8 Great Gift Ideas for Moms

Let's be honest, gift-giving can be tough. Especially since we have Christmas, Valentine's Day, Birthdays, Mother's Day, and so many other special occasions. Whether it's a gift for a holiday or a baby shower, it gets hard to sift through which ones are useful, necessary, creative, unique, or thoughtful versus what's been played out or impractical. You find yourself asking what does she like, what could she use, what does/doesn't she have already? You can easily find gifts for the baby, but what about mom? Although she will be grateful for your presence at her baby shower, or that you thought of her on a special holiday, you want options. Well, if you are still looking, you've come to the right place. Based off of my experience as a mom thus far, I have compiled a list of eight ideas for your next purchase. Even if these items don't stick out to you, they may be able to ignite a brainstorming session. So, without further ado, here are eight great gift ideas for the mom(s) in your life. 

1. Spa Day

You can never go wrong with self-care. Let's face it----moms often put self-care on the backburner for other people's needs. A day at the spa is an excellent way to say thank you to ALL moms (first time moms, stay at home moms, working moms, moms to multiples, grieving moms, etc.). Relaxation can really free our minds of the constant worries and responsibilities of parenthood. Whether it'd be a massage, pedicure, facial, or even just to get our hair done, this kind act will be greatly appreciated anytime of the year. 

2. Streaming Service

This one may not be so obvious--especially since most of us have Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, etc. However, it's one that comes in handy during those late-night feeding sessions. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I logged into a streaming service while Stormee slammed a bottle of formula in the middle of the night. Netflix and Hulu were my best friends during the first few months postpartum-- especially when her father was away working. It made the quiet, dark nights feel a little less lonely. 

3. Bumpbox Subscription

I, for one, never tried the Bumpbox subscription because I wasn't really aware of it at the time. However, that doesn't mean that I wouldn't have enjoyed it. In fact, it's nice to have a little reminder that you matter too during your pregnancy. As a mom who struggled with Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety, I would have loved this gift simply because it means someone thought of you on their own. The subscription is tailored to your pregnancy and preferences and includes bath, beauty, health, home, maternity, food products, and many more! No, this isn't sponsored either. Any sort of pregnancy-safe subscription box is a great way to let expecting moms know that they are on your mind.

4. Girl's Day with Her Friends

As someone who is now states away from her best friend(s), this hits home hard. I have always been a social butterfly; and moving away proved just that. I find myself getting homesick, not so much for the place, but the people. My friends and family are a huge part of my lifestyle. They are my support system; and, although, they can still support me from a distance, it's just not the same as having them right there, in person. So, what better way to say 'I love you' than to give your significant other a day/night out with her girlfriends?

Again, a girl's day can be a spa day, movie and wine night at home, shopping spree, or a night out for margaritas. The options are endless. Even though mom is out with her friends, she will be so thankful that someone else offered to bathe, feed, and tuck the kids in so she can have fun for a day/night. 

5. Date Night

If getting the girls together is not really your 'thing', then maybe a date night with your spouse is a good alternate. Nowadays, it's so easy to get caught up in motherhood that sometimes your partner feels pushed to the side. So, to ensure you are both putting in effort to spend quality time together, a date night is the perfect idea! It gives you and your spouse time away from the kids without sacrificing time away from each other. The kids get time with grandma and grandpa. Everyone wins!

6. Photo Session with a Photographer

This one was one of my absolute favorites! This past year, for Mother's Day, Riley scheduled a family session with one of our family friends. Mom got an excuse to dress up, our daughter got the chance to get out and explore, and dad got to spend time with his little girl. The photos turned out wonderful; and we have some great memories captured to cherish for the rest of our lives!

7. Help at Home

This...I can't even begin to explain how important this one simple gesture is. Offering to come over and watch the kids so that mom can get some rest or shower alone is so appreciated. Sometimes, when mom is running on empty she can get overstimulated easily leading to anxiety and stress. Even offering to come over just to clean the kitchen or fold the laundry is a huge help. Moms tend to shy away from asking for help at home because we are afraid of being deemed as lazy or a nuissance; when, in reality, we just need a little boost to pull us out of our slump and feel human again. If you don't know what to get the mom(s) in your life, simply ask if there's anything you can do to help. Trust me, she will be so thankful you even offered. It's the thought that really counts!

8. Gift Cards

This one may seem simple---and it is! Again, as moms, our self-care gets put on the backburner... A LOT. And after having kids our bodies change.... A LOT. However, our mom guilt remains; meaning most moms feel bad even shopping for a new wardrobe or the necessities used for our favorite hobbies. Whether it'd be to Amazon, Target, or a fancy boutique, moms can always find something we want/need but are too scared to buy for ourselves. Prior to having my daughter, I worked in several retail stores and one of my hobbies was doing my makeup. After having my daughter, I ceased going to places like Ulta to buy makeup or Maurices to buy clothes. Most people feel like gift cards aren't a very thoughtful gift, but they actually are because they allow moms to shop for themselves without feeling guilty. Even a $5 Starbucks gift card is great, because let's be real, most moms need caffeine to survive.

The best thing about all these gifts.... they can be given during ANY time of the year. Birthdays....Christmas...Valentine's Day...Mother's Day...it doesn't matter. Being thought of is what matters. Knowing that others care matters. Often times, we find ourselves buying gifts for mom that are actually for the baby--and there's nothing wrong with that, but, it is nice knowing you are getting a gift that could help a struggling mom feel more human. We all love babies, but let's not forget about the glue that holds the family together and molds these tiny humans into who they will become/are becoming. After all being a mama is the toughest, but most rewarding job in the world; so why don't we treat them like royalty every once in a while? And if you're on the receiving end of these gifts, don't forget to show your gratitude. Don't feel guilty for accepting them either, mama, you deserve it!

- Shawnee