Every Mother’s Day is special, but there’s a certain idiosyncratic excitement to celebrating the occasion as a new or expectant mum. While undeniably a time of great joy, the early years of motherhood are also a time marked by transition. The journey into motherhood is not only marked by the addition of a new member of the household, but also a potentially imperceptible yet decidedly irrevocable shift in the way new mothers view the world, interact with their partner and loved ones, and feel about themselves (not to mention their sense of self). With that in mind, our picks for the best Mother’s Day gifts for new and expectant mums offer respite, relaxation, reflection, and even a hint of escapism.
Whether it’s a lavish high tea away from the little one, a pragmatic yet stylish tote, a bit of light reading, or a thoughtful trinket, these are the best Mother’s Day gifts for new (and soon-to-be) mums.
1. Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole
If she cooks, she’s a good chance she’s lusting after a Le Creuset. It’s like the Rolex of cookware.
2. Champagne Jacquart High Tea
It’s a universally acknowledged fact that sometimes the best part of motherhood is getting away from your little one for a few hours. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Hire a babysitter and treat the new mum in your life to a high tea; this decadent iteration at David Jones’ flagship store on Elizabeth Street, Sydney offers a break from the quotidian courtesy of a delectable array of sweet and savoury morsels (think lobster rolls, blinis with herbed crème fraiche, and petite scones) served alongside a glass of Champagne Jacquart.
Available until 12th of May, 2024.
3. TheRY The Comforter Maternity Compression Sock
While we’re often the first to take a stance against socks as gifts, we’re making an exception for these. The perfect gift for soon-to-be and new mums struggling with swollen and feet and legs, these breathable bamboo compression socks work to promote circulation and improve blood flow, alleviating swelling and preventing the formation of varicose veins. Plus, they’re cute.
4. Roger Vivier Viv’ Canard Slingback Pumps
Motherhood doesn’t mean relegating yourself to a purely utilitarian wardrobe of white sneakers and stretchy pants. For those who derive joy in sartorial whimsy, we’re partial to these crystal embellished satin slingbacks.
5. Pure Mama Pregnancy Care Set
The ideal present for soon-to-be mums, the Pure Mama Pregnancy Care Set contains all the essentials to help her care for and connect with herself during pregnancy.
6. Cartier Tank Française
Engrave it with your baby’s date of birth and give it to them on their 18th birthday. Until then, admire it on your partner’s wrist.
7. Stoli Salted Karamel Vodka
A harmonious marriage between sweet and salty, this is the secret ingredient to making an espresso martini sans bitterness.
8. Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath
The ultimate clean scent, this is a welcome dose of comforting olfactory nostalgia. Pair it with time alone to take an actual bubble bath too.
9. Fazeek Geo Cake Stand
Top it with locally sourced croissants and pain au chocolats come Sunday the 12th of May and you’ve got yourself a foolproof Mother’s Day gift.
10. Uniqlo Souffle Yarn Long Sleeve High Neck Sweater
Available in a sextet of shades, these deliciously soft oversized sweaters make for a thoughtful gift now that the mercury has dropped.
11. By Charlotte 14k Solid Gold Lotus Birthstone Diamond Necklace
Choose your baby’s birthstone for a gift that’s pretty, thoughtful, and pretty thoughtful.
12. NON The Stopper Set
Sick of your tipples losing their bubbles after a few days in the fridge? The team at NON have developed a stopper that ensures your bottles stay fully carbonated for up to a week; here, it’s paired with The Everyday Set, a favourite amongst Albert Review editors. The non-alcoholic lineup food-based ingredients to create a balance of floral, tannin, saline, and acidic notes, resulting in a decidedly different drinking experience — and one that even expectant mothers can partake in.
13. Tiffany & Co Baby Bird Bank
🥺
14. July Luggage Trunk Set
Ensure your first getaway as a newly minted family is conducted in style. Comprising a checked and carry-on trunk crafted from unbreakable polycarbonate and equipped with seamlessly smooth multi-directional spinning wheels, the July Luggage Trunk Set is both fashionable and functional.
15. Heaven Mayhem Beanie Gold Earrings
These chunky sculptural statement earrings elevate even the most quotidian outfits.
16. kit: Gua Sha Body Tool
Infinitely more satisfying than facial gua sha, this sculptural stainless steel body tool relives muscle tension and undoes physical tightness. We’ll take two.
17. Freja NYC Paloma Tote
There’s no rule that says a baby bag has to be, well, a baby bag. With three generous structured compartments and ample interior organisation, the Freja NYC Paloma Tote is a chic alternative to typical baby bags. And, it performs double duty as the perfect work tote.
18. Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
Insightful and witty with a healthy dose of schadenfreude. What more could you want?
19. Koala Eco Starter Collection
Both pregnancy- and baby-safe, these non-toxic cleaning products are powered by essential oils and make cleaning almost enjoyable. Use them to clean the house before Mother’s Day and give her the gift of a beautiful home.
20. Pascal Oval Bubble Diamond Watch
Classic yet unique design at an affordable price point makes this the ideal starter watch.
21. Nokia G42 Smartphone
Documenting the early stages of motherhood just got a whole lot more colourful, with the entry-level Nokia G42 available in a trio of hues. That said, being a new mum isn’t without its quotidian hazards. With DIY repair capabilities, you needn’t live with a cracked phone screen; the Nokia G42 can be repaired at home using spare parts from iFixit.
Words by Esmé Duggan
