All mamas deserve to feel celebrated, appreciated, and—ideally—a little spoiled on Mother’s Day. Rather than guessing what she might want, I went straight to the source and asked real moms about the best gifts they’ve ever received. Their answers might surprise you—it’s not always the obvious bouquet-and-card combo.
From fine jewelry to the most delicious sweets, ultra-comfy loungewear, and thoughtful little luxuries, these are the gifts that moms say are truly worth giving. Whether you’re shopping for your own mom, your partner, or a friend who deserves some extra love, you’ll find Mother's Day gifts that feel personal, and won’t end up seeing on a shelf to collect dust.
I received the bracelet version of this necklace last Mother’s Day, and it’s one of my favorites. I never have to take it off, and the gold vermeil hasn’t shown any signs of wear and tear.
I love real flowers, but they’re another thing to take care of. That’s what makes Eternity Flowers from Venus et Fleur so special. I was gifted a bouquet once and it’s one of the most thoughtful (and gorgeous!) presents I’ve ever received. The flowers lasted well beyond a year, and they became a staple in my home that required little to no maintenance.
Most mamas agree that there’s nothing like a cozy, comfy set of pajamas, especially the kind you want to stay in all day. One mom specifically raved about this set from Eberjey. “It’s the most comfortable gift I could possibly receive!! I wear them all the time, the fabric is so nice and soft,” she said. There’s also a long set version for cooler nights.
If you can’t bring Mom to Paris this year, why not bring Paris to her? Ladurée is renowned for its macarons, and in my opinion, the most delicious you’ll find. These come in a sweet heart-shaped box and include an assortment of flavors. I’ve personally gifted them to other Moms and appreciate that they ship overnight, so you know they’ll arrive fresh.
Treat your mom to this floral-scented fragrance that will last much longer than a fresh bouquet. “The scent isn’t too overpowering around the kids, and I love how it smells on me,” said one mom of two.
RELATED: 14 Spring Perfumes That Smell Even Better Than Flowers
Mom can add this cute, solid gold zodiac charm to an existing necklace or bracelet. One mom told me she was truly impressed when her husband found it for her. “My husband got me this little charm for my daughter’s sign, and I can’t get over how much I like it,” she said.
If you really want to spoil mom for Mother’s Day, the Cartier Tank is timeless and has been seen on the wrists of cultural icons ranging from Princess Diana to Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Michelle Obama. “This is probably one of the best gifts I’ve ever received in my life,” said one mom. It’s certainly an investment piece, but one that she’ll be grateful for forever.
Expert tip: If the Tank is out of your budget, I own this lookalike Seiko Watch that’s a fragment of the price!
“These are so great for catching candid moments when playing with the kids at the playground or laughing on the swings,” said one mom. They let her stay present, while still capturing precious memories of her little kids. Bonus: They’re stylish and double up as sunglasses.
RELATED:Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Made Me Put My Phone Down on Vacation—Now I’ll Never Travel Without Them
This gift card from Tot Squad is perfect for new Moms who aren’t sure what they want. Once purchased, she can exchange the gift card for a service she wants, choosing among a variety of providers that offer pampering, family photography, baby gear rentals, babysitting, and so much more. I used a Tot Squad gift card to redeem a Thai massage when my back was killing me from all the baby carrying, and the exchange was seamless.
I was gifted this Haverhill bracelet for my very first Mother’s Day, and I’ve been wearing it since that day. It’s super pretty and dainty, but what I love most is that it can be personalized with an engraved letter (I chose my daughter’s first initial) as well as your little one’s birthstone. If you have two kids, you can also choose this bracelet that features two letters and two stones.
You can’t go wrong with this GH Institute-tested blanket that real moms love curling up under. “It’s SO soft, like ridiculously so, and heavy in a good way. It’s a bit too warm for summer months, but really cozy in the winter, and it looks very luxe and chic. It feels like it will last a long time, too,” said one Mom.
For a cheaper alternative, you can also consider this dupe from Bedsure that’s earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.
RELATED:I Test Blankets for a Living—the Viral Lola Blanket Surprised Me
Let’s be honest: Most moms don’t have time to browse around a bookstore. If she likes to read, consider getting her the Kindle Paperwhite so she can download all sorts of books with the click of a button. I’ve been using mine for years, and I bring it with me everywhere. I especially love how you can use it in a dark room, thanks to the backlight; it’s been a lifesaver when my little one just doesn’t want me to leave the room.
RELATED: 7 Best E-Readers to Buy
From fresh peonies to roses, lilies, and more, Bouqs is one of the most reliable flower delivery services that you’ll find (it’s GH Institute approved!). And there are tons of bouquets to choose from for Mother’s Day. I’ve personally received flowers from Bouqs for all types of occasions, and I never cease to be impressed with how beautiful the flowers look and how long they last. Bouqs customer service is exceptional as well, should there be an issue with your order.
RELATED: I’ve Reviewed Nearly Every Flower Delivery Service—Here Are the Real Standouts
“My family knows that I’m obsessed with any item from Rifle Paper,” said one mom. “Over the years, I’ve received beautiful notebooks, tea towels, and even a floral luggage tag to make my plain suitcase cuter. This year, I’m dropping hints for the new dishes and serving platters—the Gracie design is my favorite.”
I love a good sheet set. If Mom is as obsessed with luxurious bedding as I am, she’ll appreciate this super soft set. There’s nothing like sleeping (and feeling) like a queen.
RELATED: After I Tried Boll & Branch Sheets, I'm Never Going Back To My Old Set
Let Mama know she’s appreciated with a pretty bangle you can engrave with up to 5 cubs. “When my daughter was in high school, she gave me a mama bear bangle bracelet. I wear it every Mother’s Day and on other special occasions,” one mom told me.
If you know me, you know that I’m a slipper girl. My new favorites are this pair from Fleks. They’re perfect for spring and summer weather, and they let Mom look stylish all while keeping busy feet supported and comfy.
Love bubbly? Mom won’t be disappointed with this delicious rosé champagne from Moet & Chandon. The limited edition comes in a gorgeous pink bottle that will make her feel celebrated on her big day.
Olivia (she/her) is a senior reviews writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests and writes about tech, home, travel, fitness, parenting and health products. Since joining GH in 2021, she has continued to leverage her extensive product reviews experience by staying on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helping readers make better buying decisions. Olivia is a graduate of the George Washington University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
