10 Praise-Worthy Ways to Spoil a Second-Time Mom

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A boy hugging his pregnant mom.Is it just me, or did the holidays really sneak up on us this year?

I swore I’d start holiday shopping early this year, but I’ll be hitting crowded malls and placing last-minute Amazon Prime orders like all the procrastinating moms out there. Oh well!

I started my third trimester yesterday (woot woot!) and have been asked way too many times in the last week or two what I want for Christmas. Really, I want to tell them: it’s simple.

I’d love to enjoy a nice bottle of wine, but unfortunately, that one will have to wait. Sleep in until 10 a.m. – oh, the college days. And have “me” time, for once. No, car rides to and from the supermarket do not count.

What can I say? A girl can dream. 

Here are some perfect gifts for the frazzled, tired, overwhelmed mom due around the holidays or has their hands full with a new baby. She deserves to be spoiled; by that, I do not mean an edible arrangement or flowers. Although don’t get me wrong, those would be nice, too.

1. A Family Photo Session

Nothing is better for a stay-at-home mom (or mom on maternity leave) than getting dolled up for family photos. Your confidence skyrockets when you go from your husband’s old sweatpants and three-day-old messy bun to actual makeup and curled hair. Besides, family photos are a great keepsake and are often postponed until kids are older. If you’re an amateur photographer, offer to devote a half day to taking these photos yourself! How thoughtful is that?

2. Babysitting Services

Okay, I lied. Spending quality time with your significant other is even more important than getting dolled up for photos. We all know that, with kids, this happens way too rarely. Not only are babysitting costs tough to justify on top of date night expenses, but parents often forget to take care of themselves first and foremost. Offer your babysitting services so your mom friend can enjoy a day or night reconnecting with her partner without the kids.

If you’re too busy to offer a night or two of your own babysitting services, reach out to the family’s favorite babysitter and put together a “babysitting gift card.” Praise guaranteed!

3. Mom Pampering

This one made the list because no mom can ever be too pampered. Whether you go for a massage, facial, blowout package, haircut/blow dry, spa day, mani/pedi, or other wonderful “mom escape,” you can’t go wrong. You just can’t.

4. Cleaning Services

Moms are continually thankful for a clean home. If you are close to the family, offer to clean their house. That’s as generous as it gets! If cleaning is not your thing (I get it; you have your own home to clean, too), settle on a gift card. If the family uses a specific cleaning service, go through them directly.

5. Meal Subscription

I’m a big fan of meal memberships because it makes dinnertime much easier. It also saves a lot of money because you don’t need extreme grocery shopping for all your meal ideas for the week. If you love cooking, make a few batches of spaghetti, chili, or any of your specialty foods for the family. They’ll be eternally grateful for your help!

Spoil all of the new mamas, you know! Happy gift-giving!