Your best friend is expecting, or she's just brought home a tiny new human. You want to get her something. Something good. Something that says I see you, and you're doing amazing.
Then you're in the shops, staring at another three-wick candle, wondering if that's really the best you can do.
It's not. Here's our guide to gifts she'll actually use, love and remember, sorted by where she's at.
First, work out where she's at
The best gift depends on timing.
If she's pregnant, think comfort, rest and a little bit of fun. She's still doing everything she usually does, just with more aches, more appointments and a lot more people asking how she's feeling.
If she's a new mum, think practical and restorative. Sleep is scarce, hands are full and showers are short. The best gifts make her day easier or give her ten minutes that are just for her.
Gifts for a pregnant friend
1. Something to raise at the baby shower
Everyone toasts the mum-to-be. She should get to join in. A bottle of booze-free sparkling means she's not stuck with a glass of water while everyone else clinks.
Our De-Alc Sparkling Wine is crisp, dry and lifted with native Lilly Pilly. Or go pink with our De-Alc Sparkling Rosé, full and fresh with juicy strawberry, raspberry and Davidson Plum. Can't choose? The White Meets Rosé Duo has one of each.
2. The comfiest loungewear she owns
As her body changes, so does her wardrobe. Soft, stretchy loungewear or a really good robe will get worn on repeat, through pregnancy and well into those early newborn weeks.
3. A pregnancy massage
A voucher for a massage is one of the most-loved gifts out there. Look for a therapist who specialises in pregnancy massage, so she's comfortable and well looked after.
4. A support pillow
Not glamorous, but she will think of you every single night. A full-length support pillow can make a big difference to a good night's sleep in the later months.
5. A hospital bag top-up
Put together the little things nobody remembers to pack: a big water bottle with a straw, a good lip balm, cosy socks, a phone charger with an extra-long cable and her favourite snacks.
Gifts for a new mum
6. Dinner, sorted
Frozen meals, a meal delivery voucher or a meal train organised with friends. Ask any new mum and she'll tell you this is the gift she remembers most.
7. The night-feed kit
A basket for the 3am shift: an insulated drink bottle, one-handed snacks, a soft blanket and a month of an audiobook or podcast app. Small things that make long nights feel a little shorter.
8. A clean house
A voucher for a cleaner is pure gold in the newborn weeks. One less thing on the list.
9. A little celebration of her
The first months are all about the baby, and that's lovely. But she's just done something huge too. A gift box with something to sip, a treat and a handwritten note reminds her that she matters as well.
Our Sparkling Edit brings together De-Alc Sparkling Wine, De-Alc Sparkling Rosé and our De-Alc Limoncello Spritz, so she can toast the little wins, whether that's a first smile or a full night's sleep. Add a gift message at checkout and send it straight to her door.
10. Time
The most valuable gift of all. Offer to take the baby for a walk while she naps, showers or sits down with a cup of tea that's still hot. Write it in a card so she knows you mean it.
Can't decide? Mix and match
Some of the best gifts are a combination. Try:
- The pamper pack: a robe, a massage voucher and the White Meets Rosé Duo
- The newborn survival kit: frozen meals, a night-feed basket and a cleaner voucher
- The celebration box: The Sparkling Edit, a handwritten card and a voucher for a long lunch out once she's ready
The best gifts make her feel included
Whatever you choose, the thoughtful part is the bit that counts. Pregnancy and new motherhood can feel isolating, especially when everyone else is out celebrating. A gift that keeps her part of the catch-up, the toast and the long lunch says more than any candle ever could.
Nobody should miss the toast.