Life
24 Gifts For Cool Moms, Because They Deserve Something Indulgent This Holiday Season
Mom. The woman who raised you. The woman who always bailed you out. The woman who always put your needs before her own. What do you buy for the woman who taught you everything you know?
Or perhaps you're shopping for the new mother in your life. A good friend who's undergone a major lifestyle change, or your darling wife ... the mother of your child.
New mom or old pro, there's something all mothers have in common: They tend to put themselves last, allowing their identity to be subsumed by their new role. So this holiday season, buy them something they wouldn't think to indulge in themselves, because: indulgence? What's that? Diapers are expensive. Here are 23 ideas that, as a new mom, I wouldn't mind finding under my tree.
Written by Steph Auteri
Editor’s note: Alex and Ani is the sponsor of this article.
Zodiac Charm Bracelet
For the mom who is a dead ringer for her zodiac sign, buy her this lovely bracelet that will remind her how truly unique she is, and how her personal strengths are an asset to those around her.
Zodiac Charm Bracelet, $28, Alex and Ani
Roxane Gay's Bad Feminist
One of the buzziest books this year, Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist will remind new moms that feminists can take on many different appearances, including that of the woman who now lives in sweatpants and spit-up-bedazzled tops.
Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist, $9.99, amazon.com
Gabriel Pouchette in Earth
A good accessory is more than fashion meets function — it is truly divine. This zip-up pouch fits in a pocket or larger bag, because busy moms must be ready for whatever the day brings. She can start her day with intention amidst the worries and obligations, with this trusty yet lovely companion.
Gabriel Pouchette in Earth, $38, Alex and Ani
Leggings From Athleta
Mom was finally cleared to work out again. Encourage her to show off her post-baby body with these cute leggings, which flatteringly accentuate the calf muscles she developed while pushing baby in the stroller.
Triangular Be Free Tight, $74, Athleta
Sleep Mask
The perfect stocking stuffer, this sleep mask is soft and easily adjustable, and will ensure that mom doesn’t watch the baby monitor all night long.
Sleep Master Sleep Mask, $25.90, amazon.com
Koobik Personalized Baby Block
This wooden block — customizable with name, birth date, birth weight, and more — is a unique gift sure to make that new mom’s heart melt.
Personalized Baby Block, $24.50+, etsy.com
Society6 Art Print
Help the mom in your life liven up her walls with an art print from Society6. I’m a fan of this one by Tina Crespo, featuring a peaceful image of the ocean.
Salt Water Cure Art Print by Tina Crespo, $18.50+, society6.com
Dutailier Glider
New dad? Buy your wife a big-ticket item she’ll love to bits. This glider will make mom feel as if she’s drifting on clouds as she reads, nurses, relaxes, or rocks the baby to sleep.
Dutailier Modern Glider with Ottoman, $599, amazon.com
Teething Necklace
If the mom you’re shopping for always has a baby’s arms (and grabby hands) around her neck, fulfill her fashion needs with a teething necklace that’ll make her and the baby happy.
Teresa Silicone Teething Necklace, $22.50, mamaandlittle.com
Long-Sleeved Maxi Dress
Now that she’s out of maternity clothes, help mom feel sexy again with a new dress, like this form-fitting, soft-to-the-touch maxi dress by Loveappella.
Loveappella Long Sleeve Seamed Maxi Dress, $44.97, Nordstrom Rack
Infinity Scarf
Keep your gift recipient cozy this winter with a luxe, heavy-knit infinity scarf.
Lava Twisted Knit Infinity Scarf, $9.97, Nordstrom Rack
Chemex Handblown Coffee Maker
Some say boob milk is like liquid gold. Others say formula is priced like liquid gold. I say the real liquid gold is one’s morning coffee, so why not class it up a bit?
Chemex Handblown Coffee Maker, $130, momastore.org
Coffee Subscription
Speaking of coffee, to ensure your favorite mom never runs out of that precious, precious caffeinated beverage, get her a gift subscription so that coffee arrives on her doorstep on the regular.
MistoBox Coffee Subscription, $19/month+, mistobox.com
Ombre Throw
Even binge-watching can be done in style. Supplant your mother’s Snuggie or Slanket with this super-soft, beautiful blanket from West Elm.
Softest Throw - Ombre, $39, West Elm
Debbie Koenig's 'Parents Need To Eat Too' Cookbook
So the mom in your life doesn’t waste away, or have to rely on takeout seven days a week, buy her a family-friendly cookbook. Koenig’s is filled with delicious, easy-to-pull-off recipes, accompanied by baby food dinner ideas using the ingredients from your own meal.
Debbie Koenig’s Parents Need To Eat Too, $12, amazon.com
Gauzy Gray Cardigan
For the mom with a busy social schedule, buy a body-flattering cardigan that can be layered over everything.
Lou & Grey Gauzy Open Cardigan, $59.50, LOFT
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
For those moments when mommy needs a dance-around-the-kitchen (or the living room, or the laundry room) pick-me-up, this Bluetooth speaker guarantees the party will travel anywhere.
Mini Jambox by Jawbone, $99, amazon.com
Custom Photo Art Print
It’s okay to be a cornball every once in awhile, especially when the “corn” has been harvested from beautiful memories. This custom, heart-shaped art print can be created from all your favorite photos.
Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art, $29+, minted.com
Le Creuset French Oven
It’s one of those classics that can feel too pricey to splurge on for oneself. Make some other mom the happiest foodie in her neighborhood with this Le Creuset French oven.
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron French Oven, $329.98, Macy’s
Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Getting back to the important things in life (coffee), this sleek travel mug is perfect for your cooler-than-average mom on the go.
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, $29.53, amazon.com
Sleep Bra
Welcome to the world of new motherhood, where women wear bras to bed and leak through their pajama tops anyway. It’s hard to hold onto the sexy at this stage of life, but this pretty sleep bra (yes, that’s a thing) might help.
Dottie Sleep Bra, $38, Belabumbum
Stitch Fix Gift Certificate
Finally, for those moms who haven’t left the house in months (mostly kidding), consider a mail-order service that will bring the beautiful to them. On Stitch Fix, they can fill out a style profile online, and have personal shoppers put together a package of goodies just for them.
Stitch Fix Gift Certificate, $20+, stitchfix.com
She's The First Tote
Whether your recipient is mom to daughters or sons, she’ll love a tangible display of her support for girl’s education in low-income countries. Children are our future, as she knows better than anyone!
She’s The First Tote, $20, Catrinka/Shopify