Managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy is hard work. If you're shopping for a GD mama (or treating yourself!), skip the temporary gifts and go for something that supports her health and wellness — now and long after baby arrives.
When I (hi, Julija here, founder of HIgedi) was managing GD, I wish someone had told me about gifts that would actually help — not just cute baby stuff. These are the items that make the journey easier and continue to support you long after baby arrives:
Staying hydrated is crucial for managing blood sugar. A quality water bottle she actually loves using is an investment in her health — one she'll use for years.
Makes staying hydrated fun and exciting! She can make flavored sparkling water without added sugar. Perfect for pregnancy cravings and a habit she'll keep postpartum.
From Julija, HIgedi founder: I'm totally hooked on my AARKE sparkling water machine. Honestly, it's my second favorite kitchen item — nothing beats the air fryer! I got it after my sugar baby was born, but honestly, it would have made my GD journey way easier (and tastier!). I have the black one, but honestly, you just have to look at the copper version 😍
Such a pity I didn't have it during my own GD pregnancy!
Monitor activity, stress levels, and sleep quality. These are useful during pregnancy and become even more valuable postpartum when managing postpartum wellness.
Light activity helps stabilize blood sugar during pregnancy and supports postpartum fitness goals. A gift that grows with her.
Quality sleep matters for blood sugar management. She'll appreciate this comfort during pregnancy and may keep using it postpartum.
Julija's pick: A supportive pregnancy pillow makes side-sleeping so much easier — and better sleep means better blood sugar control.
Comfort is everything during pregnancy and the postpartum period. High-quality, cozy socks are a gift she'll actually use every day.
She'll live in these during pregnancy and beyond. Go for quality pieces she'll want to wear.
Instant Pot or Multi-Cooker
This is a must-have for busy GD mamas! One-pot meals, faster cooking, and so much easier than juggling multiple pans. You can make everything from protein-packed soups to perfectly cooked chicken in a fraction of the time. Postpartum? It's a lifesaver for quick, healthy family meals.
From Julija, HIgedi founder: I absolutely love my Instant Pot! It makes meal prep so much faster and more time-efficient — and you can actually make everything in one pot. Game-changer for GD-friendly (or not!) cooking!
The ultimate kitchen tool for quick, crispy, GD-friendly (or not!) meals. Roast veggies, cook protein, even make low-carb treats — all without the oil and mess. Fast, versatile, and you'll use it constantly during pregnancy and beyond.
From Julija, HIgedi founder: I have the Cosori air fryer and I'm obsessed! Nothing beats it in my household. It's my #1 kitchen gadget for cooking, baking, toasting, and beyond!
Recipes she actually wants to make — not just "diet" food. Look for cookbooks that focus on real, delicious meals.
Organizing snacks and meals is easier with quality containers. Busy moms use these forever.
For smoothies, baking, and postpartum recovery. A gift that supports her nutrition during and after pregnancy.
Julija's pick: If I had to pick one, I'd probably go with Truvani protein powder — yes, it's pricier, but it's clean with no junk, and it's perfect for GD-friendly smoothies and baking. Plus, they have an unsweetened option as well, so you could add it to soups, dips, and beyond.
Takes the stress out of cooking during pregnancy (when energy is low) and postpartum (when time is nonexistent). This is the gift of time and sanity.
If you're in the US, UK, or Australia, check out Best Meal Delivery Services for Gestational Diabetes for GD-friendly meal delivery options and recommendations.
For packing GD-friendly snacks on the go. She'll use this during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Face masks, bath bombs, candles, and other relaxation items. Stress management matters for blood sugar control, and self-care is essential postpartum too.
For tension relief during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. A gift that supports her body through different seasons.
Caffeine-free relaxation with options that support blood sugar management. She'll appreciate this long after pregnancy.
Important note: Not all herbal teas are safe during pregnancy. Stick to pregnancy-safe options.
For tracking wins, managing stress, and reflecting on her journey. A meaningful gift that supports mental health.
Support her health journey during pregnancy and recovery. Quality supplements are an investment in her wellbeing.
Better sleep supports blood sugar management, and this might be a helpful addition to lower fasting blood sugar (if cleared by provider), as sleep quality plays a big role in managing those tricky morning numbers. Check out our guide on How to Lower Fasting Blood Sugar Overnight for more tips!
Not all meaningful gifts need to break the bank. Here are some thoughtful, affordable options that still make a real difference:
A quality pair (or three!) of comfortable socks. Pregnancy means swollen feet, and she'll appreciate cozy comfort every single day.
A simple notebook for tracking wins, managing stress, and reflecting on her GD journey. Personal and meaningful without the price tag.
You can find quality options at reasonable prices. Hydration is essential, and she'll use this forever.
Put together a box of GD-friendly snacks: nuts, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, (DIY) protein bars. Personal, thoughtful, and budget-friendly.
Assemble face masks, bath bombs, or candles from the drugstore into a cute basket. Budget-friendly but feels luxe.
Quality containers don't have to be expensive. Look for sets at discount stores.
Create a personalized set of GD-friendly recipes she can use and keep. Free to make, priceless to receive.
Sometimes the best gift is free: offer to meal prep with her, go for a walk together, or simply listen without judgment. Your presence and support matter more than any item.
The best gifts for a GD mama are ones that:
Support her health during pregnancy
Continue to be useful postpartum
Show you understand what she's going through
Make managing GD feel a little easier
Looking back on my GD journey, the gifts that mattered most weren't the fancy ones — they were the ones that showed someone understood what I was going through. A homemade snack prep box, someone cooking me a GD-friendly meal, or simply offering time and support meant the world.
Managing gestational diabetes is hard work. A thoughtful gift that supports her wellness — now and after baby arrives — is a way of saying, "I see you. I support you. You've got this." 🫶
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