The Moms Have Spoken: This Is What You Should Never Get Her for Mother's Day
Plus, the things they actually want instead (the answers might surprise you!).
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Contrary to popular belief, there is definitely such thing as a bad gift, especially when it comes to shopping for your mom. With Mother's Day coming up on Sunday May 11, you'll want to get gifts your mom will really use.
After consulting my fellow editors, gift experts and moms themselves, I was surprised to learn that some of my own well-intentioned gifts may not have landed well. From the impersonal to the downright offensive, here's five types of gifts to avoid giving this Mother's Day:
- Cleaning supplies of any kind — yes, that includes fancy vacuums.
- Generic items like mugs, cheap lotion sets and "Best Mom Ever" tees.
- Kitchen appliances like Instant Pots (that is, unless she specifically asked for one).
- Gifts that are really for the kids, like baby gear and concert tickets for the whole family.
- Anything workout or weight loss-related — seriously, just don't.
Instead of opting for kitschy gifts or items that can only be used during chore time, our experts recommend items that she wouldn't normally buy herself. For example, instead of getting her a functional (but not exactly fun) kitchen gadget like an Instant Pot, consider a decorative Le Creuset piece in her favorite color.
Here are the gifts moms actually want:
Why we like it: Dress up any outfit with this darling pearl necklace from celebrity and editor-loved brand Mejuri. It's adorned with freshwater pearls and crafted from 18k gold vermeil; plus, we appreciate that it can be worn solo or layered with her everyday necklaces.
What you should know: Since pearls are delicate, we recommend removing this necklace before showering or going in the pool or ocean.
Why we like it: Ever since it made Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2022, this top-tested travel jewelry case has been one of our readers' most-purchased gifts. We suspect it's because it blends style and practicality with soft exterior and convenient compartments for stowing rings, necklaces and more. (For extra brownie points, fill it with pieces from our editors' favorite jewelry brands.)
What you should know: This jewelry box comes in eight colors and features a built-in mirror.
Why we like it: Going the delivery route this Mother's Day? Bouqs is our experts' top-tested recommendation for its excellent customer service and long-lasting blooms. Plus, the brand offers a wide range of styles so you can find a bouquet that mom will truly adore.
What you should know: Bouqs delivers to all 50 U.S. states, with same-day delivery in select major cities. This bouquet starts at $49, and you can add a vase starting at $16.
Why we like it: Odds are, the mom in your life could use some muscle relief. The latest version of our experts' best compact massage gun pick is lightweight and compact enough to travel with (it weighs just 1 pound!). I use mine almost every night, and it's wonderful for soothing tense, sore muscles.
What you should know: This massage gun claims to offer up to 180 minutes of battery life on a single charge. It has three intensity levels and comes with three attachments to suit different muscle groups.
Why we like it: Sure, you could buy her yet another candle — which we're not opposed to, since they can make a lovely gift. But if you want to go the extra mile, spring for this popular candle warmer. It gently warms candles to scent her home without the risk of open flames — giving her one less thing to worry about.
What you should know: This candle features an automatic shutoff function after two, four or eight hours, along with four adjustable brightness settings.
Why we like it: Maintaining a real orchid can be a lot of work, so we recommend this LEGO set as a fun (and interactive) alternative. Putting it together is a great way to help mom unwind, and it doubles as decor once completed.
What you should know: This LEGO set comes with 274 pieces and measures just over 10 inches once assembled.
Why we like it: The stylish mom who's always on the go will adore this bag from Madewell, the brand behind our experts' best overall tote bag. Reviewers love that its roomy interior fits a laptop, water bottle, snacks, a wallet and more, and its woven leather material makes it stand out from similar options.
What you should know: This bag comes in four neutral colors. It has an interior zippered pocket.
Why we like it: Elevated drinkware like these stylish glasses trump a kitchen tool as a Mother's Day gift. These colorful coupe glasses from Oprah's coveted Favorite Things list feature an art deco-inspired shape and smokey colors that are sure to upgrade her go-to martini recipe or scoop of sorbet. Plus, it gives her a great excuse to invite her girlfriends over for cocktails.
What you should know: The manufacturer doesn't specify whether or not these glasses are dishwasher safe, so we recommend hand-washing them.
Why we like it: If you're going to get her something for the kitchen, make it a piece that'll actually be fun and exciting to use — like this stoneware French press from Le Creuset. Reviewers say that it brews delicious coffee and keeps it hot, since the brand is known for its excellent heat retention.
What you should know: This French press is available in six different colors, but I'm partial to this soothing Caribbean blue. It's dishwasher safe, according to the brand.
Why we like it: If you end up choosing to shop body care, quality over quantity is key — so put down the drugstore gift set and go with these luxe L'Occitane hand creams instead. This trio includes our experts' top-tested pick for dry, cracked hands in three different scents: original shea, lavender and almond.
What you should know: In our Lab testing, 100% of users said that the original shea formula improved the look of chapped and cracked hands and made them feel soft and smooth.
Why we like it: For heartfelt gift that won't break the bank, add this frame to cart and fill it with your favorite 4x6 print of you and mom. Trust me, she'll appreciate the gesture and how expensive the gold twisted rope design looks on her desk or shelf.
What you should know: It has earned a 4.8/5 star rating from over 2,000 shoppers. It's also available in brushed nickel and silver finishes.
Why we like it: Make any day feel like a spa day with these popular under-eye patches from one of our favorite Korean skincare brands. They're formulated with snail mucin and niancinamide serum, which can help hydrate and de-puff tired under-eyes.
What you should know: This pack of 60 patches comes with large and small sizes to target different areas of the face. Reviewers say they're easy to apply and make them feel refreshed.
Why we like it: If these Eberjey pajamas are worn by Meghan Markle, Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez and admired by our experts, they're sure to make your mom smile, too. "These are hands-down the best pajamas I’ve worn," says Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine. The Modal Long PJ set was named our best overall pair for women for its soft fabric and vintage-inspired silhouette, so it's well worth the splurge.
What you should know: These pajamas come in 21 colors and sizes XS to XXL. You can also shop them in a short-sleeve and shorts version for hot sleepers.
Lauren Gruber is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines with more than five years of professional writing experience. She specializes in fragrance, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, and more. Before her time at Hearst, Lauren graduated from New York University and wrote for Shop TODAY, Entertainment Tonight, Self, V Magazine, L’Officiel, and more. When she’s not researching Prime Day deals or testing the latest perfume launches, you can find Lauren hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater.
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