Best Gifts for a Pregnant Friend 2021

I am 4 weeks away from the end of my pregnancy, and this season seems to be unlike any other.

Pregnancy has been very different from, well, not being pregnant, and I’m assuming that becoming an actual Mom will not be anything like pregnancy! Therefore…I’m guessing products I’m swearing by at the moment might be somewhat season-specific.

I’ve had this to-do on my list for a while to share the absolute hero products of my pregnancy so far. Things I found by trial and error, things that were recommended or given to me, things that make me more comfortable, and things that are just generally nice to have on hand.

Note: most of the things I choose are fragrance-free, non-toxic, and extensively researched for ingredients. Feel free to fact check me on that. I use the app ThinkDirty to make sure I’m not using beauty products with carcinogens or other scary things. And I use Labdoor as a 3rd party resource to check out the purity and bioavailability of any supplements or OTC medicines.

Happy shopping, for yourself or a friend!

Details: Maternity Bike Shorts

Cost: +- $15

Pros: I haven’t used anything MORE during my pregnancy than these. My only clothing item that is completely comfortable AND versatile.

Cons: This is the exact link I bought from, says no longer available, but get as close as you can. They’re amazing.

Details: Large Yoga Ball

Cost: $15

Pros: Helps relax pelvic floor, helps with range of motion, great for exercising or stretching. I use mine daily. Honestly, the only comfortable seat currently.

Cons: None!

Details: Any BIG Water Bottle

Cost: $20

Pros: I recommend GLASS for trimester 1 (metal taste in mouth can be brutal and won’t make you want to drink out of stainless). Drinking 20-30oz of water pre-breakfast can set you up for the BEST day.

Cons: Glass is fragile, so go with a stainless tumbler if that’s more her speed.

Details: Burts Bees Mama - Especially the Foot & Leg Cream!

Cost: $21

Pros: Peppermint oil + coconut oil make the perfect bed time ingredients for swelling legs and feet.

Cons: It gets hard to reach your feet. Might need help. Ha!

Details: GAS PILLS, LADIES.

Cost: $3

Pros: Far more powerful than Tums. Almost instant relief. Almost impossible to overdose because they’re just Simethicone which is what you can give newborns.

Cons: Wish I’d known sooner that 90% of the pain and discomfort I was feeling could have been solved with THESE. Put in every care package.

Details: Pillow Slides

Cost: $6

Pros: These embody the entire aesthetic of pregnancy. These shoes look the way I feel. My Mom and I got matching ones and we refer to them as our pontoon boats. I will honestly probably walk the hospital halls in them.

Cons: I mean. None.

Details: Lash Blast Clean

Cost: $4.50

Pros: Completely non-toxic, lasts all day!

Cons: There are no cons to having good lashes on the cheap ;)

Details: Wedge Pillow!

Cost: $30

Pros: Elevates your head above your stomach when you sleep. Helps with acid reflux and back pain. Can’t do without.

Cons: May take some getting used to.

Details: Honestly any bralette or t-shirt bra

Cost: Around $10

Pros: The beginning of pregnancy is SO uncomfortable, these will be a lifesaver.

Cons: A lot of comfy bras have a lot of polyester. I like to find ones high in cotton content to cut down on sweat.

Details: Pure Epsom Salt

Cost: $5

Pros: Relaxes muscles, raises the magnesium content in your body, soothes itchy skin.

Cons: Lots of Epsom salt has fragrance in it. Check the ingredients. You don’t need anything by salt for the therapeutic effect + skip the toxic fragraces.

Details: Medical Compression Leggings

Cost: $38

Pros: Reduces swelling, pushes fluid back into the bloodstream, improves circulation, will keep you on your feet longer!

Cons: So many of the leggings on Amazon are trash FOLLOW THIS LINK to get the ones I liked. Also compression leggings are hard to put on. You will roll around like a whale.

Details: Stars Above PJ set

Cost: $22

Pros: Not maternity, but very stretchy. Could wear for at least 80% of my pregnancy.

Cons: None.

Details: Glow 9 Pure Organic Belly Butter

Cost: $25

Pros: Completely non-toxic, absorbs well into skin, no strong smells

Cons: They say stretch marks are genetic so if you get ‘em, you get ‘em, but I have used this product after every shower and have loved it!

Details: Magnesium Supplement

Cost: $25

Pros: Labdoor.com approved, helps with brain function and completely cured my nighttime leg cramps

Cons: Little pricey, but don’t get the Walmart ones. They’re only 4% bioavailable to your body. Do your research & supplement up!

Details: Cheap Statement Earrings

Cost: $10

Pros: Look good/feel good, will draw the eye away from your giant belly later, will help you feel like you’re still allowed to look pretty.

Cons: They are cheap-y but I got this exact set and haven’t had any problems!

Details: Any low-sugar fruit popsicles

Cost: $5

Pros: A snack that typically even a nauseated pregnant friend can stand!

Cons: Watch that sugar content. Don’t want to give your preggo pal a sugar crash.

Details: Kindred Bravely Joggers

Cost: $38

Pros: Butter soft and stretchy.

Cons: None. Mine fit for almost my entire pregnancy.

Details: Dear Mushka (I love this company), Complete: James 1:2-4 Necklace

Cost: $49

Pros: All of their jewelry is beautiful and meaningful.

Cons: None.

// GIFTS OVER $50 //

Details: Birkenstock Myari Women’s Sandal

Cost: $100

Pros: The only sandal with enough support, room to swell, and outfit versatility I’ve found! You’ll want something supportive to slide on for walks!

Cons: They pack a price-tag-punch, but I bought these for myself and they’ve been worth every dollar.

Details: Raven + Lily Weekender Bag

Cost: $295

Pros: The perfect travel (or hospital) bag!

Cons: It’s ridiculously expensive. But it is a real leather heirloom bag. Fair trade and lovely.

I got this beauty (on a sale) as a birthday gift from my family a few years ago. Still love.

Details: Olive & June Manicure System

Cost: $80 (includes a bunch of goodies + 6 polishes)

Pros: Olive & June is “7 free” which means it doesn’t have all the crazy toxins of other nails polishes!

Cons: None. This is the longest lasting polish I’ve ever used. Only con is you don’t get the salon hand massage.