Figuring out how to buy gifts for new moms that they actually like — and need — can feel hard. Should you go with the generic postpartum gifts or knock it out the park with something extravagant? These are extremely valid questions that will have different answers based on who you ask. But, the main person you should keep in mind is the mom you want to surprise. After all, entering motherhood for the first time can bring on a lot of emotions — just ask Ylleya Fields, mother of 6 and author of children’s book series, Princess Cupcake Jones.
"The first couple of years [of motherhood] are not your own, especially when you have multiple children," Ylleya said. She also mentioned that postpartum depression is such a real thing that's not always fully understood until someone experiences it. Even if new moms don't experience it, she said, "Anyone can feel inadequate or have moments of sadness while going through it." It's something she felt with every child, but Ylleya and I both agree that these moments are temporary.
That being said, she believes it's important for moms to receive gifts that will help them with their babies and self-care. Whether you're gifting a food delivery subscription or making sure baby can safely practice independent play, here are top 23 essential gifts for new moms!
Gifts For New Expecting Moms
Frida Mom Pregnancy Skincare Set
Take it from a toddler mom — being gifted a skincare set is top tier. Sure things are shifting and stretching over a long period of time, so having items that prioritize a pregnant mom's skin is necessary.
Urban Skin Rx Super C Body Bright Oil
I can't speak for other moms, but I started developing body acne and more visible stretch marks when I was pregnant. I would've loved to use a body oil that's meant rejuvenate and refresh my skin. It also targets discoloration and premature aging of the skin, making it one of the perfect gifts for expecting moms.
ESARORA Ice Roller
Sometimes a puffy face during pregnancy is inevitable. It can be a little jarring for an expecting mom who's not used to it, so I recommend using an ice roller to help with any puffiness she may experience.
Earth Mama A Little Something for Mama-to-Be Gift Set
As much as it's important to make sure you growing baby is nourished and taken care of, mams deserve to pamper themselves too. Let this gift set serve as a little pick-me-up on the days where she feels drained by pregnancy.
Boppy Multi-Use Total Body Pillow with Removable Pillow Cover
"I used a Baby Bjorn pregnancy pillow during my pregnancies and feel like this is hands-down one of the most important gifts to give," Ylleya said.
Michael Kors Extra-Large Pebbled Leather Reversible Tote Bag
Although it's tempting to make sure a new mom has all the essentials she'll need in her hospital bag, don't forget to give her a 'just because' gift. Help her become comfortable with carrying tote bags by surprising her with Michael Kors' reversible design.
Postpartum Gifts For New Moms
Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Kit
There are many recovery kits that moms should be gifted after giving birth, but I truly love that Frida mom has a c-section recovery kit. Not every mom experiences a vaginal birth, so this gift is a nice gesture to remind c-section mamas that their care is equally important.
Nurtured 9 The Peaceful Postpartum Gift Set
Help the postpartum mom in your life ease into her new normal with this thoughtful gift set. She'll appreciate drinking tea that helps soothes her uterine cramps while wearing soft slippers.
What's included:
- Earth Mama Organic Periodic Tea
- Blush Pink Slippers
- Agni Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for Postpartum
- Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle
- Nurtured 9 "Moment For Mama" Apothecary Matches
Nurtured 9 The Soothing Recovery Postpartum Gift Box
If you're truly in the giving mood, surprise a new mom with this soothing recovery postpartum gift box.
What's included:
- Nurtured 9 Maternity/Postpartum Pajama Set
- Nurtured 9 Bloom No. 2 Non-Toxic Candle
- Mother Mother Organic Postpartum Herbal Sitz Bath
- The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
Untie The Bow Gifts Fall New Baby Gift Box
This cute little gift box is a congratulatory set that includes items for baby and mom.
Everyday Medical Store Post Surgery Abdominal Binder
Ylleya said, "After carrying a baby for 10 months, the diastasis recti muscles aren't going to be the same. Having a belt that helps those muscles contract — especially if a new mom isn't breastfeeding [for whatever reason] — is something that's needed."
Willow 360 Wearable Breast Pump
If you know a new mom who interested in breastfeeding her newborn, take the pressure off her shoulders by giving her a hands-free breast pump system. It can be isolating to use one that has a bunch of wires, so be sure to add this to the top of your 'gifts for moms' list.
Skims Maternity Nursing Sculpting Bra
Don't forget to give the new mom in your life a nursing bra to go with her hands-free breast pump!
Frida Mom Postpartum Disposable Underwear
Recovering from giving birth can get messy whether you've had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. One of the things that helped me tremendously during postpartum was investing in comfortable underwear things healed down there.
Ode To Us Wellness French Terry Breastfeeding & Pumping Hoodie
This breastfeeding and pumping hoodie is for all my cozy girls who love when fashion is combined with functionality. One of the best features are the dual zippers that'll make your nursing or pumping sessions super easy. If that's not enough to convince you, it also helps keep your temperature regulated.
The Essentials Gift Set
Made with no synthetic scents and organic ingredients, these bathing essentials are clean and refreshing for baby and their mamas. Enjoy the soothing scents of lavender and rosemary for a relaxing bath experience.
Aura Cacia Shower Tablets - Refreshing Peppermint
Chances are that a new mom won't be able to get to a spa, so bring it to her with these refreshing peppermint shower tablets.
Farmacy Honey Milk Hydrating Essence
Gifts for expecting moms should include something that's going to provide optimal hydrating for their skin. As their hormone levels balance out, they can experience dry and sensitive skin from head to toe. However, Farmacy's Honey Milk Hydrating Essence works to rebuild the skin's moisture balance with the aid of white honey, chamomile, and vitamin B5!
Food-Related Gifts For Expecting Moms
Hello Fresh Subscription
This is self-explanatory, but the last thing a new mom will be thinking about is buying ingredients to cook a full-course meal. Gift her with a Hello Fresh subscription so figuring out what to cook doesn't feel like another chore.
Stanley Cup The Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler
Whether she's breastfeeding or not, a new mom is going to be thirsty. Luckily, Stanley Cup has a 64 0z. tumbler that'll quench her thirst and then some.
Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup
And if she wasn't a big coffee drinker before, she'll likely need as much energy as she can get via coffee. Trust me — you can't go wrong with Keurig's single-serve coffee maker.
Dunkin' French Vanilla Flavored Medium Roast Coffee Keurig K-Cup Pods
Just don't forget to include a box of Keurig K-Cup Pods when you surprise her with a new coffee maker!
Gifts For New Moms & Babies
Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier
If your new mom wants to do light housework without worrying about keeping an eye on her baby, she absolutely needs a baby carrier. "Baby carriers make things a little easier," said Ylleya.
Nature Friends Baby Activity Chair
Activity chairs are so adorable and will entertain a newborn like no one's business. Help the new mom in your life out by bringing this with you during your next house visit.
Skip Hop x pbk Animal Friends Classic Activity Gym
If a new mom isn't really keen on the idea of an activity chair, gift her this activity gym instead. It's one of those gifts for moms that'll help them encourage tummy time.
Dreamland Baby Weighted Sleep Sack
Weighted sleep sacks are a dream according to some moms I've talked to. It helps keep the baby safely in place while promoting a peaceful rest.
HONEST Diaper Cake - Pandas, Deluxe
I'm going to be candid — newborns go through a ton of diapers. This diaper cake by HONEST will be a blessing to a new mom for at least a month.
Hatch Rest 2nd Gen
Speaking of restful sleep, this dream machine is — wait for it — a dream for new moms. It helps baby get used to resting at night with soothing sounds that lull them to sleep.
Nanit Baby Monitor with Camera
Ylleya said, "I'm one of those moms who still has a baby monitor, especially for my younger kids. I like to see what's going on." To help ease any fears a new mom may have about letting their babies sleep in nurseries, bring this baby monitor with you if you plan on visiting after she's given birth.
Pottery Barn Paxton Swivel Glider & Recliner
Recliners are essential for a new mom who will likely be up for late-night or early morning feedings. I spent countless hours in a rocking chair during the first few weeks after giving birth. It probably explains why my toddler prefers to be rocked to sleep now!
For the new moms who may be taking notes to share with their loved ones, Ylleya wants you to remember a few things. She said, "Don’t be hard on yourself if you're experiencing different emotions during postpartum. If you can, ask people to support you mentally or physically as you make the transition from being pregnant to caring for a child for the first time."
By far, one of my favorite things she said during our conversation is, "Being a parent is a learn-as-you-go process. Even with being a mom of 6, I'm still learning and that's okay. You just have to trust yourself and the process."
Which gifts for new moms are you thinking about adding to your holiday shopping budget? Let us know and sign up for our newsletter for more holiday gift guides!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Lead image via Nurtured 9.
Saddle up for the ride, because Bella Hadid has a brand new boyfriend! Bella’s new beau, Adan Banuelos, is a real-life cowboy, and I’m so here for it. After a series of PDA-packed public sightings and Instagram posts, it’s time to dive into who Bella Hadid’s boyfriend is, and how the cute new couple came to be!
Ahead, a full timeline of Bella Hadid and Adan Banuelos’ relationship. Check back here for more updates!
Who is Adan Banuelos?
Sam Hodde / Getty Images for Teton Ridge
Adan Banuelos is a 35 year-old Mexican-American equestrian and rodeo competitor. He’s won numerous awards for cutting horses, including being inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame in 2017. He heads up his own horse training facility near Fort Worth, Texas, and tends to keep his personal life out of the public eye.
Who is Bella Hadid?
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
Bella Hadid is a 27 year-old American supermodel who’s been modeling since she was a teen. A highly-decorated model, she has been featured on a total of 29 Vogue covers, awarded 2022 Model of the Year, and named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023.
Before reportedly dating Adan Banuelos, Bella was in a long-term relationship with Marc Kalman, an art director. They dated for about three years before splitting in summer 2023.
Other than each other, Bella and Adan clearly have a shared love for horses. Bella grew up riding horses, and has even competed in equestrian events, a passion she’s been diving back into since her involvement in the sport was limited by her Lyme diseasediagnosis.
Rob Carr / Getty Images for Teton Ridge
October 2023: First public sighting
TMZ had first spotted Bella and Adan together in public as the pair strolled around the Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas. Strolling wasn’t all they did that day – Bella and Adan kissed, hugged and held hands as they explored the historic area.
IG @bellahadid
February 2024: Instagram official
Bella hard launched her relationship with Adan via Instagram stories on Valentine’s Day. She shared aphoto of her and Adan together training horses. “My valentine💌💋,” the caption for the photo read.
Click Thompson / Getty Images for Teton Ridge
March 2024: To the rodeo Bella goes
In early March 2024, Bella supported Adan at a national equestrian competition in Arlington, Texas. She sported some serious Southern wear, including a beaded top, turquoise jewelry, and a big cowboy hat. Bella and Adan were spotted embracing each other in the stands after the competition!
According toTMZ, Bella bought property near Fort Worth, Texas to be closer to Adan in March 2024. A source told Us Weekly that the two don’t live together, but stay at each other’s homes frequently.
“She moved to Texas to be closer to him,” the source said. “Bella’s entered a new era in her life, all thanks to Adan.”
Sounds like their relationship has been quite transformative, and Bella’s sister, Gigi, and her mom, Yolanda, agree!
“She’s really happy with Adan, and they share so much in common,” the source continued. “Gigi and Yolanda think that Bella’s finally met her perfect match.”
IG @bellahadid
April 2024: Celebrating Adan's birthday
Bella took to Instagram on April 8 to post a spam of some super cute pics of her and Adan in celebration of his 35th birthday! The carousel led with a picture of them kissing on horseback, with the caption: "happy birthday my love..." So sweet!💓
The second photo was a shot of the pair kissing underneath a sky full of fireworks. The next images didn't shy away from more PDA, with plenty of hugs and kisses to go around! Based on the pics, it's safe to say they're happily in love!
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Lead photo by Click Thompson / Getty Images for Teton Ridge.
This post has been updated.
Healthy desserts can sometimes seem a bit boring, but we promise that these low-carb desserts are anything but! When you're craving something sweet (but don't want to go into a total carbohydrate comatose), reach for any these low-carb desserts, and they're sure to satisfy.
All 13 of these low-carb desserts will fit right in to your low- or moderate-carb diet with ease. The best part about these dessert recipes is they don't sacrifice flavor one bit. From brownies to cookies, these low-carb desserts defy tradition in the tastiest way possible!
Keto Matcha Cheesecake
This low-carb dessert recipe leverages the power of the Instant Pot to give the cheesecake that cheesecake-y texture we all know and love. While the adventurous combo of chocolate and matchacould lead you to think this recipe's super complicated, it's actually one of the easiest low-carb desserts you can make with just a handful of ingredients! (via The Essential Instant Pot Keto Cookbook by Casey Thaler for Brit + Co)
Keto Carrot Cake
Since the Keto diet is one of the strictest when it comes to eating low-carb, Keto desserts like this carrot cake are a great option when you're looking for low-carb desserts. This one is especially suitable for a crowd, since it yields 8 whole servings of nutrient-dense, icing-slathered carrot cake. (via Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets & Treats by by Urvashi Pitre for Brit + Co)
Matcha Frozen Yogurt Bark
Frozen yogurt bark is perhaps as low-carb as low-carb desserts get, and even more so when you opt for plain Greek yogurt as the base. This matcha-infused dessert is decorated with raspberries, coconut flakes, and lemon zest, but you can totally get creative with it and omit the matcha or throw in some chocolate chips to your heart's desire. With this recipe, not only are you gonna be snacking on a sweet that's low-carb, but one that's also high in protein! (via Brit + Co)
Keto Strawberry Shortcake
Have you ever seen a mug cake so beautiful?! We certainly hadn't until we discovered the greatness of this Keto-approved, low-carb dessert. You will need a handful of pantry staples to make it, but the extra lift is worth it. The result is this delicately-layered strawberry shortcake that provides the perfect platform for fresh berries and yogurt icing! (via Brit + Co)
Low-Carb Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
"Mini" and "cheesecakes" were all we needed to hear to be sold on these low-carb desserts. These finger food-sized cheesecake bites abide by a low-carb or Keto diet, but aren't devoid of flavor or sweetness at all. Each piece is sweetened using stevia and vanilla extract, and of course, there's plenty of pumpkin spice to boot. (via Brit + Co)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies
High-protein desserts that qualify as low-carb desserts are simply iconic. Case in point are these decadent chocolate-peanut butter cookies crafted with low-sugar chocolate chips, natural PB, and flavored collagen or protein powder! They'll come out of the oven unbelievably tender and gooey – the ideal form for dipping into cold milk, or enjoying with coffee. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Keto Chocolate Cups
These chocolate bites are one of those 3-ingredient desserts that live rent-free in our heads. They're basically like fat "bombs" for satisfying strong sweet cravings and maintaining ketosis (if that's what you're going for) with a small dose of healthy fats. While the cups are low in carbs, they are higher in calories than your typical candy, so they're best enjoyed in moderation. (via The Girl on Bloor)
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Whether you chow down on chia seed pudding for breakfast or dessert is really up to you, but this recipe in particular is just perfect for an after-dinner treat! You only need 5 ingredients to make the base, and from there, you can go wild with adding berries, nut butters, or even a drizzle of honey for garnish. Since this dessert requires an overnight chilling period, you can meal prep several jars to have at the ready when your sweet tooth strikes. Craving more? Check out our recipes for Apple Pie Chia Pudding and Papaya Boats with Chia Filling! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Keto Cereal Bars
Healthy? Check. Indulgent? Check. These cereal bars are the answer to all your low-carb dessert dreams! Each one boasts an impressive balance of crunchy Keto cereal, creamy chocolate chips, and nutritious almond slices that easily tackles any craving. You can use any type of cereal you'd like for these low-carb desserts, but the classic cinnamon squares are simply impeccable. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Keto Brownies
We're so thankful brownies can still be part of a low-carb diet! Where most other low-carb brownie recipes fall flat, this one shines with a fudgy texture and an uber-chocolatey flavor. This pick uses butter for the fatty base, but you can easily swap in ghee or even coconut oil for a healthier, dairy-free option. (via Olive You Whole)
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Pudding
Let's hear it for another high-protein, low-carb dessert! This chocolate pudding is surprisingly made with cottage cheese that's sweetened and blended until smooth. You'll pop the mixture into the fridge for an hour or so to firm up a bit, then you can coat it with a satisfying chocolate shell and dig in! (via Rachel Mansfield)
Frozen Yogurt-Covered Strawberries
These frozen yogurt-covered strawberries are super low in carbs, and they're the perfect thing to have on your plate on a hot summer's day. The combo of fresh fruit and creamy yogurt will feel oh-so refreshing, plus you can easily eat a high volume of this sweet snack without ever feeling weighed down! (via Live Eat Learn)
Vegan Samoa Macaroons
Girl Scout cookie lovers, listen up! These low-carb desserts were made for you. Each one of these vegan bites emulates the flavors of chocolatey, coconutty Samoas – but without an intense amount of carbs. Just one of these rich and dense macaroons will satisfy you 'til it's time for the next sweet treat. (via Munching with Mariyah)
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Lead image via The Real Food Dietitians.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.