The best wellness gifts for new mums

The first mother’s day is a rite of passage in any new mum’s life, whether fully immersed in the fog of the feed-change-repeat cycle of those bewildering first few weeks or chasing around a rambunctious almost toddler. How to mark this most significant of milestones?

While you can’t go far wrong with toys, flowers and baby clothes, the best Mother’s Day gifts for new mums (aside from the gift of sleep) tend to be the ones with a personal touch that really help her to feel like herself.

‘My living room was full of gorgeous outfits, toys, flowers, chocolates and wine,’ recalls gym instructor Charlotte Buckley, mum to 13-month-old Freddie. ‘It was all so thoughtful and lovely, but my favourite gift was actually a top I received from a friend – as a mum herself, she remembered how it felt to get home from the hospital, not feeling your best, and not having anything nice to wear. Pre-pregnancy clothes are still too tight and over-stretched maternity clothes don’t make you feel your best, so for me having something new in a bigger size that wasn’t maternity wear was wonderful.’

‘My two best friends gifted me a chic loungewear set just before my second baby arrived,’ recalls freelance writer Olivia Lidbury. ‘I packed it in my hospital bag to go home in, lived in it for a good few weeks, and still reach for it now. Stylish, tapered joggers that a new mum can slouch in but also keep on to pop out for a much-needed walk are a thoughtful and comfort-inducing gift.’

Olivia also recommends eye masks as new mum Mother’s Day gifts. ‘I used one from the hospital bag all the way through the first few months of “sleeping while baby sleeps”,’ she says. ‘I also self-gifted myself some tanning drops as I knew that they would give my skin a bit of much-needed glow.’

‘Some new lovely smelling bath sets to give you some “you” time are another must,’ adds Charlotte. ‘I love Molton Brown.’

Mother’s Day gifts for first time mums of food are also likely to be welcome. ‘We were fortunate to have lots of people offer to cook for us, which really helped with the lack of sleep and meant less time spent food shopping and more cuddling little Freddie,’ Charlotte explains. ‘A hamper packed with all the lovely things you couldn't have while pregnant makes a perfect present – some nice wine, cheese and pâté.

And never underestimate a special individual gift. ‘I would have loved something sentimental to do with Freddie,’ she adds. ‘Maybe a personalised necklace with his initials – not necessarily an expensive one. What really made me feel good in the first few weeks and months, though, was being able to show off my gorgeous little boy – he is my biggest achievement.’

Feeling inspired? Our pick of the best new mum Mother’s Day gifts are all you need to treat the first-time mum in your life.