Holiday gift guide 2017: 5 gifts pregnant women really want

This list might surprise you, it isn’t full of your standard baby gifts, or mommy to be tchotchkes. No “pregnant A.F.” or “baby on board” t-shirts here (while I do appreciate a funny t-shirt, you can only wear a pregnant A.F type t-shirt for so long….just sayin…). And definitely no gifts for the actual baby…because, well, I’m still holding on to some of my pre baby selfishness while I still can.

Instead, this gift guide is full of the things that I’m really loving, using, and/ or coveting this holiday season. Because let’s face it, I’m just trying to be real, real with all of you throughout this magnificent journey. And hell, like I said, I want to remain a little selfish while I still can.

Without further adieu, here’s my holiday gift guide for the pregnant ladies in your life.

A damn good massage.

Pregnancy is strange; it is an emotional and physical rollercoaster. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down….and you’re never quite sure if the ride will ever really end. And if there’s one thing you really need during a bumpy ride, it’s a damn good massage.

As you grow and expand, you’ll likely start to experience new aches and pains, and strange sensations in all kinds of places. One of the things that has absolutely saved me during this pregnancy is incorporating regular massage into my routine – which means I’ve booked prenatal massage appointments about once every single month since the beginning of my second trimester and even better, I am regularly using my Myobuddy massager whenever my legs and / or low back and shoulders need a little extra love.

The Myobuddy is seriously the best thing that has ever happened to our house; my husband can now “give me” a professional feeling massage without telling me his hands are cramping, and if I feel like giving my legs a little relief, it’s easy enough to give myself a little self care. No husband necessary.

Actually, it doesn’t matter if you’re pregnant, an avid runner, athlete, busy professional, mom / dad, or just someone who likes a damn good massage…this is THE gift that everyone on your list (including you) NEED this holiday season. And it’s $100 off if you use my code: SPFFF at checkout.

The Myobuddy has three settings so you can control just how much power you’re getting and the friction from it creates a gentle warming sensation that feels oh, so good!

All the pampering.

If there’s ever a necessary time to get extra pampering, I think it’s when you’re an expecting or new mom. And while I’ve already talked about massage (which I think is basically necessary medicine versus actual pampering), the other things I am absolutely LOVING during pregnancy are the things that help me feel really good.

Duh. Right? Of course, you love things that make you feel good, but what I truly mean by that is pregnancy can be really hard on a woman. I’ve been honest about my struggle with my growing and changing body, and I’m going to go out on a limb and say, I’m probably not alone on this one.

While we’re trying to figure out how to continue stuffing our ever expanding bodies into our clothes, we just want to feel a little like ourselves again. Like the straight up magical, majestical, amazing creatures that we are. And to get there, sometimes it requires a little extra time and attention.

This one is a few gifts in one (you’re welcome).

Blow outs. Yesterday I got my hair did and after it was all said and done, I had a revelation. Pregnant ladies (and also all you new moms out there) need to treat themselves to a blow out every so often. Have someone else do your hair and make you feel shiny and new. So if you have a pregnant lady or new mom on your gift list, get them a gift certificate to a blow dry bar or book them an appointment at their favorite salon, dammit!

Facials. One thing I haven’t done since pregnancy (hell since I moved to Portland…maybe even since my wedding?) is get myself a facial. And there’s nothing like the feeling of clean, radiant skin to make you look and feel your best.

The good news is you can give your favorite preggo (or new mom) the ease and benefit of a facial at home with Onyx Youth Mask. It’s my favorite way to cleanse my skin and leave it feeling soft, and radiant once again. And the good news, it’s 20% off when you use the code bemagnetic at checkout! 

Fancy sweat pants.

Just like Alyse said, every pregnant lady (and packing ninja) needs a good pair of “fancy” sweatpants. Elastic waistbands, and stretchy, soft material that you can wear out of the house and not feel like a shlub in = instant happiness.

 

My new favorite fancy sweatpants – the Angela Jogger pants – are from Joules Athletics. They’re soft, stretchy, and flattering. Oh, and 15% off if you use the code sweatpinkroules at checkout.

The ability to tune out.

I don’t care if you’re pregnant or not, everybody needs time to tune out and chill out.

Aftershokz. I know I talk about my Aftershokz a lot but I can’t live without them. They’re the perfect running parter, pregnancy partner, and as Alyse always says, a must-have for new moms (because, ahem, hand’s free y’all!). Since I’m not running right now (thanks Previa), I’m relying on my Aftershokz more than ever to keep me company on my long, daily walks. I’ve been using my long walks to catch up on all of my favorite podcasts (2 Dope Queens, Reply All, Death, Sex & Money, How I Built This, Ear Hustle, and StartUp Podcast), and take phone calls.

Netflix / Amazon. This probably comes as a no-brainer, but if the preggo in your life doesn’t have access to Netflix or Amazon Prime, help a sister out! I wish I could say that I haven’t watched any TV during my pregnancy, that I just sit and be in tune with my baby, my belly, and my breath but then I’d be lying through my teeth. Some nights, I just need to sit in my fancy sweatpants, and tune the f* out. And thankfully, there are so many great shows to binge watch that it’s easy to do.

All the BOOKS. One of the best parts about pregnancy is that I’ve started reading like a machine. I’ve always been a big reader but have found myself in dry spells, especially when life gets busy and I just feel like I have no brain energy left at the end of a long day. Now I’m tearing through books at a rapid speed (thanks to Alyse and Liz for keeping me well stocked). Consider gifting the preggo in your life a few of your favorite, non-parenting, non-baby books, OR give them a gift certificate to Amazon so they can purchase books (Kindle or paperback versions) themselves.

 

 

Yoga.

The main staple in my life right now, aside from cheese, of course, is yoga. Moving my body, breathing, and being around a supportive community is not just nice to have, it’s necessary. Whether you’re preggo is a yogi already or not, give them the gift of movement and breath (aka sanity) with a gift certificate for yoga classes in their area. For the already practicing, vinyasa classes might still be accesible, and for those a bit newer or more advanced in their pregnancy, consider finding a studio that offers prenatal classes.

If you’re in the Portland area, come check out Flex & Flow’s prenatal yoga classes (Shannan is seriously the BEST).

Welp, that’s my short list for you! What is on your list this holiday season?

Stay sweat friends!

Xo,

Jamie

Disclaimer: I was provided with a Myobuddy massager, and Onyx Youth Facial Mask for review purposes through my work with Fit Approach. That being said, all opinions, thoughts, rants, and words expressed are my very own. I truly appreciate all of the brands that support the Sweat Pink community.