Gifts for a mom to be

Hi ladies:

I post a lot on the brides board (still planning a wedding), so this is my first post on this board.
I just found out that my FSIL is going to have a baby!!! I am so excited. She is due June 9.
I would like to get her something special/creative for Christmas and I was wondering what you mommies and mommies to be would suggest. What gifts did you receive/have you received that you really liked?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Re: Gifts for a mom to be

I know some of the things that I loved when I was pregnant were books about pregnancy-I can recommend a few titles if you are interested in getting some. Also a book called Baby Bargains that rates baby gear was very helpful. A baby name book.

Something that is more for her comfort too-I couldn't live without my body pillow as I started getting bigger and the belly was so heavy. Maybe you could get her a body pillow or a king sized pillow and some nice pillowcases.

A journal (if she is the type) so she can write down her thoughts and feelings and other stuff that may be fun to read later on. Also be her pregnancy photographer - make sure you get pics of her each month for her memory book. Proactively call her each 25th of the month for a 'photo session' - something like that is priceless. I wish I took more photos when I was pregnant.

I'm sure she will appreciate whatever you do, it's a really nice thought.

Re: Gifts for a mom to be

Something I plan to do for a friend of mine is burn a CD with lullaby type music on it.

If you know she's having a boy there's a really sweet song on the new Dixie Chicks album that Natalie wrote about her son -- it's called Godspeed. It's really sweet.

Also there is a song by Carly Simon where she did 'The Itsy Bitsy Spider' with children singing in background vocals.

Then I think I'll put other classical songs that are comforting sounding.

Re: Gifts for a mom to be

My sister gave me a 'maternity massage' gift certificate at the Greenhouse Spa in Manhasset for my birthday. I'm only 12 weeks, so I'm going to wait a couple of months to use it, but I can't wait!!

Re: Gifts for a mom to be

There's a book called 'Understanding Children' that has a great section with cost estimates on everything from diapers to college for babies born in our current economy. The book also contains great advice on choosing a child care service, and other important developmental milestones, etc. I love it, and it was recommended by Oprah.

Another great book is by the publishers of Parenting magazine. I think it's called Parenting, A Guide to your Baby's First Year. This book was a very valuable resource for me when the baby was very little - I have missed it a lot lately, but it's been in storage!

You might also get her a subscription to Fit Pregnancy or Parenting Magazine.
A gift cert for a mani/pedi would be appreciated too, I'm sure.

For a light-hearted look at pregnancy, you might get 'A Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy' It's hysterical, and I really enjoyed reading it during pregnancy.

For the more serious read, there's 'Misconceptions: Truth, Lies, and the Unexpected on the Journey to Motherhood,' by Naomi Wolf. But, this author really dramatizes her feminist views, so you might want to thumb through this one, and see if you can tell if your SIL would enjoy it.

Re: Gifts for a mom to be

I love the books idea. I also think those Baby Time Capsules are great. You write the baby letters during your pregnancy, take photos of yourself etc... then when the baby is older they can read/see all about your pregnancy.

Re: Gifts for a mom to be

DD was due June 14th and in my 7-8th month of pregnancy I had a massage specifically for prego people. The pressure was relieved from my body from carrying around someone else. She's not going to have much time to herself after the baby is born so an hour of sheer bliss is a great gift!