Welcoming a new baby is a big deal. Between baby name debates, sleepless nights, and figuring out how that car seat actually works (spoiler: no one knows), it’s a huge life shift. And yet, in so many companies, that moment is marked with… a card. Maybe a bunch of flowers. And only if someone remembered. Maternity gifts for employees are a chance to do better, not just to say “congrats,” but to say, we see you, we support you, and you matter here.
In this blog, we’re breaking down why maternity gifts for employees are more than just a nice touch – and how to get them right. Whether you’re in HR, people ops, or just trying to build a more human workplace, consider this your guide to doing maternity gifts for employees the modern (and meaningful) way.
Should employers give a maternity gift when someone announces pregnancy?
When someone shares they’re expecting, it’s a huge milestone – one that often comes with a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of change on the horizon. While it may not directly relate to the day-to-day of work, how an employer responds in that moment can say a lot about the company’s culture.
A small, thoughtful gift isn’t expected, but it can go a long way in showing support and care from the start. It sends a simple but powerful message: we appreciate you and share in your excitement. Not just an employee, but as a person.
Some meaningful early gifting ideas might include:
- A wellbeing treat – calming teas, bath salts, or a cosy pair of socks for some at-home comfort.
- A personalised touch – a notebook or keepsake with their name, or a message acknowledging the journey ahead.
- A mini snack box – because who doesn’t love a surprise pick-me-up?
- A heartfelt note – sometimes, it’s the words that matter most.
Recognising the moment in a small but personal way helps build trust, and shows your workplace is one that supports its people through every stage of life – not just the professional ones.
When is the right time to send a maternity gift to a colleague?
There’s no single “perfect” time to send a maternity gift. It really depends on the relationship, your workplace culture, and the kind of message you want to send. Some employers and teams choose to gift at the announcement, others wait until closer to the employee’s last working day, and some opt to send something after the baby arrives.
Each timing has its own meaning:
- At the announcement – shows early support and excitement, helping the employee feel seen from the start of their journey.
- Before maternity leave begins – marks the transition with care, offering a thoughtful send-off and a reminder that they’ll be missed and supported while away.
- After the baby is born – a chance to say congratulations and celebrate the new arrival, often with gifts that include baby-friendly items or keepsakes.
There’s no rule that says you can only choose one. In fact, a small gesture at the start and a more personal gift later on can feel especially thoughtful. The key is timing it in a way that feels genuine and human, rather than ticking a box.
What’s the difference between maternity and new baby gifts in the workplace?
It’s a common question – should maternity gifts for employees focus on the parent or the baby? And the answer is: ideally, both! In a workplace context, it’s important to remember that the gift is being sent to a team member, not a newborn – so putting the parent at the heart of the gesture is key.
Maternity gifts are designed to support the person going through the transition into parenthood. It’s a time of big changes, both emotionally and physically, and a well-chosen gift can help them feel acknowledged, supported, and cared for beyond their role at work That said, including a small nod to the baby can also bring a lovely personal touch – it shows that you’re celebrating the full picture.
Our maternity gifts are thoughtfully curated with this in mind. We include:
- Self-care treats for the parent – think calming teas, cosy socks, nourishing skincare, and wellbeing boosters designed for rest and recovery.
- Small, sweet extras for the baby – like a soft toy or a gentle keepsake to mark the moment.
The real value is in showing that your company recognises the whole person – not just the job title. A gift that balances care for the parent with a little something for the baby shows empathy, understanding, and a culture that values life beyond the to-do list.
What are the best maternity gifts for employees going on leave?
When an employee is about to head off on maternity leave, it’s a great opportunity to send a meaningful gift that marks the moment and shows your support. The best maternity gifts strike a balance between thoughtful and practical — they don’t need to be extravagant, but they should feel personal and considered.
Think about what your employee might really appreciate as they prepare for time away from work, a mix of relaxation, reassurance, and maybe a little indulgence too.
Some top maternity gift ideas for employees going on leave include:
- Wellbeing and self-care essentials – items like calming teas, sleep masks, bath soaks, or a mindfulness journal can help promote rest and relaxation before the baby arrives.
- Comfort-focused gifts – think cosy blankets, socks, a soft robe, or snacks for those late-night cravings and quiet moments.
- A personalised touch – such as a notebook with their initials, a handwritten message from the team, or a keepsake that acknowledges their journey.
- Something baby-friendly – a small item like a plush toy, baby milestone cards, or soft babywear can add a sweet, thoughtful extra without shifting the focus entirely away from the parent.
Our Beginning maternity gift box is curated with exactly this balance in mind. It includes everything from soothing shower steamers and a heated eye mask, to premium muslins from Mamas & Papas and luxury minis from Molton Brown – plus sweet treats, calming room spray, and a candlelight moment to help them slow down. There’s even a £1 donation to Mind with every box, so your gift can support mental wellbeing in more ways than one.
It’s designed to help your team member step into this next chapter feeling cared for, supported, and remembered – not just as a colleague, but as a whole person.
What should be included in a maternity gift box for staff?
A great maternity gift is a care package that tells someone, we’ve thought about what you might really need right now. Whether you’re sending one on behalf of HR, a line manager, or the wider team, the contents should reflect warmth, wellbeing, and genuine support.
Here’s what to consider including in a maternity gift box for staff:
- Self-care essentials – Items that promote rest and relaxation are always appreciated. Think herbal teas, bath salts, body oils, or a soothing eye mask – things that encourage moments of calm before (and after) the baby arrives.
- Comfort-led goodies – Snacks, hot chocolate, cosy socks, or a soft blanket help create a little haven for downtime at home.
- Personal touches – A notebook, a handwritten note, or an item personalised with their name or initials can turn a simple gift into something memorable.
- A nod to the baby – While the focus should be on the employee, including a small, sweet gesture for the baby – like baby booties or a soft toy – adds a lovely finishing touch.
At WellBox, we design maternity gift boxes that balance all of the above – thoughtful, personalised, and practical, with options to align with your brand values and budget. It’s about giving your team members something that feels just for them, at a time when it really counts.
7. Can maternity gifts be part of an inclusive workplace strategy?
Yes – and they should be. Maternity gifting might seem like a small gesture on the surface, but when done thoughtfully, it plays a meaningful role in building a more inclusive and people-centred workplace culture.
Inclusion is about the lived experience of employees. When someone is navigating a major life change like becoming a parent, the way a company shows up during that time matters. A well-timed, considered maternity gift tells an employee: we see the whole you — not just the professional version of you.
Here’s how maternity gifting supports inclusion and representation:
- It acknowledges different life stages – showing that the company values employees through big personal milestones, not just career achievements.
- It helps combat isolation – especially for those going on leave from hybrid or remote roles, where connection can feel harder to maintain.
- It supports equity – ensuring all parents feel recognised and supported, regardless of role, seniority, or working pattern.
- It strengthens a culture of care – where wellbeing and belonging are more than just buzzwords.
At WellBox, we work with HR and People teams to create maternity gifting options that are not only meaningful, but also aligned with your wider values and DEI goals. It’s a small step that makes a big statement about the kind of workplace you’re building.
What are some affordable maternity gift ideas for small businesses?
You don’t need a huge budget to make someone feel seen, valued, and supported. For small businesses, maternity gifting can feel like a stretch – but the good news is, it’s thoughtfulness, not price tag, that makes the biggest impact.
Affordable maternity gifts can still be meaningful, personal, and genuinely appreciated. It’s all about choosing items that show care and attention, rather than opting for something generic or impersonal.
Here are a few cost-effective maternity gift ideas that work beautifully:
- Mini self-care kits – a calming tea blend, a bath bomb, and a handwritten note can create a lovely moment of calm.
- Wellbeing treats – healthy snacks, a reusable water bottle, or a sleep mask for pre-baby rest and recovery.
- Personalised items – even a notebook with their name or a simple keepsake with a thoughtful message can go a long way.
- Group messages or memory books – if the whole team wants to get involved, collect notes, well-wishes, or memories to create something special (and budget-friendly).
At WellBox, we offer flexible maternity gifting options to suit a range of budgets – including smaller, curated boxes that don’t compromise on quality or care. Small businesses can still make a big impression, simply by showing they’ve put thought into the moment.
Wrapping it up: Maternity gifting that goes beyond the gesture
Maternity gifts are a simple but powerful way to show care, strengthen relationships, and create a culture where people feel genuinely valued. Whether it’s a small token at the announcement stage, a curated gift box before leave, or a thoughtful surprise post-baby, the right gift can leave a lasting impression.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach – and the right gifting partner – maternity gifting can be easy, meaningful, and fully aligned with your values, your team culture, and your budget.
At WellBox, we help companies create personalised maternity gifts that support wellbeing, spark connection, and make people feel seen. Whether you’re a small business or a large HR team, we’re here to make it effortless – and impactful.
