If there’s a life event that deserves a little extra celebration, it’s bringing a baby into the world. Enter the push present—a sweet, and sometimes sparkly, way for partners to show appreciation for the physical and emotional marathon that is pregnancy and birth.
However, not everyone agrees. When influencer Campbell Puckett (aka “Pookie”) shared her own push present online, the comment section certainly had plenty of opinions. But one thing you won’t ever see us partaking in is mom shaming, especially with something as harmless as a gift between two people who just had a baby. So, why are push presents even a controversial topic in the first place?
A push present is a gift given to a new mom around the time of her baby’s arrival, and typically, it’s a gesture initiated by the new mom’s partner. It can be viewed as a gift meant to honor the mother’s work of creating and birthing a whole human, or it can be viewed as a token to symbolize her transition into motherhood.
Are push presents a new trend?
The term “push present” is a relatively new one—even if the practice of bestowing gifts on a new mother is not. Some critics find the term itself polarizing, arguing it reduces childbirth to a slightly jarring euphemism. Others have a problem with the practice itself. Push presents, along with things like babymoons, gender reveal parties, and maternity photoshoots, are often called out as “excessive” or “materialistic.” I’ve even heard older generations say that moms today have “too many expectations”—though many of these traditions have likely existed for decades, only now rebranded by social media.
I’ve been a journalist in the parenting space for a decade, and in that time, I’ve heard countless arguments against push presents and criticism of the women who receive them. This applies to celebrities as well as “regular” people—even when the gift isn’t as extravagant as the one our girl Pookie received, the criticism feels similar… and just as sanctimonious.
Of course, a baby is the ultimate gift you receive when you give birth. But is it so wrong for a mother to also receive a token or a symbol of the incredible transition she’s making when she delivers? Is it so unbelievable to think maybe she’d like a physical object that will always hold incredible sentimental value, or that her partner should choose to honor her role in the birth with a token?
In my opinion, that’s what a push present truly is: an item that will always symbolize a monumental life shift in a woman’s life. Maybe that token is a personalized gift with her baby’s initials or birthstone or a luxe diaper bag she can use to tote those new mom essentials. Or maybe, it’s not a tangible thing at all, like hiring a night nurse or subscribing to a meal delivery service. A gift for a new mom doesn’t have to carry as high a price point as Pookie’s new bag in order to be meaningful.
For me, defending the concept isn’t about saying that every new mom should receive one (I didn’t!). It’s about acknowledging that the moms who do receive push presents don’t deserve the sanctimonious judgment.
Final thoughts on push presents
Not every mom receives a push present, and that’s OK. If money feels tight, or if it’s just not something you care about, there’s nothing wrong with that. But there’s also nothing wrong with getting a push present, whether it’s a massively expensive luxury purse or just a lovingly written homemade card. At the end of the day, our world is just way too quick to judge moms for every little thing, and we’re constantly uncomfortable with the idea that they can have interests or desires outside of motherhood once they enter the role.
Push presents aren’t essential—but they aren’t wild extravagances or signs of materialism, either. Let’s not add push present judgment to a new mom’s already overflowing plate.
Push present ideas for new moms
For those wanting to create a push present wish list—or partners looking to show a little extra love—here’s a mix of thoughtful, meaningful, and fun gifts that honor the incredible work of bringing a tiny human into the world.
For those in the market for a truly special, heirloom-worthy piece of jewelry, you can’t go wrong with a timeless tennis bracelet. Angara’s design elevates the classic style with sparkling diamonds and the option to personalize it with your baby’s birthstone, making it as meaningful as it is elegant. It’s a stunning keepsake you’ll treasure for years to come—and one that can be passed down through generations, too!
Capture all the little moments of your baby’s first year with this easy-to-use film camera bundle. With instant prints you can hold onto right away, it’s a fun and nostalgic way to document milestones big and small—perfect for memory books, keepsakes, or simply pinning to the fridge.
Hand-painted from a favorite photo, a custom portrait transforms a fleeting newborn moment into an heirloom piece of art you’ll cherish forever. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate motherhood and preserve the memory of those precious early days.
A custom silhouette charm is a sweet and timeless way to keep your little one close. Featuring your baby’s profile and name engraved, it’s a personalized piece you can wear every day and treasure for a forever.
Celebrate with this stunning sapphire and diamond semi-eternity ring—a timeless gift that is undoubtedly worth the splurge. Elegant for everyday wear yet also heirloom-worthy, it’s a beautiful piece with a birthstone touch to symbolize your new family member.
As a new mom, you’ll quickly realize that spa days are few and far between. So, this all-in-one device brings spa-level treatments home, helping with everything from tension relief to glowing skin, so you can sneak in a little self-care between feedings and nap times.
Who said mom bags can’t be chic? You can never go wrong with a classic black Coach purse, as it’s the kind of piece that instantly elevates any outfit. Sleek, versatile, and designed to fit all the necessities, it’s a staple you’ll reach for daily. Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands with baby in tow, or going out for date night (finally), this is a mom bag that’s built to last.
It’s a great time for a coffee machine upgrade, and since all of baby’s bottles and gear are probably taking over your counter space, this compact espresso machine might be just what you need. Designed to deliver barista-quality coffee without the bulk, it makes those early mornings feel a little more manageable. It’s the perfect gift for any new parent who runs on caffeine.
Brighten every month (or week!) with a gift that keeps on giving: a flower delivery subscription. Fresh, seasonal blooms arrive right at your door, bringing a little burst of joy and beauty to your home—no matter how busy life gets.
Tuck a tiny photo inside and personalize the outside of this locket with your baby’s initials, name, or birthdate for a piece that’s as sentimental as it is beautiful.
A baby keepsake box is the perfect place to store all the little treasures from your baby’s early days, like hospital bracelets, first booties, sweet notes, and more. Thoughtfully designed to hold those once-in-a-lifetime mementos, it helps you preserve the memories you’ll want to look back on for years to come.
A custom baby book is a beautiful way to capture every milestone, memory, and little detail from your baby’s first years. With personalized touches like your child’s name, birthdate, and even custom illustrations, it becomes a keepsake as unique as your family’s story.
Indulge in a little everyday luxury with this washable silk robe, ideal for new moms who know they’ll be doing a lot of laundry. Soft, breathable, and easy to care for, it’s made to handle spills and frequent washes while still feeling effortlessly high-end.
Looking to add a personalized touch to your ring stack? This initial ring is a delicate, meaningful way to incorporate a stylish, everyday reminder of the people who matter most.
Zara is a twin mom and freelance journalist with over a decade of experience covering parenting, women’s health, and culture. In addition to The Everymom, she’s written for outlets like Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Parents, Shape, Motherly, The New York Times for Kids, What to Expect, and many others. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, travel, watching TV, and trying new restaurants.
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