The last time one of my friends got pregnant, I squealed. I was so psyched to finally have a reason to buy all the adorable onesies and tiny socks my heart desired. But amid the baby fever, I almost lost track of the fact that my friend still needed lovin' too. This is common: When you tell your friends you're expecting, they almost always start thinking of gifts for your child, but not for you.
As such, we're here to offer a gentle reminder that it's crucial to shop for both parent and baby. But what to buy? In many cases, the trick is to get the expecting bestie in your life something that's useful to them for where they are in life right now. That could be a spa kit. Or a high tech mug for their tea. Or even something that'll keep their baby calm so that they can get a mini nap in post delivery (they'll thank you later). To help give you some inspo, we rounded up a few of our favorite picks for parents-to-be, ahead.
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At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Willow Wearable Breast Pump Generation 3
They'll be pumped about this gift. The hands-free breast pump will fit in their bra, and make for incognito pumping they can do discretely without spillage, whether they're on a business call or playing peek-a-boo with their little one.
willow Willow Wearable Breast Pump Generation 3, $499.99 Buy
Letters to My Baby: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever.
The letters in this booklet can serve as a modern time capsule for their baby. The new mom in your life will be given prompts such as "On the day you were born..." and "Your first home was..." and they can jot down a response, sign and date them, and then store them away for their future child to read as an adult.
Amazon Letters to My Baby, $12.16 Buy
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Maternity GapFit Full Panel 7/8 Leggings
For the cool mom-to-be: a pair of camo-print leggings that features a smooth, wide waistband for maximum support and comfort.
Maternity GapFit Full Panel 7/8 Leggings
For the cool mom-to-be: a pair of camo-print leggings that features a smooth, wide waistband for maximum support and comfort.
Gap Maternity GapFit Full Panel 7/8 Leggings in Eclipse, $69.95 Buy
HoMedics Shiatsu Air Max Deep Kneading Foot Massager with Heat
Foot rubs on demand are a sure-fire crowd pleaser, for both your pregnant pal and the partner who's been rubbing their feet the last couple of trimesters.
HoMedics HoMedics Shiatsu Air Max Deep Kneading Foot Massager, $74.99 Buy
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Mom's Survival Pack
Because the soon-to-be-parent in your life could probably use a spa day. It comes with bath salts, belly butter, sleep salve, a soothing lavender mist, and what's probably the softest lip balm I've ever used.
Little Moon Mom's Survival Pack, $25.00 Buy
KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer
Soon enough, they'll have a zillion adorable baby picks, and this'll help them print them without a trip to Walgreens. It connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth, so you can print in an instant and stick 'em on the fridge without the hassle.
Kodak KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer, $59.99 Buy
The Sh!t No One Tells You: A Guide to Surviving Your Baby's First Year
They'll laugh. They'll cringe. They'll learn a lot from this book, which dives into the details no one tells you about baby's first year of life.
Basic Books The Sh!t No One Tells You, $9.89 Buy
Blooming belly and nursing balms
An all-natural salve to slather on your breasts and belly. It's made with vitamin E and raw shea butter to help reduce stretch marks. Plus, it's from an eco-friendly small business.
Among The Flowers Blooming belly and nursing balms, $22.00 Buy
Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity & Pregnancy Total Body Pillow
During the third trimester, sleeping can get insanely uncomfortable — but this pillow has got your friend's back (and front and side!). Developed by a mom and a nurse, this pillow is comfy AF, and the cover is easily removable so you can toss it in the wash.
Leahco Leachco Snoogle Original Maternity/Pregnancy Total Body, $57.99 Buy
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Yogi Bare Paws Yoga Mat
An eco-friendly yoga mat that makes pregnancy stretches an escape, and not a chore.
Yogi Bare Paws - Natural rubber extreme grip yoga mat, $89.00 Buy
Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle
It may seem more for baby than mom, but trust us on this one. This pacifier is a pediatrician-approved way to help soothe a little bebe. — and when baby's calm, so is literally everyone else who's in contact with them. Plus, the binkie clip on and off the giraffe for easy cleaning.
Philips Avent Philips Avent Soothie snuggle, $14.95 Buy
Floral Maternity & Nursing Pajamas
This PJ set is both cozy and chic. They can wear it after their due date, too — the wrap top makes it easier to breastfeed.
Angel Maternity Angel Maternity Floral Maternity & Nursing Pajamas, $99.95 Buy
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit
It might seem like a strange gift at first, but, trust us, when the new parent comes home from the hospital, they'll be writing you a thank you text. It also comes with disposable postpartum underwear, ice packs, perinea cooling pad liners, and a healing foam.
Frida Frida Mom 33-Piece Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit, $49.99 Buy
Ember Mug: Metallic Collection
This genius mug is self-heated. Your friend can select their perfect coffee or tea temp via an app and it'll keep their liquids warm (or scalding hot, whatever they prefer) for up to an hour and a half. No more trips back and forth to the microwave if they forget to sip right away due to pregnancy brain.
Ember Ember Mug: Metallic Collection, $129.95 Buy
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Earth Mama Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea
A delicious and soothing maternity tea to sip from their new mug.
Earth Mama Earth Mama Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea, $5.99 Buy
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