Today I’ve put together a sort of guide to help you find the perfect gift for an expectant mother (don’t worry I haven’t forgotten about you Dads, I have a post coming shortly with some treats for you too). As lovely as chocolates and flowers are, these gifts are not only thoughtful but they’re practical too. They have helped me to relax, laugh and stay calm in my most overwhelming pregnancy moments.
I’ll start with a favourite of mine the Lush Therapy Massage Bar (£6.50/50g). It contains cocoa butter and neroli essential oils that claim to help improve the elasticity of the skin and appearance of stretchmarks. The 100% organic and cruelty-free bar is made from natural butters and oils which melt upon contact with the skin and is a heavenly way to be pampered from head to toe.
A must-have product that I’ve spoken about many times before is the KokoSo Baby Premium Organic Coconut Oil* (£7.99/168ml). The award-winning multipurpose moisturiser is an all-natural body butter, silky bottom balm and heavenly massage oil all in one. This gift is perfect for the mum who worries about the effects harsh chemicals and synthetics could have on her baby’s sensitive skin. The solid raw virgin coconut has been dermatologically tested and it’s pure ingredients are certified safe for even the most sensitive skin. It can be used to nourish flaky newborn skin, soothe nappy rash, remove mum’s makeup and make a nourishing hair treatment. The possibilities are endless.
Everyone needs a giggle, especially if you’ve spent a glamourous morning with your head down the toilet like I often did, and the How It Works: The Mum (Ladybird for Grown-Ups) (£3.49) definitely gives plenty of those. Full of jokes and anecdotes this small hardback book celebrates the stressful (and often thankless) role of the mum and is an affordable way to put a smile on her face when she most needs it.
It’s natural to be a little worried about how pregnancy will affect and change your body, especially with everyone probably telling her their horror stories, so beauty products, such as balms and oils, that are specifically designed to meet the growing needs of a mum-to-be are a great way to show her you care. Love Boo are a UK based company passionate about ‘purely natural pampering’ and specialise in beautiful gift sets specifically for expectant mothers. Their award winning Super Stretchy Miracle Oil* (£15.99) is just one of many products available. The luxurious oil contains almonds, argan oil and Passionflower to improve the elasticity of the skin and is naturally scented with a gorgeous blend of peppermint, lemon and ginger.
If you are looking for something just indulgent but a little more affordable NSPA (available exclusively at ASDA) also have a line of products specially designed to use during pregnancy. The collection contains a soothing nipple balm, Moisturising Bump Butter, Cooling Leg & Foot Gel, Firming Bust Cream and, my favourite from their range, the NSPA Nourishing Stretch Mark Oil* (£6.40).
Finally, we have the Mama Mio The TummyRub Butter (£23.50/120g). Apparently a favourite of Kim K, this Omega-packed blend of organic oils with a Shea Butter base can be used all over the body to soothe frustratingly itchy skin and help prevent stretch marks. This has been a bit of a lifesaver for me as my stomach, boobs and hips have become increasingly itchy and tight as my pregnancy continues. Using this butter nightly, especially on my bump, has provided soothing relief and comfort whilst keeping my stretch marks to a minimum.
Other gifts could include:
A yoga ball – Belive it or not, gently bouncing on my yoga ball every night has seriously helped improve my back pain.
A pregnancy pillow – This helps give me a little more support at night when my bump prevents me from getting into a comfy position.
A frame for the first Scan – Some beautiful frames are available online from Mamas & Papas and Mothercare.
Stay tuned for my gift guide for Dads-to-be coming soon!
