5 Pregnancy Gift Basket Ideas

If you’ve ever experienced that final stretch of pregnancy, you know how long every single day feels. 

You’re…

• tired of being pregnant
• anxious to meet your little one
• probably trying every single labor-inducing strategy possible

But what about when it’s not you going through that final stretch of pregnancy?

This time, it’s your friend who’s pregnant and waiting on her baby.

Personally, I want to rush in with all the sympathies and encouragement. To say, “you’ve got this! Just a little longer!” and somehow show my support. Because at that stage of pregnancy, it’s just miserable, and I realize my friend is probably so over it. 

Obviously I can’t give them what they really want in that moment. 

I can’t wave a magic wand to kickstart labor. (Wouldn’t that be nice?) 

But here’s another way to show support in that final pregnancy stretch… 

Try saying “you’ve got this!” through a meaningful gift basket! 

Something to take her mind off the discomfort and looonnng wait, and maybe find enjoyment in those last few days before baby is born. 

Here are 5 different themes for a “Final Stretch of Pregnancy” gift basket. 

You can go elaborate. Or you might find most of these items at a dollar store (thoughtful basket for under $10? Sweet!). You can also mix and match between the themes. Whatever you choose, make it personal to your friend.  And don’t forget to include a nice note, explaining the purpose of the basket and sharing words of encouragement from you!

If you have a friend in the last weeks of pregnancy, consider one of these 5 gift basket ideas to show your love and support… 

1. Boredom busters

In that final stretch of pregnancy, it can be really great to just have a distraction. Any distraction. This is where some simple boredom busters come in handy.

Fill the gift basket with activities your friend can do during her down time.

Here are possible activities:

• Activity books like crosswords, sudoku, coloring books, paint by number
• Classic puzzles, Or 3D puzzles
• A Lego set
• A favorite novel (& include a cute bookmark)
• A set of wooden letters that spell out her baby’s name and some acrylic paint
• Supplies to make a simple baby hat (this circle loom makes knitting super easy for beginners) or a tie blanket for their little one (tutorial here)

2. Date night with hubby

After baby is born, it can be a little tricky to find one-on-one time with your spouse.

With this gift basket, give your friend and her husband a fun date night – something they can enjoy together, before adding a new little sweetie to the family dynamic.

Some ideas to consider:

• Most awesome date nights have good food – So, start the basket off with some fancy drink glasses, sparkling cider, a nice treat, and some dinner mints
• A new board game or playing cards
• A movie, popcorn, and theater size box of candy
• Ingredients for smores (chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows) and some candles
• A cozy blanket and question & answer prompt cards, for a laidback reflective date night, pondering their pre-baby experience and future family goals

(Check out this post for other cozy at-home date night inspiration)

3. Pamper session

Before a new baby comes into the world and changes up her whole routine, give your friend an opportunity to relax and pamper herself a little.

Here are items that could be included:

• A nice comfy robe, scrunchies, cute headbands, slippers, fuzzy socks (she may even want to pack these items in her hospital bag)
• A face mask, electric handheld massager, manicure kit, foot mask, nail polish
• Bath bombs, bubble bath, bath salts, shower steamers, a fancy hand soap, a new lotion
• A scented candle or essential oils
• You could even throw in a cucumber for fun, for cucumber slices to cover her eyes, like that classic spa scene in old movies

4. Treat yourself

“Treat yourself” is a great sentiment for someone who is about to devote all her time to “treating” someone else. (however cute that *someone* may be)

Give the mama-to-be a sweet treat that she doesn’t have to share with anyone else!

• You can fill the basket with tasty goodies, either that you purchased or made yourself. Who doesn’t love yummy food?
• Or this could be another simple activity to pass the time – with ingredients to make a favorite recipe, a cute apron, a spatula, and a bowl. Just make sure you don’t give her the world’s most complicated culinary endeavor – remember she’s pregnant and probably doesn’t want to be standing for long periods or struggling over tedious details. Keep it simple- even if it’s just the supplies for boxed brownies, that’ll work fine.

5. Final reflections journal

After 9 loooonnngg months of pregnancy, those last weeks are a great time for mama to reflect on her experience.

While she’s watching the time tick by, waiting for baby to come, a gift basket devoted to final pregnancy reflections may be the perfect gift for your friend.

Here’s what you could include:

• A nice journal
• Pens, colored pencils, markers
• Some fun stickers to decorate the pages
• Basically anything scrapbooking-related that can turn a simple page into a lovely keepsake
• A list of writing prompts and questions to help her reflect on her pregnancy journey

Other ways to help during that final stretch of pregnancy

• If she has other kids, offer to babysit. This will give her the chance to go on a date with hubby, simply relax and have some “me time,” or sleep. (Honestly, sleep is one of the best possible gifts during the 3rd trimester!)
• Invite her to go with you for ice cream or a soda, to see a movie, or to just hang out. Even if she ends up saying “no,” you’re at least helping her know she’s not forgotten. And you’re giving her the opportunity to be social. The invitation may be just what she needs if she’s bored or really needs someone to talk to. … Maybe she’s tired and would rather stay home. That’s okay too. Either way, the important part is the invitation.
• Bring her dinner! I know, people usually offer to bring dinner after the baby is born. But, if she’s tired, sore, and unmotivated at the end of her pregnancy, chances are she’ll happily accept a meal that she didn’t have to make herself! (Just check beforehand about any food aversions she may have from pregnancy.)

As a mama who’s nearing the end of pregnancy, it makes a world of difference to know that someone cares. Of course, you’re about to receive the greatest blessing, your sweet little baby. But it doesn’t mean those last few weeks aren’t difficult. It can be incredibly helpful to have friends who acknowledge your strength and offer support during that time.

So, if you’re one of those friends, thank you for caring!

I hope one of these gift basket ideas helped you brainstorm a meaningful way to say “you’ve got this!” as your pregnant friend nears baby time.

Are you going to assemble one of these gift baskets? Or do you have additional ideas to share? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear about it!