Top 5 Gift Ideas for New Moms

For my first pregnancy, I didn't realize how many gifts arrive at the hospital.  All your wonderful family and friends bring so many thoughtful presents, which helps you realize how lucky your baby is to have so many loving people around. Not only that, but the majority of the hospital gifts are for you, the new mom!  So sweet!

So if you know a loved one who just gave birth, but want to avoid the generic balloons and flowers, here are my top 5 favorite gifts.  These are all very thoughtful luxuries for a new mother. She will totally love them - I sure did!

1. Coffee Shop Gift Card
After nine months of watching my caffeine intake, this gift was THE BEST.  My friends probably got the hint after my whining every week, not being able to have a Caramel Macchiato. So if the new mom is a coffee lover, this gift is definitely on their wish list.

2. Dinner Delivery
A friend of mine asked if she could visit the baby one evening, which happened to be right before dinner time.  She brought over a homemade lasagna!  You have no idea how appreciative I was. I was so busy with the baby that I didn't even think of having something ready to eat for the visit. There was so much food that we had leftovers for the next night.  

3. Cute Pair of PJs
I know this sounds silly, but it comes in handy when visitors come over. You're clearly a new mom (duh) so you aren't going to be wearing slacks and a blazer when your friends come over.  However, nobody wants to be wearing their old yoga pants and ratty t-shirt in front of company.  A cute pair of pajamas is ideal; they're pretty, comfortable, and ideal if nursing a baby.

4. Offer to Clean My Home or a Cleaning Service
This was a gift from my mommy. As new parents, the last thing you're thinking about is if the bathtub has been scrubbed, or if you can start on your three loads of laundry. This is more ideal during the early weeks at home, but it was a nice little luxury not having to worry about the most basic of chores.

5. Watch the Baby While I Take a Shower
THE BEST BEST BEST GIFT EVER.  When visiting, you can watch the little one rocking on his swing or sleeping in his bassinet for ten minutes.  Ten minutes in the shower feels like a luxury the first few months!  Knowing that someone I trust is watching my newborn, even for just a few minutes, relieves any anxiety I may have by leaving the room to bathe.

How about it new moms?  Anything you would add to the list?