What is a Push Present?
The months of pregnancy had flown by in excited anticipation for Olivia and her husband Noah. On a quiet Tuesday morning, amidst contractions and words of encouragement from her midwife, Olivia gave one final push. The sounds of a healthy baby crying suddenly filled the room.
As Olivia held her newborn son for the first time, tears of joy streamed down her face. Noah leaned in, overcome with pride for his incredible wife. “I know it’s early...” he whispered, “but I wanted you to have something special.” He revealed a tiny box holding a gold necklace with three birthstones—one for each member of their new family.
Olivia clasped her hands to her face in surprise. She hadn’t been expecting a gift like this so soon after delivery. But the sentiment behind this “push present” touched her deeply. The phrase "push present" refers to a gift presented to mothers following childbirth, so what is a push present exactly? For Olivia, it was a meaningful symbol of their baby’s arrival and her triumph through an intense labor of love.
Stories like Olivia’s have popularized push presents—gifts presented to mothers following childbirth. While extravagant diamonds from Jay Z to Beyonce may grab headlines, most push presents are heartfelt gestures of appreciation. As we explore the origins and evolving tradition of push presents, remember they need not be over-the-top. The most precious gifts celebrate new life and honor a mother’s journey.
We’ve interviewed a variety of mothers for their push present stories, ideas, and perspectives. Let’s dive in!
What is a Push Present?
A push present, or a 'baby bauble,' is a gift given to a mother after labor, usually while still in the hospital. It's a way to celebrate the hard work and emotional and physical effort that went into delivering bubs, especially during the "pushing" stage. Typically, it's the spouse or partner who gives the gift, but couples sometimes also exchange gifts as a way of appreciating each other. And let's be clear: mothers who have c-sections absolutely deserve push gifts too.
Where Did Push Presents Originate?
Push presents date back hundreds of years to India. The roots of this tradition lie in a ceremonial event known as Godh Bharai, much like the baby showers we know today. During the ceremony, the family celebrates and blesses the mother-to-be and presents gifts, such as lavish food, jewelry, and family heirlooms. In addition to being showered with push presents, the mother is offered the invaluable gift of rest and a break from errands and chores.
While the tradition of push presents has ancient roots, the practice has gained significant popularity and attention in recent decades, particularly in the 20th century. This resurgence can be attributed, in part, to the influence of celebrity culture and the prevalence of social media.
Push Presents in the 20th Century
The concept of push presents has become more mainstream in modern times thanks in large part to the spotlight cast by celebrity pregnancies and births. High-profile cases, such as Jennifer Lopez receiving a pair of 2.5 million-dollar earrings or Kim Kardashian's million-dollar choker necklace from their respective partners are part of what brought push presents to the public consciousness.
While extravagant celeb gifts might be over-the-top, they definitely contributed to the normalization and acceptance of push presents. As a result, the practice of giving a special gift to honor a mother's pregnancy and childbirth journey has become more widespread across cultures and differing socioeconomic backgrounds.
In the age of social media, the sharing and celebration of push present stories and experiences further fuel the trend. Today, push present jewelry, in particular, is a popular choice, since it's a lasting and sentimental reminder of the bond between momma and her new baby.
Thoughtful Push Present Ideas For Every Budget
While celebrity push present stories might feature multi-million dollar jewelry, the reality is push gifts can be special at any price point. The real meaning is in celebrating the journey of pregnancy and childbirth with a token of appreciation.
If you're feeling intimidated by the extravagance, don't worry, we've got you. A push present can be anything the new mom will genuinely love and find meaningful. And of course, choose an option that aligns with your budget.
Here's some creative push gift ideas across different categories to spark inspiration:
Jewelry:
- Necklace or bracelet with the baby's birthstone(s)
- Customized nameplate necklace with baby's name/birthdate
- Locket with space for baby's first photo
- "Pushing" themed jewelry (opal or diamond studs, etc.)
Wellness & Relaxation:
- Massage package or spa day
- Plush robe and slippers for lounging
- Meditation course or mindfulness app subscription
- Birth affirmation cards or calming essential oil set
Home Comforts:
- Luxury sheet set for a cozy night's sleep
- Soft blanket or throw for nursing
- White noise machine for baby's nursery
- High-end coffee maker or milk frother
Experience Gifts:
- Future "Mom's Night Out" eventbrite credits
- Prenatal yoga, birthing or postnatal classes
- Professional house cleaning service
- "Babymoon" vacation or future travel voucher
Postpartum Helpers:
- Meal delivery service for easy healthy meals
- Nursing basket with snacks, water bottle, etc.
- Home photoshoot to capture newborn moments
- Subscription box of new mom/baby products
The options are endless! The best push presents are those tailored for comfort, nourishment, or calm during her intense postpartum period. Even small treats like cozy slippers or a birthstone keychain can make a new mom feel valued.
Push Presents - Empowering or Promoting Unhealthy Expectations?
While push presents are intended to honor a mother's journey, opinions differ on whether this tradition is empowering or promotes unhealthy expectations.
Anna, a new mother of twins, feels the practice leaned more toward the latter for her: “I ended up feeling disappointed when my husband showed up empty-handed after the births. Social media made me anticipate some kind of gift when it shouldn’t have been an obligation.”
Her husband, Miguel, wishes he had known giving a push present was something she wanted: “I didn’t know this was even a thing. Of course I’m thankful for everything Anna went through, but no one told me I was supposed to bring a present to the hospital.”
On the other hand, Danielle found push presents to be an empowering custom after an intense childbirth experience: “My partner surprised me with a necklace and that was really special. I earned it after 42 hours of labor!”
Elaine, Danielle's doula, frequently witnesses how push presents provide tangible recognition: “Childbirth is marathon-level physical exertion. Society doesn’t always value that. Having a gift marks that transition into motherhood.”
Ultimately push presents reveal complexity around gifting and gender norms. The experience can vary greatly for each family as expectations collide with realities. Open conversations help partners thoughtfully consider whether to embrace or opt out of this tradition. The mothers I speak with agree communication is key in figuring out what signifies appreciation for one another along the parenting journey.
Final Thoughts
Above all, the best push present is the one that feels just right for the person getting it. Some like fancy gifts – maybe designer stuff or custom-made art. Others find joy in simple things that match their interests. Choosing a push present is like picking a special way to say, "I appreciate you, and this is just for you."
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