Gift for a new mom that isn't about the baby
December 10, 2019 11:32 AM Subscribe
My very cool sister-in-law is pregnant and due early next year. This will be their 2nd kid (my nephew is 3). My husband and I will definitely get them some fun baby stuff, but I would also like to get something for my sister-in-law that is just for HER. Like, for her as a person, separate from her as a mom. Ideally this would be something that'll make her life a little easier/cozier/brighter, but... I'm kinda stumped!
In theory this is the perfect time for a manicure/spa/massage gift card, but I'm wary of any experience-type stuff just because I don't see her having much of an opportunity to use it (their life is pretty busy and nutty right now even without an infant and toddler in the mix).
She's a pretty low-key, low-maintenance person, so I don't think something like fancy skincare would really appeal to her. Something like fancy candles and the world's most comfortable robe might be a better bet, but I feel like I can do better than that. (Though, if you do happen to know about the world's most comfortable robe, please share!)
She's into running and yoga, and is an extremely talented artist. I know she's a reader, but I'm not sure what genres she favors. They're not big drinkers, so infinite wine is out.
I just feel like there must be whole categories I'm missing here. I've tried googling about it, but of course all the lists out there are stuff like "a baby sling so you can literally never put your baby down, have fun!" or like, mugs that say TIRED MOMMY NEEDS HER COFFEE on them or whatever, which is... not what I'm after.
Oh, and we're probably doing the meal subscription box thing (which we know they use) for Christmas.
In theory this is the perfect time for a manicure/spa/massage gift card, but I'm wary of any experience-type stuff just because I don't see her having much of an opportunity to use it (their life is pretty busy and nutty right now even without an infant and toddler in the mix).
She's a pretty low-key, low-maintenance person, so I don't think something like fancy skincare would really appeal to her. Something like fancy candles and the world's most comfortable robe might be a better bet, but I feel like I can do better than that. (Though, if you do happen to know about the world's most comfortable robe, please share!)
She's into running and yoga, and is an extremely talented artist. I know she's a reader, but I'm not sure what genres she favors. They're not big drinkers, so infinite wine is out.
I just feel like there must be whole categories I'm missing here. I've tried googling about it, but of course all the lists out there are stuff like "a baby sling so you can literally never put your baby down, have fun!" or like, mugs that say TIRED MOMMY NEEDS HER COFFEE on them or whatever, which is... not what I'm after.
Oh, and we're probably doing the meal subscription box thing (which we know they use) for Christmas.
Honestly? Child care, so she has the opportunity to run/do yoga/read/whatever.
If you're close-by, offer to babysit and then call her on a regular basis to find out when you can help. Or offer to take the kids while she runs to the grocery store or to do errands by herself.
If you're not close-by, a gift card to care.com or just some cash with a nice note about using it for baby sitting.
A hotel room maybe, even in town for a little night away when the baby is older and she feels more comfortable?
Also, a gift card for clothing AND BRAS that will fit her after the baby is born. Everything changes, and it's annoying and expensive to buy yourself nice comfy things, but everybody wants to look lovely.
posted by cheese at 11:45 AM on December 10, 2019 [8 favorites]
If you're close-by, offer to babysit and then call her on a regular basis to find out when you can help. Or offer to take the kids while she runs to the grocery store or to do errands by herself.
If you're not close-by, a gift card to care.com or just some cash with a nice note about using it for baby sitting.
A hotel room maybe, even in town for a little night away when the baby is older and she feels more comfortable?
Also, a gift card for clothing AND BRAS that will fit her after the baby is born. Everything changes, and it's annoying and expensive to buy yourself nice comfy things, but everybody wants to look lovely.
posted by cheese at 11:45 AM on December 10, 2019 [8 favorites]
I've recommended earrings or a pretty scarf. They're both available at any possible price-point or level of luxury, they're about feeling attractive in a not-super-maternal way, and they don't have sizes or relate to body shape in any way.
posted by LizardBreath at 11:46 AM on December 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by LizardBreath at 11:46 AM on December 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
A water bottle that you can open and drink from one-handed eg this Contigo. Not specifically about being a mom, because you can use it anytime, but it does help if nursing and/or holding a child at the same time!
posted by atlantica at 11:46 AM on December 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by atlantica at 11:46 AM on December 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
Is she planning on breastfeeding? I would’ve appreciated big scarfs to use as coverups instead of the specifically for that purpose apron type covers.
posted by MadMadam at 11:46 AM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by MadMadam at 11:46 AM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
A gift certificate to her favorite book purveyor, with a book light
Fuzzy slippers and a luxe robe
Gift certificate to fancy yoga store she likes (just tell her you have a friend whose spouse needs to get her yoga pants for xmas but can't ruin the surprise by asking, where should he order from? Tell her you're not sure what the budget is so ask for a few suggestions at multiple prices points)
Regular monthly flower delivery and get her partner to commit to getting them into water for her/changing the water
Framed photo of the two of you together
Cheesy movies on DVD or whatever she uses to watch movies
Babysitting if you're near by. A trip for you to visit her if you're not near by.
Something of the month club that is consumable but not time pressured
posted by bilabial at 11:48 AM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
Fuzzy slippers and a luxe robe
Gift certificate to fancy yoga store she likes (just tell her you have a friend whose spouse needs to get her yoga pants for xmas but can't ruin the surprise by asking, where should he order from? Tell her you're not sure what the budget is so ask for a few suggestions at multiple prices points)
Regular monthly flower delivery and get her partner to commit to getting them into water for her/changing the water
Framed photo of the two of you together
Cheesy movies on DVD or whatever she uses to watch movies
Babysitting if you're near by. A trip for you to visit her if you're not near by.
Something of the month club that is consumable but not time pressured
posted by bilabial at 11:48 AM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
Get a yoga instructor to come to her home for an hour. (I've seen home yoga visits multiple times in my small, yoga-happy city, once for a disabled friend, once for someone who just wanted home yoga.) With your brother's help, arrange trusted, worry-free in-home babysitting for the same hour.
posted by nantucket at 11:59 AM on December 10, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by nantucket at 11:59 AM on December 10, 2019 [4 favorites]
I am turning into Weighted Blanket Guy, but since I bought myself a super-cheap weighted blanket, I think it's awesome and everyone should get one. It's helpful in relaxing, getting calmer, and it helps me sleep. Plus, they're available in more places for less money this year, which is nice.
posted by xingcat at 12:11 PM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by xingcat at 12:11 PM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
Since you mentioned she's an artist, how about a gift card to your local art supply store?
posted by esker at 12:15 PM on December 10, 2019 [6 favorites]
posted by esker at 12:15 PM on December 10, 2019 [6 favorites]
I'd get her some some nice earbuds and audiobook credits so she can listen to whatever books she'd like. It's hands-free and lots of new moms I know have gotten into audiobooks.
(She can probably also get audiobooks from her library through Libby.)
posted by hydra77 at 12:18 PM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
(She can probably also get audiobooks from her library through Libby.)
posted by hydra77 at 12:18 PM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
I am turning into Weighted Blanket Guy, but since I bought myself a super-cheap weighted blanket, I think it's awesome and everyone should get one.
I love my weighted blanket more than I can say, but please do not get one for an exhausted parent with a baby and a toddler. Children cannot move them, and there have been several deaths.
I once gave a friend a "relaxation kit" that included a bunch of trashy magazines (she was into those), bubble bath, and hot cocoa mix. You could try putting something like that together - much better if you can also provide babysitting though.
posted by FencingGal at 12:24 PM on December 10, 2019 [6 favorites]
I love my weighted blanket more than I can say, but please do not get one for an exhausted parent with a baby and a toddler. Children cannot move them, and there have been several deaths.
I once gave a friend a "relaxation kit" that included a bunch of trashy magazines (she was into those), bubble bath, and hot cocoa mix. You could try putting something like that together - much better if you can also provide babysitting though.
posted by FencingGal at 12:24 PM on December 10, 2019 [6 favorites]
Does she have a iPad? There’s a lot of sales right now and she’s probably looking at at least some bedridden/recovery/nursing/etc time. The mini one might be good for 1-handed use.
posted by sexyrobot at 12:24 PM on December 10, 2019
posted by sexyrobot at 12:24 PM on December 10, 2019
Babysitting for the older kid. If you're nearby, come take the older kid out for an adventure, leaving her a quiet house with the baby and no guilt about neglecting the older. This is the best possible gift I received after my second was born.
Otherwise, gift certificates/IOUs to take care of other things--dog walking, house cleaning, etc., because it's all just so much!
posted by reksb at 12:26 PM on December 10, 2019
Otherwise, gift certificates/IOUs to take care of other things--dog walking, house cleaning, etc., because it's all just so much!
posted by reksb at 12:26 PM on December 10, 2019
A bidet - and either come over and install it yourself or pay for someone to do so, or it will sit in the box unopened while she deals with adding another person to the family. I know that a device to wash her sore undercarriage is sort of about her being a mom but it's a gift that's gonna keep on giving.
posted by DSime at 12:43 PM on December 10, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by DSime at 12:43 PM on December 10, 2019 [4 favorites]
I always appreciate a new lipstick or lip gloss, or a new nail polish + good top coat.
posted by yawper at 12:44 PM on December 10, 2019
posted by yawper at 12:44 PM on December 10, 2019
Response by poster: These are great, thank you all so much! Just a quick clarification: we live several states away, so swinging by for childcare/chores is unfortunately out. (We SO wish we lived close enough to take Nephew for day trips... he's the coolest kid ever and my husband and I already talk wistfully about when he'll be old enough to travel alone and come visit us. Only like ten more years to go!)
posted by catoclock at 12:47 PM on December 10, 2019
posted by catoclock at 12:47 PM on December 10, 2019
Gift card for housecleaning. (My kids are way older and I would still love this as a gift.)
Definitely babysitting; maybe take both dad and kid out so Mom can enjoy a relaxing evening by herself.
Depending on the weather when the new one is born, a nice coat would probably be nice.
posted by toastyk at 12:49 PM on December 10, 2019
Definitely babysitting; maybe take both dad and kid out so Mom can enjoy a relaxing evening by herself.
Depending on the weather when the new one is born, a nice coat would probably be nice.
posted by toastyk at 12:49 PM on December 10, 2019
My brother got me an LibroFM (like Audible, but Not Amazon and supports the local indie bookseller of your choice) subscription right after childbirth last year. Hands free entertainment is great if you're stuck at home in the dead of winter with a baby; it can also be a bonus "also running" gift if she's a listen-to-things-while-running person.
(In retrospect, Lincoln in the Bardo was maybe not the right post-natal listening choice, but there you go.)
posted by damayanti at 12:52 PM on December 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
(In retrospect, Lincoln in the Bardo was maybe not the right post-natal listening choice, but there you go.)
posted by damayanti at 12:52 PM on December 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Is there anything that she hasn't been able to eat while being pregnant? That's been my go-to gift for new moms: things like deli meats (eg fancy prosciutto), booze, gift certificate for sushi, etc.
posted by beepbeepboopboop at 1:16 PM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by beepbeepboopboop at 1:16 PM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
@catoclock - your nephew should be old enough to travel now. My favorite aunt, a teacher, started taking me on summer trips at age three or four. Some of my clearest and fondest memories are from our trips to Washington DC when I was just a tot age 3, 5, 7 and so. By the time I reach 8 or 9, i started going to summer camp. Bonding time with favorite aunt and uncle is now.
If they live anywhere cold, luxurious socks are very welcome- the kind with fleece lining.
posted by rw at 1:29 PM on December 10, 2019
If they live anywhere cold, luxurious socks are very welcome- the kind with fleece lining.
posted by rw at 1:29 PM on December 10, 2019
bidet is kinda private but also extremely on point. We LOVE ours, and I only wish I'd had it when I was postpartum and dealing with all that horrible bleeding.
If you have a way to make that happen, I think it's a fabulous idea. (It'd probably involve researching & paying a plumber. Like you (1) clear it with your SIL, (2) research and arrange for a local-to-her plumber to come out and install it (3) order it from Costco or wherever and have it shipped to her house. The vendor you buy it from might have an installation service available.
If not, then I vote for consumable treat of the month.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:29 PM on December 10, 2019
If you have a way to make that happen, I think it's a fabulous idea. (It'd probably involve researching & paying a plumber. Like you (1) clear it with your SIL, (2) research and arrange for a local-to-her plumber to come out and install it (3) order it from Costco or wherever and have it shipped to her house. The vendor you buy it from might have an installation service available.
If not, then I vote for consumable treat of the month.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:29 PM on December 10, 2019
There may be babysitting services available in her area (there is one in Toronto called Nannies on Call I use) , a gift certificate for a similar service could be great.
There are also meal delivery services that can be awesome.
Lastly I've gotta give a big endorsement to housecleaning! If you can hire or pay towards a housecleaner that is amazing!!!
posted by dotparker at 1:36 PM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
There are also meal delivery services that can be awesome.
Lastly I've gotta give a big endorsement to housecleaning! If you can hire or pay towards a housecleaner that is amazing!!!
posted by dotparker at 1:36 PM on December 10, 2019 [1 favorite]
This MeFi-recommended bidet sprayer requires no plumber and can be attached in like three minutes. It's also perfect for rinsing diapers (and the toddler's "accident" clothes). I use mine for muddy hiking boots, too.
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 1:56 PM on December 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 1:56 PM on December 10, 2019 [2 favorites]
Not sure what your budget is but I have a 4-month-old and I might love my Apple AirPods almost as much as my baby. Being stuck in the house so much I listen to podcasts and audiobooks constantly and was constantly getting caught up on my headphone cords (I finally caved and splurged after knocking my phone off the nightstand for the nth time, waking up the finally-just-got-to-sleep baby). Between the middle of the night feedings, trying to get out the door while juggling the baby and the dog, the comfy but pocketless postpartum loungewear, being able to listen to stuff while also charging my phone that I constantly run down to 2% battery, etc. life is soooo much easier wireless.
posted by lovableiago at 2:28 PM on December 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by lovableiago at 2:28 PM on December 10, 2019 [3 favorites]
Magazine subscription to something cool that she is interested in
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 7:10 PM on December 10, 2019
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 7:10 PM on December 10, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mosst at 11:44 AM on December 10, 2019