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With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, it's high time to start shopping for the moms, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and mother-in-laws in our lives again. Whether you're celebrating with a large family brunch or taking your mom out for a spa day, a well-thought-out gift is always appreciated. For those who can’t be with their mothers this year but still want to send something to make her smile—we’ve got you covered. Below, we've rounded up dozens of thoughtful Mother’s Day gift ideas for all kinds of moms, from the ones who taught you to love the great outdoors to the ones who appreciate a trip to a winery, and the ones whose ideal vacation is sitting in a beach chair with a good book in hand.
As a reminder, Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 14, this year, so be sure to give a week or two of buffer time if you're shipping a gift directly to mom, or need to wrap it yourself at home.
- For the outdoorsy mom
- For the organization guru
- For the spa devotees
- For the homebody
- For the beach lovers
- For the the environmentally conscious mom
- For the mom who loves to cook
- For the green thumb
- For the wine connoisseur
- For the bookworm
- For the coffee or tea lovers
- Even more gift ideas
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Paris Wilson.
For the outdoorsy mom
If your mom feels most at home on the trails and in a national park, she'll appreciate a U.S. Park Pass. The annual card grants access to all national parks, monuments and, battlefields in the United States. At parks where per-person fees are charged, passholders can bring three adults in, so her friends or your family can tag along, too.
Treat mom to a new pair of hiking shoes for your next trek together. Merrell designed this pair specifically for women, with our specific toe splay, hip width, and arch propensities in mind. It's a good versatile hiker that she can wear as easily on trails as she can while running around town and heading out on long days of sightseeing.
For the mom who is always on the road with a backpack in tow, get her something that fits her well. The Maven 45 is made with women in mind and takes into account the variations of women's body proportions. Its adjustable frame design has a contorted hip belt and shoulder straps. The lower park of the backpack made from Gregory's FreeFloat dynamic comfort cradle lower back system while the upper part features breathable 3D foam.
For the organization guru
For the mom who swears by Marie Kondo, make the organizer in her happy with Bellroy's Tech Kit; it's filled with loops and pockets to give every cord and earphone its proper place.
Packing cubes are a game changer—just ask the ladies behind The Home Edit, or Traveler editor Lale Arikoglu, who has raved about Paravel's personalized set. It come with four cubes—a large, a medium, and two small ones—all of which are easy to wipe clean and even easier to store (just nest them all into each other).
We love Courant's chic portable chargers, so it's no surprise the pebbled leather AirPod cases are just as cute. Plus, they make the slippery cases easier to grip, meaning there's less chance she'll dropping them when digging through her purse in the airport security line.
It's been awhile since jewelry was top of mind, which makes this pretty Mark & Graham case all the more fun. It'll hold all her earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets the next time she travels for a special occasion.
This chic Metro sling bag from Monos will let mom move hands-free at the airport while still keeping her smaller essentials easily accessible. It can be worn across the chest or around the waist.
For the mom who picks hotels based on the spa
Your mom can contour, tone, and firm her skin without even visiting the spa with the NuFace facial toning kit. It gently massages the face to smooth skin and decrease wrinkles over time. Use it with the gel primer daily for the best results and instant de-puffing.
We love a good robe here at Traveler, especially when it reminds us of something we'd find at our favorite hotel or spa. Parachute's waffle robe has long sleeves and hits around the knee, and is lightweight enough to wear year round, regardless of the climate.
Silk pajamas, without the hassle of having to wash by hand—a dream. This Lunya set, now available in a limited-edition light green hue, is the kind she'll want to wear to bed every single night. It's also a great set for hot sleepers as the silk keeps you nice and cool.
This bamboo bath caddy will elevate anyone's at-home spa experience. Not only does this one look pretty, it's so functional and easy to set up. Grab a book, some tea, and a candle to set up a spa-worthy bath from the comfort of your own home.
If she's not a Tatcha fan yet, this starter kit will convert her. Meant to soothe dry skin, it comes with a cleansing oil, polish, hydrating serum, skin cream, and eye cream.
If it's good enough for Jessica Nabongo, who spent over 600 hours on a plane in 2019, it's good enough for us (and the important women in our lives). La Mer's beloved serum, which moisturizes and smooths skin, makes a great gift for mothers who want a little extra pampering this year.
Now that she's back to her regular salon and spa appointments, a gift card will help her support her favorite spot and have a reason to book an extra appointment or two. SpaFinder makes it easy to search for places by location and service, so she can book something close to home or on her next vacation.
Boll and Branch, known for its soft cotton sheets (loved by three U.S. presidents, if you've somehow missed the podcast ads), makes another cozy waffle robe. It's a little thicker than Parachute's, and has large pockets and a soft fabric piping that gives it even more of a spa-like look.
Buying skincare products for someone else can be risky, but this starter set lets her sample some of the latest beauty trends to see what works. It comes with a microneedle dermaroller, Cloud Whip face moisturizer, a mud mask, and vitamin C serum.
Recreate the spa experience at home (or the outfit, at least), with this robe and slipper set from Allswell. The waffle-weave texture makes it light and airy, but still nice and absorbent when worn straight from the shower or bath. We like the slippers' grippy rubber soles, too.
For the homebody mom
It may not be the most original present, but you really can't go wrong with a candle—one or two always make our list of the best Mother's Day gifts. Plus, Otherland lets you get a little creative with their personalized gift sets: pick your packaging, choose from one or three candles, then decide on your scents.
Traveler readers went wild for these hotel-quality sheets, recommended by Jonathan Webster, the vice president of lodging at Geronimo Hospitality Group. If mom's in the market for an upgrade, we bet she'll enjoy this silky smooth set.
There's a good chance your mom is ready for a new pair of house shoes. Made from 100-percent Turkish cotton terry, Parachute's plush slippers are soft and breathable, with rubber soles for a solid grip.
Give your mom the best sleep of her life with these luxurious silk pillowcases from Brooklinen. Not only are they comfortable, they are also better for your skin and reduce hair frizz. Sweet dreams!
This dreamy sleep mask is soft, noise-reducing, and the wide elasticized band prevents hair creases. Mom can throw it in her tote to get some rest on her next flight.
Former Traveler editor Corina Quinn has raved about her Vuori joggers and hoodie, which she says feel like a cloud—soft, cozy, and lightweight. The DreamKnit fabric is used on tons different styles of pants and tops, meaning there is something flattering for everyone.
For the moms who always seem to be redecorating or DIY-ing some part of the house, Kit Kemp's book will serve as a new source of inspiration. Kemp, the founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels and a member of Condé Nast Traveler's advisory board, shares ways to add character to your home, do's and don'ts for hanging art, and tips from her favorite artists and craftspeople from around the globe.
For the mom who wishes they were on the beach
Available in yellow and black, this mesh tote is the perfect bag for your mom to bring to the beach this summer. It fits all of her poolside essentials and has an interior slip pocket for a phone and wallet.
Bring the smell of salty sea air to wherever she may be with Homesick's beach cottage candle, made with bergamot, plumeria, cedarwood, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, and musk. And while you're at it, grab one that smells like her home city or favorite vacation destination, too.
There's no better feeling than getting home from a day at the beach, taking a hot shower, and slipping into a silky smooth robe. Whether or not the afternoon on the sand is in her immediate future, you can at least help her achieve that level of after-sun comfort with this Lunya robe. For silk, it's remarkably easy to maintain, given it can be tossed in the wash.
Even when you're using SPF all day at the beach, your skin still needs some recovery afterwards. This soothing kit includes two sheet masks and two pairs of hydrating lip gels. These are best used after a long day spent in the warm sun and sea salt air—they are ultra-hydrating and calming to the skin.
For the the environmentally conscious mom
For those familiar with S’well, this gift is a great addition to their collection. The Celebration Set features an ice bucket, wine chiller, shaker set, Champagne flute, and wine tumbler, all made from the brand’s mesmerizing teakwood.
As summer approaches, consider upgrading your mom’s current ride. Bluejay’s Premiere Edition electric bike is made for paved bike paths. It can reach up to 20 miles per hour and provides 75 miles of cycling before it needs a charge. Although it looks like a blast from the past, the bike itself is loaded with the latest technology such as a control panel with USB charging ports that displays speed, battery life, lights, and mileage.
Traveler editors practically live in Girlfriend leggings when we work from home, so we can strongly vouch for their comfort level. Another plus: Each pair is made out of recycled water bottles, and comes in a reusable pink pouch instead of plastic wrap.
This Tree Napper blanket blends the benefits of a weighted blanket—better sleep, peace of mind—with the comfort of a big, cozy knit sweater. Plus, it's made with a plant-based tree fabric (Tencel), organic cotton, and a little bit of spandex for stretch.
Made entirely from bamboo and recycled plastics (even the laces come from recycled plastic bottle threads), Cariuma sneakers are eco-friendly and extremely comfortable. Moms will like this rose knit pair for city vacations and puttering around town alike.
One of our favorite eco-friendly gifts for travelers, these shoes will stand up to the rainiest of days. They are made from recycled plastic bottles and algae bloom foam, and weigh in at just seven ounces, making them supremely practical when you need to pack light.
For the Ina Garten–obsessed mom
It comes as no surprise that the Always Pan has a cult following: This all-in-one pan does the work of eight traditional pieces of cookware. It will save space in your mom's cupboards and make cleaning the dishes a breeze (what better gift is there than that?).
Upgrade mom's kitchen counter with a gift set from Brightland. Our friends at Epicurious categorized the design-forward brand's Awake oil as a top-tier olive oil; this set comes with a bottle of the good stuff, plus champagne vinegar, California orange blossom honey, and the spout.
There's no greater gift for a home chef than something from Le Creuset. The French cookware company makes the best of the best when it comes to pots, pans, and Dutch ovens. This essential oven will last forever. The hardest part? Choosing a color.
While Tartine's bread cookbook got a lot of love as everyone hopped on board the sourdough train in 2020, the San Francisco bakery's other cookbook is worth reading through, too. It comes with well over 100 recipes for breakfast pastries, cakes, cookies, tarts, and more.
For the mom who wishes she had a British passport, this loud and proud Smeg toaster will get a laugh. Like most Smeg products, it has a retro look and practical features, including six browning levels and a removable stainless steel crumb tray.
With Rifle Paper Co.'s recipe tin, your mom will have a much prettier way to store all those family recipes floating around in her brain, and any new ones she can't wait to try this summer.
For the green thumb mom
You know her birthstone and zodiac sign, but did you know every month has a birth flower, too? Satisfy her gardening itch in a low-key way with this all-in-one kit. It comes with seeds, a glass bottle to grow them in, potting mix, and instructions, plus a cork lid that doubles as a coaster for the bottle.
Blundstone's iconic Tasmanian boots have been around for 150 years, and can withstand anything from slushy winter sidewalks to afternoons stomping through the garden. The Chelsea boot is a favorite for being fairly light and super comfortable, with a leather upper and durable, slip-resistant TPU outsole. If she spends most of her time outdoors, these boots will become a go-to.
We've never seen a watering can as chic as Hay's—its matte color and sleek design are too pretty to keep hidden away in a closet or garage, making it both functional and decorative.
Bloomscape describes this plant's care level as no-fuss and carefree, making it a great pick regardless of her skill level. Plus, it's pet-friendly and will thrive even with partial lighting.
For the mom who loves to visit wineries
The Wine-Down tote is made from upcycled leather that is durable and both water- and stain-resistant. The unique design features a knot that serves as a handle. It's the perfect gift for a wine connoisseur who is always introducing a new bottle during dinner parties or girls’ nights.
For a zero-fuss way to make red wine taste better, she needs a decanter like this one. It's easy to use and easy to clean (it's dishwasher safe), and comes with a travel bag for the aerator, which can sit on top of any wine glass when using the large decanter isn't an option.
If a visit to wine country isn't in her near future, a wine delivery is the next best option. Sign her up for a subscription, or pick out a handful of bottles based on her favorite varietals or wine regions.
This is, by far, the most ridiculous gift on this list, but there is a mom out there who will absolutely love it. It is a suitcase meant specifically for bringing home wine safely, whether she's returning from California, South Africa, or Spain.
Traveler transportation editor Jessica Puckett found these vintage-inspired wine goblets that remind her of the ones she drank from in Italy on Amazon. Spruce up your mom's tablescape with a colorful set of her own.
For the bookworm mom
There are dozens of classics to choose from here: Adventures of Tom Sawyer, David Copperfield, Little Women, and The Call of the Wild among them. Any one of them would look great hanging in a study or bedroom.
It by no means replaces the feeling of strolling through a gorgeous library or bookstore, but a Libro.fm subscription does give her access to a boatload of books to be listened to whenever—on walks, while cleaning, working on a puzzle, coloring, you name it—all of which come from independent bookstores.
Our favorite e-reader for travel, the Kindle Paperwhite has an exceptional battery life, pairs with Audible to play audiobooks, and has a familiar, page-like quality book purists will appreciate.
Decorated with quotes from the greats, from Virginia Woolf to Oscar Wilde, she'll enjoying sending off these postcards to fellow literary friends (and keeping a few to use as bookmarks).
The sentimental mom who's not going anywhere near a Kindle will love stamping her collection of books; customize it to say “from the desk of,” “from the library of,” “ex libris,” or “with love from.”
For the coffee or tea lover
Since there's nothing better than curling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of coffee, we're all for upgrading said coffee experience with a Nespresso machine. This version is a little more versatile than most, pouring both espresso and coffee (in five, eight, and 14-ounce increments), and comes with a milk frother, which really makes all the difference in upgrading at-home coffee.
For moms who are religious about tea time but not yet into matcha, this set will give her an excuse to try something new. It comes with almost everything she needs to prepare a strong cup: a slim bamboo scoop, sized for making a single serving; a bamboo chasen, or tea whisk; and a ceramic chawan, or tea bowl, for mixing and sipping from. Just don't forget to add in some actual matcha, too.
Your coffee enthusiast mom will love this gift set. It comes with a bag of original roasted honey coffee, a jar of whipped honey with cinnamon, acacia honey, a honey dipper, and a coffee mug.
This electric kettle won't only look pretty in your mom's kitchen—it's a game changer. It has to-the-degree temperature control, a 60-minute mode to keep things hot, a precision spot, and weighted handle.
More no-fail gift ideas
She's either a flower mom, or she's not. There's rarely an in between. But if she does appreciate a bouquet of flowers showing up at her doorstep, UrbanStems is your best bet for easy, fast delivery. The Capri, part of UrbanStems' Mother's Day collection, is filled with peach and purple roses, delphinium, ranunculus, eucalyptus, and more.
Use code CNT20 for 20 percent off your order through Mother's Day.
One of New York City’s most renowned and beloved bakeries has expanded on its famous banana pudding recipe, turning them into delicious cookies. Magnolia Bakery is a must-visit while in the city, but for the mothers who can’t make their way to the Big Apple—send a piece (or a few) to them.
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club Resort just launched its first custom fragrance with Bermudian perfumery Lili Bermuda. Island Rose is inspired by the roses that bloom in Bermuda on the grounds of the iconic pink palace. It has notes of mandarin, pink rosa damascena, and soft white orris.
Save your mom a bit more time when getting ready. The Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus gives salon-level blowouts at a fraction of the price. The 2" oval brush has charcoal-infused pins to aid in styling and drying. The brush features low, high, and cool drying settings to tailor to hair needs and produce less damage.
Add a little spice to everyday recipes. The Variety Pack features three sauces that will serve as your mom’s introduction to the world of Jamaican flavors and cuisine.
If you won't have a chance to see your mom in person for Mother's Day and want to send her an ongoing gift to make up for it, Vellabox allows you to customize a candle subscription based on your mom's favorite scents. Choose from woodsy, floral, citrus, and fresh notes in three different candle sizes. These can be sent monthly for six months, one year, or as a one-time-only gift.
The Nopo, an online bazaar that sells wares from female makers based in Morocco, Mexico, and Colombia, has tons of unique home decor, kitchen, and dining pieces. If she loves to entertain, this hand-painted serving set will get plenty of use.
A major upgrade from the traditional bouquet of flowers you usually gift your mom, these elegant eternity roses last a full year (yes, you read that correctly). Your mom can enjoy these on her desk at work or kitchen table until next Mother's Day rolls around.
Whether your mom is a beginner at the gym or a regular hiker, she needs to try the Bala power rings for herself. Press, hold, swing, and squat with these 10-pound props that evenly distribute weight for a user-friendly workout.