52 Mother’s Day Gifts Moms *Actually* Want, According to the Moms We Polled
Find something she'll love.
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In preparation for Mom’s big day on May 10, we asked moms (and their daughters) to share their thoughts on Mother’s Day gifts—what to buy, what to skip, and the best presents they’ve ever received. Here’s what they had to say.
Our top picks:
- Best value: Martha Stewart's Gardening Handbook
- Gift for wife: Kate Spade Heart of Gold Bracelet
- Homemade gift: Flower Bouquet Handprint Art
- Personalized gift: Yankee Candle Personalized Candle
- Gift from daughter: Ana Luisa 14K Gold Mama Necklace
Above all, Mother’s Day is about showing her you care. While a handmade gift is always meaningful, moms say thoughtful, personalized presents—like a custom candle—or practical favorites, such as an all-in-one hair styler, are especially appreciated. If you’re shopping on a budget, don’t stress: Price matters far less than intention. Many moms would prefer something small and meaningful over an expensive gift they’ll never use. One thing to avoid? Anything that feels like a chore—think vacuum cleaners or yard tools. When in doubt, go for something sweet, sentimental, or genuinely useful. For inspiration, browse our list of mom-approved Mother’s Day gifts.
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Keep things simple with this brass bangle, engraved with the words “heart of gold” on the inside. It delivers a meaningful message through a brand she already loves, Kate Spade. Its minimal design makes it easy to style with her everyday jewelry.
If a box of chocolates feels a little too Valentine’s Day, opt for a box of French macarons instead. This assortment includes flavors like passionfruit, caramel, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate. The 12-piece set is a good amount, but smaller and larger boxes are available to fit your budget.
Add a touch of whimsy to her kitchen with this checkered electric tea kettle. It heats up to eight cups and offers seven temperature settings, from 120°F to 212°F. If pink doesn't match her kitchen, there are seven other color options to choose from.
Body mists are back, and they're getting an upgrade. This option from beloved perfume brand PHLUR includes notes of vanilla, cream, santal, and musk. She can use it on her hair and body for a warm, inviting scent that won't overpower, according to the brand.
According to our Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst, Amanda Constantine, “My mom also loves her digital frame—it’s such a fun way for my siblings (who live on opposite coasts) and I to share moments with our parents.”
This frame option from Aura stands out from the rest, allowing family and friends to easily upload photos and videos via the Aura app to create an ongoing, personalized slideshow, which she can display in her home.
RELATED: Best Digital Photo Frames
If she has most of her recipes memorized, encourage her to write them down in a handwritten recipe book, so they can be cherished for years to come. This thoughtfully designed binder includes 175 pages, 16 divider tabs, 10 clear recipe card sleeves, a double-sided pocket folder, adhesive labels, and more.
COACH is a timeless luxury brand, so its pieces never go out of style—making this shoulder bag one Mom can carry for years to come. Crafted of soft double-faced suede, this mid-sized hobo style features a roomy interior with a snap pocket.
In preparation for outdoor gatherings, gift her a set of four highball glasses, each adorned with a colorful fruit icon—strawberries, lemons, cherries, and watermelon. These 14-ounce glasses are perfect for serving iced drinks on the patio.
A tool that can do it all is a mom’s dream—and the Dyson Airwrap delivers. It dries, curls, waves, shapes, and smooths hair without extreme heat damage, according to the brand. Even better, the i.d. version connects to the MyDyson app, allowing users to customize their styling settings.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Dyson's Airwrap i.d. Review: What's New, Better and Worse
A few years ago, I gifted my mom a Fitbit Charge 6, and she still wears it every day—she even bought one for my nana shortly after. This smart fitness tracker does far more than count steps and tell time: it features built-in GPS, monitors heart rate, and tracks sleep, amongst other things.
My mom is a big fan of scent discovery kits—they’re a great way to explore fragrance preferences without committing to a full-size bottle. This set from CLEAN includes five rollerball scents: Warm Cotton, Skin, Rain, Apple Blossom, and Vanilla Cloud.
Mom can wear her heart on her sleeve—literally—with this polycotton sweatshirt, embroidered with a heart and her favorite moniker. If "Mom" isn't her go-to name, there are options for "Mommy," "Mimi," and "Mama," too.
If it’s her first Mother’s Day, help her mark the milestone with a baby journal. This 192-page keepsake is designed to capture special moments from birth through age five, and it can be personalized for an extra-sentimental touch.
Red-light devices are also a big hit with moms. Experts in our Beauty & Personal Care Lab tested this gadget for its claims to reduce fine lines, dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots—and found it to be an effective self-care option. Its compact size also makes it especially convenient for travel.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Solawave Wand Review: I Tried the New 4-in1 Skincare Tool
Jewelry is a classic Mother’s Day gift, but instead of splurging on diamonds, consider this 14K gold-plated necklace featuring the word “Mama.” It can be worn on its own or layered with other gold chains for an effortlessly stylish look.
Get the whole family involved with this sweet craft that turns handprints into a blooming bouquet. The kit includes a 12 x 16-inch art card, a wooden frame, four washable ink pads, and hanging hardware. Don’t forget to sign your masterpiece at the bottom!
The mini version of this popular water bottle impressed experts in our Kitchen & Cooking Lab with its superior heat and cold retention—even outperforming its larger counterparts. The 6.7-ounce micro size is perfect for carrying small drinks like espresso or packing snacks on the go.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Hydro Flask Micro Review
This isn’t your average journal. Designed as a keepsake, this memory book features thoughtful prompts that encourage Mom to capture her favorite stories for kids and grandkids to treasure. It guides her through every stage of life, from early childhood memories to the wisdom she wants to pass down today.
If you think mugs are a boring gift, you haven’t met this one. This app-controlled mug lets her set her ideal sipping temperature and keeps her drink perfectly warm for up to 80 minutes off the charger or all day while on, according to the brand. It's the perfect gift for an all-day coffee sipper.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: What I Think After Using the Ember Mug for More Than a Year
Let this solar lantern soak up the sun by day and glow at night, casting intricate patterns of light. One reviewer shared, “I gave this to my mother-in-law, and she absolutely loved it—she hung it in her garden and it worked beautifully.”
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
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