Maybe it is the season of life that I am in right now or perhaps it is because I like to host a lot of baby showers, but I’ve been getting asked frequently my thoughts on baby shower gifts. I often have a running list of ideas to share that haven’t really changed over the years…. however, very recently, I was introduced to two companies that I feel are out-of-the-box great ideas as gifts for new moms.

Both Finn & Co and Heartfelt Mamas were founded by mothers! They are both Spokane-area business women who felt a need was not being met and stepped up and met the need. I encourage you to check out their products or social media profiles and show them some support!

The following gift ideas are not sponsored, however, I received two of these items in a giveaway and was SO impressed that I had to share. All opinions are my own. These items were won through a giveaway without knowledge that they may be included in a blog post.

Finn & Co Gifts – Finn the Panda

The idea behind this lovely stuffed panda is one that is both so smart and one that was born from a true need. While a great gift for lots of new moms, the purpose of the creation of this little panda was as a gift for a mom whose child is in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Armstrong, the creator of this adorable stuffie. (That is what my kids called all stuffed animals!)

Finn the Panda was developed to help comfort babies during hospital stays, as well as to foster the bond between the baby and their caregivers, even when they have to be apart. It features:

• Finn is made of antimicrobial material to help prevent the spread of germs to baby. This is SUPER important in a hospital environment, but also a great idea for daycare or home.
• He wears a washable heart-shaped scent patch that can be detached and worn, then reattached to the bear. This means that mom or dad can place the patch close to their skin for some time and then attach to the bear so that their scent goes with baby wherever they may be.
• A recording device that allows a song or comforting words of up to one minute to be played back once or on repeat may help to soothe baby or help with familiarity. I could see this being great for a grandparent who may be far away.
• The contrasting black and white colors that appeal to baby’s early vision.
• Finn is made of 100% cashmere to be amazingly soft and cuddly.
• Finn and Co Gifts offer free shipping on a purchase of Finn the Panda as well as a 10% discount if you sign up for their newsletter. (Visit the Finn and Co Gifts website and scroll to the bottom of the page to enter an email for their newsletter.)

We all wish for babies to be healthy at birth, but for many new mothers and many new families…this just isn’t an option. Finn the Panda is such a thoughtful way to allow family members an opportunity to feel that they are in some small way able to be with their baby even when they physically cannot be there. This would make such a lovely gesture to someone in your life. Or, perhaps you simply feel the desire to help SOMEONE in need. Sponsor a Finn the Panda that will be delivered to a NICU or ICU in your city.

As a mom who spent several months of her son’s first year of life in the hospital, I know the stress and pressure of hospital parenting.  I wanted to do everything I could for my son and often felt the guilt of not being able to be there for him every moment during his 57 day NICU stay.  I developed Finn the Panda so that even when you have to be away, you can leave a piece of you to provide comfort and bonding for your baby and you.

Michelle Armstrong, creator of Finn the Panda

While I don’t want to take away from the purpose of Finn. When I heard about him I wished I would have had one of pandas for the first few months that I went back to work and my son was getting used to a his new daycare. I believe it would be a wonderful gift for working moms (or dads), grandparents, and other loved ones who may wish to be near baby, but are unable to.

Heartfelt Mamas Gift Boxes

When I go to baby showers I often gift something from a registry or something I feel will be useful to baby and mom. However, when I get the pleasure of visiting a momma in the hospital or at home after a birth, I try to gift her something simply for her. She has gone through a lot!

Heartfelt Mamas for sure has something for brand new mamas, but that isn’t where this company stops. There are boxes curated specifically for different aspects of motherhood including miscarriage, grief, post-partum, or just an day-brightening everyday gift box. Each curated gift box features local Inland NW products and services.

Some of the items that may be found in Heartfelt Mamas Boxes:

• Wild June Co Coffee Scrub and Lavender Nourish Skin Cream
• Winterwoods Pacific Coast Lavender Tea
• Bucket of Moon Beams Accessory Pouch
• Chocolate
• Gift Cards to local services
• Sparkles Bakeshop Granola Rounds
• Caring Coconut Soothing Spray

Gift boxes may be purchased from anywhere, but those within 45 miles of Spokane, WA have the option of purchasing the “local” gift box which sports services from local businesses such as fitness classes, coffee shops, nutrition consultants, spa services, and more.

Heartfelt Mamas stems from my own personal experiences and journey to find joy, happiness, and peace in this crazy thing we call motherhood. My heart is to help reduce anxiety, stress & comparisons in mamas in order to create happier, healthier families.

Cheree Sauer, Founder of Heartfelt Mamas

I love a company with a heart. Gift boxes can also be sponsored to give to a woman in need. In addition, a portion of the sales of gift boxes goes to create and give a box to a woman in need.

Mother-Lovin’ Gifts

I know that I would have appreciated either of the above gifts as a new mom and beyond. It has been a joy for me to stumble upon both of these mother-ran and operated companies with a genuine heart for fellow women. Whether you are shopping for the perfect baby shower gift, a gift for a new mom, a thoughtful gift for a mother who is grieving, or a way to give back to local moms, check out these two great companies!

Finn & Co Gifts | www.finnandcogifts.com | @FinnandCoGifts

Heartfelt Mamas | www.heartfeltmamas.com | @HeartfeltMamas