The 33 Best Gifts for Mom

UrbanStems (price varies)
Hawkins New York Aurora Pill Vase (from $75 at the time of publication)

Flowers may not be the most original gift, but for a romantic, the pleasure of receiving a bundle of blossoms is nearly unparalleled. We get a jolt of energy every time we walk through a room and see cut flowers in a vase. Rather than presenting Mom with merely one bouquet, though, why not give her a year’s worth of joy? UrbanStems, our pick for the best online flower-delivery service, offers subscriptions of classic or seasonal arrangements that arrive weekly, twice monthly, or monthly. The first bouquet comes with a simple, clear glass vase. But you could also buy her a hand-blown Aurora Pill Vase, which comes in a range of shapes and colors.

In Bibi’s Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers From the Eight African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean by Hawa Hassan with Julia Turshen (about $20 at the time of publication)

In this beautifully photographed cookbook, Somali chef Hawa Hassan and food writer Julia Turshen share recipes and stories collected from bibis (grandmas) across eight countries in Africa. The easy-to-follow recipes for delicious dishes like date bread, chicken biryani, and shiro (an Eritrean ground-chickpea stew) are reason enough to give this cookbook to the gourmand mama in your life. And the stories of these women’s lives (both the bibis and the writers) will have Mom returning to the book again and again.

Heirloom Art Co. White Cotton Nightgown (about $45 at the time of publication)

Depending on how deep in the mom trenches your recipient happens to be, her own sleepwear is likely the last thing on her mind. Change that up with a white cotton nightgown. The Victorian-style offerings from Heirloom Art Co. are just right for glamorously streaming Netflix after bedtime. They’re perfect for waltzing around in the wee hours of the morning like a modern-day Sylvia Plath. And they’re great under a cardigan for when you need to hop in the car to do a school drop-off. Though the versatile coverups are unlined and not entirely opaque, they come in a number of lengths and sleeve options to suit your mom’s style.

The Annotated Mrs. Dalloway ($30 at the time of publication)

If you’re the offspring of a literature-loving mom, we’re guessing she worships at the altar of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. Recently published, this hardback annotated edition of the 1925 classic is a rich and satisfying update. The book includes an extensive introduction and is annotated throughout with newly gleaned insights drawn from both biographical research and an examination of Woolf’s earlier drafts. This version is also dotted with 150 illustrations, including paintings, a map of Clarissa Dalloway’s London, and relevant archival photographs. For there she was, indeed.

Glerups Wool Slippers Open Heel ($95 at the time of publication)
Glerups Wool Slipper Boots ($125 at the time of publication)

The mom in your life deserves—nay, needs—a warm pair of slippers to take her around the house in style. Get her these lightweight, breathable wool slippers from Glerups, among the best we’ve ever tested. Made from just one piece of felt, they’re less prone to splitting or degradation than other felted wool slippers. And they’re easy to slide on and off, when Mom doesn’t have time to bend down and fiddle with footwear. If her ankles get chilly, Glerups also makes a felted wool boot. Both are also available in rubber-soled versions, so she can wear hers inside and outside the house.

Aura Mason (about $200 at the time of publication)

A digital photo frame can serve as a direct link between you and your mother, allowing you to send new photos right to her mantle, no matter how far away she lives. The Aura Mason, our favorite digital photo frame, is easy to set up and has a sharp, vivid display. And it works seamlessly on Android and iOS through a proprietary app. Simply upload your photos through the app (this makes Aura especially good for documenting Little League triumphs and other fleeting-but-important moments you’d like to share), and they’ll show up in the frame. One tip: After you receive the frame, start contributing photos so that when Mom opens the package and powers up the Aura, they’ll be ready and waiting for her.

AncestryDNA ($100 at the time of publication)

For the mom who’s curious about her ethnic origins or family background, a DNA testing kit makes a great, informative gift. Our favorite is AncestryDNA. This kit presents test results in a clearer manner than other services do, and it places ancestry information in a useful historical context. We do urge you to spend a few moments reading the privacy section in our guide, though, because using even the best DNA testing service involves data and privacy risks. A secondary caution: People occasionally discover dark family secrets. If that wouldn’t shatter your mom’s world, though, we think the ancestral findings are compelling enough to justify the risk.

Breville Bambino Plus ($500 at the time of publication)

This is a pricey gift, we know. But for the mama who loves espresso drinks, it’s a gift she’ll use and enjoy for years. After more than 80 hours of research and testing, we think the Breville Bambino Plus is the best home option: It’s easy to use, yet it produces consistently rich shots and perfectly steamed milk. And with its sleek, compact design, this machine will look pretty in nearly every kitchen that’s lucky enough to have it.

Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit ($300 at the time of publication)

For the mom who likes spending time in the backyard or on the patio, help extend her outdoor hours well into the evening with a portable fire pit. One of our favorites is the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit, which, when operated correctly, burns wood with almost no detectable smoke. The airflow created by the stove’s double-walled design intensifies the heat of the fire, making it more efficient and less smoky. (We wouldn’t recommend using it on a fire escape, though—if that’s the only outdoor space she’s got, stick to a hibachi.)

The Company Store Company Cotton Women’s Turkish Long Robe ($80 at the time of publication)

There are few pleasures on this planet that are better than padding around home in a soft robe on a lazy morning, a cup of coffee in hand and no jeans or obligations in sight. The mom in your life deserves such a moment, and you can supply the uniform (even if you can’t guarantee the other elements). We tested dozens of robes, and this Turkish cotton model is one of our favorites. The robe is lightweight, and it comes in a wide range of women’s sizes (from XS to 2X) and two lengths (long or short). And there are almost a dozen colors to suit the mama in your life.

Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker (about $35 at the time of publication)

Whether the mom you’re buying for is working from home or an at-home caregiver, this little light catcher will add some much-needed magic to her day. When the sun hits the solar battery, the hanging crystals start rotating, refracting sunlight all around the room and transforming it into a rainbow wonderland. To see for yourself what this rainbow maker brings to a space, check out this video.

Lush Bath Bombs (from $5 at the time of publication)

What Mom really deserves is a weeklong stay at a fancy resort, but she’ll probably have to settle for an exceptionally nice bath (unless you can get her that spa weekend, in which case, do that!). For an elevated experience, we love Lush’s Bath Bombs, the very best we tested. They “explode” as soon as they hit the water, filling the tub with gorgeous, shimmering shades, long-lasting fragrance, and skin-soothing oils. All of which is to say that the mom in your life will have no need to emerge from the tub until she’s good and relaxed.

Google Nest Hub Max ($215 at the time of publication)

Supervising editor Marilyn Ong recommends the Google Nest Hub Max for moms who spend a lot of time in the kitchen—especially those who seem to have everything already. With the Max, your mom can upload family photos to use as screensavers, and she can watch TV shows or listen to music or podcasts while cooking. She can also access all of her favorite recipes—the device has a recipe-search function baked in. In our testing, we found the Max was better than the Amazon Echo Show at walking us through cooking instructions step by step. (And the Max has gesture control, so your mom won’t have to touch the screen with floury hands.)

Rough Linen Original Pinafore Apron (about $90 at the time of publication)

Yes, buying Mom an apron might seem a tad too Leave It to Beaver. But the absurdly comfy Rough Linen Original Pinafore Apron is good for anyone who spends time in the kitchen, regardless of how much they cook. (Even someone who’s just “supervising” risks being splattered.) A rectangle of fabric with two straps and big pockets, the Original Pinafore Apron looks less “prissy apron” and more “artsy smock,” yet it’s actually really well designed. It’s loose in all the right places, but it won’t slip around as she moves. When testing the apron, we also liked the two giant hip pockets, which can fit everything from a phone to a meat thermometer to folded dish towels.

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5½-Quart Round French Oven ($355 at the time of publication)

A common rite of adulthood involves the passing down of a well-used Le Creuset casserole dish or saucepan from parents to children who are leaving the nest. (Equally common: said children sneaking a piece or two into a moving box and claiming, “I have no idea how that got in there.”) We say it’s time to turn the tide, starting with Le Creuset’s Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5½-Quart Round French Oven, the upgrade pick in our guide to the best Dutch ovens. It’s large enough for soups and stews, and it makes great no-knead bread, too. Any mom who loves to cook will find herself repeatedly reaching for her Le Creuset throughout the year.

Carleen Heart Bandana ($16 at the time of publication)

The Carleen Heart Bandana is an ideal choice for the giver who likes to add a personal touch. Kelsey Parkhouse, owner of Carleen, recommends embroidering your mom’s name or a sweet message inside the bandana’s printed heart. If you’re looking for a way to get a craft-obsessed teen involved in the giving this year—or you are that craft-obsessed teen—this bandana (which comes in navy and green) is a charming and affordable option.

Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL ($275 at the time of publication)

If the mom in your life has a toddler but has been yearning for the trail, help her start hiking again—with her child. Designed specifically for carrying kids over long distances, a hiking baby carrier has a freestanding frame structure, a cockpit for a child, and storage for traditional hiking gear such as food, water, and other essentials. The lightest one we tested, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL is made for people who have shorter torsos. But even our 5-foot-8-inch writer said it fit her better than other options. This model also has a kickstand and an easy-undo harness, so kids can get out for a little mid-trail exploration.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 ($160 at the time of publication)
Fujifilm Instax Square Twin Pack Film ($20 at the time of publication)

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is fun for everyone, especially moms and kids. They can break out this instant camera at parties or bring it on weekend trips to capture those sillier moments—who can resist the anticipation of waiting for the photos to appear? Our top pick for the best instant camera, the SQ6 cranks out photos that are just a little smaller than the Polaroids you may remember; it produces sharp images with a wide range of tones and pleasing-looking colors. And don’t forget to include plenty of film with the camera—once your mom starts playing with this gizmo, she won’t want to stop.

Evanhealy French Rose Clay Mask (about $25 for 1 ounce at the time of publication)
Kimkoo Jade Facial Roller 3-in-1 Kit (about $15 at the time of publication)
Dr Teal’s Soothe & Sleep Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salt (about $5 for 34 ounces at the time of publication)

We wouldn’t try to talk you out of getting your mother a gift certificate to a spa, but we would suggest you bundle it together with a DIY spa kit. The Evanhealy French Rose Clay Mask is a delight. And if your mom applies it before slipping into a tub filled with Dr Teal’s Soothe & Sleep Foaming Bath, she’ll have all the makings of a blissful afternoon. Afterward, she can finish things off with a facial massage using the Kimkoo Jade Facial Roller kit. The best part of this spa kit? The relaxation doesn’t happen just once a year—Mom should be able to find an hour here and there to unwind whenever the mood strikes.

Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote ($195 at the time of publication)

For many moms, a handbag is less an accessory than a utilitarian carryall, toting everything they could possibly need in a day: Band-Aids, sunscreen, extra hair ties, a bottle of water, and sometimes even an emergency PB&J. This year, upgrade your own mom’s go-everywhere, do-everything bag to the Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote, one of Wirecutter’s favorite tote bags. It’s large enough to hold water bottles or a bag of string cheese, all while still looking chic. Take this gift a step further by adding a Cuyana Tote Organization Insert.

Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair ($220 at the time of publication)

The Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair is a perfect gift for the outdoorsy mom. Despite its admittedly ridiculous appearance, the Stargaze Recliner—a swinging seat suspended on an aluminum frame that looks like a cross between a hammock and a recliner—is wildly comfortable. After a long day of wrangling kids, the mom in your life deserves the best seat by the campfire.

Jabra Elite Active 75t ($180 at the time of publication)

Whether your mom dreams of Olympic glory or just likes to jog around the block, you can help her make the miles pass more smoothly with a pair of Jabra Elite Active 75t, the best running headphones we’ve found for someone who wants to block external noise (with the option of letting it in when necessary). The Jabras have great sound, solid battery life, a durable build, a secure fit, and easy-to-use controls, all of which will make your mom’s run as pleasurable as possible. And they’re protected against dust and sweat, so they’ll endure even the most intense workouts.

Danique Jewelry Minimalistic Birthstones Bracelet (from $33 at the time of publication)

Affordable and understated, these custom bracelets feature a dainty silver or gold chain of varying lengths to perfectly fit your recipient’s wrist size. You can get the bracelet with just one gem—maybe your mom’s birthstone, or perhaps a stone in her favorite color. My grandmother wears all of her grandkids’ birthstones on one chain, an idea that’s easy to replicate (and easy to split with your siblings, for a lot of kids). If you don’t know your recipient’s wrist size, you may be able to figure it out by measuring a bracelet or watch she already owns.

Wüsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Walnut Block Knife Set ($450 at the time of publication)

A super-sharp, super-comfortable knife set will make a mom’s cooking experience heavenly—especially if she spends a lot of time in the kitchen. During our testing, we found that the Wüsthof Classic Ikon 7-Piece Walnut Block Knife Set was the best for the job. This Wüstoff set includes the most-useful kitchen knives, as well as pull-apart shears, a honing steel, and an attractive storage block.

Planetarium Throw Blanket by Jungalow ($100 at the time of publication)

The Planetarium Throw from Jungalow checks every box: It’s soft. It’s machine-washable. And the fringe along its edges is endlessly fun to play with. Based on original artwork by Jungalow owner Justina Blakeney, the blanket looks equally gorgeous draped over a chair or thrown onto a bed (something we can personally attest to). The mom on your list will love snuggling under it or just admiring it.

Fionia Teak Tray ($169 at the time of publication)

True, you can deliver your mom breakfast on almost any tray. But we love the Fionia Teak Tray because it’s also an object she’ll enjoy using during all those non-breakfast moments. Initially designed in 1982 by a family-owned Danish company, the teak wood tray remains classically stylish, thanks to its pretty checkered inlay and minimalist lines. It has deep sides and sturdy handles, which make it ideal for transporting not only breakfast but also cocktails and appetizers. And this tray also looks elegant just sitting on a table with a vase of flowers on it.

Baba Tree Large Bicycle Basket ($100 at the time of publication)

For the serious biker mom with a serious haul, you might consider getting her a bike rack. But if the mom you know needs only to transport a purse, a baguette, and a picnic blanket, a beautiful bike basket makes the perfect gift. We particularly like these from Baba Tree. Each basket is handwoven in Ghana from locally sourced straws, so this basket is not only utilitarian but also an objet d’art. Two adjustable leather straps secure the basket to a bike’s handlebars, so it’s a cinch to put on and take off.

Being a mom is a wonderful experience, but it’s also a relentless and exhausting one. You may fool yourself into believing that you can give Mom a “night off” at home by pouring her a glass of wine, drawing her a bath, and giving her space. But it will be hard to keep her from responding to that little voice screaming, “Mommmmmmy!” Instead, give the mom you love a night away from it all: A one-night stay at a luxury hotel (somewhere with a bathtub and a nice view, ideally) would be the perfect escape—without any potential interruptions. Bonus points if the house is spotless when she returns.

We Love Jam Gift Box ($60 for six jars at the time of publication)

Whether the mom in your life is a toast devotee or a baker who enjoys using great ingredients, chances are good she’ll love a beautiful bundle of jams. This customizable assortment from We Love Jam is one of our favorite gift-basket ideas, thanks to the high-quality jams and the pretty packaging. To make the gift even more special, include a card with a personal message during checkout.

Frida Kahlo Porcelain Mug (about $25 at the time of publication)

Whether the mom on your list loves surrealist art or just respects Frida Kahlo as a feminist icon, this mug will be sure to delight her. Drinking from the vessel—which features a sculptural nose and Frida’s distinctive eyebrow(s)—is a rebellious and affirming way to start your day. Frida was a tough woman, but this delicate piece does best with a little coddling—no microwaving or dishwashing, por favor.

Lewis Zip Pouch Set (about $50 at the time of publication)

Whether your favorite mom could benefit from better organization in a baby stroller, a tea drawer, or a carry-on, these do-it-all pouches will be a godsend. Each set of three features a small, medium, and large pouch in a botanical or piscine print. And since they’re made from machine-washable fabric and feature a water-resistant lining, she won’t have to worry about being too cautious: Spilled applesauce, smeared lipstick, and leaky sunscreen should wash right out.

Molton Brown Spicy & Citrus Bath Set ($45 at the time of publication)

Though the bottles in this bath set might look itty-bitty, delighted moms report the luxurious contents are anything but stingy. Just a few drops of Molton Brown bath and shower gel on a loofah or in a tub will transform ho-hum bathing into a cherished evening—or, heck, midday—routine. Featuring four unique yet not overly challenging scents—Geranium Nefertum, Black Pepper, Pink Pepper, and Orange & Bergamot—in flip-top, portable bottles, this set can be easily packed for travels or hidden in a mirror cabinet (if your recipient doesn’t want to share). Gifts editor Hannah Morrill, who’s been bestowing these on her mother for years, has been politely informed that any other gift is no longer acceptable.

IVV Italian Retro Gelato Bowls (starting at $54 for two bowls at the time of publication)

As Aristotle famously decreed, a mom can never have too much alone time … or too many small bowls. To elevate a scoop of Stracciatella or Greek yogurt from simple snack to refined dessert, put it in a translucent, hand-blown glass bowl from Tuscany. These come in a range of jewel tones like blush, purple, and indigo, and you can choose from either flat or the more-expensive footed. We think any mom will find these faceted treasures ideal vessels for holding everything from mise-en-place ingredients to olives to pistachios to gum drops.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.