The best mum-to-be and pregnancy gifts that are thoughtful

women at baby shower

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

Carrying a baby is a magical feeling and for mums-to-be, it's a very exciting time. But when it comes to buying gifts for the expectant mum, what do you buy? That's where personal, sentimental and out-of-the-box gifts for mums-to-be come to the rescue.

With the run-up to Christmas, we've created the perfect shopping list of gifts to buy the mums-to-be in your life, that they'll not only love but really appreciate. From little treats for mum to handy baby must-haves, we've thought of everything.

Best at a glance:

Editor's choice: The Positive Birthday Company Hypnobirthing Pack - View on thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk
Best funny mum-to-be gifts: BagstockandBumble Funny Pregnancy Chocolates - View offer on Etsy
Best floral mum-to-be gifts: Mum to Be Floral Gift Set - View on letterboxgifts.co.uk
Best Skincare mum-to-be gifts: Kit & Kin Mum Skincare Bundle - View on kitandkin.com

Or if you're expecting yourself, why not email a few of our suggestions to friends and family?

The best new parent and mum-to-be gifts 2024

Editor's choice

The Positive Birth Company's Digital Pack is a comprehensive online antenatal course empowering expecting parents for a positive birthing experience. Developed by renowned midwife and hypnobirthing instructor, Siobhan Miller, the course covers childbirth education, relaxation techniques, and practical tools to build confidence in labour. With engaging video content, positive affirmations, and partner involvement, it aims to reshape the perception of birth. From evidence-based information to guided hypnobirthing sessions, this course equips couples with knowledge and skills for a calm and positive birth, fostering a sense of empowerment and informed decision-making during this transformative journey into parenthood.

Pros

  • Can be done from the comfort of your own home, whenever you want
  • Includes 1:1 call with a midwife (UK only)
  • Loads of added extras, including MP3’s, birth preferences template and course notes booklet

Cons

  • Some may prefer a face-to-face experience
  • Knowledge from some of the best minds in birth
  • This course will help you feel calm, confident and even excited about birth
  • Access to private Facebook community for ongoing support and daily positive birth stories

Best for skincare for mums-to-be

Worth £72 but costing much less, this gorgeous gift set is suitable during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. The lucky mum-to-be will receive Tummy Rub Butter, Lucky Legs Cooling Gel, Pregnancy Boob Tube and Megamama Shower Milk, all of which are dermatologically tested and cruelty-free and are sure to offer much relief.

One reviewer wrote: "I bought this as a gift for sister in law, can’t comment on how good the products are but was definitely a topic of conversation at baby shower, with others interested in seeing what was in there. An ideal little gesture for a mother to be though."

Pros

  • Wide variety of products
  • Generous sizes

Cons

  • Packaging is a bit basic
ContentsTummy Rub Butter<br>Lucky Legs Cooling Gel<br>Pregnancy Boob Tube<br>Megamama Shower Milk
  • Dermatologically tested and cruelty free

Best natural skincare bundle for mums-to-be

This skincare gift box contains three essentials for mums-to-be including stretch mark oil, body butter and breast balm. All of the products are approved by dermatologists and certified natural by the soil association, made without any harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. 

One reviewer said: "I gave this as a gift to an expecting friend and she couldn't have been more thrilled with it, the box presented the products in a lovely way, and they smelled gorgeous when she opened them. The products themselves all look really great quality, the packaging looks more expensive than the price actually! High quality items which she can actually use, ideal for a new mum gift."

Pros

  • No synthetic scents or fragrances
  • Nourishing oils

Cons

  • Only three products
ContentsBody butter<br>Breast balm<br>Stretch mark oil
  • Approved by dermatologists and certified natural by the soil association

Best hamper for mums-to-be

mum to be gifts
Price: £39.95

This gorgeous hamper includes much needed pampering treats including organic soap and Himalayan bath salts for the new parents and a beautiful soft bunny muslin and teething for baby. To finish it all off, it's packaged in a smart gift box.

One review wrote: "What a sweet classy baby shower or new mommy gift. I just wrapped it in a clear gift bag with a bow & some ribbon. That way everyone could see the beautiful box. My daughter-in-law loved it. I can't speak about the soaps and other personal items but the two baby items were adorable."

Pros

  • Products for both mum and baby
  • No plastic packaging

Cons

  • Each bath product has the same lavender scent
Dimensions26 x 20 x 10 cm
Weight1.2kg
ContentsLuxury keepsake box <br>Greeting card<br>Himalayan bath salt <br>Body oil with Amethyst <br>Teething Ring <br>Bunny Muslin Comforter <br>Hand balm <br>Organic soap <br>Exfoliating pouch
  • Nine products in one hamper

Best food gift for mums-to-be

Filled with 10 meals for one that can be cooked straight from the freezer, this New Mums Survival Box from COOK is a sanity saver for exhausted mums. Featuring delicious hand-prepared, fresh meals such as Roasted Vegetable Lasagne, comforting Macaroni Cheese, and Portobello Mushroom Risotto, this meal box may be one of the most useful gifts for a new mum. Stocking up the freezer with these meals will allow her to have nutritious, easy to make, meals once the baby is born.

Our Digital Writer, Rebecca, said: "I wish someone had bought me this when I was a new mum. Being able to eat healthy meals that take no thinking about, and very little prep, would have been a godsend in those early days. The meals are delicious - a cut above any other 'ready meal' I've ever had, and they taste homemade with such thoughtful flavour combinations and ingredients. Top tip from me? Add in a pudding or two - the Chocolate & Salted Caramel Mousse is incredible!"

Pros

  • Nutritious and delicious meals
  • Can be cooked from the freezer so make an easy meal option for tired mums

Cons

  • The meals have to go in the freezer so they might need to make space before delivery

Best homeware gift for mums-to-be

Made with both mummy and daddy in mind, this sign has a chalkboard that reads '... weeks until we become Mummy & Daddy'. Sentimental parents will love this one; plus, at under £10, it's a budget buy!

One reviewer said: "I love this little sign, we are expecting our first baby so it is amazing to be able to count days until little one is here. It looks beautiful on our nursery door handle. Great service would highly recommend."

Pros

  • Pretty font
  • Easy to wipe clean

Cons

  • No chalk included
Dimensions8x16 cm
  • Great way to count down the days until baby arrives

Best bath bomb sets for mums-to-be

Made with real flowers and pure essential oil, these Bellalisa bath treats are a small but thoughtful gift to buy. A box filled with three different vegan bath bomb dust, these are perfect for pregnant women who love natural and eco-friendly products.

One customer wrote: "I bought this as a gift and it arrived the next day, beautifully packaged and smelt lush. Just what I was looking for- a pressie for a mum to be. I would highly recommend this small family business, thank you so much!"

Pros

  • Vegan products
  • Handmade in the UK

Cons

  • Sachets are small
Dimensions24 x 16.5 x 2 cm
  • Handmade in the UK

Best experience day for mums-to-be

mum to be giftsVirgin Experience Days

What better way to say 'Congratulations' than to treat them to a lovely afternoon tea? It can be stressful as a pregnant mum, with lots to think about so this can calm their nerves with sweet treats and finger sandwiches.

One gift recipient reviewer wrote: "We took two visitors along for the afternoon tea. The food was delicious, a good selection of freshly made sandwiches and delicious cakes. The waiter was very attentive refilling the teapot regularly. A lovely treat in super surroundings."

Pros

  • 68 locations
  • Valid from 12 months after purchase

Cons

  • Contents of the afternoon tea depends on the location the recipient chooses
Location68 across the UK
Number of people2
Valid12 months
  • A choice of afternoon tea across various UK venues

Best luxury gift set for mums-to-be

mum to be giftsLOOKFANTASTIC

This luxury gift set is one for the mums who really want to look after their health, with a facial roller, eye mask and sonic toothbrush included. It also has pregnancy toothpaste which is perfect for sensitive teeth during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

A happy customer wrote: "I got this for my sister in law who is expecting a little girl and she was over the moon. The box came presented beautifully and all the products are just to die for! She's said the pregnancy paste has been such a help with her sensitive gums."

Pros

  • High quality products
  • Everything follows a rose gold theme

Cons

  • Only 100ml of toothpaste
Contents<strong>L</strong>imited Edition Rose Gold Sonic Toothbrush<br>Spotlight Oral Care Pregnancy Toothpaste 100ml<br>Rose Quartz Facial Roller<br>100% Silk Eye Mask
  • Supports oral health throughout pregnancy

Best funny mum-to-be gifts

mum to be giftsAmazon
Price: £16.45+

www.etsy.com

Handmade with care, these humorous pregnancy chocolates are one of those funny mum-to-be gifts which will make them giggle. Decorated with jokes like 'Get some sleep' and 'Bun in, Oven on', this one is sweet but hilarious.

One reviewer said: "I bought these for my friend and she really liked them. They are a little bit expensive for what they are but for a once off item I was willing to pay it. Quite a cool idea as more interesting than just buying someone chocolates with nothing on them."

Pros

  • Made using Fairtrade chocolate
  • Option to choose the quantity

Cons

  • Not individually wrapped
IngredientsMilk chocolate<br>Coloured cocoa butter
  • Cheeky chocolates to make mum-to-be laugh

Best mum-to-be gift set

Winning numerous Mother&Baby awards, we're big fans of brand My Expert Midwife and this gorgeous set features some of their bestselling full-size products including Peri Prep Your Bits, Spritz for Bits and No Harm Nipple Balm. Everything comes tucked inside a handy toiletry bag, ideal for popping in a hospital bag.

Review: "I bought this set two years ago for expecting my firstborn. Everything in the bag was used and everything was amazing. I am convinced that the peri peri massage oil helped me not to tear as much while giving birth and the the spritz for bits gave me a lot of relief after. I loved the set so much that I am back to purchase my second set for baby no #2 coming."

Pros

  • Saves 20% on buying products individually
  • Full-sized products
  • Comes with a premium toiletry bag

Cons

  • None

Best notebook for mums-to-be

The pregnancy journey can sometimes feel like it flies by so quickly, we love the idea of journaling the experience in this lovely book. Mum can record both how she is feeling throughout the pregnancy plus any messages for her new baby. We love the added personalisation on the front cover.

One happy customer wrote: "It came earlier than expected and was lovely, just as id hoped. Will definitely be considering this shop again. Thank you!"

Pros

  • Can add up to 4 lines of personalised text
  • Different notebook colour options

Cons

  • Can't change the size of the notebook
Dimensions15 x 21 cm
  • Can be personalised

Best mum to be pamper gifts

Letterbox gifts have become hugely popular thanks to the pandemic and we think any mum-to-be would love to get this pamper package through their letterbox. Containing everything they need for a well deserved night of pampering you can also add a greeting card with your own thoughtful message.

A reviewer wrote: "This was greatly appreciated by the recipient. There are lots of different items in the box, all designed for the mum to be. Plus, they were beautifully presented and delivered quickly."

Pros

  • Compact enough to fit through most letterboxes
  • Can select your choice of gift card

Cons

  • No option to change the products
DimensionsW27cm x D17cm x H3cm
ContentsRaspberry leaf tea pyramids<br>Himalayan Bath Salts<br>10ml Lavender &amp; Chamomile Roll On<br>Oats and Honey tealights<br>Chocolate Brownie Milk Chocolate bar
  • Eco friendly gift

Best baby mum to be gift

This beautiful mum-to-be gift set is perfect for preparing for the new arrival. It includes a baby sleepsuit, hat, toy rabbit, book and a wooden engraved keepsake box. It's a thoughtful gift that shows you're thinking of mum and her little one.

Pros

  • Wide variety of products
  • High quality materials

Cons

  • Can only add a maximum of 20 characters to the box
Dimensions20cm x 20cm x 12cm
ContentsBaby sleepsuit<br>Baby hat<br>Dear Zoo book<br>Soft toy<br>Cream cashmere merino mix socks
  • Wooden box can be engraved

Best teether set for mum-to-be

Sophiesticated teether set
Price: £49.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$43.99View offer
Bloomingdale's$50.90View offer

Most babies start teething at around 4-6 months old, so it’s best to be prepared. Hence, a pregnant mum will really appreciate a sophiesticated teether set which features the iconic Sophie the giraffe teething products. It’s probably not something they would have thought about buying, but it’ll definitely come in handy!

One happy parent reviewer wrote: "My first memory of my first toy was a Sophie the giraffe so imagine my surprise when I found out they were still being manufactured. Now that I am about to be a grandmother my grand baba had to have one too. It’s beautifully made, beautifully presented and it has a Parisˋ chic that makes it a perfect baby present."

Pros

  • 100 percent natural rubber
  • Suitable for newborns

Cons

  • Some say packaging could bend in transit
Dimensions23 x 22 x 7 cm
Material Rubber
  • Made from natural rubber

Best personalised blanket for baby

Although you might not know what the newborn's name is going to be, this is still a gorgeous and thoughtful gift that you can improvise with. Made from 100 per cent cotton, it's super soft so it won't irritate little one's skin when they arrive.

Pros

  • Beautiful choice of muted colours
  • Can be personalised

Cons

  • There is a charge to add personalisation
Dimensions70cm x 90cm 
Material 100% cotton
  • Machine washable

Best milestone blanket for baby

Baby milestone mats are a great way of watching a little one grow over the weeks, months and years. Expectant mums and dads will love when their little one arrives and they can lay their newborn down on the mat, make funny faces and try to get their bundle of joy to look at the camera for the perfect milestone picture.

Pros

  • Machine washable
  • Beautiful design

Cons

  • Additional charge to add the wooden bird and ring teether
Dimensions70 x 65 cm
Material 100% cotton
  • Can be personalised and gift wrapping also available

Best practical gift for mum-to-be

While mums-to-be might be focusing on the bigger stuff for their baby such as nursery furniture, it's easy to forget about the smaller things such as teething toys and care kits. This gift set is perfect for expectant parents and has everything they need for their bundle of joy.

Pros

  • Neutral bag to suit most nurseries
  • Contains useful items and bag is big enough to add extras

Cons

  • Some reviewers suggested nail clippers would be useful
Dimensions8.5 x 19 x 12 cm
Weight200g
ContentsNUK Genius silicone dummy<br>NUK baby hairbrush<br>NUK baby nail scissors<br>NUK cooling teething set<br>NUK toothbrush pen<br>NUK toothbrush
  • Contains essential babycare items

Best gift to capture 'first moments'

These beautifully illustrated cards are the perfect addition to those 'first moments' that parents capture. From their first smile to their first steps and that first tooth, there's a card for almost every first moment. Mums-to-be will love looking at the cards, excited for all the first moments in store for her future with her baby.

Pros

  • A good range of cards to capture each special moment
  • Includes cards you can personalise to create your own unique 'firsts'

Cons

  • Cards are smaller than expected
ContentsReusable 'Thank You' card <br>5 cards to personalise <br>25 development cards <br>18 Age Milestones  <br>Keepsake Box
  • Keepsake box and printable baby shower fingerprint tree

Best chocolate gift for mum-to-be

Who doesn't love chocolate? This carefully selected chocolate hamper is the perfect gift for a mum-to-be. She can indulge in the delicious, quality chocolate in peace, before she has to start to hiding all the chocolate from her little one!

Pros

  • Great selection of different flavours
  • Presented in a beautiful, plastic-free, gift box

Cons

  • Not suitable for anyone with special dietary requirements
DimensionsL 32.60 x W 28.90 x H 5.10 cm
StorageStore in a cool dry place away from strong odours
  • A selection of Hotel Chocolat's most iconic chocolates

Best big bag for mums-to-be

Any mum will know you can never have a bag that's too big. From wet wipes, to a change of clothing for the whole family, our handbags are our lives and we love how big and bold this one is! Looking for a changing bag? Check out our guide to the best baby changing bags.

Pros

  • A really spacious bag to hold all mum and baby's essentials
  • Different colour options

Cons

  • Sponge clean only
Dimensions730mm x 420mm
Capacity37 litres
MaterialCotton canvas
  • Hand printed in your colour of choice

Best gift box to cater for mum-to-be's personal interests

Pick six of the mum-to-be's interests (the categories include chocolate, beauty,coffee,stationery and more) to fill up this one-off box. The expectant mum will then receive twelve top quality products based on your selections. There is also an option to gift a monthly subscription.

Pros

  • Unique gift tailored to mum-to-be
  • Lots of interest categories to choose from

Cons

  • If more than one box is ordered in a month, you may receive duplicates
Custom choices20 categories
  • A thoughtful gift with the option to add a monthly subscription

The perfect present for pregnant ladies to keep that bump rocking n' rolling. Mum-to-be will receive a whole host of wonderful 100 per cent natural pregnancy products including Bump n' Body Massage Oil, Cooling Foot Mist and Snooze Pillow Mist.

Pros

  • 100% natural and cruelty free pregnancy products
  • A great selection to help with all aspects of pregnancy

Cons

  • Some of the products are quite small
ContentsSnooze Pillow Mist (100ML)<br>Bump n' Body Massage Oil (100ML)<br>Cooling Foot Scrub (150ML)<br>Hand Glam (50ML)<br>Cooling Foot Mist (100ML)<br>Perineal Bits Oil (50ML)<br>Bump n' Body Butter (150ML)<br>Mint Lip Balm (15ML)
  • A large selection of items in one bundle

Best luxury sleep mask

Sleep mask
Price: £79.00

This luxurious sleep mask will allow a new mum to sleep when baby sleeps. It creates total darkness, which is useful for daytime naps, and is made from mulberry silk to keep skin and hair protected from friction damage. Being a new mum is tiring and this mask will help mum catch up on some much needed sleep.

Review: 'It provides complete blackout with no light seepage and is very light on the face, it's not heavy at all. It doesn't pull my hair and there are no annoying sensory triggers, it feels like a cloud is giving you a kiss. The silk that they use is of very high quality, A1, top-notch. It fits snugly around my head, even after prolonged use.'

Pros

  • Made from natural mulberry silk which has many benefits for skin and hair
  • Provides complete black out
  • Fits all head sizes

Cons

  • It can slip when wearing
Material100% mulberry silk
Weight0.19kg
  • The adjustable headband ensures it fits all head sizes

Best mummy to be jewellery

This beautiful bracelet is a thoughtful gift for a mum-to-be and one she can wear during and after pregnancy. It is a lovely keepsake, and is presented on a card with a sweet message.

Review: 'Bought this as a gift for family member who is expecting a baby in May. The bracelet is beautiful, very dainty, good quality. Very pleased with the bracelet.'

Pros

  • Makes a great keepsake gift
  • Elasticated to ensure it fits all wrist sizes

Cons

  • Silver plated, not solid silver
Material Silver plated
Chain Bead chain
  • Bracelet comes with a sentimental message

Best real experience book for mum-to-be

Pregnancy advice book

Rrp: £24.99

Price: £11.98

This is a great book to gift an expectant mum. It has a wide range of honest pregnancy, birth and parenting stories as well as reassuring advice from professionals and experts. It will give any mum-to-be confidence for the journey ahead, as well as helping to inform and prepare.

Review: 'This book was invaluable to me as a first time mum-to-be. It’s a collection of real stories from real people about their experience with pregnancy, birth and motherhood, interspersed with factual sections shedding more light on the topics mentioned. Reading it felt like a journey, covering everything from conception to returning to work. The stories were written by such a range of people - encompassing different genders, sexualities and faiths - it really felt like no stone was left unturned.'

Pros

  • Lots of advice and stories from mums and experts
  • The book is divided into clear sections

Cons

  • Some may find images too graphic
PublisherBluebird; Main Market edition 
Pages272
Dimensions14.73 x 2.67 x 20.07 cm
  • Includes professional and medical advice

Best drink and snack gift for mum to be

This unique gift box is filled with alcohol free cocktails and drinks, along with garnishes and snacks so any mum-to-be can enjoy a special drink, relax and unwind, and feel included.

Pros

  • A great way to keep mum-to-be feeling included
  • Subscription options available for the entire pregnancy or for each trimester

Cons

  • Items in box cannot be personally selected
IngredientsWater, Natural Botanica Distillates and Extracts including Blue Weber Agave. Preservative: Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
  • Includes garnishes and snacks

Best floral gift for mum to be

This gorgeous letterbox gift set includes a beautiful posy of dried flowers in neutral colours, which is a great way to show mum-to-be you are thinking of her. Also, because the flowers are dried, it removes the hassle that fresh flowers can sometimes bring such as changing water and trimming stems. The gift set also includes a 'Bump Bar' chocolate bar and some raspberry leaf tea. A truly calming gift for mum-to-be.

Review: 'A perfect uplift gift and cute packaging. Very professional and prompt service.'

Pros

  • A great alternative to fresh flowers
  • A personalised gift message and card can be included

Cons

  • Can't change items in box
ContentsDried flowers posy<br>Chocolate brownie milk chocolate<br>Raspberry leaf tea pyramids
  • Can be delivered straight through the letterbox

Best practical gift for mum-to-be

We all know that birth can go in a variety of ways but this fantastic kit from Fridababy will take mum from the first contraction to the first postpartum bathroom trip post pregnancy. It includes a Peri Bottle, underwear, 4 Instant Ice Maxi Padsicles, Perineal Healing Foam and more. There's also a C-section Recovery Kit available too.

Review: "Best thing I bought for postpartum. This alongside the expert midwife epsom salts and spray for your bits was the perfect thing for recovery. I used the bottle for every toilet visit (with luke warm water) and used the foam and liners to help soothe. The cold pad was ideal for when the pain got too much, I would lay down and use these to help - wouldn’t have managed without all the products. I was pain free with stiches by 2 weeks but decided to purchase more of the boyshorts and used them as underwear with a pad for 6 weeks."

The best mum-to-be gifts according to real mums

We asked the lovely mums over on our #mumtribeFacebook group to share the best present they received while pregnant and here's what they had to say...

Joanne Davidson said, "I got lush bath bombs! I was very pregnant and my hips were killing me. Best present ever for me."

Alex Bramwell said, "So my favourite presents were John Lewis vouchers (I spent them on the baby, but it was so much fun) and my Women of NASA Lego kit, which temporarily distracted me from my chronic morning sickness."

Charlie White said, "Lots of warm snuggly things (thick socks, a big cosy nightshirt, fluffy blanket etc) and tons of chocolate, ready for snuggling up in front of the TV in the last few weeks of waiting for little one!"

Abbie Sheldon said, "For my birthday when I was pregnant my friend got me a voucher to have my nails and toes done. It was lovely to be pampered!"

Charlotte Norris said, "I got a pregnancy massage for my baby shower and it was amazing!" Discover our full guide to the best spas for pregnancy massage.

Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.

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Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.