Gift Ideas for New Moms, Smug Mummy Style

Here's what this Smug Mummy wanted most when Master P was but a wee newborn: sleep and a baby that didn't cry all the livelong day.*

(*Dear Master P, in case you're reading this sometime in the future: I can only assume that you're bilingual in Sarcasm and Hyperbole given your genetics, but just in case - I wouldn't trade you, deathhellfussy newborn days included, for all the Birkin bags in the world. Well, probably not. We'll revisit this when you hit adolescence. xoxo)

Here's what I got instead: five gazillion heavy blankets for Master P (who was born in Texas in June, mind you) and lots of simpering advice about how I should "sleep when the baby sleeps", a phrase guaranteed to incite rage in mothers of non-sleeping, non-put-downable (I hereby waive my Pretty wand and deem "not-put-downable" a word) newborns everywhere.

While I was so very grateful for the baby gifts and dinners that poured in, a few non-food presents particularly stood out as thoughtful indulgences for me. They weren't at all expensive or fancy, but they were things I loved and needed but might not have splurged on otherwise - and, unlike another newborn-sized onesie, was something for me, a nice acknowledgment that I too was going through that special yet especially terrifying time. Not that having a baby is at all about MEMEMEME, but you smell what I'm cooking here (or ordering for takeout, more likely).

(Mildly Important Sidebar: Yes, I see the irony in posting about stuff during the time in which I've renounced shopping for stuff. Alas, my inconsiderate friends have not put their Major Life Events like pregnancies and weddings on hold during this trying time - how dare they! - so I'm making a few gift-giving exceptions. I hope to get to the spiritual epiphany portion of the program soon. Stay tuned for further justifications.)

Here's the best of what's around - think personalized indulgences & pampering for poor, exhausted mama, who needs a Pretty pick-me-up. She wants to remain stylish despite the fact that she has no time or energy to devote to it (or to a shower). She's spending her day in pajamas playing a high-stakes game on no sleep with no rule book. She'd like something she can read one-handed while feeding baby during those loooong middle of the night sessions. Um, not that these memories are still smoldering afresh in my recent, bitter memory. Ahem:

digital magazine subscription / holly golightly sleep mask / nursing pajamas / decaf coffee / funny new mama book / glitter polish (with mani/pedi appointment) / spa gift card

It wouldn't hurt your present presentation to tack on an offer to babysit or clean house for an hour or two while your Smug Mummy friend enjoys her gift. Most people won't take you up on it, but the mere offer is much appreciated.

Mamas, any other good gift ideas? What's the favorite one you've received?