I had the pleasure this week by co-hosting an Instagram Live with Jacqueline Baird of Motherhood Intended. She hosts an amazing podcast and is also an Intended Mama-to-be through surrogacy.

With Black Friday deals around the corner (how is that even that time?), I am sharing some of the ideas I shared with Jacqueline and our IG communities on holiday gifts for your surrogate and her family.

While I am sharing these ideas, I also want to acknowledge that surrogacy is an expensive endeavor, and gifts are at your discretion. If gifts are not an option, a handwritten note expressing your gratitude is an amazing gesture to let your surrogate know how much you appreciate them ❤️

For Your Surrogate:

Restaurant Gift Cards 🍽️

What’s nice about a restaurant, is that the gift also then becomes useable for her entire family. I recommend a personalized touch by finding out what restaurants she likes to eat at. 

Actually.. Just Gift Cards in General 🎁

Personally, I am always hesitant to give a gift card because it doesn’t feel as personal but the truth is, how much do we all love receiving one so we can buy EXACTLY what we want? During both of my personal surrogacy journeys, I had upfront conversations with my surrogates on their gift giving preferences early in the journeys and they were both unanimous on preferring gift cards over anything. (Isn’t transparency amazing?)

Pamper! Massages, Manicure, Pedicure 💆‍♀️

My pro tip here is to find out the exact places they like a massage or mani/pedi and to take it a step further and coordinate with your surrogate’s husband (if applicable) so you can coordinate childcare and schedule it. How often do we receive gift cards related to self-care but then don’t book them? 

Observe Their Interests 👀

When your surrogate came in for the medical clearance or embryo transfer, did she wear a certain style of clothing or jewelry? I’d also poke around on their social media (if they have one) and get a sense of what their style seems to gravitate towards.  You can always get a significant other involved here to find out clothing size, jewelry preferences (silver or gold) and favorite stores. When all else fails, you can never go wrong with a cozy robe or slippers.

Gifts Specific to a Surrogacy Journey 🤰

There are some beautiful personalized gift options that are specific to surrogacy like this ornament or this fun sweatshirt - both from Etsy. I also love this surrogacy-specific self-care gift set .

For Your Surrogate's Family:

Board Games 🃏

Listed below are several board games that would be great gifts for the surrogate’s children. I love a good board game because it can be cost effective (one gift for all the children to enjoy) and it brings the entire family together. 

Here are some of my favorite board games (all linked!) for the littles that the whole family can enjoy playing. 

• Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

• Charades for Kids

• Acorn Soup

• Anything by Peaceable Kingdom- every product is TOO GOOD! 

• Candyland 

Puzzles 🧩

Such a great way to bring the family together. They are especially popular right now in my family. I recommend following age guidelines to determine # of puzzle pieces that is most appropriate. 

Arts & Crafts 🧑‍🎨

You also cannot go wrong with arts and crafts. Here are some of my favorite arts and crafts activities

• Scratch Art Set:

• Jewelry Making Kit

Montessori Inspired 💡

If you have a larger budget, I highly recommend checking out KiwiCo’s website. They break down gifts by age and have really wonderful Montessori inspired toys that are so much fun. I am also a huge fan of Lovevery - you could get a box that would be representative of each of her child’s age. 

As a surrogacy concierge, I find so much joy in curating gifts for surrogates on behalf of the Intended Parents that are special and meaningful. If you want to run any ideas for your surrogate and her family passed me for feedback, please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]