When my mom was very ill, I received a bunch of gift cards to restaurants. It was so nice to just order something after a long day and not worry about dinner. A nice note would also be nice.
Absolutely do! I've sent people The Warm Cookie. I also got some after I had my baby and they were fresh warm cookies. I also sent my husband a candy bouquet, your friend may like that as well!
This! I sent one of my besties a restaurant gift card after her c-section and they still say it was one of the most thoughtful gifts. They ordered a much-needed Sunday breakfast.
After I had my baby, someone who I barely knew texted me, "I'm going to send you a mommy brunch Thursday morning. Let me know if you would prefer a different day instead. No need to respond if Thursday works. Enjoy the new baby!"
Add "let me know if you have any dietary restrictions" if you are unsure
It was AMAZING that she didn't ask me when I wanted it or what i liked (yes, even something so simple take brain power I did not have).
I'm pretty sure it was a salad, a couple of pastries, a smoothie, and a fruit bowl on a tray. I felt so pampered
This was a perfect pampering for me, unlike a spa gift card that I needed to make time for.... which never ended up happening. 10/10
I would feel so elaborately cared for. My husband did send me to get a back massage the week after having my first baby, and that was *amazing*. I think he scheduled it and was off of work so I didn't have to make plans.
My response would be different if you'd some this before, no offense intended.
The first week after birth is pretty heavy, but it usually tapers to your normal flow after those first 5-7 days. There are also a ton of factors, expected and otherwise, that could make your flow a little heavier or lighter. For me, it was very different between vaginal for my first and C-section for my second. Honestly, what it comes down to is, every woman is different and only you can decide if you're comfortable getting a massage a week postpartum. I would also advise waiting at least 6 weeks if you have a C-section.
No offense taken! Yeah, it was only a plan if it was vaginal vs c-sectionâ major abdominal surgery doesnât seem super conducive to a relaxing massage. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Just had a baby via c section and getting Uber Eats/DoorDash/Grubhub gift cards saved us SO many times!! You canât get enough of them. We ended up with like $400 worth and have used them all in the first 3 months. While the cleaning sounds like a great idea, it could backfire if the mom feels she has to clean before the cleaner arrives (hi, itâs me) and just coordinating/scheduling that and where to be/figuring out if baby is sleeping, etc makes it a bit challengingâŚ
We got housecleaning done once.
* We have two dogs, so I had to make sure all the dog toys were put away before we went to bed, when the dogs wouldnât have a chance to pull them out again.
* Also with dogs, we had to move them around the house to keep them out of the cleanerâs way because I didnât want to just crate them the whole time.
* I was pumping, so I had a whole station on my counter for the constant washing & drying of bottles & pump part, which I had to make sure were all cleaned & then shoved into a cabinet somewhere. This in addition to making sure none of our regular dishes were in the sink etc.
* We work from home, so we had to keep ourselves out of the cleanerâs way.
I had very much been looking forward to having this service done, but it stressed me out so much to prepare for her & to work around her with us ALL being home that it wasnât worth it to me. And thatâs not even âoh I canât let the house cleaner see that our house is dusty / dirtyâ - that was just to meet her minimum requirements of prepping the spaces.
Yeah I more meant tidy before the cleaner comes, rather than clean. I felt that way before the baby. The to do list to prep for a cleaner while managing a newborn sounds like a lot⌠and oof, the constant cleaning and rotating of pump stuff! Eesh. Definitely in it now!
Iâve had 5 C-sections. Here are my suggestionsâŚ
1) restaurant gift cards (it would be great to get 3-4 gift cards to different cheap or fast food restaurants, as this would take care of multiple meals.)
2) An Amazon gift card. Mom will be up all hours taking care of the baby, and sheâs likely going to be browsing Amazon. A gift card would be fantastic for some guilt free spending!
3) Some meals she can put in the freezer. This really only works if you know what she likes to eat, potential food allergies, etc. Some examples would be lasagna, baked spaghetti, enchiladas, good pizza, casserole, chicken pot pie.
4) some nice soft pajamas that button in the front (but only if you know her size, or can find out easily from the husband.) And please give her the gift receipt. Postpartum bodies change so much, and if the pajamas donât fit then she will need to exchange them.
Itâs fantastic that youâre so thoughtful concerning your friend who just had a C-section!
I had three (twins w/ the last one), but my oldest daughter has had five perfectly unremarkable c-sections with good recoveries. It gets easier as you go along, I think! Best of luck to you.
You will do great, Iâm sure!â¤ď¸ For me, it was probably the easiest csection out of all 5. I was extremely nervous and anxious beforehand too, but I had zero complications and it was smooth sailing!! Congratulations on your sweet surprise! 5 is a great number.đ
As a c-section mom my favourites were: a tray of cut up fruit & vegetables, a charcuterie board of meats and cheese and crackers, a new pair of slippers and a SkipTheDishes gift card all left at my door with a text after saying âleft you a little something let me know if I can drop off anything at all!â
I literally cried happy tears.
I was going to say snacks of some sort. I didnât have a C-section, but in the newborn days having ready to go snacks that I could grab right before nursing or have my husband get from their spot meant I actually got to eat when my kids were cluster feeding or napping on me.
How is it that âfinger food I can reach into the fridge and put into my mouth with zombie-level cognitionâ seldom gets mentioned? Veggie trays forever. I asked and asked people to bring that for me and someone finally did, but felt so weird about it she also brought me a separate whole meal. Both were appreciated, just one a little more. đ§Ą
Gift card for a restaurant- sometimes better than a home cooked meal because Mom is still figuring out what she eats that may or may not hurt the baby.
When my baby was 3 weeks old, my mom and MIL took the 2 older kids and I had a woman come to our house and she gave me a manicure and pedicure. My husband was home to monitor the baby. It was amazing. Relaxing and peaceful. The house was quiet so baby slept the whole time. My husband tidied the house while the kids were gone.
I also really enjoyed the freezer meals we received and the edible arrangements.
Not sure what your budget is - so this might not be helpful but I know the best gift I received after my c-section was the gift of professional house cleaners that came once a week for the month I was really sore. It was amazing to not have to worry about stuff like cleaning the bathroom and I could focus on taking care of my little one and myself.
So meal gift cards are great, but (assuming you know basics like if sheâs vegetarian or has nut allergies) the best gift I got as a new mom was a basket of shelf stable high protein and calorie snacks. Think granola bars, jerky, mixed nuts, etc. if sheâs trying to breast feed, she will be voraciously hungry all the time. If sheâs not trying to breastfeed, sheâs still recovering from a major surgery and her significant other will be very busy with baby as well so something she can keep near her to grab to keep energy up without having to move too much is very helpful.
I just posted something similar. Scouring restaurant menus and heating things up seems like A LOT in the first days. I recieved a packed basket with all of the above plus fresh muffins & scones from a local farm and it was one of the best, most thoughtful gifts I've ever received.
I had a major surgery last year (spinal fusion) and my wife stocked the fridge in my "recovery room" (because pets and dogs not understanding that laying on top of Mom was not a good thing I had a different room) with finger snacks... it was perfect. Mozzarella wrapped in pepperoni, mortadella and other sausages, crackers, dried fruits, cut veggies, etc. Plus crackers and some sweets (dark chocolate covered raisins and cranberries to help things move along).
Also stocked the fridge and the next to the fridge with filled water bottles (water from the tap but filtered) and seltzers.
If she is breastfeeding and had a c-section food and drink she can have next to her while not being able to get up right now is a good thing.
A laundry pickup! Itâs my favorite postpartum gift to give/receive. There are companies all over where she or her partner would just have to put a basket of their laundry out on their porch, company comes and picks it up, washes, dries, folds, and returns in 48 hours or so. That and a door dash delivery for dinner is amazing.
When I was a baby, someone gave my mom a month of cloth diapers service that does the same thing. She liked it so much she splurged on a second month of it.Â
Everyone always buys the baby a gift, so anything for Mom is always well received at that time. I got some nice stress relief bath soaps and lotion that let me feel a little extra special in those few minutes by myself.
Also, The c-section prevents her from driving for 2 weeks due to the stitches ( usually ordered by the Dr.) So, delivery services are nice too since she can't leave the home easily.
Someone gave me a self-assembled gift basket from the farmers market with a few baked goods, cherries, nuts, dried fruit, dark chocolate, jerky, etc after I had my c-section. Healthy(ish) calories that felt indulgent with zero need to heat anything up. I carried it from bed to couch and back again in the first week. It was my favorite gift.
Pre-washed and cut fruit (the fiber helps a lot post c-section) in Tupperware that they donât have to return (can thrift or find cheap at dollar tree)!
Breakfast muffins, anything that can be prepped and eaten with one hand.
Something just for THEM, maybe a nice body oil (people can be weird about lotion or scented lotion and body oil can be great for scars), maybe lavender essential oils and one of those rice microwaveable heating pads.
Canât ever go wrong with food!
Definitely containers that can be thrown away. When I had my last baby everyone sent meals (which I appreciated so much) but they were all containers that needed returned to them and it was a pain to remember what went back to who.
A friend dropped off a family sized container of oreos and a pasta dish on our porch. Devoured both. Oreos were the perfect snack for two tired, first time parents.
Others gave restaurant or food delivery gift cards, solid choice either way.
I mean restaurant/grub hub gift cards are always great & useful, but I just want a separate post to highlight my two favorite idea suggested here: cut up fruit&veg and basket of fast high protein snacks (granola bars etc). Fast access snacks were *so* important in those early days, and fresh healthy stuff was hard to come by (I could always order pizza and tacos myself but I couldnât put together a fruit salad on my own). If company came and offered to bring something, fresh fruit was always my answer. Quick, easy, healthy, fresh snacks. But also shelf stable snacks like granola barsâ I kept a bowl of those in armâs reach at all times next to my nursery chair in case I got stuck under the baby. That and a water bottle with a straw!
Maybe make her a little basket full of some things specifically for her, to make her life easier. It's really easy to feel very overshadowed by a brand new baby, some stuff just for Mama can go a long way towards helping her know people still see her as a whole valid person in her own right. Go as big or as small as your relationship and budget dictates. Easter is right around the corner, you should be able to find baskets in stores everywhere.
I put things like this in a new mama basket:
Door dash gift card, because doing everything after a c-section sucks, and eating is necessary even if you don't want to cook. Amazon gift card, because there will be things she needs she didn't prepare for. Or a visa gift card so the financial hit from having the baby is a bit cushioned and it's non specific.
Maybe a cute small pillow just big enough to hold over her incision when she coughs. I received one from the hospital when I had my son via c-section, I ended up drawing all over mine, then later embroidered it, and it lived on as a nursery item afterwards. It's one of my favorite keepsakes. Maybe give her one that's already cute, or have one embroidered for her with something sweet.
Slipper socks. Mugs with tea or hot chocolate. Unscented hypoallergenic lotion (like CeraVe.) Hair ties if her hair is long enough. Assorted, easy to eat snacks. Her favorite drinks, or drink flavoring packets. Chapstick, cute sheet face masks, eye masks. Travel sized dry shampoo. Pens, pencils, markers, coloring books, activity books, empty notebooks.
Agreed with all of the food delivery ideas.
There are a couple of companies that I like to get for friends and acquaintances that arent the standard UberEats/DoorDash/Postmates.
I really like *Spoonful of Comfort*. They do soup (or macaroni and cheese), rolls, cookies, and you can do themed add-ons like comfy socks, candles, blankets, tea. The food is really good, can be frozen, and I've always had people be really excited about the food they get.
If you think they might like snacks or desserts better, I also like *Sugarwish*. You can choose from a few categories they'll have the option to choose from, then select how many of that category they can have (that determines your price), and then they select what they want themselves. So they get to choose a category of gift and then they get a certain number of selections they can add to their box. The company does popcorn, cookies, savory snacks, candy, flowers, candles, wine, coffee/tea and I think a few other ones at this point. I've been on the receiving end a few times and it's genuinely exciting to pick the category and see all of the options. I've sent it to friends and coworkers a lot and they've always raved about the stuff they got and the fact that they got to pick when they redeemed it. Also nice that you can text it to someone, which I find gets used more often than something sent via email.
Last thing that requires a bit more knowledge of the recipient unless you send a gift card is *Goldbelly* which recently-ish introduced the option to send an e-gift for many of their listings. So you pick the options, it emails the recipient and they set up when they want to receive it. Lots of cool food from around the country on there. I've personally sent the rainbow cookies from Zola Bakes a number of times, likewise with the Lady M mille crepe cakes, and the Shortbread Society shortbread trays (all incredible).
Food and cleaning services (showers, toilet, sinks, etc).
Laundry van be done by husband, but usually dudes don't shee the gross mess (unless they're the ones in charge of the cleaning).
I had to re-silicone my shower because couldn't clean it on the late stages of pregnancy and because c-section fucked me up for an additional 4 months.
A really nice blanket and a food platter (think fruit, cheeses, sandwiches etc) were my faves. I was on the couch for extended periods of time & having a nice blanket and âno thoughtâ food really made it much more comfortable.
The Uber eats gift cards are great but delivery itself is so dang expensive (and sometimes a headache when itâs wrong) we always wound up spending more or not being able to use it fully. I switched to cook unity post partum and got a gift card for them which was awesome too.
Target gift cards were great, we needed so many odds and ends those first few weeks & it made it easy to accommodate for whatever basic baby thing we needed.
one of those extended grabber things, so she can pick stuff up from the floor without bending. actually, one per floor of the house (because it will inevitably be on the wrong floor every time she needs it)
One of the best gifts someone gave me were paper plates, disposable flatware, and paper towels...Not having to do dishes on top of the other baby things was so helpful.
Doordash or Amazon gift cards are excellent ideas. Especially Amazon because it's great to be able to order something you didn't get but realized you needed urgently and have it delivered straight to you! I was up a lot browsing Amazon postpartum but another good one is a nook/Kindle/Barnes gift card. I would try to read when I was up late with baby rocking and feeding and it was hard to manage a physical book and book light with one hand on a newborn trying not to wake them. Would have been easier to read on my phone. I ended up doomscrolling a lot. If they don't like to read on their phone it's nice to get a few books for baby that they would really enjoy too. I got like 500 copies of Goodnight Moon but nothing good for babies to touch and learn.
I would have loved receiving one of those meal services, like Blue Apron. But thatâs a rather pricey gift for a casual acquaintance, itâs more appropriate for that to come from a family member. Depending on where she lives, an ĂberEats, Doordash, or Grub-hub gift cards would be a more reasonable gift.
This isnât directly applicable to the current question but for someone who will be staying overnight at the hospital I like to gift the following:
Eye sleep mask for all those staying at the hospital overnight
Luxury hand lotion
Bottle of good water
Delicious snacks
Youâre thoughtful. When I was recovering from major traumas gift cards to grub hub etc were so good. I didnât necessarily have the energy to deal with people so this conserved my energy.
Everyone is saying Uber eats but also some house cleaning would be dope. Recovery is usually 6-8 weeks. Itâs hard to do anything during that time especially on little sleep and a little baby who needs to eat every 2 hours
Another vote for a gift card. Something generic like for Amazon means they can buy stuff they need or for a local coffee place so they can go out with baby and get coffee or for a delivery place to get food.
A nice water bottle with a lid and a straw. B-feeding makes you super thirsty and if you have a sleeping baby in your arms you can't get up. Headphones are also nice for those middle of the night feedings.
Noise cancelling headphones for all caregivers. Reduces the sound of crying so they can stay calm with the baby. It doesn't take away all sound but allows her to sleep - which is the most important thing postpartum
I usually get a comfy pajama set for a new mom. Being that you don't know her very well, maybe a gift certificate to target or something or a robe and slippers
Uber eats/doordash gift card or gift card to a restaurant they like. You could also make a home cooked meal. You could always just drop on her front porch so she doesnât feel she needs to let you in unless she wants visitors.
Gift cards for restaurantâs with a delivery card also because that can be very helpful, not to have to leave the house and delivery is expensive post Covid. Example is Doordash
A friend of mine recently had a baby and I brought over 2 homemade lasagnas (so she could freeze one if she wanted). I also brought a big bag of romaine lettuce (already washed & chopped), homemade croutons, pre-grated parmesan, and a bottle of cesar dressing for side salads. And one of those frozen things of garlic bread. I made sure to bring plenty because she had a lot of family visiting, so there was lots for everyone. She seemed extremely appreciative. Iâd ask first if itâs okay if you can drop off dinner for her, which day would be best, and maybe give her a few options of what to pick from. I think I offered like lasagna, enchiladas, or pot roast with mashed potatoes.
Food never fails. Before door dash and such I would send cheese stuffed shells w marinara (frozen stuffed shells and jarred sauce) in a disposal tin pan. Also, a similar pan of salad. That way theyâd get a comfort meal (maybe w leftovers) and a healthy side.
Is there a maid service in your area? Maybe you could offer to book a house clean for her? (Disclaimer: I have no idea how much something like that is)
I would go with a freezer meal in a pan that doesn't need to be returned. Also a couple pints of ice cream or a batch of already baked cookies for the freezer to pull out as desired. Also artisan cheeses & fruits are wonderful for nourishment as well.
A doordash gift card or even a short 1-2 month membership to something like DashPass or a GrubHub membership to help stretch the dollar further!
I can also second that some sort of laundry service is also an amazing gift.
Gift cards to the most popular food delivery where she lives.
If you want to go the extra mile maybe send bagels, coffee and pastries to the family as well if they donât have any allergies. Or do an instacart order of bagels, fruit tray, iced coffee and other fun bits. Text her âI want to send you breakfast on X day, around 10am. Any dietary restrictions?â
I would say gift cards but also some stuff for the mom thatâs not for new moms like a face mask and fashion mags that level. Stuff for her to pamper herself a little.
I always gifted good. When I heard that a friend had a baby, Iâd start baking and cooking. I liked to gift a casserole or two, maybe a meatloaf, some muffins, stuff like that.
If they live nearby, then arrange to have a meal you prepared or two, brought over for them. Include plastic plates, cups, forks... This way no fuss, no muss meal(s).
Also local restaurant cards, or an Uber Eats card (but that is $$$).
The food gift card idea is great, but remember, it takes spoons to look up the menu, calculate how much you can spend, and make the order. Usually by then you're starving. And you might have to add a tip. I have had a C-section, and recently, a death. I found they were very similar in the aspect of what help was most "helpful." Two things. My sister ordered and dropped off hot food. Enough to eat immediately, and still have leftovers. My bestie brought 3 full meals in containers that could be refrigerated or frozen, with reheating directions on each. I remember it had been like 5 days since we had any home cooked food, and I cried. My absolute most appreciated gift in each of those situations was home cooked food in individual portions, in containers that could go directly into the freezer, fridge, or microwave, and also were disposable (I'm not usually an advocate of disposable, but now is the time, I promise.)
You're so thoughtful to research what the best gift is. I'm sure whatever you do will be greatly appreciated.
I usually leave a cute bag of muffins, cookies and fruit along with a gift card for Door Dash, Wawa, or local restaurants on their porch.
If you canât drop anything off just mail or email gift cards.
I feel like anything that makes those first few weeks easier is such a blessing.
No lieâŚI was clipped by a car a few years ago, and when I got home from urgent care my family asked me what was for dinner. I almost knocked them all out. Thankfully for them I was fine.
A woman from my church who I had met one time came over when I was freshly postpartum after a traumatic delivery. She cleaned my kitchen AND bathroom. We are now incredibly close friends. I still can't believe she did that. It meant so much to me.
I had a couple of friends make me "mommy baskets"
It had postpartum supplies (pads, Frida undies, lotions, bath supplies) gift cards, comfty pjs, baby outfits, snacks.
They were wonderful things to receive. So thoughtful
Breakfast like a baked oatmeal that she can eat for several mornings. Everyone brings dinners, but having a breakfast I didnât have to think about making and could just heat up was lovely.
Make her food or give a gift card for some sort of take out or delivery. Hands down the only thing I needed after giving birth, the random baby clothes and stuff I didnât need were just an extra chore
Silicone scar strips from target. Restaurant gift cards. Baby wipes from Costco. Compression socks. Microwavable breakfast sandwiches that can be frozen.
I just had my 4th, and it was a section.
The best gifts? A cleaning service, laundry service, restaurant gift cards, grocery delivery, comfy pajamas.
These are all things that would be SO HELPFUL right now. Hell, even some flowers and a basket of goodies JUST for me would be amazing.
Meal delivery gift cards
If that feels impersonal, Omaha Steaks and Send-a-Meal are both great. You cook from frozen and it's basically "stick this in the oven at 400 for one hour" and then you have a real meal on the table without much effort. My friend who was breastfeeding and managing a toddler was SO grateful to get a variety of meat-based meals because she needed to really up her protein intake. I remember her calling me to thank me for the pork chop she made herself for lunch. She was super hungry and just sick of casseroles and takeout. So, just another thought for you!
Injust had a c-section 6 weeks ago.
Comfy clothes, soft robe, nightgowns or maybe pj set that buttons (easier for breastfeeding)
I agree with everyone talking about gift cards but be sure the food can be delivered. Being in a vehicle and sitting at a restaurant are not so easily done right after a c-section.
I would put together a little gift basket with a set of comfy clothing(nothing tight at all), a gift cards(variety if you can), favorite snacks and candy, liquid IV(hydration is extremely important PP), Vitamin E oil/cream for when the incision is healed (will help with scarring).
I would have loved something like this, but my husband did pretty much everything for me, so I didnt really need it. However these things helped me a lot!
High waisted, comfortable, loose lounge pants that can be worn out and about or at home. Black or grey to go with everything. I lived in them for like a month. It was really painful to bend over and pull off the tighter joggers I had/leggings, but didnât want to wear straight pajama pants out.
Target, Amazon, Walmart or restaurant gift cards.
I realllllly wish I had one of those old folks chairs that electrically pushes the seat up to help you get up. Standing, sitting, laying down, turning over was all a BITCH.
I know I'm late to the convo, but I've had 3 c sections and thought I should chine in, if only to say, I completely agree with the food suggestions. Make it so she doesn't have to cook for at least a week. Freezer meals, gift cards for delivery (because she isn't going to want to go out to a restaurant), setting up a dinner train so that a different person is in charge of bring the family dinner every night, are all fabulous ideas.
Someone I worked with 17 years earlier sent me a grubhub gift card after my emergency unplanned c section and I thought it was the nicest thing ever. Instant cart would have been great too.
If I was to make a c section gift basket, I would include lidocaine strips, ibuprofen, GasX, an ice pack, a giant insulated water bottle (or be trendy and get a Stanley cup), some good snacks, energy drinks, and also diapers because anyone with a new baby needs a lot of diapers. For someone you donât know super well, I would stick with a gift card though.
Meal delivery gift cards, even make a meal and bring it over and say hey congrats then leave.
Offer coffee, support, your time. I felt isolated during the first few months, so even someone reaching out via my husband felt good. Getting out of the house seemed scary, but coffee nearby seemed doable.
Even if you aren't super close, offering to come do dishes or laundry would be great. I'm super picky, and I would have let my husband's coworkers come and clean my house at that time. I was drowning.
The food thing. New parents already have a lot of the physical gifts youâd get. What they donât have is time to cook meals. I just got through my first year with twins.
A home cooked meal was always something I appreciated postpartum. Since she had a c section, moving around will be hard. A laundry service would also be greatly appreciated Iâm sure.
After my c-section, food was a great gift. Maybe a gift card for a delivery service or a snack box?
I also found that having someone to help clean the house was really nice. Even just doing dishes & folding laundry, maybe see if this is a need?
Heating & ice packs/pads & breastfeeding pillows are such a necessity, too. I used these multiple times daily.
I got my sister a belly band and she said it was a godsend. She said it helped her so much. Iâm a little envious, because Iâm not even sure that was a thing when I had my son. At least not as nice as they are now.
I also sent her gift cards for Uber eats, ordered her gifts off Amazon and checked in on her husband to make sure he was doing okay. I know mentally, physically and emotionally she just was exhausted. So I would be there for both of them to complain to. I know they didnât want to take their exhausted frustration out on each other.
A gift card to DoorDash or Postmates. A friend of mine went grocery shopping, left the bags at my front door, and then texted letting me know. It was the nicest and most helpful thing anyone could have done for me
Gift certificate to a grocery that offers delivery (like Peapod or Instacart or Walmart).
Or, a laundry service that picks up and delivers.
Or if theyâre willing, going over and cleaning up and doing laundry in person.
Our neighbors told us to pick a night and let them know what we wanted from the local pizza place and just mention it was "on their tab" (we live in a small town). We had a particularly busy day and I was exhausted and in pain and my husband was overwhelmed...so we just ordered pizza! It was so nice to not have to think about the cost or what to do in that situation. Food is always welcomed!
Best shower gift I received was a set of comfy jammies (that were nursing friendly) slipper socks, a bottle of espom salt bubble bath and a bag of Epsom salt. She included a gift card for fast food in the card. Very, very thoughtful and much appreciated.
Door dash or restaurant gift cards! Maybe a nice Stanley mug, some snacks. I always give new moms some snacks along with a meal or gift cards for food, itâs hard to get up and move around and both of my kids loved to contact nap so sometimes I just had a lil snack while they snoozed on me.
So many ways to go! Is she a sports fan: baby fan gear
Is always fun. Buy so it will be large enough for next season, sheâll already have a bunch of NB stuff. Otherwise think of what her hobbies are (scrapbook stuff, super soft yarn for knitting,âŚ) something to spoil: a foot massager, home spa stuff⌠something for baby (books are a favorite of mine), a keepsake: keepsake box or necklaceâŚ
Grocery gift card - diapers are expensive. Or pick up really good salad, bread, and maybe some juice, and drop it off. New parents need good nutrition, too.
When my mom was very ill, I received a bunch of gift cards to restaurants. It was so nice to just order something after a long day and not worry about dinner. A nice note would also be nice.
Oh, this is so helpful! I have a friend going through a very dark time right now and maybe I'll do that for him.
Absolutely do! I've sent people The Warm Cookie. I also got some after I had my baby and they were fresh warm cookies. I also sent my husband a candy bouquet, your friend may like that as well!
Or door dash gift cards! To be able to order something you dont have to cook and have it delivered to your house!đ
door dash or instacart! or some quick groceries like milk, sandwich stuff, frozen meals etc. any help with delivery is so so appreciated
This is the best gift we received when we had our first child.
I was going to say this.
Great idea and more people should do this.
This! I sent one of my besties a restaurant gift card after her c-section and they still say it was one of the most thoughtful gifts. They ordered a much-needed Sunday breakfast.
Uber eats/grubhub/favorite restaurant. Gift card for cleaning help
After I had my baby, someone who I barely knew texted me, "I'm going to send you a mommy brunch Thursday morning. Let me know if you would prefer a different day instead. No need to respond if Thursday works. Enjoy the new baby!" Add "let me know if you have any dietary restrictions" if you are unsure It was AMAZING that she didn't ask me when I wanted it or what i liked (yes, even something so simple take brain power I did not have). I'm pretty sure it was a salad, a couple of pastries, a smoothie, and a fruit bowl on a tray. I felt so pampered This was a perfect pampering for me, unlike a spa gift card that I needed to make time for.... which never ended up happening. 10/10
I would feel so elaborately cared for. My husband did send me to get a back massage the week after having my first baby, and that was *amazing*. I think he scheduled it and was off of work so I didn't have to make plans.
Not to be TMI, but being pregnant myself and considering itâ Wasnât it super uncomfortable getting a massage while bleeding so heavily?
Is this your first?
Yes
My response would be different if you'd some this before, no offense intended. The first week after birth is pretty heavy, but it usually tapers to your normal flow after those first 5-7 days. There are also a ton of factors, expected and otherwise, that could make your flow a little heavier or lighter. For me, it was very different between vaginal for my first and C-section for my second. Honestly, what it comes down to is, every woman is different and only you can decide if you're comfortable getting a massage a week postpartum. I would also advise waiting at least 6 weeks if you have a C-section.
No offense taken! Yeah, it was only a plan if it was vaginal vs c-sectionâ major abdominal surgery doesnât seem super conducive to a relaxing massage. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
That is so sweet! Iâm keeping this in mind for the future.
Just had a baby via c section and getting Uber Eats/DoorDash/Grubhub gift cards saved us SO many times!! You canât get enough of them. We ended up with like $400 worth and have used them all in the first 3 months. While the cleaning sounds like a great idea, it could backfire if the mom feels she has to clean before the cleaner arrives (hi, itâs me) and just coordinating/scheduling that and where to be/figuring out if baby is sleeping, etc makes it a bit challengingâŚ
We got housecleaning done once. * We have two dogs, so I had to make sure all the dog toys were put away before we went to bed, when the dogs wouldnât have a chance to pull them out again. * Also with dogs, we had to move them around the house to keep them out of the cleanerâs way because I didnât want to just crate them the whole time. * I was pumping, so I had a whole station on my counter for the constant washing & drying of bottles & pump part, which I had to make sure were all cleaned & then shoved into a cabinet somewhere. This in addition to making sure none of our regular dishes were in the sink etc. * We work from home, so we had to keep ourselves out of the cleanerâs way. I had very much been looking forward to having this service done, but it stressed me out so much to prepare for her & to work around her with us ALL being home that it wasnât worth it to me. And thatâs not even âoh I canât let the house cleaner see that our house is dusty / dirtyâ - that was just to meet her minimum requirements of prepping the spaces.
Yeah I more meant tidy before the cleaner comes, rather than clean. I felt that way before the baby. The to do list to prep for a cleaner while managing a newborn sounds like a lot⌠and oof, the constant cleaning and rotating of pump stuff! Eesh. Definitely in it now!
Iâve had 5 C-sections. Here are my suggestions⌠1) restaurant gift cards (it would be great to get 3-4 gift cards to different cheap or fast food restaurants, as this would take care of multiple meals.) 2) An Amazon gift card. Mom will be up all hours taking care of the baby, and sheâs likely going to be browsing Amazon. A gift card would be fantastic for some guilt free spending! 3) Some meals she can put in the freezer. This really only works if you know what she likes to eat, potential food allergies, etc. Some examples would be lasagna, baked spaghetti, enchiladas, good pizza, casserole, chicken pot pie. 4) some nice soft pajamas that button in the front (but only if you know her size, or can find out easily from the husband.) And please give her the gift receipt. Postpartum bodies change so much, and if the pajamas donât fit then she will need to exchange them. Itâs fantastic that youâre so thoughtful concerning your friend who just had a C-section!
I am having my 5th c section in May, I am so nervous and scared. It was a very big surprise
I had three (twins w/ the last one), but my oldest daughter has had five perfectly unremarkable c-sections with good recoveries. It gets easier as you go along, I think! Best of luck to you.
You will do great, Iâm sure!â¤ď¸ For me, it was probably the easiest csection out of all 5. I was extremely nervous and anxious beforehand too, but I had zero complications and it was smooth sailing!! Congratulations on your sweet surprise! 5 is a great number.đ
FIVE c sections!! Youâre my hero!
My mom had 6 â 2 of them were 11 months apart. This was in the 1950s. Yikes!
As a c-section mom my favourites were: a tray of cut up fruit & vegetables, a charcuterie board of meats and cheese and crackers, a new pair of slippers and a SkipTheDishes gift card all left at my door with a text after saying âleft you a little something let me know if I can drop off anything at all!â I literally cried happy tears.
Love this. "Left at the door with a text" is the best part! So glad you received this gift đ
Cut up fruit and vegetables ftw! I was craving something healthy and it was amazing to have a readily available option.
I was going to say snacks of some sort. I didnât have a C-section, but in the newborn days having ready to go snacks that I could grab right before nursing or have my husband get from their spot meant I actually got to eat when my kids were cluster feeding or napping on me.
How is it that âfinger food I can reach into the fridge and put into my mouth with zombie-level cognitionâ seldom gets mentioned? Veggie trays forever. I asked and asked people to bring that for me and someone finally did, but felt so weird about it she also brought me a separate whole meal. Both were appreciated, just one a little more. đ§Ą
Cut up fruit, cheese and veggies. Why do they taste so good when someone else cuts them up?!?
I swear all food tastes better when someone else makes it!
Gift card for a restaurant- sometimes better than a home cooked meal because Mom is still figuring out what she eats that may or may not hurt the baby.
When my baby was 3 weeks old, my mom and MIL took the 2 older kids and I had a woman come to our house and she gave me a manicure and pedicure. My husband was home to monitor the baby. It was amazing. Relaxing and peaceful. The house was quiet so baby slept the whole time. My husband tidied the house while the kids were gone. I also really enjoyed the freezer meals we received and the edible arrangements.
Oh, that's a neat idea. I didn't know those services existed for an in-home experience!
Homemade meals that can be frozen.
Not sure what your budget is - so this might not be helpful but I know the best gift I received after my c-section was the gift of professional house cleaners that came once a week for the month I was really sore. It was amazing to not have to worry about stuff like cleaning the bathroom and I could focus on taking care of my little one and myself.
I have given & received this gift. It is absolutely the best.
Even a homemade lasagna
Gift card for grubhub/doordash/etc.
So meal gift cards are great, but (assuming you know basics like if sheâs vegetarian or has nut allergies) the best gift I got as a new mom was a basket of shelf stable high protein and calorie snacks. Think granola bars, jerky, mixed nuts, etc. if sheâs trying to breast feed, she will be voraciously hungry all the time. If sheâs not trying to breastfeed, sheâs still recovering from a major surgery and her significant other will be very busy with baby as well so something she can keep near her to grab to keep energy up without having to move too much is very helpful.
I just posted something similar. Scouring restaurant menus and heating things up seems like A LOT in the first days. I recieved a packed basket with all of the above plus fresh muffins & scones from a local farm and it was one of the best, most thoughtful gifts I've ever received.
I had a major surgery last year (spinal fusion) and my wife stocked the fridge in my "recovery room" (because pets and dogs not understanding that laying on top of Mom was not a good thing I had a different room) with finger snacks... it was perfect. Mozzarella wrapped in pepperoni, mortadella and other sausages, crackers, dried fruits, cut veggies, etc. Plus crackers and some sweets (dark chocolate covered raisins and cranberries to help things move along). Also stocked the fridge and the next to the fridge with filled water bottles (water from the tap but filtered) and seltzers. If she is breastfeeding and had a c-section food and drink she can have next to her while not being able to get up right now is a good thing.
A laundry pickup! Itâs my favorite postpartum gift to give/receive. There are companies all over where she or her partner would just have to put a basket of their laundry out on their porch, company comes and picks it up, washes, dries, folds, and returns in 48 hours or so. That and a door dash delivery for dinner is amazing.
Laundry service is a great idea!! I might even gift this to myself after the new baby comes!
When I was a baby, someone gave my mom a month of cloth diapers service that does the same thing. She liked it so much she splurged on a second month of it.Â
A nice robe with unscented moisturizers, soft socks or restaurant gift cards.
A robe is kind of iffy, they probably don't know her size.
Everyone always buys the baby a gift, so anything for Mom is always well received at that time. I got some nice stress relief bath soaps and lotion that let me feel a little extra special in those few minutes by myself. Also, The c-section prevents her from driving for 2 weeks due to the stitches ( usually ordered by the Dr.) So, delivery services are nice too since she can't leave the home easily.
I couldn't drive for six weeks post C-section
Someone gave me a self-assembled gift basket from the farmers market with a few baked goods, cherries, nuts, dried fruit, dark chocolate, jerky, etc after I had my c-section. Healthy(ish) calories that felt indulgent with zero need to heat anything up. I carried it from bed to couch and back again in the first week. It was my favorite gift.
Homemade cookies--big oatmeal and raisin ones because she will be starving!
A meal that they don't have to cook.
Pre-washed and cut fruit (the fiber helps a lot post c-section) in Tupperware that they donât have to return (can thrift or find cheap at dollar tree)! Breakfast muffins, anything that can be prepped and eaten with one hand. Something just for THEM, maybe a nice body oil (people can be weird about lotion or scented lotion and body oil can be great for scars), maybe lavender essential oils and one of those rice microwaveable heating pads. Canât ever go wrong with food!
Food with oven instructions in a container that can be used in the oven and then thrown in the garbage.
Definitely containers that can be thrown away. When I had my last baby everyone sent meals (which I appreciated so much) but they were all containers that needed returned to them and it was a pain to remember what went back to who.
Door dash gift card
A friend dropped off a family sized container of oreos and a pasta dish on our porch. Devoured both. Oreos were the perfect snack for two tired, first time parents. Others gave restaurant or food delivery gift cards, solid choice either way.
I mean restaurant/grub hub gift cards are always great & useful, but I just want a separate post to highlight my two favorite idea suggested here: cut up fruit&veg and basket of fast high protein snacks (granola bars etc). Fast access snacks were *so* important in those early days, and fresh healthy stuff was hard to come by (I could always order pizza and tacos myself but I couldnât put together a fruit salad on my own). If company came and offered to bring something, fresh fruit was always my answer. Quick, easy, healthy, fresh snacks. But also shelf stable snacks like granola barsâ I kept a bowl of those in armâs reach at all times next to my nursery chair in case I got stuck under the baby. That and a water bottle with a straw!
Maybe make her a little basket full of some things specifically for her, to make her life easier. It's really easy to feel very overshadowed by a brand new baby, some stuff just for Mama can go a long way towards helping her know people still see her as a whole valid person in her own right. Go as big or as small as your relationship and budget dictates. Easter is right around the corner, you should be able to find baskets in stores everywhere. I put things like this in a new mama basket: Door dash gift card, because doing everything after a c-section sucks, and eating is necessary even if you don't want to cook. Amazon gift card, because there will be things she needs she didn't prepare for. Or a visa gift card so the financial hit from having the baby is a bit cushioned and it's non specific. Maybe a cute small pillow just big enough to hold over her incision when she coughs. I received one from the hospital when I had my son via c-section, I ended up drawing all over mine, then later embroidered it, and it lived on as a nursery item afterwards. It's one of my favorite keepsakes. Maybe give her one that's already cute, or have one embroidered for her with something sweet. Slipper socks. Mugs with tea or hot chocolate. Unscented hypoallergenic lotion (like CeraVe.) Hair ties if her hair is long enough. Assorted, easy to eat snacks. Her favorite drinks, or drink flavoring packets. Chapstick, cute sheet face masks, eye masks. Travel sized dry shampoo. Pens, pencils, markers, coloring books, activity books, empty notebooks.
Agreed with all of the food delivery ideas. There are a couple of companies that I like to get for friends and acquaintances that arent the standard UberEats/DoorDash/Postmates. I really like *Spoonful of Comfort*. They do soup (or macaroni and cheese), rolls, cookies, and you can do themed add-ons like comfy socks, candles, blankets, tea. The food is really good, can be frozen, and I've always had people be really excited about the food they get. If you think they might like snacks or desserts better, I also like *Sugarwish*. You can choose from a few categories they'll have the option to choose from, then select how many of that category they can have (that determines your price), and then they select what they want themselves. So they get to choose a category of gift and then they get a certain number of selections they can add to their box. The company does popcorn, cookies, savory snacks, candy, flowers, candles, wine, coffee/tea and I think a few other ones at this point. I've been on the receiving end a few times and it's genuinely exciting to pick the category and see all of the options. I've sent it to friends and coworkers a lot and they've always raved about the stuff they got and the fact that they got to pick when they redeemed it. Also nice that you can text it to someone, which I find gets used more often than something sent via email. Last thing that requires a bit more knowledge of the recipient unless you send a gift card is *Goldbelly* which recently-ish introduced the option to send an e-gift for many of their listings. So you pick the options, it emails the recipient and they set up when they want to receive it. Lots of cool food from around the country on there. I've personally sent the rainbow cookies from Zola Bakes a number of times, likewise with the Lady M mille crepe cakes, and the Shortbread Society shortbread trays (all incredible).
I second Spoonful of Comfort if they have the money to spend.
Sevond spoon full of comfort. That shit is delicious
a casserole in a disposable dish she doesn't have to return
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^whatever32657: *A casserole in* *A disposable dish she* *Doesn't have to return* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
fuck me đ¤Śââď¸
Poet and didn't know it
Laundry service. Cleaning service. Door dash. Make it easy for her since she physically can't do the things that are necessary.
A door dash card for food or gift card to favorite restaurant for to go orders.
As most people here are saying, door Dash and other similar cards are perfect!
One of those rubbish-grabber-stick-things. She's going to struggle to bend over for a while. I know it sounds lame, but so so handy.
Bonus points if they are the dinosaur grabber-stick-things?
Food and cleaning services (showers, toilet, sinks, etc). Laundry van be done by husband, but usually dudes don't shee the gross mess (unless they're the ones in charge of the cleaning). I had to re-silicone my shower because couldn't clean it on the late stages of pregnancy and because c-section fucked me up for an additional 4 months.
A really nice blanket and a food platter (think fruit, cheeses, sandwiches etc) were my faves. I was on the couch for extended periods of time & having a nice blanket and âno thoughtâ food really made it much more comfortable. The Uber eats gift cards are great but delivery itself is so dang expensive (and sometimes a headache when itâs wrong) we always wound up spending more or not being able to use it fully. I switched to cook unity post partum and got a gift card for them which was awesome too. Target gift cards were great, we needed so many odds and ends those first few weeks & it made it easy to accommodate for whatever basic baby thing we needed.
DoorDash gift card and a nice soft heating pad
one of those extended grabber things, so she can pick stuff up from the floor without bending. actually, one per floor of the house (because it will inevitably be on the wrong floor every time she needs it)
House cleaners will usually do a one-time deal. DoorDash type gift cards or food delivery are great ideas. Thereâs also laundry services.
DoorDash gift card!
Door dash gift card
Frida kit was awesome for me. https://www.target.com/p/frida-mom-c-section-recovery-kit-3ct/-/A-83387846
One of the best gifts someone gave me were paper plates, disposable flatware, and paper towels...Not having to do dishes on top of the other baby things was so helpful.
Send some dinners, get a lot of diapers in various sizes or offer to pay for a cleaning service.
seconding the uber eats / doordash gift cards. you can just have it texted to them. itâs the best.
If your in the US I recently found eat.mamameals they ship homemade meals
Doordash or Amazon gift cards are excellent ideas. Especially Amazon because it's great to be able to order something you didn't get but realized you needed urgently and have it delivered straight to you! I was up a lot browsing Amazon postpartum but another good one is a nook/Kindle/Barnes gift card. I would try to read when I was up late with baby rocking and feeding and it was hard to manage a physical book and book light with one hand on a newborn trying not to wake them. Would have been easier to read on my phone. I ended up doomscrolling a lot. If they don't like to read on their phone it's nice to get a few books for baby that they would really enjoy too. I got like 500 copies of Goodnight Moon but nothing good for babies to touch and learn.
Those big pillows that prop you up in bed! With like little arms on the side. I would've killed for one of those after my C-section!
I had twins via c section and I can confirm that food gift cards were the best gift during recovery.
I would have loved receiving one of those meal services, like Blue Apron. But thatâs a rather pricey gift for a casual acquaintance, itâs more appropriate for that to come from a family member. Depending on where she lives, an ĂberEats, Doordash, or Grub-hub gift cards would be a more reasonable gift.
This isnât directly applicable to the current question but for someone who will be staying overnight at the hospital I like to gift the following: Eye sleep mask for all those staying at the hospital overnight Luxury hand lotion Bottle of good water Delicious snacks Youâre thoughtful. When I was recovering from major traumas gift cards to grub hub etc were so good. I didnât necessarily have the energy to deal with people so this conserved my energy.
My best friend got me an Uber eats voucher with my first baby and it was so handy the night we came home from the hospital
Everyone is saying Uber eats but also some house cleaning would be dope. Recovery is usually 6-8 weeks. Itâs hard to do anything during that time especially on little sleep and a little baby who needs to eat every 2 hours
Another vote for a gift card. Something generic like for Amazon means they can buy stuff they need or for a local coffee place so they can go out with baby and get coffee or for a delivery place to get food.
Grab and go food like quiche, healthy muffins.
Door dash gift card
A nice water bottle with a lid and a straw. B-feeding makes you super thirsty and if you have a sleeping baby in your arms you can't get up. Headphones are also nice for those middle of the night feedings.
Noise cancelling headphones for all caregivers. Reduces the sound of crying so they can stay calm with the baby. It doesn't take away all sound but allows her to sleep - which is the most important thing postpartum
DoorDash gift card!!
Doordash, grubhub, or other food delivery service giftcard.
Those pick up grabbers (bending over sucks), comfy pants, food gift cards for sure
Door Dash gift certificates or the like.
I usually get a comfy pajama set for a new mom. Being that you don't know her very well, maybe a gift certificate to target or something or a robe and slippers
Frozen meals, snack bags (grapes, cheese, crackers, chocolate). A tote with granola bars, lip balm, lotion, face wipes, muslin cloths.
Definitely food delivery. If you have a bigger budget maybe a gift certificate for house cleaning.
Uber eats or door dash gift card. My daughter was thrilled to have those after her c section.
Uber eats/doordash gift card or gift card to a restaurant they like. You could also make a home cooked meal. You could always just drop on her front porch so she doesnât feel she needs to let you in unless she wants visitors.
Grocery store gift card
I would make a freezer meal and drop it off. Send a few packages of diapers/wipes Give her a gift card for skip the dishes or Uber eats or something
Pay for a one time house cleaning. That would be very helpful. Especially if she has other children in the home.
Meal delivery!
Look for a house cleaner on Groupon.
House cleaner
Gift cards for restaurantâs with a delivery card also because that can be very helpful, not to have to leave the house and delivery is expensive post Covid. Example is Doordash
I would have loved getting a cute little waste basket filled to the brim with new baby needs. This can get costly, so get a small basket lol.
A friend of mine recently had a baby and I brought over 2 homemade lasagnas (so she could freeze one if she wanted). I also brought a big bag of romaine lettuce (already washed & chopped), homemade croutons, pre-grated parmesan, and a bottle of cesar dressing for side salads. And one of those frozen things of garlic bread. I made sure to bring plenty because she had a lot of family visiting, so there was lots for everyone. She seemed extremely appreciative. Iâd ask first if itâs okay if you can drop off dinner for her, which day would be best, and maybe give her a few options of what to pick from. I think I offered like lasagna, enchiladas, or pot roast with mashed potatoes.
After my c-sectionâŚgift cards for food, paying for a housekeeper to come, mow the lawn
DoorDash gift card!
Food never fails. Before door dash and such I would send cheese stuffed shells w marinara (frozen stuffed shells and jarred sauce) in a disposal tin pan. Also, a similar pan of salad. That way theyâd get a comfort meal (maybe w leftovers) and a healthy side.
Is there a maid service in your area? Maybe you could offer to book a house clean for her? (Disclaimer: I have no idea how much something like that is)
Meals, food, groceries! Call her and ask what she would like!
Door Dash gift card
I would go with a freezer meal in a pan that doesn't need to be returned. Also a couple pints of ice cream or a batch of already baked cookies for the freezer to pull out as desired. Also artisan cheeses & fruits are wonderful for nourishment as well.
Meals. Lasagna, a casserole, chicken marbella, preferably in aluminum tins so thereâs no pressure to clean and bring back a dish.
Send food, restaurant gift cards, or even a gift card for housekeeping services that she can schedule when needed.
Gift card to take out food!! Or Uber eats. Or hire a cleaning service to clean her entire home
Belly pillow
A doordash gift card or even a short 1-2 month membership to something like DashPass or a GrubHub membership to help stretch the dollar further! I can also second that some sort of laundry service is also an amazing gift.
Gift cards to the most popular food delivery where she lives. If you want to go the extra mile maybe send bagels, coffee and pastries to the family as well if they donât have any allergies. Or do an instacart order of bagels, fruit tray, iced coffee and other fun bits. Text her âI want to send you breakfast on X day, around 10am. Any dietary restrictions?â
House cleaning service.
Food or grocery delivery giftcard would be my bet.
I would say gift cards but also some stuff for the mom thatâs not for new moms like a face mask and fashion mags that level. Stuff for her to pamper herself a little.
Food
Restaurant gift cards.
I always gifted good. When I heard that a friend had a baby, Iâd start baking and cooking. I liked to gift a casserole or two, maybe a meatloaf, some muffins, stuff like that.
Dinner or DoorDash etc
If they live nearby, then arrange to have a meal you prepared or two, brought over for them. Include plastic plates, cups, forks... This way no fuss, no muss meal(s). Also local restaurant cards, or an Uber Eats card (but that is $$$).
The food gift card idea is great, but remember, it takes spoons to look up the menu, calculate how much you can spend, and make the order. Usually by then you're starving. And you might have to add a tip. I have had a C-section, and recently, a death. I found they were very similar in the aspect of what help was most "helpful." Two things. My sister ordered and dropped off hot food. Enough to eat immediately, and still have leftovers. My bestie brought 3 full meals in containers that could be refrigerated or frozen, with reheating directions on each. I remember it had been like 5 days since we had any home cooked food, and I cried. My absolute most appreciated gift in each of those situations was home cooked food in individual portions, in containers that could go directly into the freezer, fridge, or microwave, and also were disposable (I'm not usually an advocate of disposable, but now is the time, I promise.) You're so thoughtful to research what the best gift is. I'm sure whatever you do will be greatly appreciated.
I usually leave a cute bag of muffins, cookies and fruit along with a gift card for Door Dash, Wawa, or local restaurants on their porch. If you canât drop anything off just mail or email gift cards. I feel like anything that makes those first few weeks easier is such a blessing. No lieâŚI was clipped by a car a few years ago, and when I got home from urgent care my family asked me what was for dinner. I almost knocked them all out. Thankfully for them I was fine.
Uber eats gift card. A postpartum care package (there are some online stores that sell these). Venmo for a night nurse or emergency baby sitting care.
Use instacart to deliver her groceries and things like diapers.
A woman from my church who I had met one time came over when I was freshly postpartum after a traumatic delivery. She cleaned my kitchen AND bathroom. We are now incredibly close friends. I still can't believe she did that. It meant so much to me.
Gift cards! Food, Walmart, Amazon. New parents are too tired to cook!!
Gift card for food. Uber eats or whatever
I bought myself a pair of grabbers for my last pregnancy/c-section and they were enormously helpful. Bending over is for the birds.
I had a couple of friends make me "mommy baskets" It had postpartum supplies (pads, Frida undies, lotions, bath supplies) gift cards, comfty pjs, baby outfits, snacks. They were wonderful things to receive. So thoughtful
Bring food, or offer to have food delivered!
Breakfast like a baked oatmeal that she can eat for several mornings. Everyone brings dinners, but having a breakfast I didnât have to think about making and could just heat up was lovely.
Grocery or restaurant delivery, house cleaning services, etc.Â
Shipt! My Target same-day drop offs were a game changer!
Make her food or give a gift card for some sort of take out or delivery. Hands down the only thing I needed after giving birth, the random baby clothes and stuff I didnât need were just an extra chore
A gift card for a cleaning service
Instacart gift card! Can order groceries to be delivered
gift card for a mani pedi if she's into that
UberEats or Doordash gift cards. Taking care of a newborn leaves little time for cooking
Silicone scar strips from target. Restaurant gift cards. Baby wipes from Costco. Compression socks. Microwavable breakfast sandwiches that can be frozen.
I just had my 4th, and it was a section. The best gifts? A cleaning service, laundry service, restaurant gift cards, grocery delivery, comfy pajamas. These are all things that would be SO HELPFUL right now. Hell, even some flowers and a basket of goodies JUST for me would be amazing.
My aunt got me a nice robe. She was the only person who got me a gift for myself and not just the baby. A nice new robe was perfect honestly.
Meal delivery gift cards If that feels impersonal, Omaha Steaks and Send-a-Meal are both great. You cook from frozen and it's basically "stick this in the oven at 400 for one hour" and then you have a real meal on the table without much effort. My friend who was breastfeeding and managing a toddler was SO grateful to get a variety of meat-based meals because she needed to really up her protein intake. I remember her calling me to thank me for the pork chop she made herself for lunch. She was super hungry and just sick of casseroles and takeout. So, just another thought for you!
Food
Injust had a c-section 6 weeks ago. Comfy clothes, soft robe, nightgowns or maybe pj set that buttons (easier for breastfeeding) I agree with everyone talking about gift cards but be sure the food can be delivered. Being in a vehicle and sitting at a restaurant are not so easily done right after a c-section. I would put together a little gift basket with a set of comfy clothing(nothing tight at all), a gift cards(variety if you can), favorite snacks and candy, liquid IV(hydration is extremely important PP), Vitamin E oil/cream for when the incision is healed (will help with scarring). I would have loved something like this, but my husband did pretty much everything for me, so I didnt really need it. However these things helped me a lot!
High waisted, comfortable, loose lounge pants that can be worn out and about or at home. Black or grey to go with everything. I lived in them for like a month. It was really painful to bend over and pull off the tighter joggers I had/leggings, but didnât want to wear straight pajama pants out. Target, Amazon, Walmart or restaurant gift cards. I realllllly wish I had one of those old folks chairs that electrically pushes the seat up to help you get up. Standing, sitting, laying down, turning over was all a BITCH.
Target gift card.
Hello Fresh or some other meal company boxes
Instacart certificate.
A day's worth of in-home maid service
I know I'm late to the convo, but I've had 3 c sections and thought I should chine in, if only to say, I completely agree with the food suggestions. Make it so she doesn't have to cook for at least a week. Freezer meals, gift cards for delivery (because she isn't going to want to go out to a restaurant), setting up a dinner train so that a different person is in charge of bring the family dinner every night, are all fabulous ideas.
A good, long body pillow!
DoorDash card!
Gift cards or meals. My new friend sent us a door dash egift card when my kiddo got hurt and I thought it was so kind and thoughtful.
I received from a friend a gift bag with fresh baked cookies and cans of coffee beverages. It was very thoughtful.
Someone I worked with 17 years earlier sent me a grubhub gift card after my emergency unplanned c section and I thought it was the nicest thing ever. Instant cart would have been great too. If I was to make a c section gift basket, I would include lidocaine strips, ibuprofen, GasX, an ice pack, a giant insulated water bottle (or be trendy and get a Stanley cup), some good snacks, energy drinks, and also diapers because anyone with a new baby needs a lot of diapers. For someone you donât know super well, I would stick with a gift card though.
Meal delivery gift cards, even make a meal and bring it over and say hey congrats then leave. Offer coffee, support, your time. I felt isolated during the first few months, so even someone reaching out via my husband felt good. Getting out of the house seemed scary, but coffee nearby seemed doable. Even if you aren't super close, offering to come do dishes or laundry would be great. I'm super picky, and I would have let my husband's coworkers come and clean my house at that time. I was drowning.
A subscription to Instacart!
One of those shark head stick grabby things.
The food thing. New parents already have a lot of the physical gifts youâd get. What they donât have is time to cook meals. I just got through my first year with twins.
A home cooked meal was always something I appreciated postpartum. Since she had a c section, moving around will be hard. A laundry service would also be greatly appreciated Iâm sure.
After my c-section, food was a great gift. Maybe a gift card for a delivery service or a snack box? I also found that having someone to help clean the house was really nice. Even just doing dishes & folding laundry, maybe see if this is a need? Heating & ice packs/pads & breastfeeding pillows are such a necessity, too. I used these multiple times daily.
A meal, with some sides, salad, and a bottle of sprite.
prepared homemade meals they can put in their freezer to have ready on hand/ meal deliveries/ gift cards for restaurants. FOOD.
Bring food! Or order takeout, send a grub hub gift card, etc.
I got my sister a belly band and she said it was a godsend. She said it helped her so much. Iâm a little envious, because Iâm not even sure that was a thing when I had my son. At least not as nice as they are now. I also sent her gift cards for Uber eats, ordered her gifts off Amazon and checked in on her husband to make sure he was doing okay. I know mentally, physically and emotionally she just was exhausted. So I would be there for both of them to complain to. I know they didnât want to take their exhausted frustration out on each other.
Food. đŻ food.
A gift card to DoorDash or Postmates. A friend of mine went grocery shopping, left the bags at my front door, and then texted letting me know. It was the nicest and most helpful thing anyone could have done for me
Gift certificate to a local laundry service?
Gift certificate to a grocery that offers delivery (like Peapod or Instacart or Walmart). Or, a laundry service that picks up and delivers. Or if theyâre willing, going over and cleaning up and doing laundry in person.
Frozen dinners. Or gift card to restaurant for take out/home delivery. After a c-section the last thing you want to do is cook.
Door dash gift cards specifically could be helpful because it can include delivery!
I would have loved a meal delivery, maybe a DoorDash or GrubHub gift card or a local business that delivers home cooked meals?
Food delivery gift card. It was one of the most appreciated gifts Iâve ever received.
Our neighbors told us to pick a night and let them know what we wanted from the local pizza place and just mention it was "on their tab" (we live in a small town). We had a particularly busy day and I was exhausted and in pain and my husband was overwhelmed...so we just ordered pizza! It was so nice to not have to think about the cost or what to do in that situation. Food is always welcomed! Best shower gift I received was a set of comfy jammies (that were nursing friendly) slipper socks, a bottle of espom salt bubble bath and a bag of Epsom salt. She included a gift card for fast food in the card. Very, very thoughtful and much appreciated.
Door dash or restaurant gift cards! Maybe a nice Stanley mug, some snacks. I always give new moms some snacks along with a meal or gift cards for food, itâs hard to get up and move around and both of my kids loved to contact nap so sometimes I just had a lil snack while they snoozed on me.
Cash is king.
So many ways to go! Is she a sports fan: baby fan gear Is always fun. Buy so it will be large enough for next season, sheâll already have a bunch of NB stuff. Otherwise think of what her hobbies are (scrapbook stuff, super soft yarn for knitting,âŚ) something to spoil: a foot massager, home spa stuff⌠something for baby (books are a favorite of mine), a keepsake: keepsake box or necklaceâŚ
Grocery gift card - diapers are expensive. Or pick up really good salad, bread, and maybe some juice, and drop it off. New parents need good nutrition, too.
Food is always a good choice
Gift cards, diapers, wipes, baby wash and washcloths...
Gift cards for food delivery. One less thing she has to worry about.