming now because the more personalized touches you add, the longer your gift will take to arrive, and a late Mother’s Day gift is not ideal.

For the Swiftie

BBsoft In My Mom Era Hat

In My Mom Era Hat
$20 at Amazon

Calling all Swifties: This hat would look amazing on you. Whether someone snags it for you or you decide to treat yourself, this hat is the ideal finishing touch on a day you didn't have time to wash your hair.

For the Reader

Wonderbly When You Were Born

When You Were Born

No, this is not a children's book about a girl named Emma. It's a personalized baby book all about the newest addition to the family. If you don't fancy yourself a writer, worry not. It's a custom tale based on the letters of the baby's name.

For the Recovering Mom

Inventive Sleep Headboard Wedge Pillow

Headboard Wedge Pillow

As Hosken mentioned, new mothers spend a lot of time physically recovering in bed, so making sure it's as comfortable and supportive as it can be is a good idea. This wedge pillow helps keep them upright when feeding. It won't slag or slouch behind them, courtesy of the wedge shape that keeps the pillow in place.

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For the Hot Sleeper

Buffy Breeze Comforter

Breeze Comforter
Now 15% Off

Anyone who's had a baby knows that the night sweats are real (and are both totally normal and to be expected), so if you know a new mom or a pregnant woman who's about to become a new mom, give her the gift of a chill night's sleep in the form of Buffy's cooling comforter. No matter how hot she gets, there's no way she'll push it onto the floor: it's that good.

For the Spa Baby

Mama Mio Mini Mio Bundle of Joy Gift Set

Mini Mio Bundle of Joy Gift Set

As its name implies, Mama Mio is a mother-centric brand that arguably makes the best baby skincare on the market. This one includes miniature versions of the brand's best-sellers, including the Sweet Cheeks moisturizer, the Comfort & Calm Bum balm, the Mini Moments massage gel, the Oh So Clean foaming hair and body wash, and the Tub Time bath bubbles.

"A mini fridge might seem extra, but when you are running up and down to the kitchen to mix formula or store breastmilk, anything that will save you the trip and keep bottles fresh is a lifesaver," Hosken admits. "Bonus: Once the infant days are done this can work in an office or as a skincare fridge." She's not wrong.

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For the Sweaty

Muslin Comfort The 365 Blanket

The 365 Blanket

"My obsession with this blanket is not new, but there is truly nothing more perfect for hormonal night sweats," Hosken admits. Here's how: It's made of naturally breathable 100 percent pure muslin cotton, making it temperature-regulating to keep you cozy and not sweaty throughout the night.

For the Pajama Wearer

Boll & Branch Signature Sleepshirt

Signature Sleepshirt

Making plans with friends is not usually one of a new mom's top priorities shortly after giving birth. In fact, during those first few weeks, she'll hardly want to change out of her pajamas, which is why you can help make sure everything she's sleeping in is as cozy as it is chic. These pajamas from Boll & Branch are made of the same luxuriously soft fabric as its best-selling sheets.

For the Hot Sleeper

Vornado VFAN Mini Air Circulator Fan

VFAN Mini Air Circulator Fan

Not only is this miniature circulator fan cute in that must-be-vintage way, but it does an excellent job at actually keeping you cool. We recommend popping this on her nightstand before bed, when she'll be most prone to the sweats.

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For the Rushed

Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro

Bottle Washer Pro

"This countertop gadget is the size of a regular bottle dryer and sterilizer, but it washes them too: It has individual jets that shoot water into all the nooks and crannies so you don't have to worry about any soap or old milk getting left behind, sterilizes them with steam, and dries them with HEPA-filtered air—in less than half the time of a dishwasher," says Moody.

For the Chic

Hatch The Longsleeve Nursing Tee

The Longsleeve Nursing Tee

While nursing tops are meant to be practical above all else, we think they can be cute too. After all, look good feel good, right? So if the new mom in your life can use a bit of a fashion upgrade from her hospital gown, try this charming striped tee from Hatch.

For the Dehydrated

RYI 64-Ounce Motivational Water Bottle

On Sale
64-Ounce Motivational Water Bottle
Now 13% Off

Staying hydrated is hard to do even without a newborn to care for, but this half-gallon water bottle makes it a little easier, courtesy of the motivational reminders every few ounces. Not only does staying hydrated keep her systems working at peak function, but it also helps milk come in easier, according to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health.

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For the Hostess

LILLUSORY Oversized Lounge Set

On Sale
Oversized Lounge Set

When friends and family want to stop by to visit the newest member of the family, no one is expecting the new mama to answer the door dressed to the nines, but if she wants to look cute and cozy, a stylish lounge set will always do the trick.

For the Forgetful

Minted Amalfi Notebook

Amalfi Notebook

Baby brain, the mental fogginess that often supplements pregnancy, can persist well after the bundle of joy comes. So get your forgetful friend a notebook to keep track of everything she needs to remember. She can also use it as a scrapbook for all things baby.

For the Realist

KeaBabies Store Organic Burp Cloths for Baby Boys and Girls

On Sale
Organic Burp Cloths for Baby Boys and Girls

"There's really no limit to how many burp cloths you need. They get icky quick, so replenish her stash if you can," Sims says. Burping cloths not only provide a soft and plush place for newborns to rest their chubby cheeks on, but they also protect mom's clothes from getting covered in spit up.

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For the Sentimentalist

Mark & Graham Initialed Stroller Blanket and Knitted Hat

Initialed Stroller Blanket and Knitted Hat

This matching stroller blanket and knitted hat set is so cute, we couldn't resist adding it to our list. After all, they're both things babies need. They're also customizable, which makes them sentimental and sweet.

For the Instagram Poster

Mud Pie Monthly Milestone Blanket

Monthly Milestone Blanket

For the mom who can't resist an adorable Instagram, gift this milestone blanket and frame set, perfect for posing her little one each month until their first birthday.

For the Coffee Drinker

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

On Sale
Temperature Control Smart Mug
Credit: Amazon

With this warming mug, her coffee or tea will never go cold again—no matter how distracted she gets. This is one of those gifts that will continue to be in use after her newborn is all grown up. After all, a smart mug doesn't have a time limit of use unlike burping cloths.

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For the Environmentally Conscious

Vitruvi Stone Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser

On Sale
Stone Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser

Deputy Managing Editor Olivia Hosken, who has a two-year-old daughter and a bun in the oven, says, "Some people are leery of having artificial fragrance around babies and children (I legit have not lit a candle in my house since my daughter was born). Essential oils are the perfect way to have a safe, sweet-smelling house." If you, too, air on the side of caution with your little ones, you'll love an aromatherapy diffuser, which enlists nothing more than just purified water and all-natural essential oils to create the dreamiest custom scentscapes.

For the One Constantly on Her Phone

BaubleBar Custom iPhone Case

On Sale
Custom iPhone Case

It's our personal opinion that everyone loves a personalized gift, and we cannot overstate the cuteness of this custom iPhone case. You can choose the size, placement, and color of the font (plus the shade of the case itself). Every time they look at their phone, they'll be greeted with their baby's names or initials so it's a sweet gift to give. Plus, between now and March 17, BaubleBar is having a massive sale. Get 25 percent off everything and 20 percent off anything customizable, like this phone case.

Headshot of Jessica Cherner
Jessica Cherner
Associate Shopping Editor

Jessica Cherner is House Beautiful’s Associate Shopping Editor, a role she’s honed since joining the editorial team in September 2022. She routinely tests and reviews viral products, carefully curates timely gift guides, and taps her vast network of interior designers to weigh in on decorating debates that often have the Internet divided. Though most of her day-to-day is product focused, she also curates and publishes home tours, which are the types of features she has written throughout her eight-year career in previous roles at 1stDibs and Architectural Digest. In her current role as a shopping editor, Jess has mastered the art of swapping decor in and out of her own New York City apartment to fulfill her seemingly never-ending quest for the perfectly styled space. 

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