Products to buy your pregnant BFF

“Oh look, another three-tier tower baby basket. Just what I’ve always wanted…”

Your BFF is pregnant, but that doesn’t mean she’s all about nappy rash cream and bubble baths from now on ‘til eternity. In fact, we’re guessing she’d absolutely love something for herself. And while buying her a round of drinks at your local hangout may be out of the question (for now), there are a number of ways to treat her. Gift your mumma-to-be BFF a mix of the things she’ll need, and indulge her non-baby side, too.

SKIN STRETCHING SOLUTIONS

She’s going to grow and she’s going to shrink, so many mummas will want to strengthen the skin around their tums to keep everything firm while their bodies go through change. Help her bounce back to her pre-bump self, sans the stretch marks and itchy skin:

GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter has been developed to maintain supple skin, elasticity and moisture, as well as decrease itchiness and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The rich and nourishing body lotion contains both pure cocoa and organic shea butters, organic rosehip and wheat germ oil, and is free from petrochemicals, mineral oil, lanolin, paraben, preservatives, vitamin A and artifical fragrances.

Vanessa Megan Mummy's Tummy Pregnancy Oil is a Certified Organic body oil specifically designed to keep skin elasticity at its peak during the months of pregnancy.

Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Oil will protect her tummy, boobs, hips and thighs against pregnancy stretch marks with omega-packed blended oils that aid in skin elasticity.

BEAUTY SLEEP

New mums and their newborns notoriously struggle on the sleep front, and when that time comes, she’ll adore you for helping her get some precious zzz’s.

We love This Works Deep Sleep Pillow and the Baby Sleep Pillow Spray which are infused with lavender, wild camomile and vetivert to help lull her and her baby into a peaceful sleep.

HAIR HERO

Her hormones are going to be all over the place during pregnancy, and that’s likely to wreak havoc on her hair (and self-confidence - nothing kicks a woman's insecurities like big, beautiful bouncy hair).

The botanically-based Aveda Thickening Tonic will work instantly to thicken hair strands from roots to ends, and features wheat protein and acacia gum to protect from heat damage, provide hold and add lightweight bulk. She’ll love the herbal aroma of vanilla, bergamot, sage and flower essences. A warning: this might be a hard present to let go of.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Thickening Shampoo is a multi-protein formula with omega-6 essential fatty acids ideal for thinning hair to improve the health of both hair and scalp. The calming cedarwood bark oil will help soothe any skin irritations, too.

GETTING THE GLOW

Now that’s she’s on her way to becoming a mumma, a trip to the day spa might not be high on her to-do list. But, like any good friend, you can always bring the spa to her place...

RACINNE Essentialift Supplement Serum harnesses strong antioxidant ingredients to nourish the skin and promote the natural regeneration of collagen. The serum contains grape callus extract, gingko leaves and other natural ingredients to penetrate the deepest core of skin cells for a smoother, firmer, glowing complexion.

If she suffers from dry, cracked or damaged skin, Timeless Truth Argan Oil & Shea Butter Restorative Mask will sort her out. Rich in antioxidants, argan oil and shea butter, this face mask will help heal irritated skin and will also help improve elasticity for a supple complexion.

The Live Native Botanic Earth Cacao Mud Mask combines antioxidant rich acai, nourishing raw cacao, acerola cherry and spirulina to nourish, repair and restore tired, stressed skin. The blend of minerals and active enzymes help to restore a healthy skin tone, and the sprinkling of 23k gold corrects and strengthens dermal integrity.

Made up of brazened honey, kaolin, lime juice, fennel and free range eggs, the Lush Brazened Honey is a detoxifying face mask which works to warm, refresh, detoxify and calm the skin.

FRESH TIPS

While you’re busy mud masking and catching up on prego-life, a coat of colour won’t go unappreciated. Lord knows how long it will be before she can enjoy salon-fresh nails once the little one arrives.

Revlon Classic Nail Enamel is a formaldehyde and toluene free polish with a patented, silk-silicone formula that delivers a layer of silk proteins to instantly even out the nail surface, and provide tough resistance against chipping and peeling.

The Body Shop Colour Crush polishes are vegan and free of harsh chemicals, so she’ll love them if she’s trying as hard as possible to avoid nasties.  

The formula is enriched with Community Fair Trade marula oil and delivers a quick-drying, glossy finish.

If she’s a stylish kinda mumma, the salon-grade essie coral will be her cup of tea. Each shade is formulated to deliver colour without DBP, formaldehyde or toluene and delivers punchy, thick, streak-free colour.

What was the best pregnancy gif you ever received, or what have you given you pregnant BFF that she loved?