Support Basket: Rough Pregnancy

Pregnancy complications or bed rest can be especially hard for women who struggled to get pregnant in the first place. This easy, step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to put together a gift basket to support a mama having a rough pregnancy.

You don’t have to spend a fortune! Here are my secrets for creating a Pinterest-worthy gift basket on a budget:

  • Stick to a color palette.
  • Choose gifts that coordinate, but don’t actually match.
  • Choose things that will take up space. You can make an awesome gift basket with only 3 or 4 things as long as they’re not tiny.
  • Go with everyday brands. You don’t want to blow your whole budget on one boutique candle.

OK, let’s get shopping!

Start with a medium-sized, multi-purpose basket.

Go with a simple design so the basket can be used for many different purposes later on. A neutral basket is much more versatile than one that’s covered in butterflies.

Whitmor Woven Strap Small Tote (Amazon)
This basket is available from Amazon in several different colors. I like this style because it’s sturdy and clean. It won’t flop over, like some of the canvas ones, or get little basket bits all over everything.

Then, choose gifts for your basket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother Nature Mug (Society6)
I’ve included this mug in my gift basket suggestions for infertility nurses, midwives, and doulas. I think it could work in a support basket for someone having a rough pregnancy, too — but if you think this design could be triggering, pick something else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

She Series Collage Mug, Version 2 (Society6)
This is my favorite mug! I love it so much, I also gave ones to the badass librarians who run my book club. I think it would make a fun and empowering addition to this support basket.

This artist actually has a whole series of designs with colorful illustrations of iconic women, including a version with real people like RBG and Malala.


Rooibos Tea Sampler (Amazon)
If you’re going to include a mug in a gift basket, why not add some tea? This pretty tin would fit right in! (Rooibos is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the leaves of a bush that grows in South Africa.)

 

 

 

 

 

“Nevertheless, She Persisted” Carry-All Pouch (Society6)
This message applies to so many situations! You could put this useful little pouch in the basket as-is, or tuck an extra gift inside: pens, lip balm, candy, whatever you think she’d like.


“You Got This” Primitive Sign (Amazon)
Simple words of encouragement mean a lot! This sign is great for a gift basket because it’s not huge — it’s about the size of an iPhone, just thicker.


Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Body Lotion with Lavender and Oatmeal (Amazon)
A nice body lotion always makes a great addition to any gift basket with a relaxing theme.


Dr. Teal’s “Soothe and Sleep” Foaming Bath With Pure Epsom Salt (Amazon)
Help her unwind with some soothing bubble bath.

Chesapeake Bay Peace + Tranquility Candle (Amazon)
This is a nice, not terribly expensive candle to add to your basket.

“Be Amazing” Non-Skid Yoga Socks (Amazon)
These stretchy, non-skid yoga socks are a must-have for the hospital! They’re also great for pregnant or postpartum women who can’t fit into their regular slippers due to edema.



10-Foot Phone Charger (Amazon)
This might seem like a weird gift idea, but a nice long phone charger is a really useful thing to have when you’re on bed rest or in the hospital.

Other Ideas for the Basket if You’re Feeling Fancy

You should have all the makings of an awesome gift basket already, but if you want to add something, you can’t go wrong with food! Gift cards to a local coffee shop, homemade treats, and chocolates make great additions to a gift basket.