It's that wonderful time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate each other and often offer thoughtful gifts as a token of appreciation. For intended parents and surrogates journeying towards baby's big arrival, a little something to commemorate the experience may be just what you're looking for.

Your gift options may be limitless, but we put together a few suggestions for some thoughtful gifts to give either your IP or surrogate in honor of the experience.

Gifts for Surrogates

A classic option for any surrogate is a gift certificate for a spa day or full body massage. All that hard work she's doing deserves a little self-care pampering.

If you don't know any good spas in the surrogate's area, consider putting together a pampering gift basket/kit. Based on what you know about your surrogate, you could include some of her favorite treats, lotions, facial masks, puzzle books, or other items that she enjoys and can use for some self-care.

If you are looking for something simple and practical with a bit of flare, CafǸ Press has a great selection of gifts for your surrogate:

A travel mug for the surrogate on the go is a great gift idea to hold her herbal teas or fresh juice concoctions. This message is simple yet sincere. 

A standard mug is another great gift idea for your surrogate. There are a variety of styles to choose from at CafǸ Press, or you could design your own message and visual on Snapfish.

CafǸ Press also offers a variety of shirts that are perfect for surrogates. One of our favorites include messaging like: "Surrogacy A Gift From the Heart."

Bumper stickers for surrogates are another great gift idea. Some of the messages are strong and sincere, while others have a hint of humor while paying tribute to the journey of a lifetime.

Gifts for IPs

If your IPs celebrate Christmas, a sweet holiday gift idea is a personalized ornament. Ornaments for expecting parents are available on a variety of site?or you could create your own.

This sonogram ornament is a great idea to gift to IPs, especially those who live far away or haven't been able to participate in any of the sonograms.

Silver Sonogram Baby Keychain (available on Etsy)

Another gift idea for IPs is a gift for the baby. If you have a certain item that you considered critical to raising your own child/children, you may want to gift one to your IPs. Examples might include certain teethers, baby lotions, a night light, or a sound machine. The personal connection will likely go a long way and be greatly appreciated.

New parents are usually good at documenting every detail of the baby's earliest days. A baby book can make a great gift at the holidays.

Pretty Much Anything You Give Will be Great

Here's the bottom line: No matter how you choose to honor your surrogate or IPs, it will be great because it comes from you. Don't overthink it, and try to choose something sincerely, whether serious or silly or somewhere in between.

Happy Holidays, and best wishes along your journey!