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Pregnancy gift box: what to put in one

A hand-built pregnancy box costs less than a ready-made one, fits the person and avoids anything that isn’t safe. Here is what to put in it.

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Pregnancy gift box with flowers, a card, a soft toy and baby clothes

Short answer: A good pregnancy gift box has a little of each: something for comfort, something to eat, something for her skin that has been checked for pregnancy, something to write in and one keepsake, such as a pregnancy necklace. Leave out alcohol, soft cheese and strong essential oils.

Why build your own?

A ready-made pregnancy box is easy, but you can’t check the ingredients and you pay for the packaging. A box you put together yourself costs less, fits the person, and lets you leave out anything that isn’t pregnancy-safe.

What to put in it

  • Comfort

    Bed socks, a soft scarf, a heat pack for a sore back, an eye mask.

  • Treats

    Ginger sweets, good decaf tea or hot chocolate, a few chocolates.

  • Self-care, checked for pregnancy

    Fragrance-free hand cream and lip balm. Check labels on skincare and skip retinoids and strong essential oils unless the label says it is pregnancy-safe.

  • Something to read or write in

    A pregnancy journal or a notebook.

  • A keepsake

    A pregnancy necklace in its pouch makes the box. See how to choose one.

    Made to order, so order before you pack.

Pregnancy gift box with flowers, a card, a soft toy and baby clothes
A box has more impact with a small number of well-chosen things than with a lot of filler.

A box for each trimester

TrimesterWhat helpsBox idea
FirstSickness, tiredness, not telling people yet.Ginger sweets, crackers, bed socks, a notebook.
SecondEnergy returns. The bump shows.Soft pyjamas, a journal, a keepsake necklace.
ThirdBackache, poor sleep, nesting.Heat pack, hospital bag treats, lip balm, a long phone cable.

Are pregnancy subscription boxes worth it?

They can be, if the mum wants a small surprise each month and you check what is in them. Look at the ingredients and the pregnancy-safe labelling, and see whether the products are things she would use. If you want control, a single hand-picked box often beats three monthly ones.

Packing and presenting

  • Use a sturdy box, tissue paper and a ribbon.
  • Put a handwritten card on top. See what to write in a pregnancy gift card.
  • Add a gift receipt for clothes.
  • Keep the ingredients labels so she can check them.

For more ideas, see gifts for pregnant women by budget.

Questions people ask

What do you put in a pregnancy gift box?

Comfort items, safe treats, fragrance-free self-care, something to write in and a keepsake.

What should I leave out of a pregnancy gift box?

Alcohol, pâté, mould-ripened soft cheeses, strong essential oils and retinoid skincare.

How much does a pregnancy gift box cost?

It depends on what goes in it. A modest box can cost £25 to £40, and a box with a keepsake costs more.

Can I send a pregnancy gift box by post?

Yes. Use a sturdy box and avoid anything perishable. Allow extra time if one item is made to order.