The Ultimate Guide to Thoughtful Mum to Be Gifts: 10 Presents She'll Actually Use

Okay, let's be real: buying mum to be gifts is tough. You want something super thoughtful, but you also need something practical—not another piece of baby gear that will end up collecting dust. Finding the perfect balance between comfort, sentimentality, and utility for the expectant mother? That's the mission. That's why I've pulled together 10 of my absolute favorite, tried-and-tested, practical mum to be gifts that focus on her, because let's face it, she deserves all the pampering right now. Forget the boring stuff, these are the pregnancy essentials she won't know she needs until she has them!

Quick Picks: The 10 Best Practical Mum to Be Gifts

Comfort Pillow

The essential sleep upgrade. Practical and comfortable.

$25 - $50

Maternity PJs

Comfortable, stylish, and perfect for hospital bags.

$20 - $40

Footprint Kit

A truly sentimental present for lasting memories.

$10 - $25

Body Care Set

Luxury pampering that she won't buy for herself.

$15 - $30

Mama Bear Mug

Sweet, simple, and perfect for that morning tea (or coffee!)

$8 - $18

Nursing Cover

The multi-use accessory that saves the day, time and again.

$12 - $25

Announcement Bodysuit

Great for gender reveals or a surprise gift!

$7 - $15

Massage Ball Set

The perfect way to relieve those sore, aching muscles.

$10 - $20

Baby Memory Book

A beautiful, sentimental place to keep all the firsts.

$15 - $30

Herbal Tea Set

A soothing, relaxing, and caffeine-free treat.

$9 - $20

Deep Dive: Why These are the Best Mum to Be Gifts

1. The Sleep Savior: Pregnancy Comfort Pillow

Let's start with the most practical of all mum to be gifts: the full-body support pillow. Seriously, the third trimester is basically a sport, and this is her championship gear. Once the bump grows, sleeping comfortably becomes a myth. This pillow supports the back, belly, and hips all at once.

Why It’s a Lifesaver:

• 360° Support: It eliminates the need for four separate pillows (you know the drill!).
• Reduces Pain: Helps align the spine and relieves pressure on the lower back and hips.
• Post-Partum Use: It doubles as a great nursing or propping pillow once the baby arrives.

Grab this comfort item for $25–$50—it's the gift of sleep, and you can’t put a price on that!

2. The Post-Partum Prep: Maternity Pyjama Set

If she's heading into the third trimester or is prepping her hospital bag, this is a beautiful and thoughtful gift. These aren't just regular PJs; they're designed with a loose fit for the bump and usually have easy-access buttons for nursing.

I love these as practical gifts because they immediately replace those tired old t-shirts with something that makes her feel pretty and comfortable when she needs it most.

These sets usually run about $20–$40. Check out the softest fabrics here.

3. The Sentimental Touch: Baby Footprint & Handprint Kit

Ready for the "happy tears" present? This is it. While it's technically for the baby, it's a truly sentimental gift for the mum to be that she'll cherish forever. It’s a super easy way to capture how tiny those hands and feet are before they grow too fast.

Gift Tip:

Look for the "no-mess" ink pad options! The last thing a new mum needs is to be cleaning paint off a newborn. The average price is a super affordable $10–$25, making it a perfect add-on gift.

4. Self-Care Essential: Stretch Mark Cream & Body Oil Set

The skin stretching during pregnancy can be itchy and uncomfortable. Giving her a high-quality oil or cream set isn't just about appearance; it's about comfort and a moment of daily self-care.

This is one of those thoughtful gifts that acknowledges the physical journey she's on. It says, "I see you, and I want you to feel good." You can find lovely sets in the $15–$30 range.

5. The Sweetest Keepsake: Personalised 'Mama Bear' Mug

Mugs are a classic for a reason. They’re functional, affordable, and when they're personalized, they carry huge meaning. A "Mama Bear" mug is just pure joy and a great way to celebrate her new title!

This is a perfect affordable gift (usually $8–$18) for a friend or colleague. Pair it with that herbal tea set (coming up!) for a complete and cozy present.

6. The Multi-Tasking Marvel: Nursing Cover Scarf

This gift is pure genius. It looks like a stylish infinity scarf, but it transforms into a privacy cover for nursing, a canopy for the car seat, or even a cover for the shopping trolley. Seriously, new mums become experts in multi-tasking, and this accessory keeps up.

As practical gifts go, this is a winner because it offers versatility and discretion. You can usually snag a quality one for $12–$25.

7. The Fun Surprise: Baby Announcement Bodysuit

Planning a surprise reveal? A funny or cute announcement bodysuit is perfect. Whether it says "Coming Soon..." or "Hello Grandma & Grandpa," it’s an instant photo opportunity and a memory maker.

This is a fantastic small gift for a gender reveal party or to give to a newly expecting couple. At $7–$15, it's budget-friendly and super fun.

8. The Relief Kit: Prenatal Massage Ball Set

Ah, the aches and pains. Pregnancy comes with some serious muscle tension, especially in the lower back, hips, and feet. These small, simple massage balls are one of the most underrated comfort gifts you can give.

It allows her to target those tight spots without needing a full-blown massage appointment (or having to ask her partner constantly). This set is usually $10–$20, making it an excellent affordable item for any list of mum to be gifts.

9. The Time Capsule: Baby Memory Book

We all think we'll remember every first tooth and word, but sleep deprivation is a memory killer! A gorgeous baby memory book is a wonderful sentimental present that prompts the new mum to record all those precious milestones.

Pro Tip:

Try to find one that's easy to fill out and not overly complicated. Simplicity is key when time is short! Expect to pay around $15–$30 for a beautiful keepsake book.

Need more inspiration for new parents? Check out our entire Baby and Family category here.

10. The Cozy Calm: Herbal Tea Assortment for Pregnancy

When you're pregnant, caffeine can be a no-go, but you still crave that warm, cozy ritual. A beautifully packaged assortment of pregnancy-safe herbal teas is a calming and nurturing gift. Think blends for morning sickness, relaxation, or hydration.

This is a wonderfully subtle and thoughtful gift, often costing just $9–$20. It encourages her to take a five-minute break, which, honestly, is worth a million dollars right now.

Final Thoughts on Gifting for Expectant Mums

The biggest secret to finding the best mum to be gifts? Don't forget that she is still her. Focus on her comfort, her memories, and her small moments of peace before the whirlwind of motherhood truly begins. Whether you choose the sleep-saving comfort pillow or the adorable, personalized mug, you're giving her something that acknowledges her journey.

You really can't go wrong with these choices—they strike that sweet spot between practical necessity and genuine sentiment. Go grab one (or two!) and prepare for the biggest smile.

Ready to make her day?

Click any of the links above to check prices and grab these perfect mum to be gifts before they're gone!