An Intended Parent’s Comprehensive Gift Guide to Surrogacy

Embarking on the journey of parenthood is exciting no matter what your circumstances are, but for those seeking alternative family planning methods like surrogacy and egg donation, there is a whole extra layer of excitement to consider – and that is your Surrogate! Unlike with traditional family creation methods, there are often three people directly involved in a pregnancy journey – the Intended Parents and their Surrogate. 

It’s natural for Intended Parents to want to reach out to their Surrogate in more personal ways, and a common (and often welcomed) way to do so is through gift-giving (although it is by no means required). But what kind of gifts are most appropriate, or most welcomed? We put together a brief outline of ideas to help you decide which gifts are right for your Surrogate. 

During the pregnancy itself, gifts that skew towards pampering and self-care will likely be welcomed – in this regard, surrogacy is like any other pregnancy and your Surrogate will have the same needs as any pregnant person. And as always, getting to know your Surrogate will be a huge help when deciding what type of gift would be best for her. And having an Agency like Simple Surrogacy, who will also pamper your surrogate, cna help her feel well-card for and appreciated!

During her pregnancy, gift her: 

1. A visit to the nail salon. As a pregnancy advances, DIY pedicures become downright impossible as that baby bump grows, and with everything else she is managing your Surrogate may not be thinking of treating herself. That’s where you come in!
2. A pregnancy massage. There are massages specifically geared towards alleviating the stress pregnancy puts on the human body, and gifting one to your Surrogate can be a real booster for her spirit (and her body, of course). 
3. Unscented candles and lotions. (Note: They can be scented if you know your Surrogate’s preferences, but generally speaking it’s best to default to unscented if you aren’t sure.) 
4. Comfy maternity clothes. While this one skews more practical, there is nothing that says “comfort” quite like soft, cuddly clothing while your Surrogate undergoes her pregnancy. 
5. Books, an e-reader, or a gift card for her favorite streaming service. First, you’ll have to find out her preferred form of entertainment – but it’s very hard to go wrong with this option. As your Surrogate’s pregnancy progresses, new sources of entertainment will likely be more and more welcomed as she will be spending more and more time needing to rest. 
6. Polaroids of the nursery in your home. It can be very comforting for a Surrogate to feel connected to you during her pregnancy, and sharing images of the “finish line” (so to speak) can do a lot to firm up that connection. A few pictures of the environment that the baby will find itself in once born make for a lovely “thinking of you”, especially with a nice message written across the back.  
7. An assortment of her favorite pregnancy snacks. Pop culture makes no secret about pregnancy cravings, and your Surrogate will have an assortment of her own. Find out what they are, and then send her some goodies from time to time. It’s the little things, after all. 
8. A pregnancy journal. Pregnancies are wonderful, but they can also be exhausting. A pregnancy journal is a nice way to let your Surrogate know you are thinking of her and can serve as a fond symbol of your unique bond each time she uses it. 

All of the above can be combined into a single gift, such as a gift basket, but it might also be nice to spread the gifts out throughout the pregnancy. 

Similarly, you may want to prepare a post-birth gift for your Surrogate. Once your child is born, your focus may shift from comfort and TLC to a more direct feeling: gratitude. The gift you give to your Surrogate will likely reflect that. 

After her pregnancy, gift her: 

• Flowers. Barring any allergies on her part, having flowers waiting after a medical procedure is a great way to brighten your Surrogate’s day. Three dozen roses, anyone? 

• Something handmade. If you’re crafty, it can be handmade by you – but if not, there are many sellers of unique and handmade items tailored to Surrogates on platforms like Etsy. 

• Jewelry. If that’s her style, of course. As we know, not everyone likes jewelry – and those that do enjoy it tend to have their own style. Pay attention to the little touches during your surrogacy journey and take notes! When in doubt, a small piece featuring the baby’s birthstone is a nice touch. 
• A gift card. Is it boring, or just practical? After nine+ months in each other’s lives, you’ll know better than us where your Surrogate may appreciate a giftcard from. 
• A spa day. Carrying a child and giving birth is no joke, and a day of pure pampering is a surefire way to express your appreciation for the gift you are being given – a growing family of your very own. 

When all is said and done, the gift(s) you give to your Surrogate are going to be the most poignant when they come from the heart. Talk to your Surrogate and get to know her, and it’ll be hard to go wrong. Keep in mind that the point isn’t excess or being flashy, but is instead to paint a picture for your Surrogate of your gratitude and appreciation for the deeply personal and unique gift she is giving you – your new child. 

If you have any questions about surrogacy or egg donation or are otherwise interested in learning more about alternative family planning, please get in touch with us today. The team of experienced professionals at Simple Surrogacy are ready and waiting to help you start your journey as soon as you are ready.