17 Special Gift Ideas to Make Her First Mother's Day Memorable
Becoming a mother for the first time is an experience most women don’t understand until they embark on that journey themselves. Everyone gets to be a child, but some get to be parents, and first-time moms are among the bravest women there are. At Parker Clay, motherhood resonates with us far beyond business—it’s why we set out on our own journey to empower women globally, and celebrate their worth. With 4.5 million orphans in Ethiopia alone, and more from every corner of the world, being a mother isn’t just biological—it’s a decision to love a child regardless of biology. From Ethiopia to the United States, we are working to give new mothers a life worth celebrating!
Whether it’s a pregnancy or an adoption, becoming a new mom is a life-changing step towards a relationship that will last forever. We invite you to celebrate with us and memorialize the moment. By choosing Parker Clay for your first mother’s day gift, you are choosing to be a part of something bigger than just a holiday—you are directly supporting a mother across the world and our ongoing work to strengthen her community. We’ve put together a list of first mother’s day gift ideas for the new mommy—or even just the best mom you know—as a way to commemorate mothers both near, and far.
More Than a Diaper Bag
Designed by moms, for moms, the Mari Backpack is a slim, stylish alternative to the traditional diaper bag. Crafted from durable, Ethiopian leather, the Mari isn’t just for show—it’s the perfect caddy for a new mama. Featuring multiple pockets for snacks, two bottle holders—one for yours and one for the baby’s—and padded straps for carrying comfort. Need a minute? The Mari features a padded laptop sleeve and stroller straps so you can work on the go.
Pack in a Mini Gabi blanket for the little one too – handwoven from soft, lightweight Ethiopian cotton, this sweet keepsake completes the package.
The Tote-al Package
One of the best gifts for any woman is a forever bag that will actually last, well, forever! The Merkato Signature Zip is the perfect design for the versatile woman. With two interior slip pockets and enough space to fit a 15” laptop, the Merkato is the perfect blend of function and style. As a new mom, your daily carry will need an upgrade, but you don’t have to downgrade your style. The Merkato is a sleek and useful first mother’s day gift to ease into the new mom lifestyle that will last for years to come.
Adventure Awaits!
Some girls just never slow down, from hiking mountains to conquering motherhood—they can’t be stopped. For the female warriors, we’ve designed the Rincon Tote with the ruggedness of canvas held firm with our signature full-grain leather for an adventure bag you can take anywhere.
Okay, we know adventuring is hard work, so maybe you just want to go to the beach and soak up the sun? The Rincon Tote features exterior straps to hold a beach towel, or a blanket for a minute of shut-eye—not for you, we mean the little one keeping you wide awake.
The Working Mom
For new parents, home can be a second full-time job. Especially during the first year, there are so many responsibilities to juggle, it’s wise to figure out some simple solutions to make life a little easier and more organized. The Miramar Backpack is an all-around bag that is durably designed to store what you need with easy access whether you’re at the office, gym, or shopping. Slim and sleek, the Miramar is a stylish work companion, too. Stay organized for home and work with room for a 13” laptop and your pump during the first year of breastfeeding. You got this.
Diversify Your Diaper Bag
The Makeda Crossbody is a fantastic new mom gift small enough to stash in your diaper bag, big enough to hold your essentials and accessories, and chic enough for brunch with the girls. Wear hands-free, or detach the strap for a fold-over clutch you can take with you at a moment’s notice, night or day.
She’s Still Got It
Being a new mom can be a roller coaster of emotions and it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day activities. But sometimes it’s important to just call the babysitter last-minute and take time to remember that motherhood is also womanhood. The Nyala Foldover Clutch is a great gift to remind you to schedule date night or mom’s night out. The Nyala is a high-fashion clutch begging to be shown off and worn with that outfit you look great in. Works during the day—or night—and is big enough to hold all your essentials.
The Getaway Bag
Things have escalated. You haven’t seen the sun in days and the essential oils aren’t working.
Step 1: Call the babysitter.
Step 2: Book the weekend vacation.
Step 3: Begin packing your Taytu Weekender.
Getting away from the hustle and bustle of being a new mom can be hard, but some time off is important, not just for you, but for your little one, too. Being the best mom means being the best “you.” Commit to being your best self with the Taytu Weekender, our sleek and spacious travel bag to remind you of peace and quiet. With a crossbody strap, wide interior pockets, and a trolley sleeve, this getaway bag is the perfect new mom gift to stay grounded, until your flight.
The Gift Bag
Say “Happy Mother’s Day” with the Valley Wine Tote—a gift basket, of sorts. With a removable shoulder strap, exterior pocket, and padded divider for up to 2 bottles of your favorite wine, the Valley Wine Tote makes a thoughtful first mother’s day gift that pairs well with a wine glass, or two. Celebrate your self care with an aromatherapy diffuser, eye mask, and a hot bath sipping your favorite chardonnay or red wine—only an arm’s length away from your Valley Wine Tote. Bathtub not included.
Bye Bye Baby Bump
The Desta Belt Bag is the perfect gift for wearing with a t-shirt and leggings. Every new mom can take the Desta Belt Bag on their daily walk hands-free with the baby in the stroller, enjoying the ride. Stylish and versatile, the Desta can be worn around the waist or as a crossbody bag that sports ample space and exterior pockets on both sides.
Bonus Gift Ideas
In more traditional times, mothers would pass on family heirlooms such as a special ring, wedding dress, or other small reminder of motherhood that has lasted for generations. A first mother’s day gift could be the beginning of your family’s tradition of love. Whether it’s a monogrammed bag, or smaller item below, what extra special keepsake could you pass along across the bonds of time?
Beyond the Bag
The Soto Nesting Trays are one of those gift ideas almost anyone would love. One can appreciate them even more seeing them in your space as a stylish flair to any shelf or surface—it doesn’t hurt that they protect valuables from curious little hands too! Perfect to supplement a picture frame with a family photo and the new baby!
A Thoughtful First Mother’s Day Gift
Create a lasting memory of priceless value that transcends any disposable mother’s day card with a journal for the family to write notes of encouragement and affirmation to the best mom or new mom taking the first step on her journey. A handwritten letter says a thousand words in itself, figuratively and literally! Solidify this familial gift journal with our Koda Journal Cover to keep those letters safe and sound for years to come. Pick up a few and start a family volume set!
A Piece of the Past
The Mulu Catchall Pouch is a timeless design that echoes the high-end look and classic simplicity that is just as chic today as it would be in the 1950s. Serves as a perfect presentation to fill with self-care items and an assortment of glamorous odds and ends that will last the test of time and get better with age. Monogramming is a great finishing touch!
The Simple Things
The Mursi Women’s Belt is an iconic blend of simplicity and minimalism. Able to go with a variety of looks and seasons, it stands on its own without drawing too much attention. Fully adjustable, you’ll never have to worry about the fit—and what woman doesn’t love a belt they can wear anywhere, and anytime, even years down the road?
A Traveling Jewelry Box
Perfect for the girl on the go, the Riviera Jewelry Wrap is a great bag companion for the mom who is ready to travel and show her new baby the world. Handily keeps necklaces, rings, and earrings safe and secure in a slim profile leather wrap that slides into almost any bag with ease. Another great piece to have monogrammed, too!
Don’t Forget to Remember
Few people know of the dreaded “new mom brain,” mostly because women are always right—but we digress. Girl, put an AirTag on those keys, diaper bag, and your baby—it’s like having eyes in the back of your head, as our mother would say. A little gift like the Pom Airtag Case goes a long way in protecting those AirTags and matching with your favorite leather bag.
Now, where did you put your phone again?
When It’s Been a Ruff Day
Our Golden Canine Leash in premium vegetable-tanned leather is the perfect mother’s day gift for the dog mom in your life! Family walks will be a breeze for the baby and your fur-baby!
Burn Bright
It’s been said that we link most of our memories with smells: grandmother’s cookies, flowers on the windowsill, the light rain on a spring afternoon. A high-quality candle is a door to memory and a lasting gift any mother would love to have. Our Ojai Lavender Candle features notes of pixie tangerine, blue lavender, and coyote mint—all brought to your senses for a burn time of 40-50 hours.