Push presents: A trend that’s here to stay—or one we should skip?

Push presents: love them or leave them, the concept seems to spark lively debates among moms everywhere. Some see it as a sweet way to honor a mother’s incredible journey through pregnancy and childbirth, while others feel it’s unnecessary or even pressure-filled. So, where do moms stand on this growing tradition?

We asked the Motherly community whether they’ve received a push present, and here’s what they had to say:

• Yes: 35%
• Not yet, but I expect to get one soon: 3%
• No: 62%

While the majority of moms haven’t received a push present, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth talking about. For those who have, the gifts vary widely—from sentimental keepsakes to practical items that make life as a new mom a little easier.

Push presents moms love

Our Motherly community shared their thoughts on the best push presents, and while every mom’s journey is unique, there were a few clear favorites. From timeless treasures to practical gestures, here’s what topped the list—and a few creative surprises that stood out:

Jewelry: A Timeless Favorite

The overwhelming majority of moms cited jewelry as their favorite push present. Whether it was a necklace, bracelet, or ring, these pieces often carried deep sentimental value. Popular styles included birthstone rings, necklaces engraved with baby’s initials, or stacking rings to represent each child. One mom shared that her Tiffany necklace with her son’s first initial was a gift she’ll treasure forever.

Tech Gadgets: Modern Mom Essentials

For moms who value practicality, tech gifts were a huge hit. Apple Watches were mentioned as a favorite for staying organized while juggling a newborn, and Roombas made the list as a way to take one chore off their plate during those exhausting early days.

Luxury and Self-Care Gifts: Because Moms Deserve It

From spa gift cards to Cartier rings, many moms received gifts that encouraged them to focus on self-care after giving so much of themselves during pregnancy. A few also mentioned designer diaper bags, yoga mats, and even a wine fridge as ways to embrace their new phase of life with a touch of luxury.

Sentimental Keepsakes: Small but Mighty

Push presents don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Personalized gifts like a bracelet with a baby’s birthstone and date of birth, custom artwork, or a permanent bracelet with diamonds and baby’s birthstones made moms feel appreciated and celebrated.

Related: The best tech gifts that make mom life a little easier

Unexpected and Unique Push Presents

A few moms shared push presents that were delightfully out of the box:

• Weekly cleaning services to lighten the mental and physical load postpartum.
• A wine fridge—because sometimes a glass of wine is the perfect way to unwind.
• A new car, with one mom humorously calling her Tesla the ultimate push present.
• Matching rings for both parents engraved with their baby’s name, making it a family keepsake.

And of course, we’d be remiss not to mention one mom who received 9 bottles of expensive wine as her celebratory gift! Cheers to that.

As someone who didn’t get a push present (and asked my partner not to go through the trouble—we’re not big gift givers in general), I was fascinated reading through what other moms received. It’s clear that push presents come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they all have in common is their thoughtfulness.

When push presents go over the top

For a glimpse into the more extravagant side of push presents, one viral TikTok from Pookie (@campbellhuntpuckett) has moms talking. In the video, Pookie reveals a Craie Kelly 25 Epsom leather gold hardware Birkin bag—a push present with a jaw-dropping price tag of at least $30,000. The luxurious gift certainly caused a stir, with one commenter calling out ‘the push present I received was an epidural beforehand.” 

While gifts like these are out of reach for most, they highlight how push presents can range from small and sentimental to downright opulent.

Why push presents matter to some moms

For many moms, a push present is more than just a gift. It’s an acknowledgment of the incredible transformation pregnancy and childbirth bring. It’s a tangible “thank you” for months of hard work (and let’s be real, the sleepless nights to come).

Push presents can make a new mom feel seen and appreciated in a way that’s unique to her experience. They can also serve as lasting reminders of the monumental milestone of welcoming a child into the world.

Related: The best gifts to support and celebrate new moms this holiday season

Why others say “thanks, but no thanks”

On the flip side, some moms find the concept unnecessary or even a little over the top. Many feel that simply having their baby in their arms is the ultimate gift and that additional presents aren’t needed.

Others feel that the pressure to give or receive a push present detracts from the joy of simply welcoming a new life into the world. For some, it can even feel like one more item to stress about during an already overwhelming time.

Is a push present right for you?

Whether you’re team “push present” or not, the bottom line is that every family is different. If you’re considering giving (or asking for) a push present, here are a few tips:

• Focus on meaning over price: A handwritten letter or framed photo can be just as special as a luxury item.
• Discuss expectations: Not everyone knows about push presents, so if it’s important to you, share your feelings with your partner.
• Don’t feel pressured: The birth of a baby is already a huge milestone. A push present is just icing on the cake, not the cake itself.

At the end of the day, whether or not to give or receive a push present is a deeply personal choice—and one that doesn’t define your worth as a mom. Because let’s be honest: the true gift is the tiny human who makes all the hard work worth it.

What do you think about push presents? Share your thoughts with us!