By Hannah Schenker
Is there a special woman in your life who has just had a baby or is expecting? Your wife or partner or a friend? Perhaps she’s nestled in at home with a big round belly or a newborn, or maybe her wee one is now walking and those gorgeous tiny fingers are getting into all sorts of pies. Don’t wait for Christmas – why not treat her now? Make her feel special, appreciated and seen for the queen she is. If you are in a position to give, here are some ideas of things to gift.
Give her a facial! Get her to relax on your lounge room floor, reclining into loads of cushions, a warm flannel on her face to start. To make it really special, treat her to the Antipodes Skin Brightening Duo – gently smooth the Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream into the skin on her face and neck. The bee venom and mamaku black fern provide a gentle lifting effect for any tired bits, and peony flower for the ultimate skin-bright finish. Dot on some Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Eye Cream – with Persian silk flower that will hydrate and freshen her tender under-eye tissue. Use a little, then leave them with her – she’ll love you for it. Before you go, why not also press lovingly into her palm a Saviour Skin Balm mini – a potent conditioning balm for any ongoing skin troubles which is safe for her bubba too.
If your special lady is currently breastfeeding, or about to, what about treating her to this divine breastfeeding cape by Bridget York. While we really shouldn’t feel the need to cover ourselves while feeding our bubbas, some do like to have the option and when it’s 100% beautiful NZ-made merino wool, why wouldn’t you? So gorgeous, you can wear it anyway, breastfeeding or not. Summer is on its way, so perhaps this is better for the southern mamas, or just for those cool summer nights we still get from time to time.
If you really can’t choose only one thing to splash out on, why not go for a gift box? This Mummas Milk Gift Box from Renee’s Goodies is sure to light up her smile. Designed with new mums in mind, this gift box includes an easy bake-at-home kit to make a batch of cookies; supplements to keep her energy going; a pack of tea or smoothie mix designed especially for breastfeeding mums; a gorgeous silicone necklace; nipple cream; a set of affirmation cards to keep her spirits high and a lush lip balm. High fives all round!
If your lovely lady enjoys sashaying about in dresses, then this is the one to go for: the Twisted Milkbar Dress from The Pregnancy Loft. Perfectly designed with soft draping to flatter her changing shapes, this dress can take her through the different stages of pregnancy thanks to the way it falls, and its genius hidden paneling allows for breastfeeding once bubba comes earth-side. A dress that keeps on giving.
Who doesn’t love getting a new pair of socks? Socks are one of those things that get a bit tedious to have to buy for yourself and we often let them go a long time before replacing them. So – tend to her tootsies (and her bubba’s) with this matching Mum and Bub pack from Lamington Socks. Again, NZ-made merino wool will keep her feet warm in winter and cool in summer, and in a sweet fetching design.
Finally – what about a necklace from MummaBubba Jewellery? Not only will she look snazzy, the necklaces are also safe to go in her baby’s mouth (which is where all necklaces end up, right?). That’s because they are made from FDA-approved silicone, which is non-toxic and free from nasty chemicals such as BPA, PVC phthalates, cadmium and lead. Importantly, MummaBubba Jewellery independently test their products to European, Australian and New Zealand standards, so you can rest easy knowing all that slobbering is A-OK.
Hannah Schenker is a freelance writer, editor and regular contributor to The Natural Parent Magazine. She lives with a touch of magic in Golden Bay, New Zealand.
