Great Mother’s Day Gifts

October 24, 2017

We’re willing to bet that your mom is one of the most important ladies in your life. We’re also willing to bet that’s part of what makes it so hard to find just the right thing for her when her special day comes around. You want to find something she’ll use all the time, but it can’t be strictly utilitarian—you want to find something with a sentimental spin, too. But overthinking it is only going to make the whole process harder… and before you know it, it’ll be the day before Mother’s Day and you’ll still be empty-handed (now that’s stressful!). Instead, think about what makes your mom happy (besides you, of course!). Does she like to garden? Or maybe she’d rather spend her afternoon reading in a cozy nook? Anything that brings her a bit of inner peace in an always-on world is likely to win her over. And lucky for you, our editors have cherry-picked more than 50 unique items that fall into a wide variety of interests.

Some are just right for gardeners or readers, others are just right for those techies out there, and even more are simply sweet and could suit just about anyone. Our recommendation? Check this list twice, put your favorites in your shopping cart, wait for the gifts to show up on your doorstep, wrap them in a pretty bow, and watch as mom opens with awe. Consider this to be the easiest and most successful Mother’s Day yet. (You can thank us later.)

Little Library Shelf

If Mom loves to read but is picky about her choice of books, opt for something to make her favorite reading nook a little more comfortable. This attractive iron and cedar wood shelving system will keep all of her favorite titles on display and within easy reach.

Perennial Water Bottle

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to feel like such a task. This stainless steel water bottle not only keeps her beverage cold or hot for up to 12 hours, but it also looks pretty enough to go everywhere with her. Available in two designs: vintage floral and lily.

5th Avenue

What's the easiest way to make her Mother's Day gift extra special this year? Give her this necklace—it's like three necklaces all wrapped up in one pretty package. The double-stranded bauble comes apart, so she can wear the crystal and the pendant together or she can wear each strand alone.

The Happiness Planner

Mom spends so much time thinking about everyone else. This year, give her something that puts the focus back on her. This notebook serves as a planner, but also includes daily and weekly exercises to help her set goals, practice gratitude, and focus on the positive. The book comes with a rose gold pen and an assortment of paper clips, too.

Ice Mold/Wine Bottle Chiller

This clever mold will give her yet another reason to love her glass of pinot grigio. Fill the mold with water and flowers, citrus slices, or herbs to create a gorgeous frozen beverage chiller. We’re willing to bet all the women at her next book club meeting will be coveting this unique centerpiece.

Laurel Clutch

You know just how awesome she is. Remind her that, despite all these years, she’s still the coolest woman you know. This zippered bag is perfect for corralling tiny bits and baubles—coins, jewelry, makeup—within a large bag, but it also works as a standalone clutch.

Blah Blah Blah Cocktail Glass

Whether venting about a relationship issue or gushing about a recent accomplishment, she’s spent years listening to you. This comical 12-ounce glass lets Mom know that it’s okay to tune you out every once in a while. Unfortunately, her drink of choice is sold separately (though it’d make for a nice companion gift!).

Lily Scallop Faux Leather Tote

She may love her standby black leather bag, but spring provides a great excuse to swap in something a little more playful. This large tote is just as practical and won’t take her too far out of her comfort zone. Available in two colors: black and blue stone.

Hamilton: The Revolution, by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jeremy McCarter

Okay, so tickets to the smash Broadway show were a little out of your price range this year. Fuel her obsession with this nearly 300-page book. Inside she’ll find the full text of the play, complete with footnotes by Miranda, high-resolution photos from live productions, and exclusive notes and emails with both the cast and high profile guests.

Thank You Mom Book

Sure, you’ve thanked her for all that she’s done… but how can you possibly express enough gratitude? This pretty book pairs an inspirational quote with a statement of gratitude, giving Mom 64 reasons why you’re grateful for her. A pretty floral cover solidifies its spot on her coffee table or desk.

Tulip Magnolia Branches

You’ve given her countless flower arrangements, so why not try something a little different this year? These tulip magnolia branches from the Pacific Coast blossom with pink and white flowers. Pair the stems with a large glass vase to help her create a striking display for her kitchen table or entryway.

L’Occitane Beautiful Hands Hand Cream Trio

Rather than splurge on one item for her beauty routine, try this trio of enriching hand creams. She can keep one at home, one in the office, and one in her purse. In three beautiful—but not overpowering—scents (cherry blossom, shea butter, and almond), these paraben- and sulfate-free formulas work to lightly soften hands.

Large Lacquer Box

For the woman who has too many baubles to count (we’re not saying that’s a bad thing!), opt for a pretty box to store all those jewels. This particular one is painted with a bright blue tropical scene, and then lacquered for a bit of shine. Inside, there’s a message we’re sure she’ll agree with: Too much is never enough! Also available with a green and pink print.

Wishful Thinking Jewelry Hook

If mom has always been a good luck charm of sorts, consider this uniquely practical find. A porcelain wishbone, finished in lustrous gold, doubles as a coat or purse hook, but also looks great as the focal point of a gallery wall.

Sundae Best Taster

If you can’t be home to cook something special for mom on her big day, give her the next best thing: a fully stocked sundae kit. She’ll receive salted caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, drunken money banana rum jam, peanut brittle squares, espresso cookies, and cocktail cherries—basically everything she needs to create the ultimate ice cream treat.

Mom Fuel Wine Glass

You’ve always wondered how she does so much. Yes, she’s a total rock star, but every mom needs to put her feet up every once in a while. Give her a gift that will help her refuel at the end of those very long days.

OMG Mom Tea Towel

It’s her day, so go ahead and give Mom a little ego boost by validating all that wise advice she’s given you over the years. This graphic tea towel is black and white, so it will match her kitchen, no matter the color scheme.

Le Petit Dej’ Breakfast Tray

The easiest way to make her Mother’s Day breakfast in bed extra-special? Serve those eggs and pancakes on the real present—an artful bright yellow acrylic tray. This pretty piece features a built-in bud vase, so you can go add her favorite fresh bloom into the mix.

Anemone Custom Journal

Whether it houses her to-do list or notes from all those meetings, this hard cover notebook will provide a sweet and subtle nod to one of her favorite flowers. The book, which is filled with your choice of eight different high-quality papers: blank, lined, graph, dot, and four calendar variations. Add her name in your choice of more than a dozen fonts.

Hanging Tillansia Grow Kit

Help the woman who loves to garden bring some of that pretty greenery indoors. This giftable kit comes with everything she needs—a hanging terrarium, mossy accents, decorative rocks, a coupon for a free air plant, and care instructions—to create and care for her own hanging garden.