A mother-child relationship is a special one for both obvious and mysterious reasons. She’s been there through everything (and we mean everything)—but that also comes with its difficulties. Among them, finding the perfect gift for a person you know all too well. You’ve heard about all of her hobbies and you know what she already has, but you also know she has spot-on taste. She might be a bit choosy, but the truth is that she’s going to love anything you pick out for her. If you’re stumped, follow one simple rule: stick with the classics and make sure they offer something luxe or unexpected—from bottomless bags and chic mules to cookware, skincare, and much more.

To streamline the shopping process, even if you’ve waited up until the very last minute, we’ve pulled together this handcrafted, artisanal gift guide filled with delights big and small, as well as plenty of useful gifts for mom. These include gift sets that nod to her cravings and craft preferences, plus tech gadgets and bedding upgrades that keep her young and her linen closet well-stocked. Throw in a phone call, or an in-person visit with any of the following, and you’re looking at an all-timer contribution to the “gifts for mom” hall of fame.


The Best Gifts for Mom, at a Glance



Beauty

Slip

Silk Queen Pillowcase

If she loves nothing more than her beauty sleep, upgrade mom’s bedding with a luxurious addition—a silky smooth pillowcase that will keep her hair soft overnight too.

Joanna Czech

The Facial Massager

If she loves a massage, this facial massager is a game changer in her self care routine. Designed by famed skincare expert, Joanna Czech, this tool when paired with her favorite serum or cream will be her morning salve to depuff and lift the skin.

Osea

Vagus Nerve Travel Set

If she’s had a rough go of it lately, get her this set that’s intended to relax her nervous system. It starts with a bath oil to set the vibe, includes a massage oil to stimulate the Vagus nerve, and ends with a pillow mist to keep the calm going.

Gucci

Leather-Trimmed Cosmetics Case

Let her tell the kids it’s what’s on the inside that matters and all that. But not here. Not in this case.

Mutha

Up All Night Eye Cream

It’s loaded with coffee and botanicals for her morning pick-me-up, plus slightly luminescent from the pearl powder in it that brightens up sleepy undereyes.

Senself

Triple Shield Rich Moisturizer

If you’re a mother with dry, crepey skin, you don’t need just a li’l moisture, you need a “triple shield” moisturizer. This one bakes in a lot of good stuff for her skin barrier (including ceramides and antioxidants) but is also much cheaper than some other high-end creams once you have her completely hooked.

Chanel

N°5 Eau de Parfum Purse Spray

The Outset

Botanical Barrier Rescue Balm

Easy to throw in a purse and beautiful enough to leave out on a nightstand, this dry oil will quench even the most parched of dry spots. It’s packed with 10 botanical oils, including rose hip, jojoba, marula, and camelia.

True Botanicals

Pure Radiance Body Butter

Whatever annoyances of the past have gotten her goat—forgetting to call, roasting her on the family call—will likely be forgotten once she dives into this luxe body butter. Scented like sandalwood and citrus, plus loaded with antioxidants, it feels like an induglence but is loaded with good-for-skin ingredients.

Aesop

Geranium Leaf Body Scrub

Popping open this earthy-smelling body scrub feels like taking in a full-body inhale of crisp forest air. The vegan formula is made with bamboo stem, pumice, and—of course—germanium leaf, which gives it that botanical aroma. If she uses before bed, the soft scent can help carry her right to sleep.

Augustinus Bader

Revitalizing Essentials Set

For the mom riding a big wave of decision paralysis—a gift set of coveted Augustinus Bader staples is a no-brainer. This three-piece set sets her up for success with a skin-tightening and brightening serum, hydrating cream, plus eye patches for masking dark circles.

Jo Malone London

Car Diffuser

Commuting is way more fun when it comes with a signature scent. For that, Jo Malone’s clip-on diffuser is a delightful addition to the minivan and super easy to install, so you (hopefully) won’t be getting any calls about it.


Kitchen

Blue Bottle

Craft Instant Espresso Multiserve

Not your mom’s (old) cup of instant coffee. This stuff is so good, that you may as well go ahead and get her a whole subscription.

Crow Canyon

Enamel Cake Stand

Trust the folks at Crow Canyon (who’ve been perfecting enamelware since the ’70s) to produce something that could actually steal the spotlight from one of her legendary pies or cakes.

Ghia

Sweet Tooth Set

Pique her sweet tooth with all the sugary toppings (including crunchy hazelnut and a berry apéritif) to elevate a basic soft serve ice cream into a gluttonous indulgence.

Brightland

The Luminous Capsule

The kind of multi-tasking gift set that appeals to multi-talented home chefs: It’s got cold-pressed EVOO to drizzle over everything, Champagne vinegar for one of her famous salads, and honey for anything that needs an extra sweetener.

Cuzen

Matcha Maker Starter Kit

For all the glory of a piping hot green tea without all the mess and the whisking, there’s Cuzen’s techy matcha machine, which helps her get her afternoon fix without much elbow grease involved.

Emile Henry

Salt Pig

To you, it looks like a Mario prop, sure. But to her, it’s a roomy clay vessel that allows her to go full Salt Bae mode on your next family meal.

Alessi

White Plissé Electric Juicer

Counter space is sacred, so ensure every single appliance mom has out is worth looking at. This elegant ribbed juicer checks that box, and also delivers a big dose of vitamin C at the same time.

Emile Henry

French Ceramic Fruit Storage Bowl

Just like mom after a rough day of parenting, fruits and veggies need some air. This bowl has a hiding spot for the ones that like to chill in the dark (like unripened fruit and potatoes), plus a bowl for those that like to lounge al fresco. The cork construction is very intentional—the material is known to suck up moisture and shoo flies far away.

Staub

Tomato Casserole Dish

Chances are she already has some Staub floating around the kitchen, but not this beauty. (And if she does, congrats, you have a very cool mom.) It’s made of cast iron, so it’ll hold up in the oven or on the stovetop—but it’s also just a very fun way to serve a salad.

Yamazaki

Bread Box

It’s a bread box that doesn’t look like a bread box—and that gets an A+ in our book. The magnetic closure is super strong, so it’ll keep pests far from carb’s way. Plus, the top of the box is perfect for placing a candle, spices, or a stack of cookbooks.


Home

Haws

The Warley Fall

For the master gardener, upgrade her green thumb with a gorgeous watering can that will bring joy everytime she uses it.

Parachute

Organic Cotton Puff Comforter

How long has she had her comforter? Is it time to finally give her hotel-quality bedding? Parachute’s plush puff comforter will make her feel like she’s sleeping in a 5-star hotel. Need we say more?

UGG

Euphoria Throw Blanket

The exact throw you get when you want to wear the inner lining of one of UGG’s booties on your body. This one’s faux fur, not real sheepskin, but it’s a pretty damn good approximation.

Areaware

Kirby Vase

This chubby vase is almost the perfect gift completely naked, but it absolutely sings with some freshly cut stems in there (for the full presentation, of course).

Our Place

Dream Cooker

It’s undoubtedly better-looking on the countertop than a Crock Pot, and wears just as many hats. Count on it for a variety of “set it and forget it” dishes, from creamy soups to tender meat stews.

Yuns

Expandable Toolbox

For the mom who delights in a DIY project or a deeply organized sewing kit, here’s one expanding toolbox with room for all her tiny pins and nails, organized by color-coded storage cups.

Morrow Soft Goods

Embroidered Sheet Sets

Normal sheet sets: boring, overly practical, the kind of thing she’d ship you off to college with. Embroidered sheet sets: lavish, delightful, a great way to pay her back.

Coming Soon New York

Candelabra

Consider this proof that recycling can be downright stunning. Made of waste-scrap material, the metallic candle holder sorta resembles a raindrop sliding down a window—it also reflects the flames, making it an extra-cozy pick for the mom who loves to throw dinner parties.

Toast

Stacked Check Patchwork Quilt

She’s given you some heirloom-worthy gifts in the past, now it’s your turn. This quilt is hand-woven in India, with a timeless check pattern that will never outgrow its nostalgic style.

Heather Taylor Home

Plaid Tablecloth

Here’s a reason to swap out whatever tablecloth she’s currently sporting for a wintery plaid. Handmade by artisans based in Chiapas, Mexico, the classic palette is cheerful with an extra dash of fun (thank you, tassels).

Fleck

Stemware Chalice Set

These mouth-blown glasses are a subtle toast to mom, with a wavy rim that’s slightly mod, but not too out-there. Pair it with a bottle of her favorite wine or cocktail ingredients and you’ve got a gift worthy of making you the favorite child (for now).

Marimekko

Sukat Makkaralla Glass Pitcher

The pitcher is the unsung hero of the tablescape. Whether it’s housing water, juice, iced coffee, or a large-batch cocktail, consider it an opportunity to add a piece of functional art to the scene, like this quirky silhouette from the iconic Finnish brand Marimekko.


Tech

Nesugar

Steamer

A portable steamer with the looks of a sculptural art piece that weighs in at less than a pound. Is it chicer than the clothing she’s de-wrinkling? Almost.

Tile

Mate (2-Pack)

For the mom who says every other kid or pet’s name before yours.

Ember

Mug 2

With the ability to keep hot beverages hot for up to 90 minutes, the Ember Mug 2 is the perfect drinking vessel for the person who takes forever to drink a cup of anything.

Therabody

TheraFace Pro Device

A thoughtful gift that helps banish TMJ jaw pain, crow’s feet, and any unpredictable blemishes that pop up overnight.

Bang & Olufsen

Beosound A5 Speaker

Looks like a picnic basket, expertly maximizes sound, and even charges up her phone.

GE

LED Night Lights (Two-Pack)

A sorta-stylish set of lights that ensures no stubbed toes in the middle of the night, plus some ambient, gentle guidance in the direction of the bathroom as many times as needed.

Objecto

Personal Foot Heater

It’s not quite foot heater season yet, but when the temperature drops, she’ll be more than pleased that she taught you to be prepared for anything. What we’re really saying is, extra brownie points for the child that gifts her coziness on demand when she really needs it.

Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite

Is it really worth the strain on her back to carry all those paperbacks anyways? Here’s to getting her onboard the digital revolution with the words “now with even larger display.”

Beats

Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian Bluetooth Headphones

Beats headphones in hues that resemble Skims underwear? We’re listening. Now, the only question is: Is your mom more of a “Dune,” “Moon,” or “Earth” person?

Lenovo

Go Wireless Vertical Mouse

In this world of remote working and doomscrolling, accessories that keep carpal tunnel from creeping in are priceless. Help support mom’s eBay addiction in a healthy way with this nifty mouse—it’s meant to be used with a handshake grip, and eases some of the finger pressure.

Oura

Ring Gen3 Horizon

Here’s a massive upgrade from the old fitness tracker she’s been wearing for years. The titanium ring tracks sleep, activity, stress levels, and heart rate, and remarkably durable against getting dinged-up at the gym and beyond.

Ring

Wired Doorbell Pro

Sure, this is ultimately all about home security, but it’s also a great opportunity to leave mom some funny video messages whenever you’re coming and going. From motion sensors and aerial video, this little guy has it all.

Apple

TV 4K Wi-Fi (3rd Generation)

There’s a lot of beauty in keeping all of your entertainment options—Spotify, Netflix, FaceTime, Youtube—in one place. In other words, this hub’s sleek design is literal decades ahead of the TV box your mom grew up with.


Wellness

Bala

The Weight Kit

A banger of a wellness idea for the mom who’s on the RBG workout program now.

Lululemon

Align 25″ High-Rise Pant with Pockets

One of her favorite workout pant silhouettes, now blessed with pockets.

Nike

Phoenix Waffle Shoes

Sleek, supremely comfy sneakers for the mom who’s been harping about arch support since you were a child.

Manduka

eQua Yoga Hand Towel

Velvety hand and wrist support when her yoga mat is lacking grip, but made from a pliable microfiber that also translates as a beach towel or travel wrap.

Tory Burch

Ruffle Windbreaker

An elegant windbreaker for the woman who’s been a tennis stan since way before the US Open hype, and has the dress code down, too. It’s perfect for chill mornings when she’s working on her serve.

Black Blaze

Black Halo Lava Rock and Joie de Vivre Diffuser Set

Possibly the most interesting scent diffuser in the world, this lava rock gives off moody, Icelandic energy. Set atop its own goth pillar, it’s a great gift for the mom who appreciates a pleasing interior vignette.

Vita Barre

Freestanding Ballet Barre

For the mom who’s ultimately most comfortable exercising at home, you may need to bring the workout to her. This height-adjustable barre set-up is portable so she doesn’t have to turn her home into a ballet studio and will help her pulse it out on the sly.

ShaktiMat

Classic Acupressure Mat

In a single 20-minute session, this tool can ease an entire week of stress and tension. The first few minutes might feel a bit uncomfortable, but the long-term results include deeper sleep, muscle relief, and even sharper focus.

Santa Maria Novella

Lavender Scented Wax Tablets Set

Wooden closet fresheners and mothballs are out, but this luxe wax aromatherapy crafted by Dominican friars is decidedly in. Made in Florence, each tablet consists of flower petals, buds, and leaves that make her closet smell like a heavenly garden (just as, we imagine, these holy men intended).

Sweaty Betty

Quinn Jogger Pants

Finding the perfect pair of gym-to-brunch pants doesn’t get easier with age. Our timeless suggestion? These breezy, cotton-tencel joggers with a flattering tapered fit and a very forgiving drawstring waistband.


Travel

Diptyque

Eau Rose Refillable Eau de Parfum

Here’s to not traveling around with flammable liquids, and, instead, dabbing ourselves with the scent of rose whenever we need to re-up. For the practical mom, the benefits really sell themselves.

Smythson

Mara Croc-Effect Leather Clutch, Passport Holder and Luggage Tag Set

She doesn’t need to be picking up a Rimowa bag at baggage claim to telegraph her tastes when she travels. Any of Smythson’s croc’d out leather accessories will say plenty, and with this set she gets three of ’em to flex (a luggage tug, passport holder, and clutch).

Baggu

Go Pouch Set

There’s a certain thrill to organizing a messy bag, which is where Baggu’s Go Pouch set comes in. It lets the master of compartmentalizing make easy work of sorting things into their appropriate bags.

Baboon to the Moon

Full Size Fanny Pack

When mom’s entered her fanny pack era, get her one that comes in soothing pastels rather than glaring 80s hues, with an adjustable strap so it sits crossbody rather than right on her waist.

Snow Peak

Stretch Pillow

The, ahem, peak of comfort for her next campsite snooze is inflatable, with a soft, stretchy outer fabric that feels downright luxurious in the great outdoors.

Aerotrunk

Compression Packing Cubes (4-Pack)

If mom’s an overpacker (who isn’t?), she’ll love that these packing cubes have a compressive design that net her 50% more space for souvenirs. The mesh design is another perk—never will she have to have to fret about her outfits smelling a bit stuffy.

Susan Alexandra

Harriet Travel Tissue Case

Designer Susan Alexandra was inspired by her grandmother’s lesson of always having tissues on-hand when she designed this impossibly sweet case—made with her signature beads, of course.

Ostrichpillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

This pillow has made it onto the packing lists of many pro travelers at this point, so she won’t be getting any side eye from her seatmates for its design. The washable cover is key for keeping it germ-free, and it squishes waaaay down (60% of its total size, to be exact) for stuffing into a carry-on.

Bombas

Travel Compression Sock and Gripper Slipper (2-Pack)

Compression socks can look athletic rather than geriatric. Take it from this Bombas pair (accompanied by their gripper socks) that embody old-school rugby style, whether worn on a plane or under thin trousers.


Style

Toteme

Bucket Textured-Leather Tote

The waviest, most elegant bucket bag that will force her to edit her essentials before she heads out the door.

& Daughter

Ada Wool Cardigan

Sometimes you just want one brilliantly executed, perfectly fitting, no-frills cardigan. &Daughter makes one of the best in a number of hues, with tapered sleeves, and in a hardy wool knit.

Céline

Triomphe Oval Sunglasses

More than the framed photos and the bouquets…what she really, deeply craves are the Celine glasses. These aren’t the infamous Joan Didion shades, but the round oval silhouette are just what she needs to mask any sleepless nights.

Frame

High Rise Bubble Jeans

It’s entirely on you to keep mom up to date on the latest trends, so let’s see how she does when she takes on barrel jeans. Frame’s ones sit a little baggy like true mom jeans, then let loose below the hips.

Annika Inez

Small Sloping Hinge Hoops

The crescent shape trumps any old hoop, and like all of Annika Innez’s jewelry, the high shine of the metal really gleams.

Alex Mill

Mayfair Trench

Big Catherine Deneuve energy in one billowy trench. The belted sleeves are a nice touch that keep it from looking overly pedestrian when she’s out and about.

Loeffler Randall

Laith Bucket Bag

Take it from Bottega: Braided leather never goes out of style. This ’70s-leaning variation on the look can be worn multiple ways and even seals up with a drawstring top to keep all of her goods from flying out.

J.Crew

Cashmere Wrap

A cashmere wrap can be a real workhorse—battling mid-flight chills, creating a cozy cocoon for winter reading sessions, or hopping out to run some quick errands. This one’s extra soft and drape-y for keeping cold out, plus comes in five different hues to suit her style.

Everlane

Day Buckle Mary Jane

Is there anything more mom-friendly than a sensible mary jane like this one? We think not: It’s got the strapped-in silhouette, floor-skimming footbed, and elegant velvet fabric to shift gears for work and off-duty fun.

Jil Sander

Gold Twist Earrings

Hoop earrings are forever and this literally twisted silhouette is a welcome riff on the classic shape.

Eileen Fisher

Cotton Fluff Rib Turtleneck Top

If you live far from mom, you can’t deliver her a hug whenever you want to. In times of separation, this ultra-soft sweater is a great back-up.

Maria Black

Silver Ramen Bracelet

You can’t deny the appeal of a bracelet inspired by what may be one of the greatest comfort foods of all time. Made of recycled sterling silver, it’s a minimalist piece of jewelry with a fun story.

Naadam

Cashmere Cropped Zip Up Hoodie

Introduce her to her new favorite travel layer. She can flip the hood up when she’s ready to pass out in the window seat, and the cashmere will keep her warm when the mid-flight AC is just too much.


Gifts Under $100

MoMA

Ourselves: Photographs by Women Artists

If she’s an art lover, this book features all photographs by female artists. It’ll make a great coffee table book in her living room.

Brooklinen

Super Plush Robe

Upgrade her morning routine with a plush robe from Brooklinen. Made of comfortable Turkish cotton, it has hundreds of 5-star reviews for a reason.

Jenny Bird

Instant Lift Earring Backs

The long-term effects of heavy earrings may be wearing her down, but this fix is faster than scheduling surgery.

Little Birds

Lace Bookmark

So she’ll have something to remember you by every time she thumbs through her latest tome.

Galison

Jessica Poundstone Sensing Colors Puzzle

If she’s a sucker for a long, drawn-out challenge, Jessica Poundstone’s gradient puzzle gives her something to test her patience on a rainy day when the kids are away.

Nodpod

Silk and Velvet Weighted Eye Mask

Nodpod’s bestselling eye masks feel like a weighted blanket for your peepers, and now come with a luxe silk and velvet exterior to help mom sleep like the royalty she is.

Maison Balzac

Asparagus Candle Set

Few taper candles are as fun as this set. Shaped like asparagus and most importantly unscented [stares directly into camera], they’re the kind of playful accessory that can liven up any tablescape.

Olaplex

Strong Start Haircare Kit

There are some topics you always hear mom complaining about: taxes, the difficulty of nailing down doctor’s appointments, and how dry her hair gets in the wintertime. This set can’t help with the former, but will definitely pitch in with the latter.

Goodee

Silo Bird Feeder

For the mom who delights in watching over her garden, this is the kind of bird feeder that provides the perfect break from every kind of task she’s putting off. As the name suggests, this particular design acts similarly to a grain silo—fill it with seed from the top and watch all of your new feathered friends line up for lunch.

Porta

Dreamer’s Notebook

Everyone needs a space for venting, daydreaming, or planning. This 192-page journal has plenty of space for all of the above.


Personalized Gifts

Cuyana

Duo Zip Wallet

Who doesn’t love a two-in-one special? Cuyana’s wallets comes in a set so she has a long zippered version for everyday use and a smaller one for when she needs to pack lighter—just her ID and credit cards.

Larroudé

x Lingua Franca Customizable Sleeper Slippers

Slippers that are too precious to wear out of the house are the best gift she’d never think to get herself. These are made for lounging with their cushy sole and can even be personalized with an embroidered monogram.

Mejuri

Jewelry Box

A great-looking jewelry box for all of her treasures and tiny keepsakes that also makes for a winning personalized gift if you throw a monogram on there.

Papier

Gingham Days Recipe Journal

One of the most precious things you can possibly inherit are the recipes that mom keeps fresh off the dome. Here’s a handy place for her to store all her secrets on flavors, spices, and techniques (and for you to take copious notes from).

July Rose Jewelry

Heirloom Nameplate Necklace

Given name, nickname, or simply “mom,” this personalizable nameplate necklace is one for the ages. Available in silver or gold, it’s even more sentimental if you pony up and get a matching one.

Bottega Veneta

Personalized Intrecciato Fold Wallet

A wallet is, well, a wallet, but one from Bottega sets the bar incredibly high. Add her initials or a simple “ilu” to remind her how much she means to you. And don’t forget to compliment it every time she takes you out to lunch.

Zippo

Personalized Engraved Lighter

For seasoned tokers or just the mom with a candle addiction, a custom Zippo is the right way to toe the line between useful and wonderfully unexpected.

Vinylacy

Custom Vinyl Record

Playlists are cool, but there’s nothing like the nostalgia of vinyl. Even better, you can customize the record with a photo—may we suggest a family photo for a collection of road trip favorites?

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