I don’t know about you, but shopping for my mom is one of the most difficult things I have to do multiple times every year: Christmas, her birthday, and the big, upcoming Mother’s Day. She’s one of the few people that, for all of these events, I feel the need to get something for. It’s the least I could do, considering everything she’s done for me my whole life. The only problem is that, for as important as shopping for her feels, she makes it so hard.
I’m sure many of you can relate…you ask your mom what she wants, or even just for a ballpark idea, and she says, “I don’t need anything.” My thought is always, “Well, I want to get you something.” When I was younger and my mom used to say things like that, holiday after holiday, birthday after birthday, I used to get so annoyed. But as I got older, I realized there was a very good reason she could never give me a straight answer: she truly does have everything.
It makes a lot of sense to me now. After all her years of living, receiving gifts, and being able to buy things for herself whenever she wants, of course, there would be very few things she truly needs. Still, knowing this doesn’t stop me from wanting to give her something.
Growing older also gave me a better sense of what she likes when it comes to gifts. My mom appreciates practical, non-frivolous gifts, as well as heartfelt ones. She likes it when people pay attention to what she enjoys and what she needs, and shop for her based on that.
If your mom is like mine and claims she has everything, I’ve brainstormed a list of Mother’s Day gifts that any mom would love. Hopefully, it makes your shopping a little easier, or at least sparks some ideas!
- DIY and Handmade Gifts
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I’ve always been a super crafty person, so my favorite thing to do for people I care about is make something with my hands. DIY gifts are super heartfelt, since it’s always very clear that you took the time to do it for the person. DIY flowers are a super on-brand gift for Mother’s Day, whether paper, felt, origami, or crochet. After you make them, you can put them into a cute bouquet and they’ll last forever! I also like the idea of painted gifts, like flower pots, coasters, or picture frames. I would look at Michaels or JOANN for these supplies! If you don’t trust yourself with super hands-on gifts as much (even though I think you should take the risk), you could also give her a handwritten letter or poem and frame it. I did that for my dad for Christmas one year, and he loved it!
- Food from the heart
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You can never go wrong with food — it’s a universal love language. A super cute idea that I love is making her a meal. This would be such a thoughtful gift, especially if your mom is like mine and makes dinner for the family every night. Look up a nice recipe and pay her back! If you’re not exactly a pro in the kitchen, something equally as thoughtful would be treating her to a meal, like brunch or dinner, at a nice restaurant. Another super-easy idea is buying her some of her favorite candies or snacks and putting them in a cute basket to make it look presentable.
- practical gifts
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Think about the things that your mom uses every day. She might appreciate an upgrade! This is a gift category that has never been a miss for my mom. For instance, this past Christmas I bought her some nice coasters because I knew she always liked to drink tea or coffee on the couch, and was always using our old coasters. She loved that gift so much. Some other practical gift ideas are new kitchen gadgets like measuring cups or other tools, a nice water bottle or travel mug, soft towels or a throw blanket, desk supplies, a rechargeable hand warmer, or a new set of pajamas or slippers. If she has a niche interest, for example, yoga or gardening, you could buy her new workout equipment or gardening tools.
- Shared Experiences
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You can’t go wrong with quality time either! I know that a lot of moms would appreciate making memories with you just as much as a thoughtful material gift. I like the idea of trying a hands-on class with her, such as pottery, painting, or cooking. Another super cute idea I thought of is getting your family together and throwing a mini picnic. Some other simple ideas are hiking, a museum, or a walk on the beach. Even a simple coffee shop date or movie night can feel meaningful when it’s intentionally planned. The key here is to carve out time just for her, and make sure she knows that it’s all about celebrating her.
- sentimental surprises
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I think every mom appreciates a gift that feels personal and emotional, especially when it shows that you know her and took the time to think it through. One of my favorite ideas is putting together a photo album or scrapbook, but there are so many other meaningful gifts that tug at the heartstrings. You could create a video montage from loved ones, with short clips from family and friends telling her how much she means to them. A memory jar filled with kind notes or stories is also super special; just little moments or compliments she can pull out whenever she needs a pick-me-up. I did this for a friend’s birthday once, and it went over well. Another cute idea is a coupon book filled with thoughtful favors and tasks, like doing the dishes, going on a coffee date, or a movie night of her choice.
- comfort and self-care
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Shopping for self-care and beauty products is not for the faint of heart–they’re expensive! But I’ve learned that gifts in this category tend to go over well. My mom loves trying new things, and I always get a happy reaction when I give her little luxuries like moisturizers, mascara tubes, or beauty product sets. If your mom uses specific products, it’s not a bad idea to restock her favorites. She’ll appreciate the thought and the practicality. Beyond beauty products, there are other ways to encourage her to relax and treat herself. A luxury robe is always a hit, especially if she wouldn’t buy it for herself. An at-home spa kit with candles, bath bombs, and essential oils can help her unwind after a long day. And if she enjoys reflecting or journaling, a guided journal makes for a simple but meaningful gift.
- acts of service
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For how much our moms do for us, it’s never a bad idea to simply pay it forward. My mom does so much that she finds it difficult to make room for a break, but even the littlest things can help. You could clean or organize a space in the house that she’s been meaning to take care of, run errands or take care of a to-do list for her, or do her grocery shopping or laundry for the week. All of this, in addition to whatever else comes to mind for you, would definitely lend a helping hand and give her some peace of mind.
- subscriptions
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I’ve never done this one personally for anybody, but so many people online have said how much their loved ones have appreciated subscription services. It’s one less thing your mom has to pay for, and it’s kind of the gift that keeps giving… literally! She gets to feel thought of not just on Mother’s Day, but every time that package arrives. There are a ton of options out there, depending on what your mom is into. A flower delivery subscription is such a sweet idea. It brings beauty into her space regularly and can brighten her day. If your mom’s a reader, a Book of the Month membership or a curated reading box is something she can look forward to over and over again. You can also go the food and drink route, with artisan snack boxes, wine clubs, or coffee subscriptions that match her taste.
The important thing while shopping for Mother’s Day is not to stress yourself out! At the end of the day, you know your mom better than any internet gift list, so whatever you decide on will be just as special. If none of these gift ideas directly resonated with you, I hope that they at least sparked some inspiration. Trust me, I know what it’s like to scroll the internet tirelessly for an idea that clicks. But remember, the best gifts come from the heart, and your mom will appreciate the thought and effort you put into it, no matter what you choose.
Whether it’s something simple, a shared experience, or something a little more unique, the fact that you took the time to make her feel appreciated is what truly matters. So, trust your instincts and enjoy the process of making this Mother’s Day special for the woman that you love most!