If you’ve ever wondered what to gift someone who just had a baby, you’re not alone. We did a little research to ask moms and parents in our community what would be or would have been most helpful during their postpartum period.
Most people focus on the baby (which is wonderful), but we wanted to provide a clear guide for folks who want to support the parents as they move through a new and exhausting time.
So if you want to show up in a way that truly helps your loved ones, here are a few postpartum gift ideas that center comfort, healing, rest, and real lived experiences. These are practical, loving, and hopefully deeply appreciated.
“I would have loved a friend to come over at any time of day and sit with the baby for an hour while I slept, and/or give company while breastfeeding.”
1. Soft, Button-Down Pajamas
Postpartum bodies are healing. People are nursing, sweating, bleeding, and sleeping in short stretches.
A soft pair of pajamas that button in the front makes breastfeeding or pumping easier and feels like a small luxury during a tender time.
Look for:
Breathable fabric
Easy nursing access
Roomy fit
2. A Cozy Robe
A good robe becomes a postpartum uniform. It’s easy to throw on for middle-of-the-night feeds, visitors, or skin-to-skin time.
Choose one that’s:
Soft
Washable
Not too heavy
3. A Spill-Proof Water Bottle or Straw Cup
Hydration is critical after birth, especially if someone is breastfeeding. This is one of those gifts they’ll use constantly. Straw cups are especially helpful when they’re holding or feeding the baby and only have one hand free.
Find a large water bottle with:
A tight lid
A straw for one-handed sipping
Insulation to keep water hot or cold
4. Electrolyte Mixes They Actually Like
Postpartum sweating and fluid shifts are real. Add breastfeeding on top and hydration becomes even more important.
Gift:
A few different electrolyte mixes
Coconut water
Hydration powders in flavors they already love
5. A Weighted Eye Mask for Daytime Naps
Daytime sleep is often the only sleep.
A soft weighted eye mask:
Blocks light
Gently calms the nervous system
Helps make short naps more restorative
6. Cut-Up Fruit and Veggie Trays
Everyone talks about freezer meals. Few people bring fresh food. Wash, chop, and drop off. It’s simple and deeply helpful.
Pre-cut fruit and vegetables:
Feel nourishing
Require zero prep
Balance out heavier casseroles
7. Homemade Frozen Meals or Meal Trains
This one never goes out of style and one less decision at the end of a long day can mean everything. Homemade freezer meals, organized meal trains, or even prepared meal services can take dinner off their mental load.
Options to consider:
Cooking and freezing meals yourself
Meal train coordination
Gift cards to prepared meal services
8. Food Delivery Gift Cards
Sometimes they don’t want another casserole. They want pad thai or a burrito. Food delivery gift cards give flexibility and control. That freedom feels good during a time when very little feels predictable.
9. Disposable Postpartum Underwear
Not glamorous. Extremely appreciated.
The first few weeks after birth involve bleeding and discharge. Soft disposable postpartum underwear makes healing easier and more comfortable. It’s one of those gifts people rarely think to buy in bulk for themselves but are grateful to have.
10. Beaded Ice Packs for Sitting
Soreness after vaginal birth is common. Flexible, beaded ice packs designed for sitting can provide real relief.
Pair them with:
Peri bottles
Postpartum care kits (we love this one from Etsy)
Sitz soak supplies
11. Ice Packs and Cream for Cesarean Recovery
If they had a C-section, incision care matters.
In the early days:
Small ice packs for the incision area can help reduce swelling and pain.
Later on:
Scar-support creams can help with healing.
Motherlove is a mom-founded company that makes a well-loved C-Section cream. Supporting brands with ethical practices can make your gift feel even more intentional.
12. Breastfeeding Gel Packs
For those who are breastfeeding or pumping, reusable gel packs that can be warmed or cooled are lifesavers.
They help with:
Engorgement
Soreness
Clogged ducts
These are practical, affordable, and used often.
13. Nipple Balm
If they’re nursing, nipple care is not optional.
Honest Company’s “Calm Your Nip” Balm is a popular choice. You can also look for small, independent, or women-owned brands that focus on clean ingredients.
It’s a small gift with a big impact.
14. Absorbent Mats and Reusable Pads
Leaks happen. From baby. From breasts. From bodies healing.
Lil Helper, a BIPOC-owned brand, makes:
Machine washable absorbent mats
Reusable pads
Reusable breast pads
Their products are known for holding up well through repeated washes and everyday life.
These are especially helpful for:
Bed protection
Couch protection
Middle-of-the-night feeds
Functional and sustainable.
15. A Joeyband for Skin-to-Skin Support
Skin-to-skin contact is powerful in the early days.
A Joeyband helps hold the baby securely during skin-to-skin time, especially in hospital settings.
It’s technically for baby, but it supports the parent’s experience too.
16. A Cleaning Service
This might be the most underrated postpartum gift and one that can dramatically reduce stress.
Paying for:
A one-time deep clean
A few weeks of cleaning support
If hiring a service isn’t in your budget, offer your own time to:
Fold laundry
Wash dishes
Vacuum
Mow the lawn
17. Snacks They Can Eat One-Handed
Postpartum hunger can be intense. Easy snacks prevent the crash that comes from skipping meals.
Think:
Protein bars
Fruit
Healthy Muffins
Pre-cut cheese
Energy bites
So what’s the best gift for someone who’s postpartum?
Every postpartum experience is different, which is why one of the most meaningful things you can do is simply ask what they actually need. Some people need food. Some need sleep. Some need help with older kids. Some are craving adult conversation. The most thoughtful gift is asking, “What would feel most supportive right now?” and then truly following through. If you want a simple rule to guide you, the best postpartum gifts are the ones that reduce stress, increase comfort, and make daily life easier. Think food, hydration, rest, cleaning support, and healing care. Center the person who gave birth, not just the baby. That’s the kind of care that lasts.
