14 of the most thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for new moms

When it comes to Christmas gifting for new mums, consider your options carefully. She’s in the thick of newborn parenting – exhausted, overwhelmed, and clearly not in the best frame of mind to think about anything beyond her baby’s immediate needs (i.e. eat, sleep, poop, repeat).

Finding the right gift could really brighten her day and help the new mum recognise the incredible work she’s doing. That said, she probably doesn’t need another baby hamper right now. Here, we’ve handpicked a mix of experiences, personalised and physical gifts that signal her well-being matters. Because it does!

1. A spa voucher for a much-needed escape

New mums are especially sleep-deprived, exhausted and overwhelmed. Consider treating her to a relaxing massage or spa day where she can unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy a break from the unending demands of motherhood. The First Refresh brings on-demand premium spa and beauty services to your doorstep, which is an excellent way for the new mum to get some self-care and personal grooming while her baby is asleep in the next room. You can instantaneously “gift her a refresh” via their online e-gift card system. That way, the new mum doesn’t have to leave the house or contend with the logistics that come with it. Giftano is another digital gifting platform where you can easily browse various spa and massage gift options at once.

2. Comfy yet luxe loungewear to feel happier at home

Soft, cosy loungewear is another thoughtful and practical gift for helping her to relax in, whether it’s pyjamas, a robe, or comfy shorts. Depending on her personal style, taste and preference, she may like lacy robes or silk sleepwear, comfortable cotton or feminine floral pyjama sets.

Rawbought, a comfort-centric label and the brainchild of sisters, Soukaina, Boutaina and Amira, has packaged the perfect gifting ensemble in its “Cosy Essentials Gift Bundle”, amidst a rather extensive sleepwear and loungewear collection. Bells and Birds, a whimsical local label with a flagship store located in Raffles Hotel, also carries a large selection of comfortable but feminine pyjama sets.

For the new mum in her early days of motherhood, perhaps Lovemere’s nursing sleepwear will be of comfort, along with these Bamboobies Soothing Nursing Pillows. You can also check out other local brands Perk by Kate for sexier lingerie pieces, or Sleebbee for comfy bamboo shorts sets.

3. Mulberry silk sleep props to promote relaxation

Singapore-founded mulberry silk label SOVA recently launched a hyaluronic acid-infused pillow case, which touts even more benefits than its original 100% pure high-grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcase. The new hyaluronic acid-infused version promises deep hydration, anti-aging effects, temperature regulation, frizz-free hair, and a peaceful sleep experience – for whatever pillow time the new mum can get. It’s a powerhouse! For a more personal touch, you can choose to have her name embroidered on it.

SOVA also has a Rest & Relax Set that will help the new mum reclaim her beauty sleep, and a travel neck pillow that’s useful for marathon breastfeeding sessions – all crafted in soft mulberry silk.

4. Hair care package to deal with postpartum hair loss

Tried and loved by mums battling the dreaded postpartum hair loss, Ksisters’ Phytopecia+ Hair Boosting Shampoo is a must-have in her hair recovery arsenal. Formulated with salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles, the Phytopecia+ patented formula is known to promote healthy hair regrowth. This New Mum Gift Set adds a 20-sachet box of Gongmi Tea, a herbal tea that helps reduce bloating and water retention, while promoting digestion, circulation and vitality.

5. Exquisite omakase she’s been dreaming of since pregnancy

Fresh oysters, uni, raw scallops, ikura, salmon sashimi… If this new mum has abstained from consuming her favourite raw food throughout pregnancy, she’s bound to be blown away by your incredibly thoughtful sashimi surprise. For a lovely home omakase experience at fairly reasonable prices, check out Suguru Home Dining that serves quality Japanese fare right to her doorstep. The Standing Sushi Bar also offers online delivery on its delectable and varied menu, including this mouthwatering sashimi platter.

6. Something tasteful and useful for baby

Embraced for its stylish and functional designs, homegrown baby brand Hegen’s Mealtime Collection will make a lovely addition to her dining table. For the aesthetic-conscious minimalist mum who doesn’t fancy franchise cartoon crockery, this taupe-hued collection of mealtime utensils will bring a smile to her face. Made of 100% food-safe silicone and free of nasties like BPA, PVC and phthalates, this thoughtfully and ergonomically designed dishwasher-safe collection is definitely mum-approved. The Mealtime Starter Kit with Foldable Placemat makes for a pretty presentable gift.

7. Personalised jewellery that makes her feel beautiful

How about a personalised necklace or bracelet with her baby’s initials or birthstone for a sentimental and cherished gift? The Mindful Company offers beautiful delicate bracelets like this pearl one which you can engrave with something personally meaningful — be it her name or baby’s name, birthdate or a simple word of encouragement. Arva.co also offers similar engraved bracelets and necklaces, while Love Hesed even lets you put photos in charm bracelets or engravable lockets. Keepsake by Ryo even incorporates breastmilk and baby hair in its highly customised jewellery for a meaningful memento. These are all local companies so shipping is quick and inexpensive. If you’re up for splurging on something really special, we recommend homegrown bespoke fine jeweller Calla Lily for a truly memorable gift.

8. A memory book to capture precious moments

Give her a beautifully crafted memory book to capture the precious moments and milestones in her baby’s life. If you’re a crafty person, you may enjoy making your own memory book from scratch, but for the rest of us, print platforms offering easily personalised photobooks online are a godsend. The finished product also looks more polished and professional, albeit lacking in “personal touch”. There are many online photobook providers these days, but you may feel safer going with reputable names like VistaPrint or Photobook Singapore. While you’re there, you can also make customised calendars, cups, caps, tees and more!

9. Photoshoot session for building memories

This is another popular one: arranging a professional family photoshoot for her so that her growing family can create lasting memories with their new bundle of joy. The Love Studios offers a 45-minute family package at their understated luxe studio set in Kallang, and you can directly purchase a gift card with a six-month validity here for your recipient. Studio Kinu and Smittenpixels Co. also offer similar packages, either on meticulously styled sets or outdoors, even at home. Since photography styles and aesthetic preferences are so varied, you may also wish to consider more indie photographers like ISSH Collective or The Beautiful Life.

10. Mum and baby classes for quality bonding time

If she’s a sociable and active mom (or would like to be), consider enrolling her in a Mummy and Me class, where she can bond with the baby while connecting with other mums. Muckypups is a great option, beloved by many mums and a positively delightful time for babies and toddlers. Interactive classes feature songs, stories, games, bubbles, art, sensory play and messy play — depending on the child’s age. There is also a Mandarin version for toddlers. Considering her interests and leanings, you could also look at Inspire Mum & Baby for swimming and yoga lessons, or Our Music Studio for music and movement classes — which cater for babies as young as newborns! Most of these set-ups offer trial classes, so you could even gift her with a few different trial classes.

11. Fitness classes to help her feel good

These are especially apt for fresh mummies who are looking to lose some pregnancy weight and feel more energetic. The options are endless here, and she may like dancing or kickboxing, pilates or more challenging HIIT workouts. We recommend barre fitness at Lab Studios, which is a total body workout that energises the core and mind. They have six locations and also offer yoga and pilates packages, so you’re likely to find something there. Otherwise, Ground Zero offers high-intensity ‘Resistance’ weights sculpting sessions or ‘Ride’ spin classes for more intense workouts in a clubby atmosphere. Look for trial packages that will give her a chance to experience the class with minimal commitment, while also offering better value for money!

12. House cleaning services to take a load off her mind

If she doesn’t have a helper or regular cleaner, having to keep the house clean on top of caring for a baby can be extremely taxing for a new mum. A clean home can be a great stress reliever, so gifting her with a few professional cleaning sessions will surely make her day. SureClean, an award-winning local cleaning company, is so good at their job that they even offer a “Happiness Guarantee”! For the new mum’s peace of mind, SureClean uses child-friendly cleaning products that are free of harsh chemicals and toxins. Helpling and Urban Company are other easy-to-use platforms that provide similar house cleaning services.

13. Meal kit subscription for convenience

Similarly, for new mums without domestic help, making daily meals can be a real challenge when she has to take care of an infant. Getting her a meal kit subscription will make mealtimes easier, so she can enjoy delicious, healthy dinners without too much effort. Prepped offers a great service where they’ll deliver washed, chopped and pre-portioned ingredients straight to her door to save her the time and effort otherwise needed for food preparation. Meals In Minutes SG provides a similar service and offers gift card purchases which would make gifting even simpler for you.

14. Your personal help!

Finally, think handmade vouchers for “one night of free babysitting (by me)” or “one lunch/dinner home-cooked with (my) love”. While DIY love coupons may seem overly cute or contrived, for someone who really needs help, these will be very much welcomed! Give her the most precious gift of time with your trusted babysitting or baby care services, or offer to prepare homemade, freezer-friendly meals to make her life just a little easier. She will love you more for it! You can print your own with Canva or buy some blank coupon books at Amazon.sg.

This article was originally published in Women’s Weekly.