19 Best Gift Ideas For Your Mom
They’re the queens of multi-tasking, the original life coaches, and the people who somehow manage to find the scissors you lost in 2008. But when it comes to buying them gifts, suddenly the stakes feel impossibly high.
I mean, what do you get the woman who once kept you alive with sheer willpower, chicken soup, and the occasional “because I said so”?
Let me walk you through my thought process—and my mishaps—so you don’t have to endure the same awkward “Oh, I love it!” while your mom tries to figure out why you thought a talking cactus was a good idea.
Best Gift Ideas For Your Mom
1. Spa Day Voucher
Here’s the thing about moms: they’re tired. Even when they’re not physically tired, they’re mentally cataloging everything you’ve forgotten to do this week. A spa day gift says, “Hey, Mom, relax for a minute.” It also says, “I know I’m the reason you need this.”
The funny part? I gave my mom a spa day once, and she said, “Oh, I don’t know, it’s so much money—why don’t you use it?” Ma’am, I just gave you this so you’d STOP WORKING. Pro tip: book it for her. She can’t argue with a calendar reminder.
2. Customized Jewelry
Nothing says “favorite child” like a necklace with her kids’ names on it. I once gave my mom a bracelet with all our birthstones, and she nearly cried. Or she pretended to cry to guilt my siblings into doing something equally thoughtful—jury’s still out.
Just make sure you spell your siblings’ names right. One wrong letter and your mom will spend eternity explaining, “No, my son’s name isn’t Jofn; my daughter’s dyslexic.”
3. Kitchen Gadgets She’ll Actually Use
Moms have a weird relationship with kitchen gadgets. She’ll turn up her nose at a $200 blender but somehow have six mini waffle makers. The trick is finding the sweet spot between “Oh, how thoughtful!” and “Do I look like I have time to make homemade pasta?”
For my mom, it was an air fryer. Game-changer. She acted skeptical at first, but now she’s basically an air fryer evangelist, telling strangers at the grocery store, “You don’t need oil, you know.”
4. A Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are like little surprise parties in the mail, and let’s be honest: moms deserve more surprises that don’t involve unclogging toilets. Whether it’s skincare, books, or even snacks, there’s a box for everyone.
I got my mom a wine subscription once. She opened the first box and said, “Is this a hint?” Yes, Mom. A hint to sit down, pour yourself a glass, and stop worrying about whether I’m eating enough vegetables.
5. A Kindle (or Actual Books)
If your mom’s a reader, this is a no-brainer. The Kindle is especially great for moms who already have a teetering pile of paperbacks threatening to crush the cat. Plus, you can preload it with books she’ll love, and she’ll think you’re a genius.
That said, if your mom’s the kind of person who insists “real books smell better,” don’t fight her on it. Just buy her the biggest hardback you can find and say, “Look, it’s also an arm workout!”
6. A Plant That Won’t Die in a Week
Moms and plants go together like peanut butter and jelly. Or, if your mom’s like mine, peanut butter and that jar of mystery jam she found in the back of the fridge. The key is picking a plant that’s easy to care for, like a snake plant or a pothos.
The year I bought my mom a fiddle-leaf fig was… let’s call it an educational experience. “Why is it drooping?” she’d ask, as if I could psychically communicate with the plant. Never again. Stick to the low-maintenance ones unless your mom’s a certified green thumb.
7. Comfy Loungewear
Moms are the original “put on something nice” people, so it’s extra satisfying to flip the script and buy them something comfy. I’m talking soft pajamas, a plush robe, or those slipper socks that feel like hugging your feet.
When I gave my mom loungewear, she said, “Oh, this is lovely, but where would I even wear it?” Uh, Mom? In your house? While binge-watching British mysteries and pretending not to judge my life choices?
8. A Fancy Coffee Maker
My mom has been drinking instant coffee since approximately 1973. One day, I decided enough was enough and bought her a fancy coffee machine. “This is too much,” she said. Then she made one cappuccino and started saying things like, “I don’t know how I ever lived without this.”
Pro tip: Make sure to set it up for her. Otherwise, she’ll call you 37 times asking, “What’s a water reservoir?” and you’ll wish you’d just bought her another jar of Folgers.
9. A Sentimental Scrapbook or Photo Album
Listen, if you want to turn your mom into a puddle of happy tears, this is the gift. Gather some old photos, write a few captions, and boom—she’ll be showing it to her book club for years.
When I did this, my mom kept saying, “You did all this for me?” like I hadn’t also done it to avoid spending $50 on flowers. (Just kidding, Mom, if you’re reading this. Love you!)
10. An Experience Together
Sometimes, the best gift is just spending time together. Whether it’s a cooking class, a concert, or even just a picnic in the park, shared experiences are priceless. Bonus points if it’s something she’s mentioned wanting to try.
Last year, I took my mom to a pottery class. She made a lopsided vase that looks like it’s melting, and she’s so proud of it. Meanwhile, mine shattered into pieces, and she said, “It’s okay, sweetie. Not everyone’s an artist.” Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mom.
11. An Upgraded Bag or Purse
For some reason, moms tend to keep the same purse until it’s practically disintegrating. My mom’s last bag had more holes than Swiss cheese, but she refused to replace it because “it still works.”
So, I got her a stylish, roomy tote that had, wait for it—pockets! She loved it but still spent 20 minutes transferring every single item from the old bag to the new one, including three unwrapped cough drops and a receipt from 1999.
12. An Ancestry DNA Kit
If your mom’s a sucker for family history, this one’s a slam dunk. She’ll be thrilled to trace her lineage back to some Viking warrior or 16th-century bread baker. Plus, it’s the gift that keeps on giving—she’ll spend hours talking about her great-great-aunt Mildred.
When I got this for my mom, she said, “Do you think I’m adopted? Is there something you’re not telling me?” No, Mom. It’s just fun. Although…now I kind of want to test myself too.
13. Cooking or Baking Equipment
If your mom’s a kitchen magician, she’ll adore a fancy gadget or new bakeware. Think cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, or stand mixers. But tread lightly: this only works if she likes cooking. Otherwise, it might feel like you’re hinting at homemade lasagna.
Once, I gave my mom a fancy rolling pin, and she said, “Oh, does this mean you’ll come over and help me bake cookies?” Nice try, lady. I know your game.
14. A Streaming Service Subscription
We all know moms love TV—but somehow, they always end up watching the same reruns on cable because “streaming is confusing.” Give her access to Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, and she’ll have endless new shows to watch and critique.
I gifted my mom a subscription and immediately regretted it when she called me every day asking, “How do I find The Crown? Is it on the Google?” Yes, Mom. It’s on the Google.
15. A Personalized Blanket or Throw
Nothing says “I love you” like a blanket covered in photos of your face. Okay, maybe not your face, but you get the idea. Personalized blankets with family photos, favorite quotes, or her initials make for a cozy, sentimental gift.
When I gave my mom one, she said, “This is lovely! But do I need to use it, or can I just keep it nice?” It’s a blanket, Mom, not the Mona Lisa.
16. A Fancy Tea Set (or Coffee Accessories)
If your mom is more of a tea drinker, a beautiful tea set with a selection of fancy teas can make her feel like royalty. Or, if she’s a coffee connoisseur, upgrade her coffee game with a milk frother, flavored syrups, or a burr grinder.
My mom got so into her new tea set that she started calling me at random times to say, “Did you know chamomile is good for digestion?” Great, Mom. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind during my next existential crisis.
17. A Fitness Tracker or Smartwatch
If your mom’s into walking, yoga, or just wants to keep tabs on her steps, a fitness tracker is a fantastic gift. Bonus: It gives her yet another way to compete with her friends. (“Ellen only got 5,000 steps yesterday. Amateur.”)
I made the mistake of also connecting my tracker to hers, so now I get texts like, “Why haven’t you moved all day? Are you okay?” Yes, Mom. It’s called working from home. Leave me alone.
18. Something for Her Hobbies
Moms often put their own hobbies on the back burner, so a gift that reignites her interests is always a win. Whether she’s into knitting, painting, gardening, or bird-watching, find something to support her passion.
When I bought my mom a bird feeder, I didn’t realize she’d turn into a full-on bird paparazzi. “Look, it’s a tufted titmouse!” she’d yell, as if I knew what that was. Now she’s got three feeders and a subscription to Birds & Blooms. Mission accomplished.
19. Luxury Candles
There’s something about moms and candles. Give her one that smells like lavender, vanilla, or whatever “clean cotton” is supposed to be, and she’ll act like you just gave her a spa in a jar.
I once bought my mom a candle so fancy it came with a little brass lid. She wouldn’t light it because “it’s too nice to use.” Mom, it’s wax. Set it on fire. That’s the whole point.
