Hi everyone! I need help finding a gift for a friend who just had a baby. I had my son about 10 weeks ago, and she had hers about four weeks later. We’ve talked a lot, as this is our first child and we’re just getting used to motherhood. I’d love to send her a gift, but honestly, anything I can think of for a new mom is a gift for or about the baby. She’s so much more than just a mom: she has a PhD in science, is a professor at a prestigious university, is passionate about the environment, and a wonderful human being. We both feel like our friends and family (despite their kindness!) have forgotten that we’re still ourselves and not just mothers. I’d like to send her a gift for her, one that has nothing to do with the baby. A gift that reminds her that she’s still the wonderful wife and friend she’s always been, and that her identity is more than just “mom.” Any ideas, suggestions, or links are welcome. I just want my girlfriend to feel like herself again. 
A towel warmer is a lovely gift. And since you’re expecting a baby, a portable digital printer (Bluetooth/wireless) is perfect for taking photos of your baby and growing children. If you’re still looking for ideas, I recommend this list of gifts for women.
What gift would you have given her BEFORE becoming a mother?
Honestly, you can give her some time. Go out for coffee or lunch with her. Just the two of you. This will get her out of the house, allow her to be herself, and could be a nice distraction.
Clean the grill grate before and after each cooking session to prevent flare-ups and unpleasant flavors. A stiff wire brush is ideal when the grill is hot: it helps remove any residue from the previous cooking process. This keeps food fresh and lasts longer. If you skip this step, burnt food and grease can ruin the flavor of your new dish. Remember to lightly oil the grate before cooking to prevent sticking.
One gift I really appreciated was a DoorDash gift card. I was able to treat myself to food, coffee, dessert, etc., without having to leave my baby. Normally, I wouldn’t have spent so much money on DoorDash, but it was so nice right after the birth!
Maybe an e-reader? I read a lot while on maternity leave with my first child. Every gift is a lovely touch, but it’s been five years since my first child, and the gifts that mean the most to me are the ones with sentimental value. Maybe this is too “mom” for you, but I love my birthstone necklace and initial necklace. You can also find some ideas here. Good luck!
A voucher for a manicure, hair salon, massage, etc. You can offer to babysit your little one (if you’re nearby!) while they take some time to relax and find themselves. 
At first, I thought my friend was asking because I teach science at a university (haha). I’d like: - A thermos next to my nursing seat so I can have water all night - Comfortable clothes for nursing and snacks - Coffee and a thermos to keep it warm - Charging cables - Hair ties - Any kitchen utensils that make meal prep easier. Maybe it’s a bit of a stretch, but if you’re breastfeeding on the couch, a couch organizer would be great.
I brought her six to eight prepared meals that she could pop in the oven and heat up. We all need a hearty dinner, especially with a newborn in the house!
I received a silk pillowcase for my baby shower. It’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. I feel so luxurious every night before bed. It may sound a little absurd, but I love it. My skin and hair feel better, my pillow never gets too warm, and it’s all mine! I feel so feminine and pampered every time I go to bed. The brand is Blissy, and I use a great delicates detergent called SOAK to clean it. Soak detergent is great because it’s so easy. You just fill a bucket with cold water, add a little SOAK detergent, let the pillowcase soak for 15 minutes or more, squeeze out the excess water, and hang it up to dry. At first, I didn’t use the pillowcase because I didn’t want to hand-wash it, but SOAK detergent was so easy that I couldn’t live without it. Personally, I wasn’t too thrilled with the coupon for a spa day. It required a lot of planning and preparation, and I hated being away from my newborn. And since I was breastfeeding, it definitely wasn’t worth it for me to have to worry about pumping before, during, and after.
I received a pair of high-quality men’s silk pajamas as a gift. They were comfortable for nursing, luxurious, and warm without being too hot. I was delighted.
A set of high-quality hand creams, one for home and one for the diaper bag. I give Aesop hand cream and sanitizer to all my mom friends. We wash our hands constantly, and they get very dry. It’s very practical to have in your bag.
Treat him to a steam bath after his shower; it’s very relaxing.
Your friend sounds fantastic, and it’s so kind of you to spoil her! As a new mom, I really appreciated the gift of a massage or mani/pedi. It was great to be able to take some time for myself, away from the baby—something I wouldn’t have been able to do without a gift card. You could also get her museum tickets or find a talk or program she loves so she can pursue her passions. We’ve had babies, we haven’t missed each other, and it’s so nice to have you babysit! What a sweet friend! If she struggles with leaving the house, give her the gift of a spa—salts, masks, all of that. I loved it when my husband took the baby and gave me some peace and quiet. I hope there’s someone out there who can do the same for her and give her a few hours to herself.