Need a gift for Mother’s Day? If your go-to gifts for Mom are chocolates and flowers, I want to help you go beyond the standard gift ideas. In this post you’ll find unique Mother’s Day gifts she’ll love and suggestions for how to make a typical gift feel more special.
Side note: I can’t believe I started My Kids Made Me Buy It in 2021 and I’ve yet to do a Mother’s Day post! But is it really surprising that a Mom forgot to focus on a day all about her? 🤣
Let’s face it. Moms typically focus on everyone else’s needs before their own. Back in 2019, a survey actually showed that Moms spend almost 100 hours a week on parenting tasks! Whether it’s planning meals for the family, driving their kids around, teaching them life skills, or just spending time with them, Moms take on multiple roles to support their kids.
A mother’s love is endless — and she deserves the very best, always. So let’s get Mom some unique Mother’s Day gifts that help her feel seen, appreciated, and loved!
Before we get started, here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing your gifts for Mom.
What to Consider Before Buying Gifts for Mom
-
How do you want Mom to feel when she sees your gift? For example, maybe you want her to feel excited, surprised, or nostalgic.
-
What could Mom use more of? Take the time to notice what Mom needs, even if it’s a practical gift, like her favorite hand lotion.
-
What is the end goal? Every physical gift can mean something more. For example, a spa kit can help Mom relax while new running shoes can help Mom feel recharged.
-
Think about everything Mom does during the week. What’s one thing you can take off her plate?
-
Would Mom prefer “me” time, quality time with the family, or both? Think about how you can factor in what she would love most on Mother’s Day.
-
Gifting Mom some time away from the house? Consider what would make her happy to come home to. Maybe it’s a clean house or her favorite takeout.
-
If you’re hosting brunch instead of getting gifts, make sure Mom doesn’t have to make anything or clean up.
Unique Gifts for Mom
I’ve spent hours researching and coming up with unique Mother's Day gifts to help you save some time! Remember, your gift doesn’t have to be luxurious or expensive. At the end of the day, anything you can do to help Mom feel rested, happy, and valued will be appreciated.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me continue sharing helpful parenting tips with you!
Practical Gifts for Mom
Geometry Napkins: Geometry napkins are hands down the best on the market. Soft, absorbent, and did I mention they are non-iron! Use the code MKMMBI15 for 15% off.
Geometry Tea Towels: I love these tea towels!! They are absorbent and soft — and come in fun, seasonal, and year-round patterns. Use the code MKMMBI15 for 15% off.
Bogg Bag: If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love my Bogg Bag. It comes in so many cute colors, is super durable, and holds a lot. It’s also waterproof, sandproof, and easy to clean, making it perfect for any outdoor activity.
Custom iPhone Case: BaubleBar’s Fine Line custom iPhone case is the viral favorite for good reason—choose from 50+ styles, add up to 12 raised‑acrylic characters for a fun 3‑D look, and enjoy hand‑assembled durability that shields your phone from daily drops.
Ember Mug: This is a great gift for Moms who love coffee or tea but get tired of heating their mug up throughout the day. A temperature-controlled mug will keep drinks hot for about an hour — or all day while on the charging coaster.
Water Bottle: This Stanley tumbler will keep Mom’s drink cold all day and it fits perfectly in car cup holders. Plus it comes in so many cute colors!
Cookbook: If Mom loves to cook, she might enjoy a new cookbook to help inspire her or reduce some of the mental load of always coming up with different meal ideas. Two of my favorite cookbooks are Every Day With Babs and Smitten Kitchen Every Day.
Subscription Service: Consider what makes Mom happy or loves to do (but doesn’t always buy for herself or have the time for), and get her a monthly subscription for it! This could be a book of the month, a self-care kit, or flower delivery service.
Cozy Gifts for Mom
Candles: A good-smelling candle is always appreciated! This “Thank-You Mom” candle is a sweet reminder for moms — or you could go with a funny candle, instead. If you don’t want any messages on your candle, you could pick aromatherapy candles that will look pretty on Mom’s table or mantel.
Robe: Help Mom feel extra cozy with a soft, plush robe that’s perfect for lounging.
Pajamas: Could Mom use a new set of pajamas? This sleepwear set and these pima shorts set from Lake Pajamas are two of my favorites. Both sets are super soft and great for lounging, too.
Slippers: If it’s been five years or more since Mom got slippers, it may be time to get her a new pair. The key features to consider are breathability, arch support, and if they’ll be used outdoors.
Cozy Socks: Barefoot Dreams makes the coziest socks! This is a great gift for Moms who like to be comfy at home. If you're wanting more unique Mother's Day gifts, you can pick out a fun sock pattern that speaks to Mom’s interests or hobbies.
Heat Wrap: A flexible neck heating pad with aromatherapy is a great gift for Moms who deal with any muscle pain or tension. But honestly, it’s also such a nice way to unwind and relax at the end of a long day! I also love this gentle pressure sleep mask.
Cashmere Blanket Scarf: This soft and stylish scarf can be worn in multiple ways. It’s perfect for cool weather, chilly offices, and for staying cozy while traveling.
Bath & Beauty Gifts for Mom
Skincare: Take a look at Mom’s skincare and see if she’s running low on any of her favorites, like hand lotion, facial cleanser, or moisturizer. If you need help deciding, here are some skincare products I use daily.
Spa Treatment: Encourage Mom to take some time to herself with your own DIY spa basket. You can fill it with face masks, shower steamers, bath & shower oil, bubble bath, body wash, a loofah, or whatever else would be relaxing for Mom.
Manicure or Pedicure: If unique Mother’s Day gifts are the plan, you can create your own kit for Mom to use at home. Just grab a cute basket and fill it with a foot peel mask, cuticle clippers, and cuticle oil. Then pick out a few of the nail polish colors you know she’ll like best.
Make-Up: Take a peek at the makeup Mom uses and see if she’s running low on any of her favorites, like lip gloss, eye cream, foundation, blush, or eye shadow. You could also see if she could use a new personalized makeup bag or something helpful, like a makeup mirror.
Perfume: Grab Mom’s favorite perfume. This is my favorite scent.
Sweet Gifts for Mom
Flowers: You can never go wrong with flowers! Even better, choose a bouquet of your Mom’s favorite flowers, or grab a couple of bouquets and create your own unique arrangement.
Chocolates: Treat Mom to her favorite chocolate, whether it’s a box of assorted chocolates or a couple of fancy chocolate bars. Not into chocolate? Grab a couple bags of her preferred candy instead! For an extra thoughtful touch, you could also bake a dessert she loves.
Jewelry: Personally, this bracelet is my favorite since it can be dressed up or down. But if you’re looking for more unique Mother’s Day gifts, you could get a custom necklace with your kids’ birthstones or initials — or customize a necklace with a handwritten message from a loved one.
“Mom of the Year” Hat: Let Mom know that she’s truly the best with this cute “Mom of the Year” hat.
Coupon Book: Help Mom feel pampered and appreciated with a fill-in-the-blank coupon book. This is a great gift from the entire family as you can brainstorm unique ideas and activities you know your Mom will love.
Self-Care Gifts for Mom
Affirmation Cards: Give Mom’s mental health a little boost and help her feel her best with a set of affirmation cards. By repeating them out loud, affirmation cards can lower stress, reduce self-doubt, and increase confidence.
Self-Care Book: Everyone knows self-care is important, but sometimes it’s difficult to think of what to do or how to fit it into a busy schedule. This Self-Care for Moms book includes 150 quick and easy self-care ideas broken out by time.
Encourage a Hobby: Is there a hobby Mom loves but doesn’t always make time for her? Encourage her to take one hour to do what she enjoys! If she needs some motivation, you can get her something to support that hobby, like a new book, crafting kit, journaling, drawing, running shoes, or seeds to plant.
Plan a Getaway: All Moms deserve a restorative break, even if it’s just overnight at a hotel. If you think Mom would like a family trip instead, choose three different locations and have Mom pick. Then research restaurants, activities, and local events to reduce Mom’s mental load around planning a trip.
Gifts for New (or Expecting) Moms
Baby Memory Book: Every first-time Mom needs a baby book to fill out for her firstborn. This will be a treasured keepsake for years to come — and something kids will ask about too.
5-Year Memory Book: I love this one-line-a-day memory book as a Mother’s Day gift for new or expecting Moms. Mom can use it to record a special milestone, what she’s thinking about, or a cute family moment. As each year passes, it’s fun to look back and see just how much things have changed on any given day.
Mama Necklace: A “mama” necklace is such a sweet gift for first-time Moms.
Sentimental Gifts for Mom
Photo Collage: Grab a collage picture frame and print a few photos from a recent trip. Or you could choose photos from over the years that are meaningful to Mom. Another idea is to get a digital picture frame that can store more photos and will flip through them for Mom to see anytime.
Custom Family Portrait: If you love the photo idea but you’re looking for even more unique Mother's Day gifts, find an artist online that can draw or paint a family portrait. This is especially perfect if you don’t have a photo that includes everyone, like a family pet, grandparents, or anyone else special.
Custom Puzzle: One more photo idea! If your Mom loves to do puzzles, you can surprise her by using a family photo to create a one-of-a-kind puzzle. This will be a special keepsake for Mom and something your whole family can enjoy together.
Draw With Mom: This two-person doodle book is filled with drawing prompts for you and Mom to create joint works of art. There are also conversation starters to make this time together even more meaningful.
“What I Love About Mom” Book: Make Mom feel extra special with a fill-in-the-blank book that shows her what you think of her and how much you love her.
Mom Memory Jar: Grab a jar (or box) and fill it with your favorite memories of Mom, what you love about Mom, and fun family traditions. You can also decorate the outside of the jar, use a jar with a message already on it, or grab a cool vintage jar.
Final Thoughts
Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be about a big, extravagant gift — it’s about showing Mom that you see her, love her, and appreciate everything she does. Whether you go the sentimental route, the practical route, or just make sure she doesn’t have to clean a single dish all day, the best gift for Moms is the one that comes from the heart.
And if you're a Mom reading this — don’t be afraid to forward this post or drop some hints! You deserve to feel celebrated and cherished, not just on Mother’s Day, but every day. 💐
I'd love to know: What’s the most meaningful Mother’s Day gift you’ve ever given or received? Drop a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram — I’m always looking for more sweet ideas to share.
Need more ideas for Mom? You can see my full list of unique Mother’s Day gifts here on Amazon or over on my Shop My page. I’d love to hear what you do for Mother’s Day or if you grabbed any of these gifts for Mom! Just comment below to share with me.
