Christmas gift guide: Presents for mums and mums-to-be

There's no better time of year to pamper mothers than Christmas, when the frenzy of present-buying for the family, preparing the house for guests and cooking a feast adds even more chaos to their already jam-packed lives.

We've selected 10 of the most covetable presents for mums and mums-to-be, which will suit women expecting their first child as well as those already ruling over a roost of rowdy teens.

From a personalised keepsake pendant that features a loving message written in a beloved child's handwriting, to the most fashionable nursing shawl we've ever seen, these thoughtful presents will delight mums long beyond Christmas day.

Christmas gifts for mums and mums-to-be

Nursing shawl in grey, £42, from <a href="http://www.seraphine.com/nursing-shawl-grey-one-size.html" target="_blank">Seraphine.</a> Breastfeeding fashionably - in the winter months, no less - may sound like an oxymoron, but this lovely nursing shawl from Seraphine does the trick and keeps things inconspicuous. A soft bamboo and viscose blend, it can be worn as a poncho, scarf, wrap, cape or even used as a swaddling blanket for little ones. Plus, it's so chic, mums will want to wear it long after their nursing days are over.
Trailing Floral laptop sleeve, £28, from <a href="http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cath Kidston.</a> Whether she's a work-from-home mum, a go-to-the-office mum or a stay-at-home mum, she always seems to be on the go. This pretty floral laptop sleeve will get her where she needs to be in style, and the wipe-clean fabric means she won't need to worry about sippy-cup spills or smeared snacks getting on one of her prized possessions.
Nigellissima by Nigella Lawson, £20, from <a href="http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/" target="_blank">Waterstones.</a> There's no better time to carbo-load without guilt than in the early weeks and months post-baby, when new mums need as much energy as they can get. Nigella's simple, easy recipes are always a delight, but remember: A run-off-her-feet, sleep-deprived mother will especially appreciate having one of these tasty dishes made for her one evening.
Mama Bee Belly Butter, £13.99, from <a href="http://www.burtsbees.co.uk/" target="_blank">Burt's Bees. </a> A little pampering never goes amiss, and Burt's Bees' gorgeous-smelling Mama Bee range (which consists of body oil, leg and foot cream and belly butter) is an all-natural choice for the mum-to-be to keep stretch marks at bay, relieve tired calves and feet and keep that baby bump feeling soft and smooth.
Ava pendant, from £55, from <a href="http://www.monicavinader.com/" target="_blank">Monica Vinader.</a> Monica Vinader's stylish baubles are perfect for adding a little sparkle to any occasion, but the personalised pendants are truly one-of-a-kind. Surprise mum with an engraved 'I love you mummy' design - made extra-personal when written in her darling child's hand - available in sterling silver or 18-carat gold plated vermeil. Something to treasure for years to come.
10 of the best gifts for mums and mums-to-be
 Build A Bag personalised satin sleep mask, £12 (made to order with a description of up to 10 words long), from <a href="http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/buildabag/product/personalised-satin-sleep-mask" target="_blank">Not on the High Street.</a> Sleep is no longer what it used to be for expecting and new mums: desperately sought-after, when it does come, it's often interrupted or mothers find themselves three in a bed. Make dreams a little sweeter with these adorable personalised eye masks made from duchesse satin, which you can design with a loving nickname or witty phrase.
Michael Michael Kors Black Large Kempton North South Tote, £110, from <a href="http://www.my-wardrobe.com/michael-michael-kors/large-kempton-north-south-black-nylon-tote-850449" target="_blank">My Wardrobe.</a> A well-designed, goes-with-everything tote from a top label is a great gift at any stage of motherhood, whether someone is expecting, grappling with a toddler, looking after teenagers or empty-nesting. We love this stylish nylon shoulder bag by Michael Michael Kors because it's as spacious as a nappy bag (but looks a million times better), has plenty of inside compartments and it's also useful for toting around gym kit, work papers... and the odd copy of The Gruffalo.
Lime, Basil & Mandarin Bath Oil, £38, from <a href="http://www.jomalone.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jo Malone</a>.   Nothing says indulgence like Jo Malone's gorgeous-smelling bath and body products. This revitalising citrus bath oil is the perfect treat for mum - just be sure to let the kids know there is a Do Not Disturb policy during one of her few moments of solitude.
Nest 7 Plus, £20, from <a href="http://www.josephjoseph.com/preparation-bowls/nest-plus-7" target="_blank">Joesph Joseph.</a> This space-saving organisational dream-come-true from Joseph Joseph consists of seven mixing bowls and measuring cups. They'll help make cooking and baking a breeze, and the brightly coloured pieces and funky design are sure to get the little ones interested in food preparation, too.
Kate Spade New York Make Headlines Tidbit Plates, £50 for set of four, from <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/231585927/Product.aspx" target="_blank">John Lewis</a>.  Let her be the hostess with the mostess with these charming fashion motif plates from Kate Spade. Since nights out are no longer as easy to come by, they're sure to make entertaining from home that much more interesting.