New Moms Say These Are the Best Gifts They’ve Ever Received

“My camera roll basically exploded immediately following the birth of my baby,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley, a mom of four. An instant camera is a fun way to indulge the snap-happy new mom, delivering printed photos as quickly as she can take them.

When you’re spending a lot of time in hibernation mode, little things that make the home feel a little more special have a big impact. A diffuser for essential oils is a great alternative to candles, especially during the newborn period when new parents may be a little nervous about sending any synthetic fragrances into the air.

“Getting out of the house for stroller walks saved my sanity, so I would have loved a sneaker upgrade,” says Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein, a mom of twins. These are one of our editor-favorites, as well as being walking shoes frequently recommended by podiatrists, because they’re lightweight and supportive, with bouncy foam soles for added cushion. Plus, they come in all kinds of fun colors.

No matter how in love the proud parents are, there’s only so much high-pitched crying you can take. And now there’s a brilliant solution: earplugs that filter sound rather than cancel it out. Think of it this way: It helps reduce all of the high-pitched sounds you don’t want to hear—shrill crying or loud cartoons, for example—while still allowing you to participate in conversations and hear what’s happening in a room. “These have been life-changing for me,” says Earley. “I pop these in every day around dinner time when my kids are all riled up and I can feel myself getting impatient. It helps take the edge off, but I can still parent appropriately.”

Finding time for yourself—let alone reading—can feel impossible, but there are ways to sneak in some me time while tending to the baby. “I kept my Kindle on my nightstand, and it was such a better way to pass the time during feedings than endlessly scrolling through Instagram,” says DiMeglio.

“Since I often needed to be hands-free, I thrived on podcasts and audiobooks,” says Glamour’s Moeslin. “And a quality pair of headphones are key for that.” This pair offers up to nine hours of listening time (or more than 24 hours with the charging case)—entirely suitable for those marathon night feeds and diaper changes.

We polled more than 200 new mothers for their take on the best gifts for new moms, and the top answer was—overwhelmingly—a fresh meal. Unfortunately, ordering delivery is expensive, and there are only so many healthy five-minutes-or-less recipes. “This meal delivery service was a lifesaver,” says Moeslein. “Every week my husband and I knew we’d have an assortment of delicious, dietitian-designed meals that could easily be heated in the microwave in two minutes. Everything tasted fresh, and the variety never got stale.”

If mom’s not breastfeeding, it’s officially time for a retinol reunion (yay!). This luxe, retinol-safe oil lets her swap tired skin for a fresh, radiant glow—and actually feel pampered—even if it’s squeezed in during baby’s oh-so-brief nap time. “I never quite had the pregnancy ‘glow’ everyone talks about, and post-birth hormones did a number on my skin with breakouts and excess oil. This oil helped control the chaos and absorbs like a dream,” says Glamour contributor Christa Lee, a mom of two.

Experts recommend a solid 16 cups of water daily for breastfeeding moms to support milk production, making this hefty pitcher a nursery must-have for more sips and fewer refills. “With my first daughter, I exclusively pumped for a year, and staying hydrated was the only thing that truly helped my supply,” says Lee.

Pumping and breastfeeding take up a lot of a new mom’s time. “This wireless hands-free breast pump is a game changer,” says Stella Simona, cofounder of Amarilo Jewelry and Haati Chai.

While those free hospital supplies can be great in a pinch, they’re not exactly top-shelf quality. For moms-to-be planning a vaginal delivery, this postpartum kit has all their essentials. “It’s packed with everything she’ll need for recovery: comfy disposable undies, cooling pad liners, soothing foam, instant ice maxi pads, and an upside-down peri bottle—perfect for dealing with perineal tears, swelling, stitches, or even those pesky hemorrhoids,” says Lee.

When you’re in the comfort of your home for days on end and in the throes of recovery with a newborn, you may just want to reach for your robe every time over actual clothes—and we don’t blame you. “This was the most comfortable thing to wear during recovery, especially after a C-section,” says Glamour contributor and mom of two Danielle DiMeglio. “It’s lightweight, breathable, and so incredibly soft just like the luxe blankets the brand is known for.”

New moms are tired, obvi—but they can’t just slip away to a day spa at a moment’s notice. This foot massager brings the massage experience home, offering endless hours of heated foot rubs that can make even the most taxing nights almost relaxing. “I bought this for myself when I was pregnant with my twins, but it would make a great gift for any pregnant or postpartum mom,” says Earley. “Is it exactly like a real foot rub? Not quite, but it’s the next best thing—and a favor you don’t have to ask of anyone. Perfect for the middle of the night.”

“It took me a really long time to feel like myself again,” says Earley. “During the first year, little indulgences, like this NuFace skin care device, really helped give my confidence a little boost when everything felt so different.” The microcurrents help contour and lift in just a matter of minutes (key for busy parents!).

Have we convinced you yet that personalized keepsakes are a new mom’s favorite gift? This engravable bracelet offers one more opportunity to hammer it home. “When my second child was born, I got a bracelet just like this one with his name on it, since I already had a necklace with my first child’s name on it,” says Earley. “I loved having little reminders of my kids in my jewelry—and still do six years later.”

“I got one of these after I fell in love with the Hatch Rest night-light for our baby, and this Smart Sleep Assistant for adults does not disappoint,” says Shipin. “It really helps keep Mom and Dad feeling human.” With customizable LED light settings, a gentle alarm system, and of course, pitch-perfect white noise, it’s a great gift idea for any new parent struggling to get their hours in.

“Fun story: On my first day back at work after maternity leave, my breast milk leaked through my flimsy tote, leaving a trail down the office hallway. That’s when I realized a sturdy, insulated bag is a must for getting everything home safely. This Yeti is a generous size, and the insulation is top-notch, so I can make sure it’ll keep bottles of milk at the optimal temp. Plus, snacks for my older kiddo and other essentials perfectly chilled,” says Lee.

With room for baby’s overnight bottles, refreshing eye masks for mom, and a few secret snacks, this mini fridge is quiet, compact, and has a cool vintage look. “A mini fridge is a game-changer—no more trudging up and down the stairs in the middle of the night for pump parts or a bottle,” says Lee.

Looking for a gift that’ll wow a new mom and make her life easier? This Stokke x Bonpoint stroller is a dream. Covered in Bonpoint’s adorable cherry print—a cute little symbol of the brand’s French roots—this stroller is as stylish as it is practical. “As a mom of two, I needed something for the baby that’s lightweight, easy to steer one-handed, and sturdy. And the fact that it fits in a plane’s overhead bin is a total game-changer for travel as a family,” says Lee.

“Aside from the phantom cries that new moms swear they hear in the shower, the bathroom quickly becomes their favorite mini-vacation spot. This ultra-hydrating body wash and lotion duo tackles that postpartum dryness, leaving skin soft, smooth, and smelling fabulous,” says Lee.

We’re betting the new parents already have a coffee machine, but when sleep is a rare luxury, they deserve an upgrade. “I’m that person who drinks iced coffee even in the dead of winter, but our ice-maker’s been busted for ages. This coffee maker whips up iced and hot coffees (and teas!) in minutes, a lifesaver on those endless, restless newborn nights,” says Lee.

There’s a reason you’ve likely seen the Artipoppe Zeitgeist on so many shower registries. Moms we polled raved about how soft, easy to wear, and comfortable this baby carrier is. Plus, the celebrity favorite is undeniably stylish.

“This is a perfect gift for busy moms who can barely get a comb through their hair before being interrupted by their kids,” says Glamour contributor Melissa Bykofsky. “It styles and dries at the same time, leaving them room in the morning to actually sip a cup of coffee before running out the door for drop-off.”

One of the first things to go after a new baby? Mom’s skin care routine. A shame, especially considering that those sleepless nights can leave you with a serious case of morning puff. This beauty buy is a great antidote. “I notice an immediate difference in puffiness and lift after using the Solawave wand,” says Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour’s senior beauty editor.

Luxe (kinda looks like a Hermès dupe, no?!) but not super expensive, and perfect for snuggling up under with a sleeping baby. “Anything soft and comfortable was a win in my book, especially since I gave birth in the winter and basically went into hibernation mode,” says Earley. Of course, this option does make a pretty posh stroller blanket too.

Because it heats up faster and cooks more quickly than a traditional oven, an air fryer will help new parents whip up quick dinners on those foggy newborn days. It’s also a very handy appliance for parents of chicken-finger-obsessed toddlers. This one is light years prettier than your average model, but just as hardworking.

Kara Lacey, cofounder of PR agency The Hours, loves giving new moms a locket (bonus points if you can get one engraved!) with a photo of their child or children inside: “It’s a beautiful way for them to keep the baby close to their heart when they’re apart.”

A birthstone ring, like this one, is a great piece for everyday wear. “I have something very similar that I wear in a stack with my wedding band and engagement ring,” says Earley. “I love that it adds a little color, but even more than that, I love the symbolism behind it: a reminder of the family we’ve built.”

“Wearing a sentimental jewelry piece like this—be it baby’s initials or a birthstone—is a reminder not just of the incredible life she brought into this world, but the journey it took to get there,” says DiMeglio. Choose from materials like gold or sterling silver and personalize with up to four initials on this dainty, layerable design.

“For the sweetest gift for a new mom, she can keep her little one’s initial closer to heart with this chic, minimalist letter necklace,” says Lee.

Many parents find that diaper-bag backpacks are more convenient than totes, and this one from Lululemon scores high marks. “I couldn’t live without mine,” says Earley. “Especially after my twins—kiddos number three and four—were born. I needed to bring a lot everywhere, plus needed both hands at all times.” It’s roomy, it’s stylish, and you can use it way after the toddler years—a win all around.

“I think a portable changing pad is a must for a new mama,” says Bronfman. This one from mom-beloved brand Dagne Dover is perhaps the most stylish option available anywhere, complete with a stroller strap and easy-to-clean surfaces. She can tuck it into any tote bag.

There’s something about motherhood that warms you up to the idea of luxurious pajamas—even if you’ve always slept in an oversized tee and sweats. “These feel very similar to my beloved Eberjeys, but because, unlike Eberjey, you can often find them on sale, they’re usually half the price,” says Glamour’s commerce director, Brie Schwartz. “They’re so soft that they’re one of the few brands that I can wear without a camisole underneath (no chafing!), and you can even get the pair with a monogram.”

When the baby is up in the middle of the night in a dark nursery, Audible’s subscription service makes the perfect companion (besides that snuggly little one, of course). “I got really into audiobooks and podcasts during my maternity leave,” says Earley. “It was a huge sanity saver for me and made me feel more productive than just scrolling my social feeds at all hours of the day.”

For a new mom, investing in an ultracomfy, durable pair of slippers is one of the little luxuries that makes the day-to-day that much smoother. “From late pregnancy through the early postpartum months, I practically lived in my slippers,” says DiMeglio. “These were so supportive, and I loved that I could wear them in and out of the house.”

“I can’t tell you how many times I had to reheat my coffee as a new mom,” says DiMeglio. “You make a fresh cup, and just as you sit down, the baby starts crying.” A temperature-controlled mug solves that problem—keeping your coffee hot for 90 minutes, or all day if it’s on the charger. Plus, you can set the perfect temperature right from your phone using the app.

Hydration is crucial for new moms, and a generously sized water bottle ensures she stays refreshed. “My tumbler was practically attached to me at all times,” says DiMeglio. The Yeti comes in bright colors, fits in cup holders (a must), is dishwasher safe, and keeps your drink nice and cold. Its monogrammable feature adds a personal touch, making the gift even more special.

From stroller walks to sofa snuggles, these Lululemon leggings are buttery soft, ultra-stretchy, and ready for anything. “Plus, the super high-waisted style was great for supporting my postpartum belly without feeling like it was squeezing the life out of me,” says Lee.

You really can’t go wrong with UGG boots. Year after year, it’s one of the most popular gift for women during the holidays. These particular slippers are the kind that you’ll take off your own feet just to let a friend feel how insanely soft and comfy they are. Once your new-mom friend steps in these, they’ll totally understand the hype.

“One of my favorite gifts for a first-time mom is a bag of their favorite goodies from Trader Joe’s. Homemade lasagnas are great, but sometimes a new mom just wants to graze on fresh fruits and snacks to keep her energy up,” says Lee. Pair it with this cookbook for easy, quick meals she can whip up in a flash.

As much as new moms would love to book a deep-tissue massage, finding the time can be nearly impossible. “My neck and shoulders had never felt so tight,” says DiMeglio. “Having the ability to work out the kinks at home with a massage gun made a huge difference and really helped alleviate a lot of pain and stiffness.”

Cozy pajamas are a postpartum essential, and this soft, loose-fitting set hits all the marks. The fabric feels luxuriously soft without breaking the bank, and the button-front top makes nursing so much easier. “I loved these so much that I ended up buying multiple sets in different colors,” says DiMeglio. “They’re perfect for lounging, even when you have company, and still feel super comfortable.”

“Making time for self-care helped me stay grounded in those early postpartum months, even if it was something as simple as applying lotion,” says DiMeglio. True Botanicals’ nutrient-rich body butter, infused with bright notes of citrus and sandalwood, provides deep hydration when it’s needed most. “My skin was incredibly sensitive during pregnancy and after giving birth, so finding a lotion with quality ingredients was essential for me.”

“My lack of sleep was written all over my face, especially under my eyes,” says DiMeglio. A jade roller and a gua sha tool can make all the difference and help reduce puffiness and muscle tension. When you can’t run out for a facial, this is an easy way to treat yourself—whether you’re lounging or multitasking.

“I spent so much time in bed during recovery, and having fresh, high-quality sheets was a luxury I didn’t know I needed,” says DiMeglio. The bamboo sheet set is breathable (a major plus for postpartum moms who run hot), silky smooth, hypoallergenic (great for baby), and all around a dream to sleep on.

Postpartum is all about cozy pj’s, leggings, and sweatpants, and these laid-back joggers are a perfect choice. Whether the new mom is lounging at home or heading to those frequent pediatrician appointments, their oversized fit and soft fleece fabric provide the comfort, style, and ease that moms need and want.

“Incorporating these into my routine has been a simple self-care step that makes a big difference—it just makes you feel good,” says DiMeglio. Packed with antioxidants like resveratrol (from grapes), strawberry extract, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, these eye gels help depuff and brighten dark circles. They’d also be a thoughtful addition to a DIY self-care gift basket for any new mom in need of a little pampering.

After a full day of mom duties, nothing helps you unwind quite like a warm bath. These calming bath salts, a blend of Himalayan pink salt crystals, floral ylang-ylang, and natural vanilla, create an aromatherapy effect that soothes both body and mind. “If creating a mini spa in my bathroom is what it takes to stay sane, I’m all for it,” says DiMeglio. Add this to a care package for a mom-to-be.

Moms often find themselves pulling their hair up throughout the day, and if it has to be functional, why not make it stylish too? These satin scrunchies prevent creasing and minimize breakage, all while adding a chic touch to any bun, says DiMeglio.

During pregnancy, hair tends to stay in its growing phase, which is why many new moms experience significant hair shedding after giving birth. Hair growth shampoos help with fullness and volume. “It can be a bit shocking. So I loved receiving a gentle daily super hydrating shampoo, thanks to nourishing coconut—it was exactly what I needed,” says Lee.

These soothing tools fight puffiness and redness, two skin concerns that sleep-deprived new moms may be dealing with. They also act as a great reminder to take some time for herself each day, even if it’s just a few minutes for her skin care routine.

The Baby Shusher is the ultimate crowdpleaser—and mom Jillian Shatken, creative director of womenswear at clothing designer Saylor, goes so far as it to call it the gift that keeps on giving. “Although we use a sound machine at night, I still consider this gadget a must-have. It perfectly emulates a verbal shhh and is ideal for calming down an overtired baby at nap time. You can set it for 15- or 30-minute increments to help get your baby to sleep or just calm down a tantrum. It is truly a miracle machine,” she says.

Sleep can be tough to come by in the early days of parenthood, but this best-selling sleep mask can help her pack in as much shut-eye as possible. It’s soft and heavy, like a weighted blanket for your eyes. “It seems like such a simple thing, but this eye mask really helped me sleep when my mind was running a million miles an hour in those early days,” says Joanna Park, a mom to two in New Jersey. “The light pressure relaxed me when nothing else would.”

Cozy, cute, and totally Instagram-ready, these matching sweaters make for the sweetest twinning photo op with her new mini-me. “It’s a thoughtful, personal gift—even if you don’t know the baby’s name yet,” says Lee.

Bottles, blankets, outfits, pacifiers, and endless “just-in-case” items—babies are anything but low-maintenance. With its adorable chenille “Mama” lettering, this duffle bag is the perfect upgrade from the typical diaper or hospital bag.

“This baby book is exactly what I asked my mother-in-law for after my first child was born,” says Glamour contributor Earley. “The prospect of walking through my son’s first year felt like such an important milestone. There was just so much to look forward to, and I wanted to make sure I remembered it all forever.” The prompted style makes things easier on the busy new parent—just fill in the blanks and paste in photos or mementos.

“I bought one of these for myself in the beginning of my journey into motherhood and have been blessed that I was able to start a second one,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I cannot express how therapeutic this journal is for a person waiting for their child and for after their child comes. It is hope, laughs, frustrations, and joy. Besides that, it makes it easy to document things about not only your child’s progress, but also your own. It’s simple—one sentence a day.”

“In those early postpartum days, finally having a moment to put on makeup made me feel more like myself and boosted my confidence,” says Lee. These machine-washable cloths have tiny fibers that act like mini magnets to lift off every bit of makeup at the end of the day. Just add water!

Made with dainty crystal and acrylic beads, this adorable, stretchy bracelet is a sweet reminder of her favorite new title.

This customizable wall art is the perfect keepsake to celebrate the sweet bond between mom and her little girl. You can switch the clothes, hairstyles/color, skin tones, or feature a different quote.