Growing and carrying a baby is an incredible journey, culminating in the momentous event of childbirth. After nine months of nurturing and the intensity of labor, new mothers deserve immense recognition and appreciation. This is where the concept of a push gift comes into play. While not obligatory, a push present is a thoughtful way to acknowledge the extraordinary effort and celebrate the arrival of a new baby. You may be wondering, What Is A Push Gift exactly? Let’s delve into the details of this meaningful tradition and explore how to choose the perfect gesture of gratitude for the new mom in your life.
Understanding Push Gifts: More Than Just a Trend
You might have heard the term “push present” or “baby bauble” floating around, but let’s clarify what is a push gift at its core. A push gift is a present given to a new mother to recognize and celebrate her incredible feat of giving birth. It’s a tangible symbol of appreciation for the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy and childbirth, and a way to commemorate her entry into motherhood.
It’s crucial to understand that push gifts are not about implying an obligation or setting expectations. Instead, they are heartfelt gestures of love, admiration, and joy from partners, family members, or close friends. And importantly, let’s be clear: mothers who undergo C-sections absolutely deserve push gifts too! Childbirth in any form is a monumental experience worthy of celebration.
The Nuances of Push Gift Etiquette
When it comes to push present etiquette, flexibility is key. These gifts can be given at various times:
- Before Birth: Some partners choose to give a push gift during the later stages of pregnancy as a gesture of support and anticipation.
- After Birth: The most traditional time to give a push gift is shortly after the baby’s arrival, either in the hospital, birthing center, or at home.
- In the Delivery Room: In some cases, a partner might present the gift immediately after delivery, creating a truly memorable moment.
Traditionally, push presents are given by the new mother’s partner. However, the circle of gift-givers can extend to family members, co-parents, or even a very close friend who wants to acknowledge this significant life event.
While jewelry is a classic and popular push gift idea, it’s certainly not the only option. The best gifts for new moms are those that are meaningful, personal, and genuinely reflect your feelings of love, devotion, and happiness. The price tag isn’t the defining factor; a heartfelt and thoughtful gift at any price point can be perfect.
Curating the Best Push Gift Ideas: Thoughtful Options for Every Mom
Choosing the right push gift involves considering the new mom’s personality, preferences, and what would genuinely make her feel appreciated and pampered during this special time. Here are some top categories and ideas to inspire you, drawing from popular choices and thoughtful considerations:
Timeless Jewelry: Enduring Symbols of Love
Jewelry remains a top choice for push gifts due to its lasting value and sentimental nature. It can serve as a constant reminder of this momentous occasion.
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Engraved Chain Necklace: A chic and modern chain necklace that can be personalized with baby’s name, birthdate, or a special message.
Oak and Luna Herringbone Engraved Chain Necklace Gold Vermeil
Image: A personalized gold vermeil herringbone chain necklace from Oak and Luna, engraved with names, a date, or a meaningful message, a chic and timeless push gift for new moms. -
Diamond Eternity Ring: Representing eternal love and commitment, an eternity ring is a classic and elegant choice. Consider customizable options with lab-grown diamonds or alternative stones to manage budget.
Diamond Nexus 2.00 MM Round Cut Bar Set Eternity Band
Image: A customizable eternity band ring from Diamond Nexus, featuring a bar setting and options for lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, or diamond alternatives in various gold colors, a symbol of lasting love as a push gift. -
Birthstone Jewelry: Incorporate baby’s birthstone into a bracelet, ring, or necklace. A “pea in a pod” bracelet with family birthstones is a particularly sweet and symbolic option.
Eve’s Addiction Three Birthstone Pea in a Pod Gold Bracelet
Image: A delicate gold bracelet from Eve’s Addiction, featuring a “pea in a pod” design with three birthstones, customizable to represent family members, a meaningful and personalized birthstone push gift. -
Tennis Bracelet: A classic and versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. Crystal versions offer an elegant look at a more accessible price point.
Swarovski Emily Bracelet
Image: A minimalist tennis bracelet from Swarovski, featuring a strand of delicate Swarovski crystals set in silver, a sparkling and affordable jewelry push gift option. -
Charm Bracelet: Start a tradition with a charm bracelet and add charms for significant milestones, starting with a baby-themed charm for the push gift.
Pandora Moments Heart Clasp Snake Chain Bracelet and Baby Bottle and Shoes Dangle Charm
Image: A Pandora charm bracelet with a heart clasp and a baby-themed dangle charm featuring a baby bottle and shoes, a customizable and sentimental push gift to start a charm collection. -
Initial Necklace: A pendant featuring baby’s initial or initials, offering a personal and subtle way to keep her child close to her heart.
Haverhill 2 Letter Necklace
Image: A delicate 14k gold necklace from Haverhill, personalized with two initials, a minimalist and elegant push gift to represent loved ones. -
Pearl Earrings or Ring: Pearls are classic and elegant, and also the birthstone for June, making them particularly meaningful for summer babies.
Mikimoto Akoya Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
Image: Akoya cultured pearl stud earrings in 18K yellow gold from Mikimoto, classic and luxurious pearl jewelry as a timeless push gift. -
Diamond Earrings: Diamond studs are a luxurious and radiant choice, symbolizing strength and beauty.
Stone and Strand Shield of Strength Gold Diamond Earrings
Image: Shield of Strength gold diamond stud earrings from Stone and Strand, symbolizing strength and resilience with delicate diamonds, a luxurious and meaningful push gift.
Pampering and Comfort: Gifts for Postpartum Recovery
New moms need extra care and comfort during the postpartum period. Gifts focused on self-care and relaxation are incredibly thoughtful.
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Postpartum Pampering Package: A set of skincare products designed for postpartum recovery, including cleansing oil, body cream, and nipple balm.
The Honest Company Glow Like A Mother Postnatal Routine Gift Set
Image: The Honest Company Glow Like A Mother Postnatal Routine Gift Set, featuring skincare essentials for postpartum recovery, a thoughtful self-care push gift. -
Fresh, Luxurious Sheets: High-quality, soft sheets like bamboo sheets can enhance comfort during postpartum recovery.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Image: Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set, known for their softness and breathability, luxurious sheets for ultimate comfort and postpartum recovery, a practical yet pampering push gift. -
Nursing Pajamas: Comfortable and practical pajamas designed for breastfeeding, made from soft materials like Peruvian Pima cotton.
LAKE Pajamas Pima Maternity Long-Long Set
Image: LAKE Pajamas Pima Maternity Long-Long Set in pastel colors, soft and comfortable pajamas with easy nursing access, a practical and cozy push gift for new moms. -
Washable Silk Robe: A luxurious silk robe that is machine-washable, offering comfort and elegance for lounging at home.
Lunya Washable Silk Robe
Image: Lunya Washable Silk Robe in black, a luxurious and machine-washable silk robe for postpartum comfort and style, an indulgent push gift. -
Cozy Throw Blanket: An ultra-soft and comfortable throw blanket for relaxing moments with the baby.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw Blanket
Image: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw Blanket in a neutral tone, an incredibly soft and cozy blanket for postpartum relaxation, a comforting and practical push gift. -
Slippers: Comfortable and supportive slippers, especially shearling-lined options, for those early days spent at home.
UGG Scuffette II Slipper
Image: UGG Scuffette II Slippers in chestnut color, cozy and water-resistant suede slippers lined with shearling for postpartum comfort, a practical and pampering push gift. -
Comforting Eye Mask: An eye pillow filled with flaxseed and lavender for relaxation and promoting better sleep.
Eye Love Pillow
Image: Heart-shaped Eye Love Pillow filled with organic flaxseed and lavender, a comforting and relaxing eye mask to promote sleep and self-care for new moms, a thoughtful push gift. -
Aromatic Shower Steamers: Uplifting aromatherapy tablets for showers, creating a spa-like experience at home.
Aromatic Shower Steamers
Image: Aromatic Shower Steamers in various scents, handmade tablets that release soothing aromatherapy in the shower for a spa-like experience, a relaxing and affordable push gift.
Practical and Helpful Gifts: Making Life Easier
Practical gifts that simplify daily life for a new mom are incredibly valuable and appreciated.
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Nourishing Food Gifts: Consider sending bone broth, meal delivery services, or a gift basket of healthy snacks to support postpartum nutrition and recovery.
Brodo broth
Image: Brodo broth in frozen containers, nutrient-rich bone broth for postpartum recovery and nourishment, a practical and healthy push gift alternative. -
High-End Coffee/Espresso Machine: A quality coffee or espresso machine can be a lifesaver for sleep-deprived new parents.
Nespresso Pop+
Image: Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ coffee and espresso machine in red, a convenient and high-quality coffee maker for new parents needing a caffeine boost, a practical and appreciated push gift. -
Designer Wallet or Tote Bag: A stylish and functional wallet or tote bag can be a luxurious upgrade for everyday use. A designer tote can even double as a chic diaper bag.
Prada Small Leather Wallet
Image: Prada Small Leather Wallet in pink, a luxurious and compact designer wallet, a stylish and practical push gift.
Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM
Image: Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM tote bag in monogram canvas, a spacious and iconic designer tote that can also function as a stylish diaper bag, a luxurious and practical push gift. -
High-End Hair Styling Device: A device like the Dyson Airwrap can save time and effort on hairstyling, which is especially valuable for busy new moms.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
Image: Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long in blue and copper, a high-tech hair styling device for quick and effortless styling, a luxurious and time-saving push gift for new moms.
Sentimental Keepsakes: Cherishing the Memories
Push gifts can also be deeply sentimental, serving as lasting reminders of the birth and the new family bond.
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Baby Keepsake Library: A beautifully designed storage system to organize and preserve baby’s first keepsakes, from sonogram prints to hospital bracelets.
Uncommon Goods Baby Keepsake Library
Image: Uncommon Goods Baby Keepsake Library in neutral tones, an organized system to store baby’s keepsakes and mementos, a sentimental and practical push gift for organized parents. -
Baby Book: A beautiful photo album or baby book to document baby’s first year and milestones.
Artifact Uprising Baby Book The Story of You
Image: Artifact Uprising Baby Book The Story of You in a minimalist design, a beautiful photo book to document baby’s first year and milestones, a sentimental push gift for memory keeping. -
Prompt-Filled Postpartum Journal: A journal with prompts to encourage reflection and self-discovery during the postpartum period.
Promptly Postpartum Journal
Image: Promptly Postpartum Journal in lilac color, a guided journal with prompts for reflection and self-care during the postpartum period, a thoughtful and introspective push gift. -
Engraved Pendant with Footprints/Handprints: A pendant engraved with baby’s tiny footprints or handprints, a deeply personal and touching keepsake.
GhigoGifts Engravable Disc Pendant and Necklace
Image: GhigoGifts Engravable Disc Pendant and Necklace with baby footprints, a personalized necklace engraved with baby’s handprints or footprints, a deeply sentimental push gift. -
Star Map: A custom star map depicting the night sky on the baby’s birth date, a unique and celestial keepsake.
Twinkle in Time Star Map
Image: Twinkle in Time Star Map in a frame, a personalized star map showing the alignment of stars on baby’s birthdate, a unique and memorable push gift. -
Willow Tree Ornament: A hand-painted figurine depicting the bond of motherhood or pregnancy, offering a visual representation of the occasion.
Willow Tree Cherish Hand-Painted Figure
Image: Willow Tree Cherish Hand-Painted Figure of a pregnant woman, a sentimental hand-painted figurine representing motherhood and pregnancy, a touching push gift. -
Long-lasting Rose: A preserved real rose dipped in 24 karat gold, symbolizing eternal love and appreciation.
The Forever Rose 24K Gold Forever Rose
Image: The Forever Rose 24K Gold Forever Rose in a gift box, a real rose preserved and dipped in 24 karat gold, symbolizing eternal love and appreciation, a romantic push gift.
Experiential Gifts: Creating Lasting Memories
Consider gifts that offer experiences rather than material items, focusing on relaxation or enjoyment for the new mom.
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Year’s Worth of Flowers Subscription: Regular flower deliveries to brighten her home in the months following birth.
UrbanStems Subscription
Image: UrbanStems flower bouquet in vibrant colors, a flower subscription delivering fresh blooms regularly, a delightful and uplifting experiential push gift. -
Edible Arrangement: A delivery of fresh fruit, chocolate-covered strawberries, or other treats she enjoys.
Edible New Baby Flower Gift Bundle
Image: Edible Arrangements New Baby Flower Gift Bundle with fruit and chocolate dipped strawberries, a delicious and celebratory edible gift for postpartum cravings, a thoughtful push gift. -
Bottle of Bubbly: A celebratory bottle of champagne or sparkling wine to enjoy once she is ready.
Wine Access NV Eric Maitre Blanc de Noirs Brut Tradition Champagne 750 ml
Image: Wine Access NV Eric Maitre Blanc de Noirs Brut Tradition Champagne bottle, a celebratory bottle of champagne for new moms to enjoy after restrictions, a classic and celebratory push gift.
Are Push Gifts Expected? Understanding Expectations
While push gifts are a lovely gesture, it’s important to understand that they are not universally expected. A recent poll indicated that while a significant percentage of new moms have received or wished for a push gift, it is not seen as a mandatory requirement.
It’s less about the expectation and more about the sentiment. The true value of a push gift lies in the thought and effort behind it, and the genuine expression of love and gratitude for the new mother’s incredible journey. Verbal appreciation, support, and acts of service during the postpartum period can be just as meaningful, if not more so, than a material gift.
Image: A bar chart summarizing a survey about push presents, showing the percentage of respondents who received, wished for, or did not receive a push gift, illustrating the varying expectations around push gifts.
Ultimately, what is a push gift is a personal decision. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the amazing new mom in your life and show your heartfelt appreciation for the incredible gift she has given. Whether you choose a piece of jewelry, a pampering experience, a practical item, or a sentimental keepsake, the most important thing is that the gift comes from the heart and reflects your genuine love and admiration.
