8 Helpful 'Experience Gifts' New Parents Will Thank You For

As a second-time mom, I could say I've been blessed to be on the receiving end of gifts for both me and my baby.

While essentials like tie-side clothes, diapers, and wipes for the newborn are most welcome, there are other gifts for new parents that I can personally vouch for—ones that will make them feel supported and very grateful during this special season in their lives.

8 helpful gifts for new parents that are not things

1. Cleaning services for the nursery or the car

With a baby on the way, the new parents' mental load may include nesting, but not to the point that they'll have the time and energy to deep-clean the baby's room, and even the car! 

That's why when we received a cleaning service gift of car interior detailing from a dear family member, my husband and I felt like a huge load was lifted off our shoulders. I realized this should be part of the "hospital bag" that every new parent needs to prepare ahead: A clean, sanitized car that we could use when we bring our baby home. This could be arranged as home service so it's hassle-free for the new parents.

^{Busy Bee Cleaning Co. cleaners giving our car some deep-cleaning ahead of our baby's arrival.} 

We were satisfied with the car interior detailing service of Busy Bee Cleaning Co. You can book their service here.

2. Surprise food deliveries and groceries

Cooking with a newborn at home is no longer a chore but a challenge for new parents. That's why every effort to send hot, cooked meals or their favorite dish for a cheat day is welcomed! 

When my friends sent me a surprise GrabFood delivery to my doorstep with the note, "No need to cook today!" it immediately warmed my anxious mama heart and I instantly felt loved and supported despite the distance. Nothing spells "We are thinking of you" than a jar of cookies and a Korean mukbang box delivered in time for lunch. 

^{Fact: Expecting moms would love to have this tub of cookies in their ref for late-night cravings.}

Instead of giving material gifts, Grab vouchers will also mean the world to them. Check out the Grab app here.

^{Homecooked meals are also a kind option, but if you are busy yourself, Grab is your bestie.}

3. Lactation massage for the mom

A lot of moms struggle with breastfeeding in the first few weeks postpartum. During this time, they may feel alone in the journey, and as someone who has gone through this, aside from giving breastfeeding tools and goodies, a confidence boost would help.

That's why a lactation massage service for the mom would be a thoughtful gift. My Breastfriend, a breastfeeding care center in Quezon City, offers prenatal and full lactation massage with breastfeeding counseling, to ensure that the mom feels empowered and confident to breastfeed after the session. It's advisable to inform the mom ahead so that they can consult with their doctor first, if it's safe to get a massage.

^{My Breastfriend has a branch in Baguio City and at SM North EDSA, Quezon City.}

Read about the center's humble beginnings or book their service here.

4. A 4D ultrasound package

Another reassuring gift that new parents would appreciate but may not have time to buy for themselves is a 4D/5D ultrasound service. A popular ultrasound center located in certain malls, Babybond offers packages that you can purchase and gift to expecting parents. There, they will be able to see their baby's face for the first time prior to birth, and it will surely be a magical moment. 

^{We had the best experience at Babybond SM North EDSA seeing our new family member for the first time.}

I tried the Love package at Babybond SM North EDSA, and seeing our baby on the screen was a core memory for our growing family. Not only that, after a few days, we received the inclusions of the package, like a framed photo with our baby's name, a USB storage device containing videos, and a lot more!

^{My baby's 4D ultrasound photos by Babybond SM North EDSA.}

Inquire Babybond's packages on their Facebook page here.

5. Beauty procedures

New moms, more often than not, would not have time to think about having their lashes done or their nails cleaned prior giving birth. That's why if you could be the friend who could think about these things and gift these to them, they will be forever grateful. 

I could speak for preggy moms with big bumps and could not reach their toes anymore or visit a salon. They would love to avail a pedicure service or a lash perm at home! Anything that would make them feel comfortable and pretty when they finally welcome their new family member. 

Moms recommend getting their beauty services for their nails here and lashes here.

6. Hand-me-downs

As a second-time mom, I'm all about practicality. That's why when we learned that we were having a baby boy, my boy mom friends were all giddy to tell me that they are willing to give their kids' well-used yet well-loved clothes and swaddles. It's a win-win for us: they'll be able to declutter, while I save money from buying new clothes! 

^{Preggy me, with bags and bags of hand-me-downs from my dear mom friend.}

^{My friend taking the time to sort the clothes is needed and appreciated.} 

Read how to properly clean hand-me-downs or preloved clothes here.

7. A baby shower that the parents didn't organize

New parents will truly appreciate this gift that is definitely not a thing but an experience--a surprise baby shower!

Hosting a baby shower might seem a daunting task, but it's easier now especially with restaurants and event venues that could provide party packages. 

My teammates in Smart Parenting surprised me with a baby shower (with my husband as their accomplice) at the Madcafe in Congressional Avenue, Quezon City, and I was the happiest (and most clueless) pregnant mama that day. 

^{_{My growing fam and the sweetest Smart Parenting team ever at Madcafe Congressional Avenue, Quezon City.}}

Check out the kid-friendly venue here.

8. An overnight staycation

After the child's birth and once the mom has recovered, say, 3 or 4 months postpartum, a staycation in a nice hotel is a generous gift. There, the mom and dad could have a good rest, while the older kid can also swim and play. The baby, on the other hand, will be exposed to a new yet safe environment. It's going to be a pleasant experience and a new core memory for the family.

Hotels like Crowne Plaza in Quezon City, Sheraton Manila Bay, and Shangri-La The Fort are recommended for a family staycation.

^{The author received an overnight staycation as a gift with her family, including her four-month-old baby.}

Unpopular opinion: Gift experiences over clutter

While it's a thoughtful gesture to give new clothes and toys for the baby on the way, chances are some of these items will end up being duplicates or unnecessary extras. May this article inspire you with ideas for gifts that offer experiences and create core memories instead. 

Nevertheless, whatever you choose to give to new parents, the best gift you could give them is your presence in their lives. This becomes even more meaningful when the baby arrives and the parents are in the thick of things. You don't always have to have answers to their parenting queries. Remember: a listening ear, a helping hand, or a simple message like "How are you holding up?" are also non-material gifts that will always, always keep on giving.

Read why you shouldn't give unsolicited parenting advice here.