by Rhonda Day

Created on: January 01, 2008

Cuddly blankets, tiny clothes, and pastel colored stuffed animals fill the home. A new mom cherishes each and every gift she receives for her new baby.

But what about gifts to pamper the mother?

Giving her a thoughtful gift that pampers her will be something she remembers for a lifetime. Gifts for mothers don't have to be exorbitant to make her feel special they just have to be thoughtful.

1. Time is a priceless gift and it doesn't cost you a penny. Rather than offer to help whenever she needs you, go a step further. Include specifics in a card about what you are giving. Tell her you're donating her three (3) hours of your time for babysitting to be used in the next 30 days. Make sure to schedule it. She'll remember you forever!

2. New moms still have a house to clean. Give her a gift that allows her to relax. Prepare a basket that includes a package of soothing teas, a decorative tea cup, and a book of short poems. Include a card that tells her you have hired a housekeeper to clean her house on a day of her choosing. Or you can clean for her yourself.

3. What better for a new mom than a gift certificate for a massage? It's a gift that will allow her to relax and enjoy time for herself. Combine this gift with a plan to babysit for her!

4. A gift certificate to a nail salon for a manicure/pedicure is a welcome gift. Include a selection of hand creams and lotions to make it even more special.

5. If the new mom has other children, she can really use extra hands. Plan a time to
take the older children for the day.

6. Preparing meals can be a challenge for new moms. Provide her with a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant that offers home delivery. Or consider preparing a meal for her.

7. Prepare a small gift bag that includes packages of popcorn, bottles of sparkling
water, and a free movie coupon for the new mom and dad to enjoy together.

8. New moms are anxious to get back into their old clothes. But they would also enjoy new ones. Give a debit card to a local mall or her favorite clothing store.

9. If the mom is breastfeeding, she should be drinking lots of water and juices. Prepare a basket filled with individually packaged juices and waters. Include a small insulated lunch bag and several freezer packs that can be quickly frozen. Include a card that says how useful this package will be for those midnight feedings when she doesn't feel like getting out of bed.

10. Give a gift that supports a healthy lifestyle. Prepare a small gift bag that includes a pair of sports socks, a sports bottle, and daily exercise journal. Let her know that you are committed to be her walking partner three times a week for three months when she is ready to exercise again. This is a gift for both of you!

Motherhood is a special time in a woman's life. Help to make it a memorable experience by pampering the new mother as much as the new baby. Let her know how much you care give a gift that shows it.

Learn more about this author, Rhonda Day.
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