21 Best Gifts for Pregnant Women That Aren’t for the Baby

Overwhelmed is the only emotion I can muster when I open my spare closet, which is now full of diapers, wipes, and other baby products. When I was carrying my now seven-month-old daughter, there was no shortage of friends and family who were eager to shower me with the best gifts for pregnant women—diapers, wipes, teddy bears, and even big-ticket items like bassinets and strollers. While I was (and still am) beyond excited and grateful for the outpouring of love, my holiday wishlist was admittedly full of products that have less to do with baby and more to do with…well, me.

If you have a soon-to-be mama in your circle, chances are they feel the same way, although they may be shy about admitting it. But the truth is, after all the Pampers and bottles are packed away, expectant moms want gifts that make pregnancy—and postpartum—a little more comfortable. Scroll ahead for presents they secretly wish they could put on their registries.

Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm

One of the first things people tell you when you become pregnant is to oil up that belly. Stretch marks are a common part of pregnancy, and while creams and oils may not fully prevent marks from forming, adding a silky belly balm to your body routine is a great way to pamper yourself either way. My go-to belly-soothing product is the Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm. This velvety balm squeezes out like a gel but turns into a lightweight oil when rubbed in. It has a light scent (no triggered nausea here!) and leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized for hours.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

I always felt a twinge of guilt when my OB-gyn asked if I’d been drinking water, knowing that my hydration game could be stronger. Adding a Stanley Cup to my everyday routine was an easy way to make sure I was staying hydrated—plus, it comes in so many cute colors.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

I made the switch from chemical to mineral sunscreen in my first trimester and, after trying a bunch of options that all left a white cast, landed on Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen SPF 50. It has a lotion-like texture that blends easily into the skin and leaves a dewy glow behind—plus, the slight beige tint gives it a seamless, undetectable finish on all skin tones.

Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

As pregnant bumps get bigger and bigger, a full night of sleep gets increasingly rare. Gift her some better rest with this comfy, supportive U-shaped pillow from Momcozy. The huggable, full-body pillow comes in velvet and cooling fabrics—the former has rescued me from many sleepless nights.

Dagne Dover Large Landon Carryall

Upgrade her hospital bag with this spacious weekender duffle from Dagne Dover. The padded neoprene bag is comfortable to carry, and the multiple slots, pockets, and holders make it ideal even for the mom who overpacks. Shoe bag? Check. 16-inch laptop sleeve? Check. Exterior phone pocket? Also, check.

H&M Mama Straight Jeans

I’m frequently bummed out by the frumpy selection of maternity clothes in store aisles, but these bootcut maternity jeans from H&M offered a glimmer of hope for what a maternity wardrobe could be. These jeans come in a trendy dark wash and have a supportive belly band, so you don’t have to choose between style and comfort.

Ugg Disquette Slippers

She may not always be able to kick her feet up, but these Ugg slippers will make shuffling around the house more enjoyable. The plush sheepskin lining feels like you’re stepping on a cloud, and the neutral color options are versatile enough to pair with any loungewear set.

DoorDash Food Delivery Gift Card

Growing a baby is hard work. Help her fuel up by taking care of dinner (lunch, breakfast, and dessert, too). Takeout nights always offer much-needed relief, especially when lower back pain and intense fatigue make cooking a drag.

Calpak Diaper Tote Bag

This gift might technically be for the baby, but trust: Mom will love having a stylish bag to tote around all that baby stuff. The Calpak Diaper Bag is equal parts functional and fashionable, with six colors to choose from, a pocket for your laptop, and room for just about anything you’ll need to carry.

Willow Wave Wearable Manual Breast Pump

If the mama-to-be you’re shopping for plans to breastfeed, odds are she already has her eye on a breast pump. If she hasn’t considered this one, do her a favor and get it in her hands. This first-of-its-kind wearable manual breast pump will be a lifesaver in the early postpartum days, when mom isn’t quite pumping yet but needs some relief as her milk supply comes in. This pump fits comfortably in any nursing bra and works without a motor, so she can control the output.

Embrace Soft-Cup Nursing Bra

I was gifted this incredibly soft nursing bra in my third trimester and figured it wouldn’t hurt to wear before I technically started nursing—and wow, was I right. This wireless bra makes nursing a breeze with its wrap design—there’s no need to even unclasp anything. Plus, it’s comfy enough to sleep in. Even if you’re not nursing, this bra will make all the changes your breasts go through during pregnancy and postpartum a lot more comfortable.

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft

After Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor said great things about the Kindle Colorsoft, I knew I had to get my hands on it. “It’s vivid, but easy on the eyes, so you can sneak a moment with a book while baby sleeps,” she said. I had a ton of baby books I wanted to read but very little room in my apartment, so this was the perfect way to consolidate my library.

Cozy Earth Cuddle Blanket

I spent the bulk of my pregnancy on the couch—between first-trimester fatigue and third-trimester body aches, I always just wanted to lie down with a soft plush blanket. This one from Cozy Earth lives up to its name, evoking the same feeling of warmth and comfort as a snuggle from your favorite person. It’s perfect for those days when you want a hug, but your pregnancy rage is also saying, “Nobody touch me.”

The Original Makeup Eraser Cooling Clouds Makeup Eraser Undereye Patches

Pregnant people aren’t the only ones who love this product—our entire Allure team loved it so much, we gave it a Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award. The MakeUp Eraser Cooling Clouds Undereye Patches are washable and sit comfortably under the eye without sliding around. Even better, they never have to be refrigerated. “You would never guess the amount of sleepless nights I’ve had, thanks to Makeup Eraser’s Cooling Clouds Undereye Patches,” says Allure social director (and new mom) Kassidy Silva. “A quick 15 minutes in the morning with these patches instantly brightens up my complexion. Plus, they’re reusable, so I can toss them into the fridge and use them time and time again.”

Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets provide a source of comfort and warmth, whether you’re pregnant or not. For expecting moms, a weighted blanket can be especially comforting if you don’t want to bother your sound-sleeping partner for cuddles while you turn like a rotisserie chicken through the night. “This Bearaby weighted blanket has become a constant companion at 3 a.m. while endlessly scrolling BeautyTok, thanks to pregnancy insomnia,” says Silva. “It’s the warm hug every pregnant person needs during those late, lonely nights.”

Allbirds Wool Lounger Mule

A lot of things get bigger when you’re pregnant—including your feet. So, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. “My swollen ankles sent me a personal thank-you note after I got my first pair of Allbirds Wool Lounger Mules,” says Silva. “The ultra-soft Merino wool paired with a cloud-like sole has made these my everyday staple.”

AirPods Max

During the second trimester, babies gain their listening ears in the womb, which means it’s time to start indoctrinating them with all your favorite music. Silva enlisted the help of her Apple AirPods Max for the job. “They’re the perfect investment for pre-and-post-baby; my girl and I had our nightly jam session to Taylor Swift with my headphones snuggly across on my belly,” says Silva. “They also helped this mama find some quiet time once baby girl made her debut.”

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

A tinted moisturizer with SPF gives extra polish (and protection) before they head out for a quick walk—with or without a stroller. “I use a separate sunscreen before this, since it only contains SPF 15—but I appreciate any extra protection,” says contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai, who has one toddler and a second baby on the way. “Anyway, I’m in it for the lightweight coverage: It evens out my skin tones, lightly nourishes my skin, and generally makes me look a little more alive.”

Vince Women’s Cashmere Jersey Short Sock

Correct: This is an absurd price to pay for socks. But they’re the softest, thickest cashmere socks out there, guaranteed to keep their feet cozy whether they’re out and about or laid out on a couch. “I asked my brother for socks and he got me these, and the only thing I’m mad about is that I only have one pair,” says Pai. “I’ve tried other cashmere socks but nothing gets close how cushy these are.”

The Ten Year Affair: A Novel by Erin Somers

Two suburban parents meet at an infant group and explore the possibility of an affair in this novel, which splits into parallel realities (one in which the affair happens, and another in which it doesn’t). It’s like John Cheever for millennials. “I’ve wanted to read this since hearing the author speak about how it explores the ennui of millennials-turned-parents—basically me—but my local library has an extensive waitlist for it,” says Pai.

Trudon Libra Scented Candle

If they’re going to be trapped inside with a baby for a while—it’s the reality!—make it smell as incredible as possible with this stunning candle. The scent—a woody amber with warm notes of tonka bean—adds a cozy feel, while the constellation-inspired design makes the vessel stand out. “I’ve started burning all of my ‘good’ candles, and it’s been a way to treat myself while my kid is napping or at daycare,” says Pai. “I’d love to add this one to my collection, too.”

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