Being a new mom can be super-stressful, especially during the holidays when life is crazy enough! To bring a smile to a mom in your life—whether a partner, friend or family member—here are 10 creative gifts that I’m sure she’d love to get.
1. No gift guide would be complete this year without mentioning a donation to Sandy Relief. A great idea I heard about allows you to adopt a family who lost everything in the storm at family-to-family.org. Doing so in a mom you love’s name would be a heartfelt gift.
2. You’ve already heard of my love for Dr. Hauschka Skin Care’s natural products and holistic remedies, and I think their gift sets make the perfect present. I especially like the Rest and Relaxation Gift Set ($39.95) and the Aromatherapy Bath Kit ($19.95).
3. My favorite local, yummy gifts–all made in Brooklyn–are a box of French macaroons from Le Petit Bakery in Fort Greene ($2.50 a piece; available in store), salted caramels from NuNu Chocolates (boxes start at $8; available at various store locations or online), and any cookies, hot chocolate or handmade marshmallows from Whimsy & Spice (available at various store locations, online, or at these upcoming holiday markets).
4. My Dad bought my sister, my mom and I these fluffy slippers (known as The Fluff Scuff) a few Christmases back and they are still going strong. They are perfect for cozy winter days in the house ($34.99 to $50). Another gift idea for winter feet: these shea-infused socks from Bath and Body Works that help keep heels and soles moisturized (pictured; $7.50).
5. Nothing is more relaxing than a nice, warm cup of tea at the end of a long day and after the baby is in bed. I just bought this Rishi Tea Glass Pitcher with Infuser Basket and am loving it ($15). To go with it, I recommend some Tazo loose teas, which are delightful (prices vary).
6. Might I suggest a gift certificate at a spa? (Of course I love Soho Sanctuary, where I work as an esthetician!) There is nothing better than a terrific facial or massage–or both! (You can see the list of spa packages available at Soho Sanctuary here.)
7. What’s a more meaningful gift for a new mom than a piece of jewelry inscribed with her child’s initials? I love these pendant necklaces from the GaudyBubbles shop on Etsy (prices vary).
8. Since every parent needs a sitter at some point, why not buy a subscription to Sittercity.com as a gift? We found two of our most favorite sitters through this site. (Prices start at $35 per month.)
9. My hubby buying me 10 sessions with the fab personal trainer Stephanie Severe was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received! Also, consider buying a series of yoga classes or a gift certificate for some Lululemon workout gear (pictured)—the brand is famous for its comfy and stylish clothing.
10. Another great gift idea is a beautifully packaged box of soaps–useful and a luxurious. I adore soap: growing up my grandma had a “soap collection” and I seem to have inherited her passion! Here are two gift sets that smell divine and are locally made: Meow, Meow Tweet Tweet Bar Soap Party Pack, which is adorable in its kitty packaging (pictured at top; $18; available online or at By Brooklyn in Carroll Gardens); and Anjolie Ayruveda’s Mini Soap Assortment, which is gorgeously packaged and gloriously scented and based on Aryuveda India’s ancient medicinal practice–I am hooked on their Sandalwood Saffron soap ($36; available online or at Green in Brooklyn in Fort Greene).
