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If your mom is anything like mine, she will say that the best gift is “love”—and if this is to be believed, the next-to-best gifts for mom are physical tokens to convey that love. While no gift can encompass just how much Mom means to you, a thoughtful present can go a long way toward making her feel special.
Whether you’re shopping for a biological or chosen mom that has everything, a grandparent, or a new or expecting mom, we’ve compiled a list of gifts that will surprise and delight the mother figure in your life. You’ll also find editor-approved gifts, with options for beauty lovers, fashionistas, and cozy enthusiasts. Coupled with a handwritten note, any of the following gifts are sure to make her feel all the love.
Shop the best gifts for mom
Best beauty gifts
Give your mom the Jones Road limited-edition City Lights Kit, a collection of luxurious makeup to brighten up the season. It includes mini versions of the Well+Good beloved Miracle Balm, in shades of mauve (Chic) and shimmering bronze (Magic Hour), as well as the brand’s best-selling Mascara and Cool Gloss in the shade Rosy.
This skincare set from RoC provides a quadruple dose of hydration, which is truly the gift that keeps on giving come winter. It comes with a serum, moisturizer, eye cream, and SPF 30 sunscreen, all formulated with hyaluronic acid to boost skin hydration and amino acids to help lock moisture into the skin.
Well+Good contributing writer Jamie Sanders and her 74-year-old mom swear by the Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask, which adds instant moisture to strands. Sanders wrote, “My mom and I both love how much softer, shinier, smoother, and more manageable our hair is since we began using it this year.” Yes, please.
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If your mom regularly blow-dries and styles their hair, Shark’s FlexStyle will make the process that much easier—something to which Well+Good contributing writer Gracie Willet can attest. She writes, “It’s already replaced three of my most-used tools (don’t worry—they’ll be fine) and seriously cut down on my styling time.”
The FlexStyle comes with a flat brush, round brush, style concentrator, and curling rods that click into its ultra-lightweight handle, as well as a convenient storage bag. Its versatility makes it an incredible hair tool that is well worth the price.
I’ve used every product in this kit and can confirm that Mutha knows best when it comes to smooth, glowing skin. The set includes a full-size Mutha Body Bar and Body Brush, alongside mini versions of the bestselling Mutha Body Butter and Body Oil.
Stylish and solidly constructed, Cuyana’s Travel Case Set will keep Mom’s makeup, skincare, and haircare products in neat order. The pair is made from pebbled leather, and it comes in a wide variety of colors. Plus, it’s easy to clean with just a lil’ soap and water.
Best clothing and accessory gifts
Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 14
A great-quality cashmere sweater is a staple in any mom’s wardrobe, and this crew from Quince is one of the most affordable options on the market. It’s made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, and we can attest that it won’t pill after many washes.
Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: 5
If Mom wants anything this holiday season, it’s to be comfortable, so give her these fleece pants she’ll never want to take off. The buttery recycled microfleece is marshmallow-soft, and the trendy relaxed fit looks just as good lounging on the couch as it does running errands. Pair it with Stio’s matching Turpin Fleece Half Zip ($89) or the slouchy Mock Neck ($79) and she’ll be in cozy heaven.
Sizes: XS-3XL | Colors: 10
Sweet dreams are made of this Cozy Earth pajama set, which comes highly recommended by Well+Good commerce writer Jamey Powell. Powell writes, “They’re stretchy and breathable (made from bamboo!) and the piping detail makes me feel super put together, even when I wake up looking like a troll.”
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Colors: 5
I’m getting my mom a pickleball bag because she recently picked up the sport and loves it. The Béis Sport Carryall can hold a pickleball paddle, as well as a change of clothes, toiletries, and other essentials—like a phone and wallet. A bonus: It has a separate compartment for shoes.
If you’re looking for a timeless gift that would appeal to moms with different tastes, W+G Commerce Business Manager Jessica Willison Reyes suggested the 14-karat gold birthstone charm from Mejuri—a sentimental keepsake that feels extra special. (Note: chain sold separately.)
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: 7
Sneakers are the perfect gift for moms who are always on their feet, and Nortiv8’s ActiveFloat Walking Shoes strike a balance between cushioning and support. According to Well+Good contributing writer Hannah Singleton in a review, the $50 Hoka look-alikes are “comfortable enough for long days of standing and walking.”
Best home gifts
Literie’s cheeky candles smell amazing and recreate some of life’s most special, memorable scents. There’s literally something for everyone with some of the most thoughtful, creative smells she is sure to love. Our favorites? Late Fees at the Library ($45) smells inky and rich, like you just stepped into the cutest bookstore, while Skiing Out West ($45) will transport her to her favorite ski hill in the Rockies. If you can’t decide on just one, though, get her a set of three—she’ll love it.
The Pura 4 fragrance diffuser will make mom’s home smell nice and mask unwanted odors from food and pets without the use of scented candles. It has smart-home capabilities, and you can create a schedule of when and how long you want a scent diffused, as well as scent intensity through an app.
The plug-in device has slots for two fragrances, with each scent lasting for up to 120 hours. Many scent options are available, and Pura offers scents in collaboration with brands such as Nest, Capri Blue, and Illume (pictured above). This set also comes with two festive fragrances: Balsam & Cider and Winter White.
If, like me, you live thousands of miles away from your mom, consider the Aura Digital Picture Frame. Mom can upload photos onto the frame using Aura’s app and faraway family members can also add their own images remotely, helping you keep connected in a way that feels extra special.
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The HoMedics Foot Massager will offer mom an on-demand foot massage—and it comes with the recommendation of Well+Good contributing writer Zoë Weiner. It has three speed settings and a built-in heat function, and according to Weiner, it mimics the sensation of a shiatsu massage.
Sizes: S-L | Colors: 15
Beloved by Well+Good Commerce Editor Francesca Krempa, the UnHide Marshmallow Blanket is a warm hug. Krempa proclaims it’s butter-soft and exceedingly warm (“I swear you could lay naked underneath this thing and not feel a chill,” she wrote). It’s also nice-looking; mom will want to keep it on display year-round.
Multitasking moms deserve a do-it-all pot that works as hard as they do. The Beautiful Programmable Slow Cooker has preset options for meat, poultry, stew, soup, and chili, plus it is dishwasher safe—perfect for busy weeknights.
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If your mom rarely gets to enjoy coffee before it gets cold, consider giving her the Ember Mug 2. It can keep 10 or 14 ounces of her favorite drink heated to the perfect temperature for up to 80 minutes. The mug heats itself so coffee can be enjoyed virtually anywhere, and it comes in 11 colors to suit a variety of preferences.
Best gifts for new and expecting moms
If mom only has a brief window of time for peace and quiet, a pair of Loop Engage 2s can help keep disturbances out. It’s designed to reduce loud noises yet still allow you to hear your surroundings—just at a lower decibel. Plus they come in fun colors and with a convenient carrying case.
If you’re looking for something that isn’t on a mom-to-be’s registry but will be useful in the coming months, consider a great pregnancy pillow. It’s filled with a mix of memory foam and fiber fill to offer comfortable support, and it also makes an excellent pillow for sleeping or reading in bed.
As a new mom, it’s highly unlikely she’s sitting down to whip up and sip on her favorite green juice. Which is why she’ll love these green gummies, which are pretty much the equivalent of superfood Gummy Bears. One serving contains over 20 essential vitamins and minerals to support her gut, sleep, immune system, and more. Trust us—she’ll love how easy and uncomplicated (and delicious!) they are.
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The Hatch Mama Must-Have Kit was the most-purchased-pick in our Mother’s Day gift guide, and for good reason. It comes with the brand’s Belly Oil, Down, Girl Leg and Foot Cream, and Nipple + Lip Rescue Balm, all made with ingredients that are safe for mom and baby.
W+G contributing writer Dory Zayas loves the Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack. Zayas wrote, “Its neoprene material makes it easy to wipe and keep clean, it includes a changing mat, and it has plenty of zippered compartments for all the items you’ll want to store (and keep separate) in your diaper bag.”
The Guava Roam Stroller comes with the recommendation of Well+Good Senior Beauty Editor Aimee Simeon. “I love using this stroller,” Simeon says. “It has single-handedly encouraged me to move more with my baby (which has been amazing for my mental health).”
It features rugged wheels for most types and a locking mechanism, plus compartments for storing essentials. Simeon also mentions that it folds compactly for storage. “It doesn’t take up too much space in our apartment,” she says.