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19 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Moms and Mother Figures of All Kinds

published Apr 26, 2022
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Moms are a little bit like the sun: even though they might deny it, everything does really orbit around them. We rely on them for all kinds of things, from taking temperatures to tying shoes.

This Mother’s Day we’ve rounded up some unique ideas that we know moms won’t buy for themselves. From mermaid accessories for the mixer to side-table terrariums, celebrate all those mothers and mother figures in your life with something they’ll love almost as much as they love you.

1 / 19
Anthropologie
$80.00

No, this little clutch isn’t going to get her through a full day of diaper changes, but it’s the perfect little stylish quick-change. It comes with a removable changing mat and pouch and is big enough for a couple of diapers, a pack of wipes, and a few mom essentials like keys, lip balm, phone, even a small wallet. There’s a removable 26.5-inch strap, and the whole purse is 7.25"H X 11"W X 2.75" D in a sleek vegan leather snakeskin. It’s cute enough that she just might keep it long after the baby is out of diapers.

2 / 19
3 / 19
Blooming Tables
$299.00

These terrarium tables are the next level in houseplant obsession, and the plant-loving mom who can’t get enough (and is running out of room) will love these tables, which also come in coffee table and desk styles. You can plant your own or buy one of the kits to plant microgreens, succulents, or tropicals. You can even do moss or faux plants if the fear of little hands grabbing the goods is too much. The midcentury vibe of the style can blend into various decors, too.

4 / 19
Away
$275.00

When you travel enough, you learn that all suitcases are actually not created equal. Little things like 360° spinner wheels and a water-resistant built-in laundry bag make a big difference. This lightweight carry-on from Away has those perks, and it’s cute, sleek, and compact. Since moms are so often hauling everyone else’s stuff, give her a bag that is just for her. Upgrade with an ejectable, built-in USB charging port. It comes in nine colors, including green and blush. And if you think this one isn’t quite big enough for her, Away makes a slightly larger one, too.

5 / 19
Made For Freedom
$44.00

This sleek necklace on a stainless steel bead chain isn’t just a minimalist modern dream piece; it comes with a fierce message. The engraving on the bar says, “Seek Justice. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.” Each necklace has been handmade by women in Asia who have been rescued from human trafficking, like all of the products on the Made for Freedom site. For the mom who tirelessly seeks justice, this is a beautiful, affordable necklace that she’ll cherish.

6 / 19
Anthropologie
$148.00

It’s May, which means it’s time to ditch those fuzzy slippers and flannels and get some fresh loungewear! Treat Mom to something just as cozy but that welcomes all the spring flowers with this organic cotton, machine-washable pajamas set in marigold-bright fabric with a unique herbaceous pattern. Throw on some Dansko wedges, and there’s literally no reason for her to even get dressed.

7 / 19
Dyson
$429.99

Dyson makes some of the most coveted and well-rated vacuum cleaners, but they also make the mother of all hair dryers. This is the hairdryer your stylist puts on her wishlist and hopes her kids buy her for home use. Yes, it’s pricey, which is why most moms wouldn’t buy it for themselves. But it’s also Dyson, so it comes with a warranty, eight attachments, a stylish case, and six different colors. It claims to be fast drying and can decrease frizz and flyaways (one of the attachments is made just for that). We tried it in a salon and were happy with the results!

8 / 19
Anthropologie
$38.00

A sea glass blue candle artfully wrapped in twine gives off pretty tropical vibes, and the scents of pineapple and coconut just might tide Mom over long enough until you can get her to a white sand beach. Disclaimer: Mom might start singing “Under the Sea” really loud when she lights this candle, so if there are teenagers in your house, consider yourself warned.

9 / 19
Pottery Barn
$38.99
was $59.50

Just add grapes, crackers, and Brie. This little set of two mango-wood cheese boards with one cheese knife and one spreader is made in a fair-trade certified factory in India, where portions of the sales go to community projects chosen by workers. It’s an ethical, beautiful choice for
Mom. You can even have the heart-shaped board monogrammed for a small additional charge.

10 / 19
Anthropologie
$44.00

Slip a little affordable glam on Mom’s finger this year with this little cocktail ring. Made of gold-plated brass with a round, bright blue-green amazonite stone for a bold pop of color. There’s also an ivory version with a mother-of-pearl stone as round and as pretty as the full moon.

11 / 19
REI
$42.00

Go, go, go is her motto! Whether chasing the kids or chasing her dreams, this mom is out the door and ready to roll with a minimum of gear, especially when the sun is shining. This little hip pack has enough room to hold what she needs for the day and keeps her hands free to hold those little hands as they cross streets or blaze trails. Go, Mama, go!

12 / 19
Gravity Blankets
$180.00
was $205.00

Moms are always putting others first, especially their families. We see you, Mom. We know you. We are you. We’re still not sleeping. We’re still worried. But for many moms, weighted blankets and sleep masks can produce a calming effect that leads to better sleep. Gravity makes all kinds of weighted blankets, but with warmer weather ahead, this one’s cotton ombre pattern makes a nice fit for pleasant dreams ahead. (Don’t worry if you’re not sure which kind to get; the website helps you figure out weight and size before purchasing.)

13 / 19
Allbirds
$150.00

Allbirds had debuted their first-ever hiking and trail runner, packed with features for stability and comfort on the trail. But when she’s out there loving nature, she can feel even better knowing the shoe itself is made with recycled materials like plastic bottles, castor beans, and even sugar cane.

14 / 19
KitchenAid
$99.00

KitchenAid has upped their game, and you can not only pick from colors like Feather Pink, Matcha, and this year’s new color, Beetroot, there’s a whole new array of customized bowls to choose from. You can get quilted stainless steel, white mermaid lace, tropical plant pattern, conifer, rich brass colors, and more.

15 / 19
The Sip
$85.95

What’s brunch without a little champagne to sip or mix up your mimosa? If Mom is the only bubbly aficionado in the house, a big bottle can quickly go to waste. Enter The Sip, a woman-owned, black-owned business that gives back with their Take A Sip, Give A Sip pledge which gives access to clean water to women and children in need through the East Oakland Community Project (EOCP). The Deluxe Box includes three kinds of champagne to make her weekend just right.

16 / 19
Bookshop
$24.79
was $26.95

Based on her essay in The New Yorker of the same name, author Michelle Zauner — a musician who performs under the name Japanese Breakfast — explores deeply personal topics as she copes with her identity after losing her mother to cancer.

17 / 19
Michaels
$42.99

This compact set has everything Mom needs to either keep up the creative hobby or start it anew with an array of luscious colors, a snap-lid easel, sponges, and a refillable water brush. Pick up some quality watercolor paper and cue the YouTube tutorials. (Or if you’re lucky, find a local art center and sign her up for some classes IRL.)

18 / 19
Bed Bath & Beyond
$55.00

A zero-g chair that is screaming, “Just add book!” Make Mother’s Day afternoon as relaxing as possible with this comfortable, affordable outdoor patio chair that is easy to transport and move where the sun shines.

19 / 19
Uncommon Goods
$40.00

Just as good at pollination as their fuzzy honeybee cousins, mason bees use homes like these to lay eggs and create mud walls to protect the larvae until they are old enough to strike out on their own. Any mom dedicated to cultivation will “bee” thrilled with this sweet gift.