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She's pregnant! And you want to give her something to mark the beginning of a new and remarkable phase in her life. Of course she'll appreciate a bouquet of flowers, dinner out, or a journal to record her thoughts over the next nine months, but consider giving a gift that only a mom-to-be could love.
Study up on baby
Pregnancy/baby books: Give her the information and inspiration she's seeking with a pregnancy or fetal development book. Many have photos of what a baby looks like in the womb, or give week-by-week accounts of what's happening to her and the baby. And even if she has favorite names in mind already, no mom-to-be can resist thumbing through a baby-name book.
A comfy sleep aid
Maternity pillow: Help your favorite mom-to-be get a good night's rest with a pillow that supports her back and belly while she sleeps. She'll especially appreciate this gift in the last months of her pregnancy, when lying down becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Pregnancy pillows come in all shapes and sizes – look for tummy wedges, full-length body pillows, and sleeping beans that she can wrap her whole body around.
Capture memories
Photo album and camera: Most moms remember to keep a diary of their feelings during pregnancy, but many forget to take pictures of their growing belly – which are great for laughs after the baby's born. Give her a photo album and camera and remind her to snap a couple of shots every month of her pregnancy. (And if she has a sense of humor, slip in a measuring tape so she can record her girth, too.)
Pregnancy can be chic
Maternity shop gift certificate: Today's maternity wear is more fashionable than the pink jumpers of the past or those "Baby on board" T-shirts. Give a gift certificate for a pair of boot cut maternity jeans, a classic little black maternity dress, or an off-the-shoulder maternity top good for day or evening outings.
Tummy-soothing snacks
Anti-morning sickness kit: There's no quick cure for the most common symptom of pregnancy, but you can help her keep morning sickness at bay with a basket full of crackers or other high carb, bland snack foods like biscuits. Lemons, fresh or candied ginger, peppermint tea, and acupressure wrist bands can also alleviate nausea.
Simple indulgence for moms-to-be
Home spa kit: Soothe her senses with a basket full of aromatherapy products. Go for a theme, with a variety of products all in one scent, or go for a variety of scents. Spoil her with a set of lavender-scented candles, an eye pillow stuffed with rose petals, citrus oils for her temples and wrists, and a rich apricot lotion to keep her arms and legs soft.
Help her look and feel great
Hair and skin products: Surging hormones can wreak havoc on a woman's skin and hair during pregnancy. Help her feel beautiful with some luxurious products she might not think to buy for herself. Get her a papaya face scrub, a rich lotion, such as Belly Butter, to slather on her stretching tummy, moisturizing soaps, shampoo, and loofa sponges, and don't forget to throw in some sunblock – most women are more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy.
Pepping up tired dogs
Focus on her feet: The extra pounds and hormones that cause feet to stretch during pregnancy mean achy feet for moms-to-be. Rub her the right way with a foot massager. Or pamper her with a lunch date followed by a pedicure. And if you think she just needs a jolt of color, get a few bottles of nail polish in glittery blue, red, green, orange, gold, or purple.
The thought is really what counts
Something small: You can't go wrong with a heartfelt or humorous congratulatory card. Make it extra special by tucking booties, diaper pins, a bib, or some other small baby items into your greeting.
