10 Outside-the-Box, Inspired, Clutter-Free New Baby & Mom Gifts
I love an adorable baby onesie. I really do. Especially one with a bow tie. I die for those. But sometimes you want to find a gift that is well, different. Especially when a mom is on her second or third kid and she probably has bins of oh-so-cute onesies and all the baby necessities up in her attic. And most of these new baby and/ or postpartum mom gift ideas won’t take up any space in her home!
YAY, for clutter-free baby gifts ideas:
1. Car Detailing
This is one of the best baby gifts I ever received. A friend picked up my minivan, had it cleaned (AKA Operation Crushed Goldfish Removal) and returned it. I didn’t even know my car could get that clean. I promised immediately to one day do this for another postpartum mom.
2. Highlights/ Hair Coloring
It’s hard enough trying to lose that baby weight. But watching your roots grow in at the same time is just too tortuous. Get a few friends together and chip in for a gift certificate to the mom’s favorite salon. Offering to watch the newborn while she is getting her hair done will give you rock star status.
3. A Night Out
Another gift certificate idea is a fancy, fabulous restaurant. You know the one we can’t afford or justify. Again, get a group of friends to contribute. This will be a real treat for the postpartum couple’s first night out after the baby. Nothing like an amazing meal to make the mama forget how tired she feels. If it’s a popular spot, make the reservation for them too!
4. Personalized Tote bag and Beach Towels
Once a mother picks the perfect name, she will want to see it on everything. Instead of a personalized step stool (which parents get a lot), go for a tote bag and beach towel with their new baby’s name. Completely adorable, very practical and not at all predictable.
5. Mustache Pacifier
You probably think this should be on The Absolutely Most Useless Baby Products Ever List but this is a real pacifier that will have the mom laughing out loud. For real. Not that fake online LOLing. And laughter is key for a stressed out, exhausted mother. Plus, it’s just so fun to snap photos of your kid with a fake mustache and post on Facebook. I’m not sure why. It just is!
6. Bagels and Cream Cheese
A postpartum mom often receives dinners from friends, but she is starving the rest of the day too. Show up at her home with a dozen fresh bagels, cream cheese and her favorite latte and you will have a friend for life. She can freeze the leftover bagels too.
7. Functional Lingerie
What woman couldn’t use some new lingerie?! These revolutionary undies from Dear Kate are stylish, leak-resistant and stain-proof. Often women who have given birth have a little… umm… leakage from time to time and these modern, sexy undies are the answer. Obviously this is a gift for a close friend and not an acquaintance from the office (unless you like really awkward moments). For more about Dear Kate, check out Isabel’s review here.
8. Family Photo shoot
I always love the idea of having pictures taken of my newborn and then somehow two years go by before I ever think to call a photographer. This is another great group gift idea. Give your friend a photo shoot package of her little babe and she will appreciate it forever!
9. Wine of the Month Club
Why has no one ever given me this gift? A different bottle of wine every month or a wine gift basket are both fantastic options,. Because really, doesn’t the baby get enough stuff?! This one is for mom and dad. And, it disappears!
10. Books and a Donation in the New Baby’s Name
Give your favorite children’s book, along with an Oxfam gift of books for disadvantaged children in honor of the new baby. Oxfam is an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. And they have other great gifts too like a school meal program, art supplies and planting a vegetable garden. You can see all the options here!
Would love to know what was the most surprising, yet awesomely useful, gift given to you or the new baby?
