Ever since becoming a mom, I’ve found myself looking forward to Mother’s Day even more than my own birthday. It’s not always easy to step back and reward yourself for everything you do when you’re too busy cooking dinner, changing diapers, and running around for school pickups, which is exactly what makes Mother’s Day so special. It’s a time to celebrate all the hard-working mamas out there and enjoy a moment for yourself.
There are some gifts, like cleaning supplies and workout equipment, that we really don’t want for Mother’s Day. I spoke to real moms and fellow Good Housekeeping parents, and we all agreed: We never want gifts that feel like an added chore, whether it’s arranging flowers, booking a spa appointment, or testing out kitchen gear. The best Mother’s Day gifts should encourage her to relax, make her feel luxurious, or encourage a hobby, rather than add another thing to her mental load.
❌ Cleaning supplies
Trust me: The last thing the mom in your life wants for Mother’s Day is anything to do with cleaning. I’ll never forget the day my dad gifted my mom a vacuum, and she sent him back out to return it that same day. Yes, that includes a fancy robot vacuum, or any kind of “miracle” cleaning product.
WHAT TO BUY: Massage gift cards
“A massage, facial, or some kind of relaxing spa treatment,” said one mom. It can be hard to find the time for self-care, so do it for her. If she’s been complaining about back pain or hinting that she could really use a spa day, schedule a time for her to be able to truly relax and unwind, even if it’s only for an hour. My advice? Plan all the logistics out for her. “I love the thought of a massage gift card, but I’d rather it actually be scheduled (and childcare taken care of), or else it feels like something else on the list to plan,” one mom explained.
❌ Cookware and kitchen appliances
That means no Instant Pots, ice cream makers, or cookware, unless she specifically said that’s what she wants (and even then, you probably shouldn’t listen). “My husband gave me a stainless steel pan set, and I hated it,” said one mom, admitting she actually hates cooking.
WHAT TO BUY: Cooking classes, or another experience gift
“Some type of experienceI would enjoy and not have the burden of planning, whether for me alone, date night, or family time,” one mom told me. Consider making a reservation at her favorite restaurant or a place she’s been wanting to try, and booking the babysitter. A cooking class (if she actually likes cooking), sip and paint with her best friend, or even a solo staycation at a nice hotel are great ideas. “I think about just walking into a hotel and getting a room for a nap,” said one tired mom of an infant.
❌ Plants
Flowers, plants, and all things floral usually scream Mother’s Day, but you should think twice about getting mom something that means more work for her. “I don’t want anything I’d have to take care of—a plant or flowers not already in a vase,” said one mom.
WHAT TO BUY: Eternity Flowers
If mom loves flowers, get her a fresh bouquet from a reliable delivery service like Bouqs (vase included). You can also consider Venus et Fleur’s preserved flowers that last more than a year with virtually zero care. I own one of their arrangements myself, and I absolutely love being able to keep real flowers in my home year-round without any effort.
❌ Gifts for kids
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s that Mother’s Day is about the mom. Get her something that reflects that. “Don't buy a new mom a baby gift, get her something for her!” said a GH editor.
WHAT TO BUY: Personalized jewelry, likeTiny Tag's Mama Bracelet.
Nice jewelry, purses, and clothing are usually safe choices. If she’s difficult to shop for, head to a physical store and ask for help. I recently visited a Gorjana jewelry store, and a stylist worked with me to help me find what I was looking for. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. “I’ve learned that I need to be very explicit about my gifts (sending links, color preferences, and size) to have a happy outcome,” said one mom.
Last Mother’s Day, I was gifted this gorgeous bracelet from Haverhill. It has the first initial of my daughter’s name engraved on it, along with her birthstone, and I wear it 24/7.
❌ Generic items like mugs, “Best Mom Ever” T-shirts, or useless trinkets
Most moms hate clutter, and being gifted something you don’t actually want or need only adds stress to their plate. “I don’t need a heart-shaped glass trinket dish or a book about flowers,” said one mom. Mom mugs and “Best Mom Ever” apparel should also be avoided. “We’re overflowing with mugs as it is,” said one GH editor.
WHAT TO BUY: Kindles, or a really great book
“Do give me a NYT bestseller book and several hours to myself to read it,” said one mom. Or get her an e-reader, so she can choose her own book. Although I love browsing through local bookstores, it’s not fun with a restless toddler. My Kindle makes it easy to quickly find something that I want to read (and can download in seconds).
❌ Candles
“This may be a hot take, but I am not really a candle person. Try harder!” said a GH editor. While I personally love candles, I agree that it feels like a lackluster gift. As someone who is picky about scents, I find it more fun to get my own candle as a little treat to myself when browsing through duty-free at the airport or out shopping.
WHAT TO BUY: Perfume, like Giorgio Armani My Way Eau de Parfum or Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum.
Although it’s still not the most creative gift, at least it’s something you know she’ll use—especially if you choose a perfume that she already loves. Because perfumes can be expensive, she’ll appreciate you splurging on one that she’s been dreaming of.
❌ Big DIY artwork
Handmade gifts from the little ones are endearing, but try to make them practical. “I've gotten some poster-size art from my kids that was facilitated by other family members, and it's adorable, but where am I supposed to put it?” said one GH parent.
WHAT TO BUY: A bouquet made from their handprints
If you’re going the arts and crafts route, make it manageable.“Desktop-size homemade gifts are more appreciated,” said one mom. You can also write Mom a heartfelt card (perhaps alongside some breakfast in bed).
❌ Activities or sports she has no interest in
I’m not against exercise-related gifts, but I advise being 100 percent sure about them. “I got a tennis racquet, and literally never touched it,” one mom told me. Similarly, I once received some waterproof headphones for swimming and never even opened them (and that’s coming from someone who loves swimming).
WHAT TO BUY: Anything from Lululemon
Try sticking to sports you know Mom loves, or workout gear she swears by—even if she just wears it to lounge around. Has she been skipping yoga sessions lately? Get her some credits to her favorite studio on ClassPass, or sign her up for a month at a new studio like Orangetheory Fitness if you think she wants to try something new (our editors are obsessed). “It depends on the mom, but if I got workout clothes or a gift card to my workout studio, I would be THRILLED because that's my me time,” said one GH parent.
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.
