Preparing for Baby The 26 Best Gifts to Buy Expecting Moms in 2022 What to buy moms-to-be By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 19, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Family articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and family healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rachel Gurevich, RN Medically reviewed by Rachel Gurevich, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Gurevich is a fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. She is a professional member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and has been writing about women’s health since 2001. Rachel uses her own experiences with infertility to write compassionate, practical, and supportive articles. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang Our Top Picks Angel Maternity Nursing Dress, Robe, & Baby Blanket Set at nordstrom.com "Soon-to-be moms will obsess over the incredible softness and lightweight design of this robe and baby blanket duo." Diptyque Baies Berries Candle at nordstrom.com "The alluring aroma will fill her home with the scent of roses, blackcurrant leaves, and supreme luxury." Bouqs Flower Subscription at bouqs.com "Fill her home and her heart with a flower subscription that will bring the best floral delights to her front door every month." WavHello Belly Buds at Amazon "Moms-to-be will love connecting with their baby through these belly buds, which you can use to share music, voice memos, and more." Burt’s Bees Belly Butter at Amazon "A pregnancy-safe, gentle bump butter that will keep mom's skin soft and supple without causing irritation." Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor at Amazon "Keep her sweetie within ear and eye shot without disturbing them with the plug-and-play video baby monitor." Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed at zappos.com "These sandals are perfect for a mom-to-be's growing feet thanks to their comfortability and simple slip-on style." Leachco Snoogle Maternity Body Pillow at Amazon "Expectant moms will be able to finally kick sleeplessness to the curb with this body-hugging supportive pregnancy pillow." Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler 30 oz. at Amazon "Errands will be easier with this thirst-quenching travel tumbler that's designed to keep cold drinks frigid and warm drinks steaming." Kibou Bag at kiboubag.com "She's seen a diaper bag and a diaper backpack, but she'll truly experience hands-free toting with a minimalist diaper fanny pack." Pregnancy is a time to celebrate both the mom-to-be and the new baby. Whether this is the mom’s first child or not, every pregnancy is special, and commemorating that time with a gift will make the expecting mom feel loved. From baby showers to a thinking of you present, here are the best gifts to buy for expecting moms. Our Top Picks Nom Maternity Light Support Everyday Seamless Legging at Nommaternity.com Bodily Care for Birth Box at Itsbodily.com Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum at Ritual.com Hatch Fresh Mama Deodorant at Hatchcollection.com Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil at Susannekaufmann.com Mombox Monthly Kit at Mombox.com Help mom ease into postpartum life with this monthly subscription kit that includes postpartum necessities, like mesh undies. Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks at Comradsocks.com Pipcorn Tailgate Essentials Pack at Pipsnacks.com Angel Maternity Nursing Dress, Robe, & Baby Blanket Set Courtesy of Nordstrom Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Macy's Comfy and cozy, this thoughtful gift may earn a spot in the coveted hospital bag. The lightweight nursing dress is paired with a soft, crochet-trimmed robe for mom. Wrap the new baby up in a matching blanket to complete the sweet set. Diptyque Baies Berries Candle Courtesy of Diptyque Buy on Amazon Buy on Diptyqueparis.com Scented candles can warm the home, and this luxury candle is no exception. The fresh and fruity scent features the aroma of roses and blackcurrant leaves. Made in France, this candle looks just as elegant unlit on a shelf or special spot in the house. Bouqs Flower Subscription Courtesy of Bouqs Co. Buy on Bouqs.com Brighten any home with a flower subscription! Send flowers every month for the last trimester, when the baby arrives, or any other time. Bouqs only sends freshly cut flowers that are sourced directly from sustainable farms so they stay fresher, longer. A thoughtful gift, especially from an out-of-town friend. The 8 Best Pregnancy Subscription Boxes of 2022 Nom Maternity Light Support Everyday Seamless Legging View On Nommaternity.com Leggings are a soon-to-be mom's best friend and these leggings from Nom Maternity are a lifesaver. Designed with a growing body in mind, these leggings are made with recycled polyester and are safe for the washing machine. They go over the belly for extra support and are available in one color: black. What Our Editors Say "After going through two pregnancies, I've tested a lot of leggings. Huge fan of these. They are a great price point, but fit like a seamless luxury legging in which the material on the bump and the legs are the same (a plus, in my opinion). And the best part is they're made from recycled plastic bottles! Giving a sustainable gift is always a good idea." -Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director Verywell Family WavHello Belly Buds Buy on Amazon Help the mom-to-be connect with the baby in an extra special way with belly buds. The included hydrogel pads allow for the buds to securely and safely attach to the mom’s bump for a relaxed listening experience. Other family members can join in on the tunes thanks to the audio splitter that allows the baby and another person to listen at the same time. These baby bump speakers allow parents to safely play any music or voice messages directly to the baby from any iOS, Android, or standard audio device. The 21 Best Gifts for Mom of 2022 Burt’s Bees Belly Butter Courtesy of Burt's Bees Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Soothe a growing bump with a rich belly butter that is specially formulated for moms-to-be. Made from cocoa, shea, and jojoba butter, this lotion softens and smoothes skin. Fragrance-free, this gentle formulation is perfect for during and after pregnancy. Bodily Care for Birth Box View On Itsbodily.com Help a soon-to-be mom get her hospital bag ready with this box that's full of postpartum essentials. This box covers it all: pregnancy, breastfeeding, comfort, and recovery. In the box, mom will receive guidebooks, cozy socks, a postpartum recovery latte, and so much more. What Our Editors Say "Make it easier for her to pack for the hospital with a read-to-go kit of postpartum essentials. This mega set has everything from nipple butter to mesh underwear and cozy, grip socks (something you don't know you need until you're waddling around the hospital). It even has stool softener and a peri wash bottle—which can come in handy during the recovery process." -Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director Verywell Family Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor Buy on Amazon Buy on Buybuy BABY Infant Optics DXR-8 Review An award-winning video monitor, this lightweight and portable set will give mom peace of mind. The mom-to-be can skip the confusing set-up process with this plug-and-play model. With special features like two-way talk, a remote thermometer, night vision, and more, keeping an eye on the baby will be a breeze. What Our Testers Say "We thought this monitor offered solid video quality. We were able to see the feed clearly throughout the day and night thanks to the aforementioned night vision. As for audio, we could also hear clearly, even with the volume turned to low. Though, the monitor’s range is an area that could use improvement. While one of the pricier monitors out there, the performance and features make this a solid investment for your nursery." — Michelle Piccolo, Verywell writer and product tester Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Courtesy of Zappos Buy on Zappos Gift mom a new pair of shoes perfect for her swollen pregnancy feet. These Birkenstock sandals feature a soft footbed and great arch support. There are several different colors to choose from and you can even decide the width of the shoe. What Our Editors Say “I never understood the value of slip-on shoes until I had a kid. These comfortable sandals are great for a Mom’s growing pregnant feet and they also work wonders when you need to jet out to a checkup or a walk around the block. These are still my warm weather stand by because it is one less pair of shoes I need to wrestle with." — Dwyer Frame, VP of Commerce Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum View On Ritual.com It's vital for mom to get protein during pregnancy so the baby's tissues and organs can grow, especially the brain. This protein from Ritual was made with pregnancy and postpartum in mind, providing the much-needed protein that's plant-based and gluten and major allergen-free. Leachco Snoogle Maternity Body Pillow Buy on Amazon Buy on Nordstrom Gift mom the priceless present of a good night’s sleep with a unique body pillow. The Snoogle is specially made to take the place of multiple pillows as it helps support the hips, back, neck, and tummy. While it may look funny, if it helps get some precious zzzz’s, it’s worth it. Kibou Bag Courtesy of Kibou Buy on Kiboubag.com Fanny pack meets diaper bag in this amazingly minimalist solution. The thoughtful design leaves room for everything, including a built-in changing pad, waterproof wipes pocket, key ring, credit card holder, and more. The lightweight vegan leather bag looks great and leaves hands, arms, and shoulders free. The 9 Best Diaper Bag Backpacks of 2022 As You Grow Modern Memory Book Buy on Amazon Buy on Barnesandnoble.com An elegant, chic, and timeless designed baby memory keepsake and journal, this modern, gender-neutral book is stunning enough to be displayed and shared. There are guided sections to help every family record special moments from pregnancy through age five. Families can fill in as much or as little as they want as they commemorate the mom-to-be's journey from pregnancy to parenthood. Hatch Fresh Mama Deodorant View On Hatchcollection.com Finding products that are safe for pregnancy can be tough, so start with something mom likely uses everyday: deodorant. This deodorant is safe for pregnancy thanks to the natural ingredients and lack of aluminum and baking soda. It's made with a Japanese citrus and chamomile blend that's not too strong but can still tackle hormonal changes. What Our Editors Say "Many women change their deodorant to a 'cleaner' formula when pregnant and nursing. This Hatch one checks so many boxes: first of all, it actually works (I tested it during a balmy NYC summer) to keep sweat at bay. It doesn't pill like many natural deos, but rather, it rolls on smooth. I was super sensitive to fragrance (especially in the first trimester) and still loved this subtle scent of Japanese citrus and chamomile. It's also free of aluminum, parabens, and baking soda." -Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director Verywell Family Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil View On Susannekaufmann.com Designed with all skin types in mind, this stretch mark oil is made with a combination of jojoba oil, wheat germ oil, vitamin E, and almond oil. The oil helps skin stretch gently while leaving it nourished, firm, and elastic. Simply place it on damp skin to prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. What Our Editors Say "If you've been through pregnancy, you may have earned yourself some stretch marks. To help prevent and treat them, it is often recommended to slather your belly in oil. This Susanne Kaufmann formula is a luxe version—perfect for gifting—and made up of plant-based ingredients. Natural oils (almond, jojoba, wheat germ) and vitamin E nourish itchy, stretching skin. It even has arnica flower extract, which is said to help reduce water retention. After testing it, I can confirm it's non-greasy and has a subtle, pleasant smell (making it first-trimester friendly)." -Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director Verywell Family Kate McLeod The Mama Stone Courtesy of Anthropologie Buy on Anthropologie Pregnancy can cause a mom-to-be to have dry skin, so why not gift her with a soft and hydrating lotion bar? The Mama Stone is made from raw cocoa butter and hydrating oils so it melts into the skin, leaving it nourished and glowing. Not only can she use it while pregnant, but it's great for her newborn, too. What Our Editors Say "New mamas need to take time to pamper themselves, and this moisturizer stone forces you to. I have one, and it's truly a luxe experience to apply. You warm the stone up on your palm and then glide it along your body as it leaves behind a trail of hydrating oils and raw cocoa butter. This version is unscented and made for sensitive skin, so you can use it and then be around your baby without worrying about transferring chemicals onto them." — Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director, Verywell Family Herschel Supply Co Diaper Bag Buy on Amazon If mom is looking for a classic and simple diaper bag that doesn’t scream baby, look no further than this highly-rated tote. This bag is lightweight, easy to organize, and stylish. The bag zips fully closed and includes a folding changing mat. Baby Bum Brush Buy on Amazon This handy silicone spatula will be the incredible baby gadget the new mom never knew she needed. Banish cream-covered fingers for good with this genius bum brush that helps diaper cream go on smoother, thicker, and faster. Simply scoop cream onto the brush and rub it on the baby's bottom. Wipe the brush clean with a wipe, and you’re all set! Mombox Monthly Kit View On Mombox.com Help mom begin her postpartum journey with ease with this monthly subscription kit that includes postpartum essentials, like hemorrhoid cream, mesh undies, and more. There are different types of boxes to choose from, such as the C-section box or Breastfeeding Support. What Our Staff Says "Mombox has become my go-to gift for any friends or family that are having kids—especially their first! The Original Mombox has everything you might not think about getting before you have your little one, but everything you might need. It's a one-stop-shop for gifters. Full disclosure: The founder, a mom herself, is also a friend of mine, so it's been fun to watch the company grow—and to support a woman-run business." -Meg Lappe, Senior Commerce Editor Kindle Paperwhite Buy on Amazon If mom loves to read, gift her the ability to read one-handed with an e-reader. The Kindle Paperwhite is available in four colors and features a built-in adjustable light so she can read indoors, outdoors, day and night, even when holding a sleeping baby. A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours, and the lightweight and portable design can get stashed in a bag or bedside table for easy reading. The 10 Best Pregnancy Books of 2022 Bedford Swivel Glider Courtesy of Pottery Barn Buy on Potterybarnkids.com New moms can expect to spend a lot of time feeding and bonding with baby, so a comfortable chair is essential. This stylish and eco-friendly glider has a tall square back, sloped arms, and plush cushions that'll provide ultimate comfort, even if (and when) mom dozes off too. The swivel and rocking ability makes bonding, nursing, and comforting the baby a sweet experience. Weleda Skin Food Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart A best-seller for good reason, Weleda Skin Food can literally be used from head to toe. This wonder formula can tame frizzy hair, soothe facial skin, and relieve dry and itchy hands and feet. Skin Food is made from flower, fruit, and root extracts, minerals, and essential oils. Goldbelly 3-Month Subscription Courtesy of Goldbelly Buy on Goldbelly.com Growing a baby is hard work and can definitely work up an interesting appetite. Gifting the new mom with a Goldbelly subscription will ensure that she is always stocked with some of the most delicious foods that her heart could ever desire. From pies and pastries to savory bites and butcher cuts, there is something to meet the cravings of every mom-to-be. The order is delivered in a temperature-regulated, dry-ice-packed box right to their front door. What Our Editors Say “I often think the best gifts are experiences. Since I wasn’t going to be leaving the house too much in the months after giving birth, my husband brought the experiences to me by getting me a monthly Goldbelly subscription. He opted for the New York City box and it was so fun looking forward to the surprise each month. Before we would get the official email about what was shipping each month, we would try to guess what was coming next and what we hoped it would be. We ended up getting cheesecake, bagels, and pizza.” — Julia Warren, VP of Commerce Cross Band Soft Plush Fleece House Slippers Buy on Amazon Ever-expanding, swollen feet is a pregnancy symptom that seems to last the entire nine months. These plush, fleece house slippers will give her a cozy place to slip her achy feet into at the end of a long day. With a memory foam insole, she will feel like she is stepping onto a cloud every single time. Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks View On Comradsocks.com Let's face it: Pregnancy can be rough thanks to swollen legs, feet, pain, and aches. Help mom tackle those dreaded pregnancy symptoms with compression socks. Available in a pack of three, these socks are designed to alleviate swelling, pains, and aches, while increasing circulation and comfort. Pipcorn Tailgate Essentials Pack View On Pipsnacks.com Satisfy mom's cravings with a bundle that has six different snacks in six different flavors. From jalapeño cheddar to sea salt, you can pick a one-time purchase or subscribe to the bundle from this Black-owned business. They're gluten-free, made with organic cheese, whole grain, heirloom corn, and reviewers say this is a healthy snack for on the go or at home. Verywell / Bailey Mariner Final Verdict A gift that’ll benefit both mom and baby, the Angel Maternity Set (view at Nordstrom) will be a favorite. Complete with a nursing dress, robe, and a matching blanket for the little one, it’s sure to get a lot of wear, whether at the hospital or during leisure mornings or evenings at home. If you’re willing to shell out a bit more for the new mom in your life, the Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor (view at Amazon) will likely be appreciated in giving a parent peace of mind. Complete with the features you need without being confusingly high-tech, it offers an LCD display and wireless transmission. What to Look for in a Gift for an Expecting Mom Sentimental Value If you want to tug at her heart strings, there are a variety of great gifts that’ll do just that. Many serve as keepsakes of the time she was pregnant and help capture the incredible growth of her baby. This type of gift is sure to be treasured by the whole family for years to come. Usefulness Sweet gifts may make her tear up at a shower, but practical gifts are just as appreciated. From products that make pregnancy more comfortable to those that come in handy once the baby is born, think about the things that’ll make her entire experience as stress-free as possible. Pampering While everyone is showering baby with gifts, sometimes it’s nice to give the mom-to-be something that’s all about her. From soft, beautiful clothing to lotions and other products to help her relax, there a ton of excellent options to delight any expecting mom. Verywell / Michelle Piccolo Why Trust Verywell Family? Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. When her first son was born, her in-laws gifted Maya her first Kindle, and she cherished the ability to read one-handed while holding a sleeping baby. She also loved sweet treats or other gifts for her, since each of her babies was sure to get plenty of gifts and hand-me-downs. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Integrative ob/gyn: eat more protein for a healthy pregnancy. CentreSpringMD.