Gift cards are always a good idea.
A coworker gave us a set of L’Occitane body wash and lotion for the baby and it felt wonderfully indulgent, as it wasn’t something I would’ve thought to buy myself.

Uber Eats!

Alcohol now that she can drink again. Maybe a cute holiday outfit for the baby. Food is really the best.

Uber eats gift card, or other meal delivery options.

I disagree with the shampoo body wash poster. People are particular about what brands and scents they like, so don’t buy those unless you know exactly what your friend likes.

restaurant gift cards

whole foods or amazon gift cards

Cooked meals

meals cooked and delivered.
a 4hr block with my postpartum doula paid for by family (this was pre covid)
for baby - musical toys that i would not have thought of that immediately made him stop crying
noise canceling headphones
snug blanket to use while doing skin to skin with baby

A nice meal for mom (homemade soup, lasagna, quiche etc., and if you don't cook it is still really nice to pick up a prepared meal!), or some nice shampoo/ conditioner and body wash. I am so thankful for friends who brought meals! And I found showering to be the biggest luxury with a newborn, so having some nice items would feel really pampered. Also new jammies since you live in them, but sizing can be tough post partum. For baby, be sure to check the registry if she has one to ensure you aren't duplicating something she already received. There are so many options, but my favorite gift was a Podster for lounging (I liked it much better than the boppy lounger) and a "Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy."

Gift cards to Whole Foods, coffee, or Ubereats.

My close friend is expecting December 2020, and I wanted to get her and her newborn (gender unknown) something that she will actually enjoy and find useful. For moms who had received gifts in the first couple months for yourself and your baby, what did you most appreciate or find useful?