Coming back to work after maternity leave is really hard. Maternity leave gifts can help a mom survive the first week back and, more importantly, help her feel supported and appreciated.
A new mom may be feeling a range of emotions – guilt, anxiety, or overwhelm. Maybe you are excited to head back to work, which makes you feel intense mom guilt. Maybe you feel guilty about not spending every moment with your newborn. Either way, you are navigating an identity shift and a thoughtful gift can go a long way.
Maternity leave presents don’t have to be overcomplicated. They are a simple gesture to show you care, appreciate them, and support them. We have gathered a mix of practical, comforting, and thoughtful maternity leave gift ideas.
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These “welcome back to work after maternity leave” gifts will help a new or second-time mom get back to work and show you care.
Maternity Leave Gifts to Show You Care
The 23 Best Maternity Leave Gifts
Practical Maternity Leave Gifts
Here are the most practical maternity leave gifts, from diapers to neck massagers, and bags – these presents can help moms at work.
New moms are short on two things – time and sleep. Help them by offering a thoughtful and practical food gift card or delivery service. Use an Instacart gift card to help them buy groceries or household items locally or give a DoorDash gift card for a treat.
Gift a new mom a hydration tumbler so she can stay hydrated and healthy, which is so important for new moms. With Stanley, you can even customize your bottle to get a personalized tumbler of emotional support.
Eco-friendly and chemical-free Tupperware are great maternity gifts for new moms. She is now packing double the lunches and snacks, so find containers that are simple and safe like Dalicini Stainless – a growing female-owned brand.
Gift a new mom the obvious – nappies and baby wipes. These may seem boring, but they are the most used (and expensive) items for babies. Gift her some Honest diapers and wipes trial kit.
An electric nail file can be a great gift for a new mom. A baby’s nails need cutting, and these tools can help moms quickly and efficiently keep their little ones’ nails neat.
A bag to carry her pump: A women’s tote bag for work may need to be a little bigger to fit a mom’s pump and other baby essentials. Help her navigate the first week back by gifting a Chelsea Nylon Baby Bag.
Between sitting at a desk all day and then rocking a baby in the evening, a new mom might need a neck massager.
New moms are notoriously hungry and may also want to snack on something that is healthy and helps them produce breast milk at work. Lactation cookies are a great maternity gift – nutritious and delicious.
An Audible subscription so she can listen to the best self-improvement books for women or the most inspirational podcasts for women on the way to work.
Comforting Maternity Leave Gifts
Here are the most comforting maternity leave gifts. These are presents for moms who need some care and love themselves.
A cashmere scarf can be a thoughtful maternity gift. A cashmere scarf from Quince is versatile and perfect for new moms who want to wrap up and feel comforted.
Comfortable slippers are great gifts for moms who now find themselves constantly at home and on their feet, running after their newborn. Get a pair of sturdy Ugg Slippers or the incredibly soft L.L.Bean Sweater Fleece Slipper Scuffs.
Gift her a warm embrace in the form of a bathrobe. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they are also perfect for breastfeeding. The Women’s Winter Fleece Robe, Wrap-Front, and Ettitude Waffle Bathrobe are great maternity leave gifts.
Help a new mom unwind and lift the mood at home with a luxurious candle. You can even get a fun one, like this candle from James Wax.
Herbal teas are great for relaxation. Give a mom a tea subscription so she can sip on new, surprising flavors every month to keep her nervous system regulated and calm.
Thoughtful Maternity Leave Gifts and Packages
Here are some of the most thoughtful and personalized maternity leave gifts.
A maternity care package is always a good idea. You can make your own by adding a selected tea, a candle, a card, and a bottle of wine to a box or buy a ready-made box from Amazon.
Give comfort and care with the Postpartum essential The Everything Gift Set, which consists of belly oil, stretch mark cream, and more.
Gift a frame or a framed photo so she can look at her new miracle while at work and remember who and why she is working so hard. The Gallery of Four Tabletop Metal Prints is perfect for her desk.
Help her capture every single moment of newborn life with a Mom’s One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book
Easy-to-use exercise gear for home can be a thoughtful maternity leave gift for moms who don’t have the time (or energy) for the gym. She can even keep the Bala Bangles at her desk for extra resistance.
You can’t go wrong with flowers. This is a great “first day back to work after maternity leave gift” that is both celebratory, supportive, and fresh.
A desk accessory with a personal touch is also a “welcome back from maternity leave” gift. The Bright Ideas Mini Highlighters or a desk plant are a great idea. These are also great ideas for mompreneurs and female entrepreneurs who work from home.
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A handwritten note for encouragement. Leave your thoughts and words of encouragement on a new mom’s desk and watch her smile in appreciation.
Deliver a wholesome and delicious home-cooked meal to a mom who has just finished her maternity leave.
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How to Choose a Maternity Leave Gift
When choosing maternity leave gifts, remember that it is the thought that counts. They don’t have to be overcomplicated; they just need to show you care about and support them.
But you should avoid impractical gifts. For instance, items that take up too much space, aren’t baby-safe or require a lot of maintenance might not be ideal. Focus on gifts that are thoughtful and practical.
Finding the right maternity leave gift doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re searching for expectant mother gifts, maternity leave gifts for coworkers, or something for a friend, thoughtful presents go a long way in showing your care and support.
Our Top Picks
Personalized items like hand-written cards are often cherished and more subtle if the new mom wants to seamlessly get back to work.
Practical gifts like nappies, containers, and cookies are great gifts that all moms will appreciate.
Lastly, the best maternity leave gifts for employees or colleagues include flowers, desk accessories, and a food gift card or delivery service.
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How Else Can You Support Someone Returning from Maternity Leave?
Create a Postpartum Office-friendly environment
The workplace plays a crucial role in easing a new mom’s return. Small adjustments can make a big impact on her comfort and confidence:
Ensure a private, comfortable space for pumping – A dedicated lactation room with a chair, table, and power outlet makes all the difference.
Be mindful of schedule flexibility – Allowing remote work days, adjusted hours, or longer lunch breaks can ease the transition.
Encourage an inclusive, supportive culture – Normalize conversations about parenthood and create an environment where moms feel valued, not like they have to ‘catch up.’
Consider ergonomic support – A comfortable chair, standing desk, or lumbar pillow can help with postpartum recovery, especially if she’s still healing.
Know The Adjustment Is a Process
The first day back is just the beginning. New moms often deal with mom guilt, exhaustion, and a whole new routine. Understanding that this transition takes time can make all the difference. Here’s how to support them throughout their journey:
Check-in regularly, but don’t overwhelm – A simple “How are you doing?” can go a long way.
Be patient with productivity shifts – It may take time for her to get back into full work mode, especially with sleep deprivation.
Acknowledge her new reality – Avoid comments like “You must be so happy to be back!” Instead, recognize both the excitement and challenges of returning.
Returning to Work Following Maternity Leave Tips
If you’re a new mom navigating your first days back, these strategies can help you ease the transition:
Set boundaries early – Define clear work-life balance rules to protect your time at home and avoid burnout.
Speak up about your needs – Whether it’s a flexible schedule, pumping breaks, or a gradual return, advocate for yourself.
Try to be present, whether at home or work, and give what that moment demands and try to get rid of the guilt.
Give yourself grace – There’s no perfect way to balance work and motherhood. Some days will feel harder than others, and that’s okay.
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Maternity Leave Gifts Matter, Your Support Matters
A “welcome back to work after maternity leave” gift can significantly impact a mother’s confidence and morale. Having a baby shouldn’t mean the end of someone’s career; it’s the start of a new journey. These maternity leave gifts show that you want to encourage and support women on their journey—so we can see more working moms lean in and thrive, and get the support they need.
FAQs: Maternity Leave
What to do for someone going on maternity leave?
Supporting a colleague, friend, or loved one as they prepare for maternity leave is all about showing thoughtfulness and care. Here are a few meaningful ways to make the transition easier:
Celebrate with a thoughtful maternity leave gift – A personalized present, self-care set, or practical item can make a big difference.
Offer emotional support – Check in with them, ask how they’re feeling, and reassure them that they are valued.
Help lighten their workload – If it’s a coworker, assist in wrapping up projects or ensure a smooth handover.
Stay in touch – A simple message during their leave can mean a lot, but respect their space and let them decide how much they want to stay connected.
What do most companies offer for maternity leave?
Maternity leave policies vary by country, company, and industry, but here are some common benefits offered by employers:
Paid maternity leave – Some companies offer fully or partially paid leave, while others follow government-mandated policies.
Unpaid leave options – In cases where paid leave isn’t available, employees may be eligible for unpaid time off.
Flexible return-to-work options – Many companies now allow phased returns, part-time schedules, or remote work to help moms transition back.
Lactation support – Some workplaces provide designated lactation rooms and pumping breaks.
Parental leave for partners – Some progressive companies extend paid leave to partners or non-birthing parents as well.
How do you congratulate someone on maternity leave?
Celebrating this exciting life transition can be done in both personal and professional ways:
A heartfelt message – Whether it’s a handwritten card, an email, or a text, express your excitement and support. Example: “Congratulations on this new chapter! Wishing you a joyful and restful maternity leave.”
A meaningful gift – A maternity leave present like a self-care kit, comfy loungewear, or flowers makes for a thoughtful gesture.
A team send-off (if at work) – Organizing a small farewell gathering or virtual celebration can make a colleague feel appreciated.
What to get new moms for themselves?
New moms often receive plenty of baby gifts, but they also deserve something just for them. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas:
Self-care essentials – Luxurious skincare, bath sets, or massage gift cards for relaxation.
Comfort items – Cozy robes, soft loungewear, or supportive pillows for postpartum recovery.
Subscription services – Meal delivery, audiobook memberships, or wellness subscriptions to make life easier.
The best gifts help new moms feel pampered, supported, and seen—because motherhood is both beautiful and exhausting!
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