Not Your Average Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Whether you're celebrating, grieving, or skipping the whole thing — I see you.
Listen. Mother’s Day gift guides can get a little… Pinterest-y. And not always in a good way. You know the vibe — florals, pastels, mugs that say “#1 Mom,” and the occasional bath bomb. Sweet, but surface-level. A little phoned in. Like a holiday checkbox instead of an actual gesture of love.
This? This is not that.
This is a gift guide for the moms who raised us, shaped us, prayed for us — and who still somehow know exactly when to call just to say, “Are you okay? I had a feeling.”
It’s for the new moms, the stepmoms, the dog moms, and the matriarchs.
It’s for the ones who feel like moms — even if they never got called that out loud. It’s for the ones who wanted to be moms, and tried, and hoped, and lost.
And it’s for the ones whose moms are no longer here — who carry love and grief in equal measure, quietly braving a day that feels louder than usual.
Mother’s Day is complicated. For some, it’s brunch and flowers and sticky-fingered handmade cards. For others, it’s a grief that sneaks up in Target or a sadness they can’t quite name. I know some of you reading might skip this post entirely. (I’ve opted out of all the Mother’s Day emails myself. And that’s more than okay. Truly.)
But if you’re here — and if gifts are your love language, too — I hope this guide gives you ideas that feel thoughtful, specific, and a little more meaningful than “World’s Best Mom” in script font.
These are the kinds of gifts I love to give: the ones that say, I know you. I see you. I put real thought into this. Not just something to check off a list.
So whether you’ve already picked something or are starting from scratch, here’s a little help from me to you. 🫶
The One Who Wanted to Be a Mom
(But isn't. Not in the way she hoped. Not yet. Maybe never. It's complicated.)
She is surrounded by swaddles and ultrasound photos and chubby-cheeked baby posts — and still, she shows up. She holds space. She genuinely wants to celebrate other people’s joy… even when she might be quietly nursing her own grief.
Maybe she’s been through loss. Maybe she’s waiting. Maybe she’s made peace. Maybe not. Either way, she still wants to be a part of your life.
Gift her (or yourself):
A small bouquet and a morning coffee catch-up together
Permission to opt out. Of the day. Of the feelings.
A note that says, “I see you. I haven’t forgotten.”
And if this is you (hi, same): Please be so kind to yourself on Mother’s Day weekend. Whether you stay busy or stay in bed, whether you cry or don’t — you are not alone. You matter deeply. And you are allowed to grieve something even if other people are celebrating it. (You’re also allowed to celebrate being the best Auntie you can be to all your friends littles! Hi again, same. 🤗)
The One Who’s Lost Her Mom
(She used to dread forgetting. Now she dreads remembering. And somehow, she does both.)
Grief doesn’t care about brunch reservations. It doesn’t soften with the years — it just gets sneakier.
Mother’s Day is loud with commercials and emails and family photo shoots. But for them, it’s achingly quiet.
Honor her mom with:
A candle lit in her honor
A recipe she used to make, shared or recreated
A photo or memory posted — not for likes, but for love
A text that says, “Thinking of you today. Tell me something about her?”
Because sometimes, the best gift is letting her talk about it. Giving her space to say her mom’s name out loud. Letting her be held — not hurried through the hard parts.
The New Mom
(Hasn’t slept in weeks. Still manages to smell like baby lotion and hope.)
She’s tender. Tired. Glowing in that “I cried twice before noon but also took 147 photos of my baby sleeping” kind of way. Every part of her life is brand new — including who she is.
Gift her:
A silk sleep mask (for the brief moments she gets to sleep)
Hatch-to-Hospital Box or Hatch Nipple + Lip Balm (yes, for nipples and lips — I hear motherhood is weird)
These comfy slippers (comfort and warmth for those midnight feedings and diaper changes)
Frame a handwritten note from you says, “You’re doing so good.”
The One You Call Every Day
(Knows your tone of voice so well she can tell when something’s wrong before you do.)
She’s your touchstone. She is steady. She is wise, your best pal, your no-fuss mom. And she is absolutely still paying for your Hulu.
Gift her:
A Jolie filtered showerhead (her hair and skin will thank you)
A comfy robe (I have this one — thanks mom! — this is also a great option)
A framed photo of the two of you mid-laugh
A letter tucked into her robe pocket that says everything you never say out loud
The Fit Mom
(Takes her greens powder before you’ve had your coffee.)
Consumes protein at every meal. Tracks macros (not calories). She’s strong, centered, and will absolutely out-plank you. Her version of self-care? A power-walk, a good foam roll, a deep-stretch class.
Gift her:
Bombas performance socks (seriously have you tried these? the best!)
These buttery soft but built-for-performance Athleta leggings
A card that says, “You’ve always shown me what strength looks like.”
The Cool Stepmom
(Not a regular mom. Not even a “stepmom.” Just stylish, chill, and inexplicably good at choosing wine.)
She shows up without making a scene, nails the gift-giving every time, and once taught you how to pack for a weekend trip in a single tote. She’s low-key iconic.
Gift her:
Chic (and comfy) loungewear
A Warby Parker gift card for some “cool girl” readers
A signature scent rollerball (like Ambre blends or Le Labo)
A note that says, “I see you. And I love what I see.”
The Matriarch
(Holds the family history, the holiday schedule, and probably a Bundt cake.)
She’s the keeper of recipes. The person everyone looks to — and not just for side dishes. She makes it all happen, and still sends birthday cards on time.
Gift her:
Storyworth subscription so her stories become your legacy
A custom recipe journal (so chic, straight from mom, or one for all the family recipes)
A monthly bouquet subscription — because she always brought beauty into the room
A note that says “Everything I love about our family started with you.”
The Glam-Gran
(Wears lipstick to Publix. Still matching her shoes to her bag.)
She’s timeless, magnetic, and has probably told you “always leave the house with earrings on.” Her vanity tray is a work of art. So is her holiday table. She is never underdressed.
Gift her:
A glam lipstick case or sunglasses (this pair or this full glam designer pair)
A silk scarf she’ll immediately style better than you
A subscription to a print magazine she misses – Town & Country, Veranda, or Harper’s Bazaar
A note that says, “You make aging look like an art form.”
The Gardening Mom
(Speaks fluent perennial. Has thoughts on mulch. Once cried over a tomato harvest.)
She finds peace in the dirt, joy in the bloom, and always has a straw hat in the car “just in case.” Lives by the Farmer’s Almanac. Believes in compost and miracles.
Gift her:
A wildflower seed mix (native to her zone, of course)
A little note tucked in the card that says, “Everything good I’ve grown in life — you planted first.”
The Empty-Nester Mom
(Has a new pickleball paddle, a passport stamp, and is “booked and busy”.)
She’s enjoying herself — one class, one trip, one spontaneous plan at a time. She’s not mourning the empty house; she’s busy filling her calendar.
Gift her:
An art class or Airbnb experience
These adorable Katie Kime pajamas
A note that says “You’ve always made space for everyone else — now it’s your turn.”
The Dog Mom
(Her camera roll is filled with photos of her dog.)
She celebrates Gotcha Day like a national holiday, throws birthday parties for her dog, and treats “going for a walk” like an Olympic event.
A Wild One walk kit (yes, she wants the matching set)
Custom pet portrait or illustrated print of her pup (tons of options here)
A framed photo of her and the dog — bonus points if it’s candid and chaotic
The Mother-In-Law
(Polished. Practical. Possibly a little intimidating.)
She never forgets your birthday, knows the correct fork for every course, and once told you, “That’s an interesting take” — and you still think about it.
A framed photo of her grandkids (or the whole family, but cropped tastefully)
A beautiful candle (this is truly my favorite)
A chic handbag like this or this or tote like this
A note that says, “Thank you for the love, the traditions, and for raising someone I love so much.” (Cue the misty eyes.)
The Faith-Filled Mom
(My mom. Maybe yours too. A prayer warrior with a generous heart and a well-loved Bible.)
She spends her Sundays at the church, and volunteers her time to teach a bible study at the jail or women’s shelter. She has probably been praying for you since before you were born (and definitely through that phase).
Gift her:
A new prayer journal or devotional
Jewelry with meaning: something hand engraved from Fewer Finer
A donation in her honor – to a ministry she supports or a cause close to her heart (like prison outreach or a local shelter).
A handwritten note thanking her for being a living example of grace, faith, and unconditional love — even when you were very much testing all three.
So whatever kind of mom you’re celebrating this year — give her something that says, I see you. I love you. And no, I haven’t forgotten how much you’ve done (and still do) for me.
Seriously, don’t forget the handwritten notes, she’ll read it more times than she tells you.
This is really good