30+ Best Gifts for Pregnant Women, According to New Mums 2023

By Bianca London, Deanna Pai and Brigitt Earley

Falling pregnant is an incredibly magical time but it can also come with its own set of challenges (hiya, morning sickness, chronic exhaustion and weakened pelvic floor) - and that's where the best gifts for pregnant women come in.

Pregnant women are always extremely grateful of a thoughtful and practical gift to get them through this often exhausting period: anything that soothes aches and pains or generally makes them feel pampered is a good bet.

Sharing her top tips, Katie Massie-Taylor, founder of LittleList, said: "Think comfort with a dash of diva! Soft, cosy and chic clothing is a must - because, let's face it, if she's going to waddle, she might as well do it in style!

“Pampering gifts are always a hit. Creams, oils, bath sets and even the pregnancy pillow are an option. You could also consider personalised jewellery- maybe something that includes her and the soon-to-be mini-me's birthstone. And for the mums-to-be missing their cocktail nights, treat them to a botanical drink set.”

Luckily, we've been through the process ourselves and have compiled a concise and shoppable hospital bag checklist for you.

By Bianca London

Whether you're looking to buy your pal a little something for her baby shower gift, hospital bag or simply you want to treat your partner to a pre-baby treat to show your appreciation, I've been through two pregnancies and have deduced a definitive guide to what pregnant woman actually want and desperately need to pull us through.

Navigating skincare when pregnant is a minefield (you can wave goodbye to your beloved retinol). That's why we can't stop waxing lyrical about Emma Lewisham's range that's been carefully created especially for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. This all-natural trio delivers peace of mind with safe ingredients for both mum and baby. There's a serum to target pigmentation, which is specifically engineered for this side-effect of hormonal fluctations, a face oil with plant-based vitamin A (bakuchiol), which is proven to have a similar performance to retinol, and an exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells.

This lightly weighted mask will envelop her in aromatherapy-tinged darkness, and may be the best kind of relief you can gift from migraines and general grogginess.

It's no secret that faces can get a bit puffy during pregnancy so this cooling gua sha will provide refreshing relief. Pop it in the fridge and use it first thing in the morning to wake up before a work Zoom. Want to join Beauty Pie to get beauty products are bloody good prices? We've got a Beauty Pie discount code for that. You're welcome.

This is one of the most popular pregnancy pillows on the market (you've probably noticed a lot of celebrities and influencers using it on social media). So what's all the fuss about? It was developed by three Norwegian female chiropractors specifically to help pregnant women sleep better (thank you!). It does this by supporting the stomach, pelvis, lower back and legs and whilst it's an investment, I can attest it will last you long beyond your pregnancy.

Save when you shop for the best gifts for pregnant women with these John Lewis promo codes.

Screw fears of stretch marks (because tiger stripes are beautiful anyway), this kit is more about self-care. Having a nice pregnancy skincare routine in the evening makes you feel like you. Did you know midwives say rubbing cream into your tummy helps you bond with baby, too? This kit has a tummy rub scrub, butter and oil so you can really get stuck in.

Save when you shop for the best gifts for pregnant women with these LookFantastic promo codes.

Ah, the pelvic floor - something you'd never considered until you fall pregnant and quickly learn why every mother warns you to do your exercises. Encourage your pal via this this book, which promises to take women on a vital journey to better understanding their pelvic health throughout all stages of life, and empowers them to take control of the core of their physical and mental wellbeing.

Is anyone not wearing New Balance right now? This particular pair are inspired by ‘70s styles, crafted from suede and crinkled-shell and are giving ‘mum on the nursery run’. She'll be trying to get those steps in pre-labour so buy her these to do it in style.

We all know that staying active during pregnancy and the postpartum period has vast physical and mental health benefits, but it’s also a subject that’s fraught with fear, myths, and misinformation. And to be honest, I really couldn't be bothered. That's why I swore by The Bump Plan, by personal trainer, pre-and-postnatal exercise specialist and mother of two, Hollie Grant. I also highly recommend treating a pregnant pal to her programme.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

Sure, it’s for the baby, but it’s also for the person who may want to do things while pumping. It’s a newer launch that’s about half the price of the brand’s original pump, and even though it’s a wired system, the Stride is still entirely hands-free and able to slip into their favourite nursing bra.”

There is quite honestly nothing better than a refreshing spritz when hormones are sending body temperatures soaring. This one boosts the skin’s hydration capacity and is also enriched with hyaluronic acid (which pregnant skin needs in the bucket load). This is the one hospital bag essential I recommend to all my pregnant pals.

Save when you shop for the best gifts for pregnant women with these Space NK discount codes.

Pregnant women don't need to feel like they're missing out courtesy of Spencer Matthews's clever alcohol-free brand. This gin alternative is the closest I've tasted to the real deal (and trust me, I've tried a lot of alcohol-free alternatives). He also has a brilliant recipe book of mocktails to try.

These aren't specifically maternity leggings (we do have a huge round-up of those if you're interested), but what they are is the best pair of leggings I've tried. At 25 weeks pregnant I am still wearing mine (I just sized up). They're breathable, comfortable and look great on the school run.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

If your mum-to-be isn’t into body oils, no sweat: This velvety belly balm is infused with shea butter and vitamin E to smooth, soothe, and comfort the skin on her belly as it grows.

Save when you shop for the best gifts for pregnant women with these Boots discount codes.

While many maternity essentials don’t account for the whole giving-birth process, the Frida Mom is designed for the (long-overlooked) postpartum recovery.

Save when you shop for the best gifts for pregnant women with these Boots discount codes.

Desmond & Dempsey makes some of the chicest pyjamas, so it comes as no surprise that one of its printed sets is also on Chapman’s wish list. It’s an especially thoughtful gift for your friend preparing for those sleep-deprived initial baby days, she says.

Not only is the packaging a dream—and guaranteed to turn their morning shower into an elegant steam situation—but the sudsy formula is also packed with nourishing ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and fatty acids.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

I miss you, coffee. That's why I've been turning to this caffeine-free herbal infusion with raspberry leaf and peppermint. As the name suggests, this one is best sipped towards the end of pregnancy because it contains raspberry leaf, which has been used for years to help support women’s general wellbeing and is thought to help move labour along. Essentially, it's like a hug in a mug.

Looking for a unique gift or keepsake they’ll cherish and—fingers crossed—hang in the nursery? This sweet little picture frame keeps those delicate ultrasound photos free of fingerprints and on permanent display—much better than the bottom of her handbag where they usually end up, say experienced mums.

My NCT group lived in these super simple and affordable maternity T-shirts from ASOS. Perfect paired with leggings (because every pregnant person will also live in those), she will wear these on rotation.

Save when you shop for the best gifts for pregnant women with these ASOS discount codes.

Pretty much every pregnant woman I've asked for skincare advice has suggested the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm - and this fig variety is its latest iteration. It safely removes makeup and daily impurities whilst comforting your skin, and just smells damn delicious.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

If there's ever a time for a woman to live in leggings, it's during pregnancy. These are some of the comfiest out there thanks to a flexible waistband that can be worn over or under your bump and an adjustable drawstring waist. Plus they'll serve long beyond pregnancy.

Pregnancy books can be hit-or-miss. Not this one. “Behold: a pregnancy and early motherhood book that doesn’t feel like a long and winding lecture,” says Shipin. This one takes a non-stuffy, science-backed approach to insights.

Not strictly a maternity dress but a brand I lived in throughout both pregnancies thanks to its roomy and flattering fit. Cost-per-wear is unreal because I have continued wearing dresses from Pink City Prints between pregnancies and amassed so many compliments. The best part? The roomy pockets because which pregnant persons wants to be lumbered down with a handbag?

Pregnancy can feel like a blur (for better or worse) of things you need to do, essentials to buy, and appointments to schedule. A meditation app will encourage her to take a few minutes for herself while she’s still able to do so. It can also help quiet an overactive mind.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

This is the one post-partum buy I encourage all my pals to invest in. Send these to the newly nursing mum during early days of breastfeeding - especially if she uttered the words chapped, painful, and/or sore during your last check-in. “Oh, the wonders of Silverette cups!,” says Emma Armstrong, the Naked Birth Coach and expert at The Baby Show which returns to Olympia London 20-22 October. “Made of pure silver, these lifesavers are known for their healing and antimicrobial properties. Perfect for those early days of breastfeeding, they help soothe soreness and prevent cracks. They're the unsung heroes every breastfeeding mum needs but might not think to buy for herself.”

Artipoppe (loved by many, including countless celebs) is the most comfortable carrier you can gift. The Zeitgeist is made of a highly durable blend of organic cotton and linen, meaning it’ll work for future little ones and is a nice midweight that works for all seasons.

Treat your pregnant pal to this lovely alphabet necklace - you could plump for her initials or those of her future baby if she's let you in on the secret.

Pregnancy style doesn't equate to frumpy, which is why this cosy and transitional set (in on-trend Barbiecore hue, no less) is ideal for the nine months ahead. It's absolutely ideal to throw on in the early stages of pregnancy when in that awkward ‘is that a bump?’ phase.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

Every mother-to-be knows they need to take supplements but often hasn't got a clue which ones. This pack from Wild Nutrition does the hard work for you. In each handy little daily sachet you’ll find the brand's award-winning trio of supplements: Food-Grown Pregnancy + New Mother Support, Pregnancy + New Mother Omega 3 and Pregnancy + New Mother Biotic. It has all bases covered.

Zita West is life. She's helped multiple people I know with their fertility so I had to use her supplements when I was trying and fell pregnant myself. The first three months of pregnancy are in many ways the most crucial stage of a baby’s development - the time when all of his or her organs and systems are forming, as well as hands, feet, and limbs. It is now recognised that a mother’s diet immediately before conception and in the first weeks of pregnancy can influence the way that the embryo develops. Terrifying. That's why this pack full of multivitamins, minerals, essential fats & Omega3, friendly bacteria and vitamin D is a no-brainer.

By Kim Slater

By Annabelle Spranklen

By Rebecca Ford

By Fiona Embleton