A good three or four year’s worth of diapers, free medical care, no germs to ever touch her child, sleeping through the night during the first week after giving birth… There is probably a list a mile long of things that a new mother would love to have.

But this week, while I was harried and going nuts between work, school and some family matters, a dear friend remarked, “You need a mommy day.” She then proceeded to offer me one herself, which I nearly cried upon hearing.

Yes! Every mother—new or otherwise—needs mommy days, or what I call “Me Time,” time to just be alone, to not have to worry, to know that your child is in good hands while you rest, watch television, get a massage, have a date with yourself at a restaurant or the movies—whatever. New mothers, no matter how mother hen-like, soon realize that being with their baby twenty-four hours each day, seven days a week, quickly becomes tiresome—and actually begins to make you stir crazy.

You might think that wanting this “Me Time” makes you a bad mother. I did at first, too. But you know what it really does? It makes you a better mother. Once you’ve had a little break, coming back to read Goodnight Moon or to play with that same puzzle the thousandth time doesn’t seem so bad. You’re able to fully be present once again rather than resenting the time you have with your children. No one questions your motherhood when you want a “Mommy Day”!

So the best present to get a new mother? Mommy Day coupons! You can make them yourself—handmade, printed, whatever. They will be a unique gift that will be far appreciated over the mountain of rattles, diapers and dresses the mom and her baby will likely receive. The mother may even look at you strangely upon being given the envelope—at this stage, she’s likely very protective, declining early offers for babysitting.

But within months—maybe even weeks!—you’ll get that call. It’s going to sound tired, maybe even incoherent. “’Member that coupon book you made me? I was wondering…” And you can smile, knowing that you saved both your budget and her sanity. You can assure her that you will be the best babysitter ever, free of charge, while she takes a nap—or even a shower!—already, allowing her that much-needed peace of mind as well as a break.