35 Unique First Mother's Day Gifts to Make the Milestone Memorable
Pamper a new mom on her first Mother's Day.
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Let's start with what a new mom doesn't want on Mother's Day: Any gift that seems like it's appropriate for a house with a newborn but is really for the baby, not the mother. Yes, new moms have some specific needs that could be addressed through a Mother's Day gift (anything that helps with lack of sleep, for example). But what new moms really want, apart from getting those hours of sleep back, are gifts that make them feel pampered and celebrated. They also love to have mementos and keepsakes that'll remind them of those precious first months in years to come.
With that in mind, these are the best first Mother's Day gifts to give to a new mom, from a parenting editor. Some are Good Housekeeping Institute favorites that have been tested to ensure their quality. Others are editor's favorites and best sellers that are just meant to make Mom feel good.
Now she can wear her heart on her sleeve — literally. This sweatshirt has room for up to 16 names on the sleeve (though the more names you add, the higher the cost), and you can change the "mama" at the neck if you want to get a matching one for Grandma. You can choose the color of the sweatshirt, the color of the thread and the style of shirt too.
This printer connects with an iOS or Android phone, so they can print right from their camera roll. It prints straight to sticky-backed paper (no ink cartridges necessary) and charges with a USB.
For moms with a sense of humor, this coordinating outfit is sure to be a hit. It comes in four colors and several size combos, and there are other themes, too, like a taco and taquito or a burger and slider.
They can create family memories early by slipping personal photos into this album. It's made of soft fabric and you can even add name tags to your photos, making it fun to page through even when the baby is older.
Cloud Slippers
Having a new baby at home means being up all the time: getting the baby, soothing the baby, making bottles and changing diapers. These pillow slides are just the thing to soothe her achy feet and keep her comfortable during maternity leave. Amazon reviewers describe the feeling of wearing them as "walking on clouds."
Is there a song she's always singing to her baby? Or one she listened to when she gave birth? Send it to this Amazon seller, and they'll create a personalized album cover featuring a photo of the child. The song will be scannable, so she can play it on Spotify whenever she wants.
'Letters to My Baby' Journal
There's so much to say when a new baby enters the world, and it's so hard to remember it all. This journal makes it easy by offering prompts that a mom can use to write letters, which she can then seal and deliver when the child is older. There are 12 letters and envelopes included.
RELATED: Here's What to Write in a Mother's Day Card to Best Describe Your Love for Mom
Birth flower jewelry is in, and gift-givers can choose Mom's birth flower, the flower of the month the baby was born — or get both! Amazon users say these brass birth flower necklaces are cute, high quality and great for everyday wear.
This frame kit comes with everything needed to create a personal handprint keepsake, including pads for a "zero ink contact” imprinting method (meaning no mess). Note: This is also a great gift for new grandparents!
When there isn't time for a long bath, she can still unwind in the shower with these delightful aromatherapy steamers. She can choose from six different scents, including rosemary, lemongrass and eucalyptus.
They can preserve those little feet and hands they love so much with this casting kit that comes with everything you need to make five replicas. It doesn't require any baking, and it works for babies up to 9 months old.
Stressed-out moms would love a much-needed soak with this bamboo caddy that has space for her favorite book and a glass of wine. One reviewer shared: "It's sturdy and adjustable so it fits my tub and it has plastic grippers for the bottom so it doesn't slide off." The real gift? Giving her the uninterrupted "me time" to use it.
Q & A a Day for Moms: A 5-Year Journal
Help the new mom in your life savor each moment in this busy and beautiful time. Each page asks a question only mom can answer, making it a truly unique keepsake.
For a personalized gift, you can specify family names, add a quote and even include pets! Note: It does not come with the frame.
Delight a new (or expecting) mom with this beaded stainless steel bracelet featuring a cute baby feet charm. It also comes with a sentimental card that might just cue the happy tears. You can get it in pink or in blue.
With notes of geranium, baby powder and rose, this soy wax candle will remind her of her new bundle. Plus, it can burn brightly for up to 80 hours (per the brand).
Suction cups keep this pillow right in place so she can fully relax during her bath. It's easy to clean, and the brand claims it helps with neck support. It's available in seven colors, too.
Made of 100% super-soft cotton, this robe earned high marks during the Good Housekeeping Institute's test of the best bathrobes for women. We loved that this breezy style can be worn every season, as it’s not too hot or too cool.
The diaper bag — that's for the baby's things. Mom needs a catch-all for her own stuff, too. These are made of sturdy canvas, come in two colors and have a phone pocket on the inside. You can also fill it with treats, like flowers or her favorite wine, before you give it to her.
Get the baby's birthstone set on an ultra-thin band in gold for an elegant gift. The size makes them ideal for stacking as your family grows.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
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