Being a new mom is rewarding, but it can also be tough, as you navigate the waters of motherhood for the first time. If you know a new mom, you may be wondering how you can best help. These 10 inexpensive gift ideas for new moms are sure to be appreciated by any new mother.
10 inexpensive gifts for new moms
1. Let her sleep
During those first few weeks (or months… or years…) a new parent is lacking sleep in a major way. If you can offer to come over and watch the baby for a few hours and let momma nap, you’ll be a hero! Sleep deprivation can really wear a new mom out.
2. Help with chores or errands
Schedule a time to come over and help with the household chores. You can load the dishwasher, wash laundry, fold laundry, vacuum, sweep or simply tidy up. Inevitably with a newborn, these items get neglected, unless you are the Martha Stewart type or incredibly on top of things. These are practical things that a new mom needs help with but often times is afraid to ask for help.
3. Make a meal
Make a meal for new moms! Or two. Or three… this is probably my favorite gift that my own friends & family have given me when I had a newborn. Moms of newborn babies are strapped on time and energy. Making a meal is a huge help! It means less stress about cooking and executing a meal, plus freeing up a new mom from planning out that evening’s meal or needing to buy those ingredients at the grocery store. HUGE HELP! Can I emphasize that enough? 
4. Coordinate a meal calendar
Along the same lines of making a meal, help coordinate meals month friends and family! Take the initiative and help set up a meal calendar so others can sign up to make and deliver a meal for the new mom. Some great online scheduling sites I’ve used, that are free and easy to set up are:
Take Them A Meal
Meal Baby
SignUp Genius
Care Calendar
5. Provide “grown-up” conversation
You might be surprised by how isolated many new moms feel from their other adult friends. With a new baby your days revolve around feedings, burping, diaper changes, messy cleanups and everything “baby”. Spend time talking in person or on the phone about your favorite hobbies, news, current events and anything else she wants to discuss. Offering her a time to chat with a girlfriend is extremely valuable, even if she wants to talk about baby stuff, just allowing her time to vent or unload with a friend is very helpful.
6. Offer to babysit
Offer a new mom free babysitting services. Whether that means you watch the baby or take older siblings out for a play date, helping watch the kids while mom gets a break (or gets to run errands without distractions) is a big help!
7. Ask how you can help
Sometimes a new mom has needs that you don’t even know about. Let her know that you are available to help whatever it is.
8. Recommend podcasts or audio books
Suggest some podcasts for her on topics that she’s interested in. Or curate a list of audio books you know she’ll love. As a new mom, you spend many hours sitting and feeding a newborn. I was never able to concentrate enough to read a book while nursing (I’m not that coordinated and the baby would always move a lot), and watching movies or shows got old really quick. I found podcasts to be more interesting (and felt like a better use of my “down” time).
9. Bake some treats
Bake some delicious treats or snacks for the new mom and her family to enjoy. Muffins, cookies, cupcakes, or whatever you’d like. She’s sure to appreciate the sweet treats and thoughtfulness.
10. Make a DIY new mom gift
Check out my Pinterest Board “New Momma” for some of my favorite finds. You can create some great personalized gifts on a tight budget. Plus a handmade gift is so uncommon these days; it’s sure to have even more meaning for a new mom if you handmade it with love.
Remember, your time and effort (not just physical gifts) mean so much to a new mom! No need to spend a lot of money on expensive specialty baby gifts or spa days for a new mom (although those can be nice too)… it’s often the simple and inexpensive gestures that can mean the most to a new mom. These gifts of service can show your love and support in incredible ways.
Welcome!
