I sorted the gifts featured in this gift guide into categories so hopefully you can quickly identify a gift or two that might work for you. I wanted to be sure to share this gift guide earlier in the week since Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching, so I’ll be back tomorrow with my typical Monday post and provide you guys with a little peek into our weekend!
Have a great day!
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
For The Mom Who Loves A Personal Touch
- Cosmetic “Treat Bag”
This is what I did for my mom and mother-in-law last year! I packed two new cosmetic bags with fun items I thought they would both enjoy! Some ideas: Nail polish, lotion, lip balm, favorite sweet treats, Wonder Cloth makeup remover (<— this thing is awesome!), hair ties/clips, rollerball perfume, hand sanitizer, etc.
- Personalized Jewelry or Jewelry Sets
Whether you go the route of giving a mother a necklace, ring or bracelet with her children’s initials or name engraved on them (I am obsessed with the name rings featured above!) or a piece of jewelry with her child(ren)’s birthstone, a piece of personalized jewelry is always a great way to go! I also love the idea of matching jewelry or jewelry sets – kind of like childhood best friend necklaces but updated and classier! (Tip: Etsy has a done of adorable mother/daughter jewelry sets.)
- Stitch Fix or Trunk Club Gift Card
Sometimes it’s hard to pick out cute clothes for another person, so why not let someone else with an eye for fashion do it? I’ve been giving my mom a Stitch Fix gift card for Christmas for three years now and it’s always a hit. I love seeing what she gets in her deliveries and seeing picture texts of her in her favorite finds! I’ve also given my mother-in-law the same gift for Mother’s Day and think it’s a great way for moms who don’t have a lot of time to shop to get some cute things delivered right to their doorstep.
While Stitch Fix has a $20 styling fee per item (which can be applied to whatever items you choose to keep in a delivery), Trunk Club is another newer option that does not have a styling fee and you only pay for what you keep. Ryan has ordered three Trunk Club deliveries for himself now (they actually started out exclusively focusing on men’s clothing and accessories and only recently made the foray into women’s fashion) and the stuff he’s purchased from Trunk Club has been high-quality, flattering and on-trend. Trunk Club items do seem to be a bit pricey which might make a gift card even more appreciated!
I initially received this personalized pouch as a gift from my friend Anne but think it would make a great gift for mothers and grandmothers! I use my pouch to store coupons and love seeing some of my favorite photos of my little family on it every day. (This is actually the gift Chase is giving his grandmother this year. Shhh!)
For The New (or Expectant) Mom
- A Subtle Symbolic Gift
When I first found out one of my best friends was pregnant, I wanted to get her a gift to express my excitement. I looked for something subtle and pretty but still symbolic of the baby growing her her belly! I found a necklace with three gold circles on it – one to represent my friend, one for her husband and one for her baby-on-the-way – and she seemed to really like it a lot! I love the idea of giving a new or expectant mom a gift that isn’t overtly “baby-ish” but still recognizes a new baby in a way that is beautiful but clearly more centered around a gift for the mom.
- Comfortable Pajamas
Pajamas are like slippers and leggings… You can never have too many! An ultra-comfortable pair of pajamas is a lovely gift for a new or expectant mom since pajamas are the name of the game for the first few weeks after a baby is born!
Some of my pregnancy/New mom pajama favorites:
Hotmilk Pajama Shorts, Honeydew Joggers, Victoria’s Secret V-Neck Tee (<—Love this for both pajamas and casual everyday wear… I bought mine two sizes up for a more relaxed/boyfriend style), Victoria’s Secret Supersoft Short PJ Set (<—Great for nursing!)
- Diaper Bag / Cute Carryall
If you know a new (or expectant) mom does not have a diaper bag or large carryall tote she loves, I think this would make a lovely gift that will definitely get used! I actually have several diaper bags I rotate through and love all of them for different reasons/purposes. If I had to recommend one bag above all, it would be the Ju-Ju-Be Diaper Bag Backpack because it can be both a shoulder bag or a backpack, making it perfect for travel. Plus, it has lots of pockets, is lightweight and available in a bunch of super-cute patterns!
My SICK bag is the tote I use most on a day-to-day basis because it’s nice and BIG and holds everything I could ever need. It’s a no-frills bag (there are no pockets or zippers) but the quality is fantastic. I bring it with me to my gym’s childcare and have it filled with diaper change necessities, toys, a blanket and more and there’s still plenty of room! The interior is also very easy to wipe clean should anything spill in the bag. And a big bonus? A portion of each SICK bag sale supports research in preventing and finding cures for pediatric diseases.
Personal diaper bag favorites:
Ju-Ju-Be Diaper Bag Backpack / SICK Bags / Marc Jacobs Diaper Bag
For The Food Lover
- Cookbook
For a while there, I left a lot of my cookbooks unused on the shelf, but after Chase was born and I began meal planning on Sundays, I brought a lot of them out of hiding and rediscovered my love for beautiful food photos and fantastic recipes that can only be found tucked away in a favorite cookbook! Moms who have a passion for cooking might love a new cookbook to add to their collection. Many popular food bloggers have created cookbooks, so if you know a mom you love regularly reads a certain food blog, I think gifting her the bloggers’ cookbook might be a fun and thoughtful gift! Some food-loving celebrities also have cookbooks out there – I have my eye on Chrissy Teigen’s Cravings cookbook – that might also be worth checking out!
Some of my personal favorites that have a healthy flare:
Juli Bauer’s Paleo Cookbook / Against All Grain / Skinnytaste / It’s All Good
More indulgent favorites:
The Pioneer Woman Cooks / Seriously Delish / Martha Stewart Cookies
- Cooking Class
I’ve attended my fair share of cooking classes and think they’re always so much fun! If you aren’t aware of any local cooking classes in your area, check your local Whole Foods or Sur La Table. They often offer regular cooking classes that cover a variety of cuisines and themes! Bonus: Book the cooking class for mom and her mom/sister/one of her best girlfriends so she can enjoy the class with someone she loves!
- Meal Planning / Delivery Service
Meal Delivery: I think a meal delivery service might be a fun gift for a mom who likes to cook! By now you guys know we’re huge fans of Blue Apron in our house, but my friend Merri just told me about Sun Basket, which sounds like a wonderful option for those who might be interested in cooking gluten-free, vegetarian or Paleo meals.
Meal Planning: As for meal planning services, I’ve used both Cook Smarts and PlateJoy and both are incredibly affordable, customizable and delicious!! Cook Smarts has a “gifting” section of their website where you can give someone a 3, 6 or 12-month plan. (The 3-month plan is only $21, so it’s super affordable!) Both PlateJoy and Cook Smarts offer free trials so you can test them out before committing, too!
For The Mom Who Deserves To Be Pampered
- Spa Service
Sign me up for this one! I am big on giving experiences as gifts, so a spa service of some kind – a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage – is a gift I love to give. So many moms rarely take time for themselves, so giving a gift certificate for a service that will make them feel rejuvenated or just a little bit pampered is something I love to do!
- Candles
I’m a HUGE sucker for candles and it’s something I definitely got from my mom, so I figured a bunch of other mothers out there would likely enjoy a candle as a gift as well! One candle that I love to give as a “special occasion” candle is the Capri Blue Volcano candle. (Bonus: They’re also available on Amazon Prime for last-minute shoppers!) It’s a little pricey so it’s not a candle I think most people would regularly buy for themselves, making it a great gifting candle! Another great candle I love to give as a gift is any of the Rewined candles. They all smell so good!
I received a doTERRA diffuser for Christmas and absolutely love it. Whenever I diffuse essential oils in my home office, I feel like the space is transformed into a more pleasant environment. Whether a mom in your life is curious about the benefits of essential oils or just likes the smell of them like me, I think a diffuser and a collection of oils would make a lovely gift! Some of my favorite oils to diffuse include: Wild Orange, On Guard (the best!), Grapefruit, Peppermint and Lavender.
Additional Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
- Flowers (I always use Bouqs.com and LOVE them! They’re affordable and the selection is beautiful and more unique than other flower delivery sites I’ve seen.)
- Plan an afternoon tea or visit a local winery together
- Cute coffee mug (Love this one for long-distance moms!)
- This gorgeous bookmark for the avid reader
- Beautiful ring dish
- New stationary
- Gift card for dinner at a favorite restaurant
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Disclaimer: None of the items featured in PBF gift guides are sponsored and companies may not pay to be a part of the gift guides. The items featured are simply items I think would make fabulous gifts. Some affiliate links may be included and, as always, I truly appreciate your support.
Patricia @Sweet And Strong says
These are all such great ideas! I usually order my mom flowers but wanted to get her something more personal this year. I love that coffee mug since my mom lives in Ohio and I live in Maryland, sentimental gifts are the best for moms.
Polly says
I love Blue Apron and have never been disappointed with any of their meals! I will have to check out Sun Basket and see if it’s something my mom will like. I normally take my mom to eat but I like your gift ideas and might do something different this year. Thanks for sharing!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
I’m getting my grandma a throw pillow with a cute saying on it she always says! (I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck) 🙂
Kathleen Ballantyne says
I love your gift guides!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Love these ideas! Especially those personalized rings!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Great ideas! I need to check out Plate Joy–I’ve never heard of that one! I often dont do the subscriber services because I can’t have gluten or dairy–this looks like a good option!
jen @ impossible jen blog says
now i want to give mom more! she bought a spring/summer purse back in january and i bought her the matching wallet from mother’s day.
Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth says
You definitely thought of categories I hadn’t – it’s amazing what our phases in life do, ha! I went with something a little more personal this year, but love the “long-distance moms” section. I don’t live that far away from home, but it’s amazing how far two states (Palatine to Denver) can feel!
Thanks for some great ideas for new mothers out there. We have a lot of those and I was a torn. Last minute shipping, here we come! 🙂
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Volcano candles are the BEST!! I always a cry a little when mine dies!
Julie says
Aren’t they amazing!? I love the smell so much!
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
Great ideas I love that there is something for everyone from little gifts to more extravagant!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
These are all such great ideas. Thank you for putting them together. xo Lauren
Julie says
Thank you, Lauren! I always appreciate your kind comments!! <3
Holly@pink-runner.com says
I love those little rings!! So pretty 🙂
Janay says
This is non-Mother’s Day related but where do you get all of Chase’s adorable clothes. I see them in your snaps! I need to get my son a few of the fun onesies and tops Chase has! 🙂
Julie says
I buy a LOT of his clothes on Zulily.com! They have some adorable and unique onesies for super cheap! The only downside is that shipping can take a while…
Julie says
Oh! And ThredUp.com!!!! I also get a lot of his stuff from that site — it’s basically a clothing resale site but they have adorable brand-name kids’ clothes for cheap! I get a lot of his Baby Gap stuff from there!
Amanda @ Exploring Life & Things says
These are great ideas! My sister and I wanted to get my mom tickets to a Carrie Underwood concert this summer but we checked last week and the tickets are sold out 🙁 So now we’re scrambling! Haha. My mom loves candles so I may have to check out those Volcano ones:)
Sarah says
This is a great list and I love that you are sharing your enjoyment of DoTerra oils and your diffuser. That is exactly what I gifted my own mom and she is loving it (we had to celebrate early). I know your blog relies on affiliate links to Amazon but I wanted to make you aware that it can be dangerous to purchase these oils online from 3rd party vendors selling on Amazon and the company recommends only buying direct from them or through a DoTerra Wellness Advocate. The oils are pretty powerful and some people in the past have sold fakes under the name and look of the company, so you could be getting something you are not expecting. Especially if you are using topically or anywhere around children or babies, its especially important to be getting the real deal. I’d be happy to help if you have any questions. Mostly I just love seeing people enjoying them and want people to be safe in doing so.
Courtney says
LOVE those bookmarks. My mom is not girly and never wears makeup, jewelry, or lights candles. But I love the bookmarks! I just bought 4 for her, my mother in law, and sister in law 🙂
kristen moore says
i have been following your blog for awhile, especially your pregnancy posts as I am now 34 weeks pregnant! anyway, thanks for sharing these great ideas! especially the cosmetic bag idea! love, love, love.
Julie says
Congratulations to you, Kristen!! You’re so close!! <3
Julia Hickman says
These are all awesome ideas! I just published a new post with some great skincare gift ideas too! https://thepetitefastinista.com/2016/05/02/a-rodanfields-gift-guide-for-mom/
~Julia
Charles Brown says
These are the great gift ideas, I love your ideas.
Your ideas are really good and its nice to see that your choice is very unique for mother’s day gift ideas , Especially
Cooking book ideas. For this upcoming mother’s day I will buy cooking books for my mom and i will give her on mother’s day so thank you for giving us such a helpful advice.
Jordyn says
LOVE so many of these 🙂 I went and purchased the necklace with the three rings. Such a simple and beautiful gift for a mom-to-be!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
I love all these ideas! I bought this little book at Paper Source that prompts you to write short letters about special memories, what she’s taught you, etc. to your mom and seal them (the book has built-in envelopes), so I need to write those soon 🙂
Danielle says
Here’s a practical gift I’m getting my mama… NEW POTS AND PANS!
She has NEVER bought herself new pots and pans so it’s about time I treat her to some. These are all great gift ideas though!
Taylor says
Oh thank you for the inspiration. I am still thinking up a gift for my mother in law so this is very helpful!!
Mrs. Jones says
I ordered the Volcano candle for MIL who loves candles. Thanks for the idea!
Steph says
Love your gift guides! I’ve been eyeing up Chrissy’s Teigen’s cookbook as well. Everything she makes looks amazing!
Cassie says
My mother actually isn’t that big on Mother’s Day and I don’t know why! She says that it’s because every day should be Mother’s Day XD LOL! But I will definitely look into this gift guide and see what she would like. There’s nothing wrong with a little token of appreciation for surprise!
Annie Kreikemeier says
Thanks a million for this post Julie! I ordered my mother-in-law, who lives far from us, the long-distance mug and I cannot wait until she receives it! Such a unique idea- thank you for sharing!
Sarah Taylor says
These are amazing gift ideas. If I have to pick one, I would choose Candles and essential oils diffuser. Planning a party with her close friends, taking her to her favourite movie, preparing her favourite food also makes a great gift. I’ve written a recent post on Mothers day gift ideas , hope you like it.