Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Many of the best gifts for Mother’s Day are those ones that can’t be found in a store: a pre-packed picnic, a hand-drawn card, a quiet bath, breakfast in bed… it really is the thought that counts. That said, sometimes that thought and gratitude comes tied with a bow. If shopping for a gift is something that’s on your to-do list, here’s some inspiration…

1. Her very own Supermom dish towel, because “not all heroes wear capes.” (Update: Sold out)

2. “What do your grandma and fashion influencers have in common? They both love a good visor.” Also love this one. (Update: the latter is available, but Of a Kind has closed shop.)

3. The Island of Sea Women is about the fierce and unforgettable female divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that shaped their lives. O Magazine said “Lisa See’s mesmerizing new historical novel…celebrates women’s strengths—and the strength of their friendships.”

4. She’ll love the delicate look of this earring—which catches all the light—and not having to worry about it falling out.

5. Is food her love language? Consider these gorgeous—and well-reviewed—recently published cookbooks: Milk Street: Tuesday Nights (weeknight supper ideas from her favorite America’s Test Kitchen guru/alum Christopher Kimball); Every Day is Saturday (“Easy Cooking, Every Day of the Week”—modern, healthy, beautiful); Ruffage (new flavors, textures, and ways to enjoy all the vegetables she always made you eat—as sides or mains); and—the title says it all—Simple Cake: All You Need to Keep Your Friends and Family in Cake.

6. I put this Handmade Ceramic Travel Mug on my Christmas wish list and use it at home as much as in the car. She’ll appreciate having a favorite mug that can go anywhere.

7. CBD Body Lotion from Lord Jones, because all of those aches and pains she endures are because of you! (Just kidding. Sort of.)

8. Personalized stationery—these bold, retro graphics first caught my eye. But these softer, yet still abstract, watercolor flowers are really lovely, too!

9. Her favorite nostalgic treat. For example, my mom loved Abba Zabbas, taxi-like candy bars made of chewy, sticky taffy with equally sticky peanut butter. She would put them in the freezer sometimes to save her fillings!

10. The softest sweatpants—so I’ve been told.

11. We use this Jute Garden Bag for picnics, the beach, everything! (Here’s an all-white version.) Fill it with a bouquet!

12. A beautiful linen dress that, I think, would suit just about everyone. (Update: Sold out, but here’s something similar.)

13. Mama, mama, mama, mama! Come on, they never say it just once.

14. This custom Family Tree probably won’t arrive by Sunday, but print a picture and then work on filling in the names together before sending out for a proof. (Click on the shop name to see more designs.)

15. This Cat Pillow looks so real, it’s sure to make her smile.

16. I’ve sung the praises of this stuff before. This scrub shampoo is like a head massage in a jar. It feels a bit weird at first, but you just massage and massage until all the salts dissolve and then your hair feels so soft.

17. Just about every woman I know is on a perennial search for the best chambray shirt. JCrew is my pick. (Also in Western detail.)

18. For an at-home facial, she can mix this Aesop facial exfoliant with her favorite face wash and feel totally refreshed. I love how my skin feels after using it.

19. Gorgeous ceramic pot, filled with something from the local nursery (Or if you need to ship something, try this potted olive tree.)

20. Finally, if you want a twist on the classic bouquet, these frosted flowers can be delivered directly to her door. (Order by Monday.)

I’m generally guilty of skewing my mother’s day gift guides toward my wish list. But whether you’re shopping for yourself, your wife, your friend, or your mother, I hope there’s something inspiring here to treat someone you love.

If none of these ideas is just right for her, a gift card to one of her favorite stores (Anthropologie and Madewell are two of my top picks, as is Food52 for being a bit less expected).

If you’re a mom, what’s the best gift you’ve been given on Mother’s Day? 

P.S. Here are dozens more gift guides that might help, including last year’s!

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