Our Favourite Gifts for Expecting Mums (That They’ll Actually Use)
Hi lovely, I’m Ada the founder of My Baby Nest, mum to one little whirlwind, and former recipient of a LOT of well-meaning but not-so-useful baby shower gifts.
Let’s be real for a second.
There are only so many baby milestone cards and soft toys one mum can receive (and forget where she put them). And while the sentiment is always appreciated, what expecting mums actually need is a little less fluff… and a lot more practical magic.
So, whether you’re shopping for a bestie, colleague, sister, or yourself (yes, self-gifting is fully encouraged), here are my top gift ideas for expecting mums that they’ll genuinely love and use.
🎁 1. A Pre-Packed Hospital Bag (Yes, Like Ours 😉)
Honestly, if someone had handed me a fully packed hospital bag when I was pregnant, I might have cried from pure relief.
At My Baby Nest, we’ve done the hard work — every item is handpicked by mums, NHS-approved, and beautifully packed so she’s ready for labour, birth, and beyond.
✅ No more panic-packing.
✅ No more 3am Amazon orders.
✅ No more forgotten maternity pads.
Perfect for: baby showers, maternity leave send-offs, or just a “thinking of you” surprise.
👉 Shop the Ultimate Hospital Bag here
🍼 2. A Good Water Bottle (With a Straw)
It sounds simple, but it’s a lifesaver during labour and breastfeeding.
Look for one that’s leak-proof, holds at least 1L, and can be sipped one-handed (trust me, that matters when you’re cradling a baby and trying to survive on four hours of sleep).
Top Pick: 1L Water Bottle with Straw
Practical, cute, and BPA-free.
💆♀️ 3. A Self-Care Kit She’ll Actually Use
Think face masks, lip balm, belly oil, and anything that helps her pause and breathe for a moment.
Skip the scented candles unless you know her pregnancy nose can handle it!
Top Pick: This Organic Mama Self-Care Set — filled with clean, natural products.
👚 4. Soft, Nursing-Friendly Pyjamas
There’s nothing like slipping into something soft that also lets you feed easily at 3am. Bonus if it’s cute enough for visitors.
Our hospital bags come with a pair, but if you’re buying separately, look for breathable cotton and button-down tops or lift-up panels.
Top Pick: Maternity/Nursing Pyjama Set
(This is included in our Mother & Family Nest)
✍️ 5. A Pregnancy Journal or Memory Book
Not every mum will keep a journal, but for the sentimental ones, this is gold.
Something simple and beautifully designed that doesn’t feel like a chore to fill in is key.
Top Pick: The “Bump to Baby” Keepsake Journal
🧺 6. A “New Mum Survival Basket”
Want to make your own gift set?
Fill a basket with snacks, nipple cream, dry shampoo, maternity pads, a peri bottle, and chocolate. Always chocolate.
Or… skip the guesswork and just send them one of our Baby Nest bundles, because we already did the thinking for you.
💌 Final Thoughts: Thoughtful > Fancy
You don’t need to spend a fortune to give an expecting mum a truly helpful, heartwarming gift.
Think about what she’ll actually need, not just what looks good on Instagram. If it makes her life easier, more comfortable, or helps her feel cared for — that’s a win.
And if you want the ultimate one-gift-does-it-all solution?
You already know — My Baby Nest hospital bags are here for that. Curated with care, made to be gifted, and packed with love.
With love,
Ada x
Founder, My Baby Nest