8 Gifts for the Mom-to-be

By Ariel

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Gifts for the Mom-to-be on Your Shopping List

When you’re shopping for the pregnant lady in your life, please avoid falling into the trap of gifting exclusively to the coming baby.  A few gifts for baby are, of course, nice and appreciated, but don’t forget that there’s a woman there who likes presents, too! I will admit during the hormonal rollercoaster that is pregnancy I may have become unreasonably irritated receiving only gifts for the baby - all the time! Not that I told anyone this.

Growing a baby is hard work, so this holiday season calls for next level pampering. The gifts we’ve selected are so indulgent, we’d love to get most of them even when we aren’t pregnant. If you’re stumped for ideas, start here!   

no. 1
Brianna’s Pick: Poncho A good portion of my pregnancy was spent in cooler weather.  Throwing on more layers to keep warm isn’t usually a challenge, except when you have a growing belly.  Sometimes I wanted the front of me covered, or I would want to feel all bundled, without fussing with a zipper.  A soft, hooded poncho is a gift any pregnant woman could use on cooler days.  It’s great for layering inside or outside, and is super easy to pull on and off.

"Grey is my favorite color! I feel so symbolic." Large enough to cover a growing belly with delicate detailing along the edges, this affordable option is sure to please! Affiliate Link.

A blanket with a turtle neck? Yes! Please and thank you. Currently on-sale, this mid-range option looks warm, warm warm! Non affiliate link.

Pockets? Umm... heck yea! Whether it's a poncho or dress, usable pockets on women's clothing always feel like a novelty. This splurge-worthy poncho is sure to wow - pockets and all! 
Non-affiliate link.

no. 2
Ariel’s Pick: Bath Bombs I am a bath lover. I think it has something to do with growing up a tall individual in a house with the world’s smallest tub. Because I never enjoyed them, now baths feel utterly luxurious! I was fortunate to have a large soaking tub while I was pregnant, so every night I would come home from work and soak my aches away in a warm bath before attempting anything else. Bath bombs are the bomb!

Brianna’s two cents: When I was pregnant, my sister sent me a box of fun bath stuff and facial masks for Christmas, so that I could give myself some spa nights.  She stuck a post-it with a note on each item, and I felt so deliciously spoiled!

These bath bombs will bring your bath game up a notch without breaking the bank. A bath every day keeps the doctor away!  Affiliate link.

But my absolute favorite? Lush Bath bombs. They are pricey. But with that price tag comes a truly luxurious experience! Non-affiliate link.

no. 3
Brianna’s Pick: Wedge pillow It goes without saying that your body changes when you’re pregnant.  Those changes can be accompanied by a great deal of discomfort.  Sitting, lounging, and sleeping all suddenly become challenging.  Yes, you could get Pregnant Lady an enormous sleeping pillow that wraps around her body, but I found a good wedge was all I needed.  It’s small, versatile, and mine restored my sleep to humane levels.

Ariel’s Two Cents: I am quite jealous of anyone who used pillows especially designed with a pregnant body in mind. I was in South Korea during my pregnancy and I simply couldn’t justify buying a pillow that I couldn’t bring back to the States. So I made due with the body pillow we already had. I regret this decision.  Next time? No one is going to come between me and my wedge.

This pregnancy wedge by Hiccapop was created with comfort in mind. Its dual-sided design features a soft memory foam on one side or a firmer supportive side depending on the needs of the trimester! Its plush cover is buttery soft yet durable and washable. But the best part? This affordable option is portable - whether you are simply moving from the bed to the couch or traveling internationally.
Affiliate link.

no. 4
Ariel’s Pick: Chic To-Do List Pad I make lists of everything. My type-A personality coupled with a terrible memory means I always have this nagging feeling that I have forgotten something. It only got worse while I was pregnant. So while it is not glamorous, a to-do list kept me on track! At the time I used post-it notes, but next time I will use something a bit more beautiful, like these pads.

This action-pad has everything you could possible need as a mom-to-be or new mother - a schedule, a to-do list, an area to prioritize your top three tasks, an area to track water and meals, plus a notes section.  Affiliate link.

 Or this simply chic notepad by Rifle Paper Co. ! Non-affiliate link.

no. 5
Ariel’s Pick: Tummy Oil/Butter When I was pregnant I felt large and not in charge. I was literally and figuratively stretched to the limit. But when I took the time to give my body a little TLC at the end of the night with a splurge-worthy oil or balm, 1) it made me feel a bit more human and 2) it signaled to my brain that now, NOW it is time to relax for the night.

The Mama Mio products were my personal favorite. I only ever bought them once because they ARE a splurge, but I savored them till the bitter end.
Affiliate link.

The Mambino Organics Body Oil and Tummy Butter were a close second to the Mama Mio products and a much more affordable option at half the price! I repurchased the body oil over and over again - in fact it still graces my bathroom counter. They aren't just for over-stretched bellies! Can't decide which one to get? Mambino makes a gift set!
Affiliate link.

no. 6
Ariel’s Pick: Quality Slippers I still have the slippers my parents bought me during my first pregnancy. One of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. One that I didn’t even know I needed.

 The slippers I was gifted were similar to these  Uggs - with thick rubber soles and a low profile loafer look, I wore them inside and outside my home. Though a bit of a splurge I rarely – if ever took them off. So for me - and ladies like me - it was money well spent! Affiliate Link.

But for me, the gold standard for slippers  is still L.L.Bean. With a lifetime warranty they are pricey up front, but I once sent in a 10 year old jacket with a broken zipper and they sent me a new-one with hardly any fuss. A great company to do business with! Non-affiliate link.

Brianna's two cents: I can't get over L.L. Beans slippers, either.  All other slippers are judged against these.

no. 7
Brianna’s Pick: Prize Candles Prize candles have become Quite The Thing lately.  I’m very excited about Fragrant Jewels’ offerings, though, because they actually look good while being quite affordable (unlike other brands with lame packaging and high prices). They also offer other good-smelling products. Besides offering a stand-out product at a reasonable price point, Fragrant Jewels’ products are made in the United States, AND they support two great non-profits: The Ocean Foundation, and Toys for Tots.  After spending a few minutes on their website, I decided that they would be my new prize candle company, because everything about them is easy to feel good about.  And who doesn’t love burning candles and getting prizes? (There is a slight chance that Pregnant Lady won’t be able to stand the smell of anything initially, but that usually passes. When in doubt, ask.)

For me this one stands out! I mean - come on - it's called "warm and cozy." That's exactly what I wanted to be during a winter pregnancy. Warm and cozy!
With top notes of Bergamot and Amber plus bottom notes of mahogany, sandalwood and musk, this candle smells like a breath of fall! Non-affiliate link.

Or spoil her with a set! It contains one candle and one bath bomb - both with a surprise! With top notes of wild berries and bergamot plus bottom notes of creme de menthe and amber, tis the season!
Non-affiliate link.

no. 8
​Brianna’s Pick: Festive Jewelry One thing that I missed for a long time after Monkey was born, was being able to wear whatever jewelry I wanted.  If you need a small gift for a coworker this year, or a nice stocking-stuffer, pick some cute earrings.  Flashy or dangly earrings will be fun to wear until baby comes along, but tasteful studs can make a comeback to Mom’s wardrobe much faster.  Either one is a win, and will be much appreciated by any earring lover. If her ears aren’t pierced, go for another fun piece of jewelry, or even hair accessories.

This affordable festive option is going to get some use this holiday season! It's the perfect stocking stuffer. But make sure to open them up early, so they can get some use while fa-la-la-ing! Affiliate link.

While they may not be festive, these Abalone studs are simply stunning! Affiliate link.

"At last my love has come along. My lonely days are over and life is like a song!" For those sentimental ladies out there, these are sure to be a hit!
Affiliate link.

I am a sucker for traditions and I love the idea of buying myself a necklace to commemorate the birth of all of my children. This was the necklace I wanted to buy when Bean was born. It's quirky and original. But the best part? Its a working compass! So if she gets lost in the woods? Bam! Not so lost anymore.
Non-affiliate link.

While it may be tempting to buy nothing but adorable baby clothes, don't fall into the trap! Remember she deserves a little loving too. And as much as I like to think I am above such material things, sometimes a gift is the perfect way to say it.

For those of you who have weathered the storm, what was the best gift you received during your pregnancy?

If you found this wish list informative - or at the very least amusing - come back for more!

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