Hands of two people exchanging a cardboard box filled with a teddy bear, a baby doll in a striped dress, picture frames, and other toys. The scene conveys a sense of sharing or gifting.

Thoughtful Baby Shower Present Ideas for Moms

May 28, 2025•2 min read

Hi, I’m Portia Washington Harris, the proud owner of Doula Due, where I support families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with compassion and care. Today, I’m writing from the heart about something special baby shower present ideas but with a twist.

As a birth and postpartum doula, I’m often there for the labor and the sleepless nights, but I rarely get invited to baby showers. So when one of my clients (now 32 weeks pregnant!) invited me to hers, I was deeply touched. It’s a rare honor, and it made me reflect on how we give during these celebrations.

Why Baby Shower Gifts Should Include Mom

Most baby shower gifts focus on the baby adorable outfits, diapers, bottles, or nursery gear. And while those things are absolutely helpful, what about the mom?

Having had three children myself, including a set of twins, I remember how easy it was to feel overlooked. Everyone was excited about the babies, but no one thought to ask what I needed physically, emotionally, or practically.

That’s why this time, I’m doing things differently. I’ll still celebrate the baby, of course, but my baby shower gift idea is centered on the mother. Because moms need nurturing, too.

Doula-Approved Baby Shower Gifts for Moms

Instead of another onesie, I’ll be gifting items that help my client feel cared for during her postpartum recovery. These are practical and personal — things I know will bring real comfort and support during those first few weeks after birth.

Some ideas I love to recommend:

A cozy postpartum care kit (think: herbal sitz bath, nipple balm, and nourishing snacks)
A beautiful journal for processing the journey into motherhood
A soft robe or maternity loungewear to help her feel pampered
A lactation consultation or postpartum doula session — support over stuff!

These thoughtful touches go a long way toward reminding moms that their well-being matters just as much as the baby’s.

Shifting the Baby Shower Gifting Mindset

As a doula, I’m making it a new tradition to gift something meaningful for the mother at every baby shower I attend. Because honoring her journey — her sacrifices, her transformation, her strength — is just as important as celebrating the new life she’s bringing into the world.

If you’re attending a baby shower soon and are wondering what to bring, I encourage you to include something for the mom. Even a handwritten note of encouragement can mean the world.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Celebrate Moms, Too

When we talk about the best baby shower present ideas, let’s widen the lens. Babies need a lot but so do mothers. Whether you're a friend, family member, or part of a doula team, showing support for the mom is a powerful way to help her feel seen, prepared, and loved.

Let’s continue to uplift the women who make motherhood look magical one meaningful gift at a time.

Portia Washington Harris

Portia’s journey began as a new mom facing a traumatic birth and feeding challenges. Determined to never let another parent feel unsupported, she dove into birth work and lactation support. Now a full-spectrum doula, Portia provides compassionate, evidence-based care to expecting parents and new families. Her mission is simple: to empower families to birth with confidence, thrive postpartum, and nourish their babies with ease because every parent deserves peace of mind.

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