Gifts for a pregnant friend

Short answer: For a pregnant friend, choose something for her rather than the baby: soft pyjamas, a massage, a pregnancy-safe treat or a keepsake necklace if you are close. Don’t share her news and avoid foods and skincare that aren’t pregnancy-safe.

Think about the friendship first

The right gift depends on how close you are. For a close friend, a keepsake or an offer of real help lands well. For a colleague or a newer friend, something small and safe is enough, and a group gift works better than an expensive one from you alone.

A few points of tact

• Don’t share her news before she does.
• Don’t ask about names or whether she is finding out the sex.
• If she has had a loss, give her something for her, not for the baby.
• Avoid food and skincare that aren’t pregnancy-safe.

Gift ideas by budget

• Under £20: a nice candle, hand cream or a bookshop voucher

  Choose fragrance-free or very light scents, which many pregnant women prefer.

• £20 to £40: soft pyjamas, a cosy blanket or a pregnancy journal

  Something she will use at home and in hospital.

• £40 to £80: a massage voucher or a keepsake necklace

  A pregnancy necklace is personal enough for a close friend. Choose the stones she likes.

  Made to order, so allow a few weeks.

• Your time

  Offer a night in with her favourite food, a walk, or a trip to buy things for the baby.

Gifts from a group

At work or in a friendship group, pool money for one gift. A necklace is a good group gift: set the amount, pick one person to buy it, and sign a single card. Don’t forget the card; our card messages have ideas.

If she lives far away

Choose a gift that posts well and has a delivery date you can count on. Made-to-order items need extra time, so order early. For more ideas, see gifts for pregnant women.

Questions people ask