Do you know someone who is expecting soon, or has recently given birth?

Consider a Push Present.

The popularity of the push present has soared recently. So what exactly is it?

Wikipedia defines “push present” as a gift a partner gives to the mother to mark the occasion of her giving birth to their child. In practice the present may be given before or after the birth, or even in the delivery room.

A recent survey of over 30,000 respondents by BabyCenter found that 38% of new mothers received a push present, and 55% of pregnant mothers wanted one, though fewer thought it was actually expected. About 40% of both groups said the baby itself was already a present and did not wish an additional reward.

It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the new mom.

Some ideas for push gifts include jewelry with the gemstone of the month the baby is due, a gold, silver or platinum disk with names, initials or birthstone. A delicate diamond pendant, pearl necklace or earrings.

The trend has generated a backlash, as some couples dislike the implicit materialism of push presents, and would prefer increased help in chores or baby care, or save the money for the child’s education. Anyway you decide to help the new mom, she deserves some extra love and attention.

According to etiquette expert Pamela Holland, there are no set guidelines for push presents. “The standard is that there is no standard,” she said. “It does make sense to have etiquette around wedding or baby shower gifts because you’re inviting other people into it. But this is far too intimate to have a rule.” In general it is the woman who lets her man know about push presents, not the other way around, although there can be peer pressure from friends to buy one on either the man or the woman.

Diamonds were the most popular gift in the form of an eternity ring, but also tablet computers, charm bracelets and designer watches and handbags were also popular gifts to celebrate a new arrival.