35 Unique Mother’s Day Gifts Your Hard-To-Shop-For Mom Will Love
Every year, we run through a frustratingly familiar line of questioning with our moms and mother figures: “What do you want for [insert holiday/birthday/gift-giving occasion] this year?” And, every 365 days, the answer is the same: “Oh, I don’t really need anything.” Mo-om! Why are you so difficult to shop for? As a person who’s spent her life doing things for other people, she may not have her personal wishlist at the ready. But when it comes to the hard-to-crack giftees in your life, we’ll happily rise to the challenge.
We combed the internet for inventive and useful Mother’s Day gifts that have your impossible-to-shop-for mom’s name written all over them. Whether it’s a viral beauty product, stylish-yet-practical bag, quirky kitchenware, or customizable gift, there’s a crowd-pleasing present ahead that will delight any discerning mama.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
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Emily Lex Studio Watercolor Set
Play into your mom’s artistic abilities with a coloring book and watercolor paint set that’ll help her unleash her creativity and unwind. Pick from several design themes to best reflect her interests.
Shop Anthropologie
Emily Lex Studio Watercolor Set, $, available at Anthropologie
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L
An oldie but a goodie, Lululemon’s internet-obsessed belt bag is the way to anyone’s heart. This larger iteration is specifically great for moms who need to keep many essentials on hand… while being hands-free!
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L, $, available at Lululemon
Kosterina Oil & Vinegar Mother’s Day Gift Set
When in doubt, food is always a great gift idea. And this Mother’s Day-exclusive olive oil and balsamic vinegar set is the perfect option for the home cook in your life.
Shop Kosterina
Kosterina Mother’s Day Gift Set, $, available at Kosterina
Bathing Culture Meadow Vision Mind and Body Wash
If your mom is someone who appreciates a practical gift more than a bouquet of flowers, consider giving her a biodegradable body wash (in a floral-printed bottle) that smells like a spring meadow instead — and upgrades her shower ritual!
Shop Credo Beauty
Bathing Culture Meadow Vision Mind and Body Wash, $, available at Credo Beauty
Staud x C.Bonz Custom Classic Oversized Shirt
Gift this customizable button-down shirt for the pet parent who never wants to part ways with their pooch or kitten, even when they go to work. We promise this will make your giftee cry tears of happiness — just make sure you leave enough time for the fulfillment process.
Shop Staud
Staud x C.Bonz Custom Classic Oversized Shirt, $, available at Staud
Coach Outlet Corner Zip Wristlet With Crystal
Add a new crystal-embellished wristlet to your mom’s Coach collection this Mother’s Day. The best part? She won’t have any idea you spent under $40 on this Coach Outlet find!
Shop Coach Outlet
Coach Corner Zip Wristlet With Crystal, $, available at Coach Outlet
Maison Balzac Black Bow Coupes
For the mom who’s always on-trend and never scared of elevating her space, gift her a set of black-bowed champagne glasses. They’ll make any bar cart look more whimsical, and any drink taste more delightful.
Shop Coming Soon
Maison Balzac Black Bow Coupes, $, available at Coming Soon
Hello Postpartum New Mom Mother’s Day Gift Basket
For a new mom, gift a thoughtful, curated gift basket. Or check out this brand’s customizable postpartum boxes, which you can add tons of wellness and lifestyle products to.
Shop Hello Postpartum
Hello Postpartum New Mom Mother’s Day Gift Basket, $, available at Hello Postpartum
Rellery Peas in a Pod Necklace
This adorable necklace comes with two to five pearl “peas” so that you and any of your siblings can be represented by it, making it a great group gift idea!
Shop Rellery
Rellery Peas in a Pod Necklace, $, available at Rellery
Lunya Washable Silk Tulip Back Set
Who doesn’t love washable silk? We’re sure anyone would appreciate a set (especially in a summer-y stripe print) for lounging around the house or sleeping luxuriously.
Shop Lunya
Lunya Washable Silk Tulip Back Set, $, available at Lunya
Mark & Graham Mini Travel American Mahjong Set
Mahjong is all the rage again (especially among mom friend groups), so consider carting up a fun travel set so your mom can take it anywhere. It also comes with a pouch, which can be customized with a monogram for an extra $15.
Shop Mark & Graham
Mark and Graham Mini Travel American Mahjong Set, $, available at Mark and Graham
Bandolier Gia Duet Crossbody Phone Case
If your giftee is known for juggling a million things (literally and figuratively) or constantly losing her phone, a crossbody phone case may be the most practical and necessary gift of them all. This style comes with a wristlet chain, plus a pocket for holding quick-to-access credit cards.
Shop Bandolier
Bandolier Gia Duet Crossbody Phone Case, $, available at Bandolier
Doodle By Meg Home is Wherever Mom Is Stationery Cards
You can never go wrong with a sentimental Mother’s Day card. But you can go very right with one that stands out from the cookie-cutter cards at your local store. Luckily, Society 6 has plenty of standout designs, and this one comes in sets of three or 10, so you can hand them out to all the mother figures in your life.
Shop Society 6
Doodle by Meg Home is Wherever Mom Is Stationery Cards, $, available at Society6
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Throw
Quince is known for ethically-sourced and reasonably-priced cashmere goods, so why not cart up one of its throw blankets as an elevated Mother’s Day or hostess gift?
Shop Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Throw, $, available at Quince
Hatch Limited Edition Restore 3
Hatch just released a limited-edition Rosy colorway in its popular Restore sound machine-meets-sunrise alarm. And it may just be the best addition to any mom’s bedside table.
Shop Hatch
HATCH Limited Edition Restore 3, $, available at HATCH
BonBon Large Candy Gift Box
The Swedish candy that’s taking over the nation (and TikTok) can now be delivered to your mom’s doorstep. Just pick from the various box sizes and candy mixes, and we promise that it’ll be the sweetest Mother’s Day gift.
Shop BonBon
Bonbon BonBon Large Gift Box, $, available at BonBon
Naadam Embroidered Tulips Cashmere Sweater
Looking for another flower alternative? How about a sweater with a small-but-smile-worthy embroidered tulip design?
Shop Naadam
Naadam Embroidered Tulips Cashmere Sweater, $, available at Naadam
Great Jones Little Hottie Ceramic Baker
Whether they love to bake or host potluck parties, the mom in your life will appreciate this colorful ceramic baking dish for cooking and transporting her most delicious concoctions. [Bonus points if you bake a sweet treat for Mother’s Day in it first!]
Shop Great Jones
Great Jones Little Hottie, $, available at Great Jones
Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case
When it’s not busy trending on TikTok, Calpak’s fan-favorite cosmetics case keeps miscellaneous toiletries at bay in style. Score it for mom this year, and she’ll wonder why she never put it on her wishlist.
Shop Calpak
Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case, $, available at Calpak
SerenityStreetArt Mini Dried Floral Bouquet
If your giftee is like me, they can’t do anything but sneeze when they’re around flowers. Luckily, dried floral bouquets have been my solution for beautiful blooms that are long-lasting and allergy-free.
Shop Etsy
SerenityStreetArt Mini Dried Floral Bouquet, $, available at Etsy
Eberjey Renew Plush Long Robe
Give the gift of coziness with a plush bathrobe that’s anything but ordinary. This luxe, extra-fuzzy style promises to keep you warm and swaddled throughout the seasons.
Shop Eberjey
Eberjey Renew Plush Long Robe, $, available at Eberjey
Maison de Sabré Fruit Charm
The viral Maison de Sabré charms are now available in new designs, and we can’t help but want to pick out our mom’s favorite fruit or vegetable. She’ll also appreciate that she can throw an Apple AirTag inside to help track her most-used items (like her bag or house keys).
Shop Nordstrom
Maison de Sabré The SABREMOJI Fruit Charm, $, available at Nordstrom
CeramicsStories Handmade Stoneware Coffee Mug
Keep your mom fueled (with coffee, of course) in a handmade ceramic mug that’s chic and that’ll stand out from the sea of kitschy, mismatched designs in her cabinet.
Shop Etsy
CeramicsStories Handmade Stoneware Cup, $, available at Etsy
Laneige Plump & Hydrate Trio
There’s no going wrong with Laneige, and this new bundle, with the brand’s iconic lip mask and newer Bouncy & Firm sleeping masks, is a no-brainer for the skincare-obsessed.
Shop Laneige
Laneige Plump & Hydrate Trio, $, available at Laneige
Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress
Refinery29 editors and readers alike love this top-rated Anthropologie dress — blame it on the stretchy waistline, relaxed fit, flattering length, and playful prints.
Shop Anthropologie
Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Vacation High Ceiling Resort Lobby Candle
Sure, your mom may have loads of candles that she’s been gifted and hasn’t used, but does she have one that smells like a luxe hotel lobby and evokes the feeling of being away on vacation? Probably not, and that’s why this scent is the one she’ll actually light.
Shop Vacation
Vacation High Ceiling Resort Lobby, $, available at Vacation
Inteo Red Light Therapy Face Mask
Your giftee may not buy the latest craze in wellness — red light therapy — for themselves, so Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to give them a face mask to upgrade their skincare and get some much-needed R&R.
Shop Amazon
Inteo Portable Led Face Mask, $, available at Amazon
Kurt Geiger Kensington Flat Sandal
Whether she’s heading to brunch or the beach, she’ll be pleased to slip into a pair of vibrant and whimsical sandals. And this new iteration of the Kensington sandal has a cute strawberry print that’ll certainly put some pep in her step.
Shop Kurt Geiger
Kurt Geiger Kensington Flat Sandal, $, available at Kurt Geiger
Kate Spade x Target Acrylic Beverage Dispenser with Woven Stand
One of the few products left from the Kate Spade x Target collab comes in the form of a drink dispenser that’s perfect for hosting and throwing parties. Cart it up ASAP and surprise your mom with this cheerful gift.
Shop Target
Kate Spade New York x Target Acrylic Beverage Dispenser with Woven Stand, $, available at Target
Lake Pajamas Pima Bundle
We love a good bundle, and we’re sure your mom does too. Luckily, this pajama set comes with shorts and pants so she can comfortably wear it throughout the seasons and weather changes.
Shop Lake Pajamas
LAKE Pima Bundle, $, available at LAKE
Dieux Infinitely Reusable Eye Mask & Eye Serum Bundle
Eye masks are an on-the-go skincare hack for moms, and these ones don’t slip or slide (and won’t go bad after one use). The hydrating eye serum is a nice bonus.
Shop Dieux
Dieux Angel Eyes: Reusable Eye Mask & Eye Serum Bundle, $, available at Dieux
Our Place Mini Cookware Duo
Our Place’s chic, minimal kitchen goods are the kitchen upgrade your mom would probably not ask for — but will surely put to use upon unboxing.
Shop Our Place
Our Place Mini Cookware Duo, $, available at Our Place
Steamery Fabric Shaver Pilo No.2
Help mom seamlessly eradicate pilling with the help of this nifty sweater shaver. Its sharp-yet-gentle blades glide across fabrics of all kinds and pick up knots along the way. Plus, its larger design covers more surface area, which makes for quicker cleanups compared to smaller tools.
Shop Amazon
Steamery Fabric Shaver Pilo 2, $, available at Amazon
L.L. Bean Customizable Boat & Tote
She’s the original owner of the “mom” bag, and now the oversized carryall tote is trending among the youth on Instagram. Introduce her to the world of funny monogrammed L.L. Bean Boat & Totes. A few monogram recs: MOTY (Mom of the Year), I Love [Insert Your Name Here], or anything off this famous Instagram account.
Shop L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote®, Zip-Top, $, available at L.L. Bean
Osea Your Everything Shower Bundle
An “everything shower” is one of the best opportunities for any mom to escape and unwind. Elevate their routine with a Mother’s Day-exclusive gift set, which includes a nourishing body wash, exfoliating scrub, and glowy oil.
Shop Osea
OSEA Your Everything Shower, $, available at OSEA
Away The Everywhere Bag
Whether she’s looking for a chic commuter bag, personal item for travel, or a roomy tote for anything the day has in store, Away’s Everywhere Bag works for all scenarios. (Pro tip: Get it monogrammed for an extra-special touch.)
Shop Away
Away The Everywhere Bag, $, available at Away
Coach Small Wristlet With Floral Print
Stash loose change, keys, and other essentials in style with a pocket-sized wristlet printed with springtime blooms.
Shop Coach
Coach Small Wristlet With Floral Print, $, available at Coach
Kate Spade Outlet Yours Truly Pave Open Hinge Cuff
This dainty, rose gold arm candy adds a touch of shine to any outfit, and mom will never want to take it off.
Shop Kate Spade Outlet
Kate Spade Outlet Yours Truly Pave Open Hinge Cuff, $, available at Kate Spade Outlet
Vuori Boyfriend Cargo Jogger
She’s not just a mom, she’s a cool mom in these comfy boyfriend cargos. Elevate your mother’s daily athleisure fit with these elevated jogger pants to run errands or lounge around the house in.
Shop Vuori
Vuori Boyfriend Cargo Jogger, $, available at Vuori
Parachute Cotton Cloud Robe
According to Parachute representatives, one Cotton Cloud robe sold every minute during Cyber Monday. Although the shopping holiday is over, it just goes to show how coveted these 100% Turkish cotton threads are — and how much your mom deserves one.
Shop Parachute
Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe, $, available at Parachute
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Duster Cardigan Sweater
When we’re not scooping up Quince‘s Linen Duvet Cover Sets or silk goods, we’re carting the Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan. Who can say no to supple cashmere? Not even picky moms can resist.
Shop Quince
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Duster Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Quince
Anthropologie Grecian Bust Pot
Whether or not she’s a mother of the plant variety, your mom will appreciate the regal, artsy flair of these multi-size Grecian busts.
Shop Anthropologie
Anthropologie Grecian Bust Pot, $, available at Anthropologie
Tasman X Waterproof Clog
The Tasman not only circulated our writers’ clog group chat, it also found itself in plenty of Refinery29 readers’ carts. A certified crowd favorite, it won’t disappoint mom even if it is just another addition to her massive sneaker collection.
Shop Nordstrom
Ugg Tasman X Waterproof Clog, $, available at Nordstrom
L’Occitane Nourishing and Protective Hand Cream Trio Kit
If there’s one thing most moms can’t get enough of, it’s hand cream. This trio of three luxurious shea butter balms from L’Occitane means she can keep one on her nightstand, purse, and car.
Shop L’Occitane
L’Occitane Nourishing and Protective Hand Cream Trio Kit, $, available at Sephora
Lululemon Scuba Oversized 1/2 Zip Hoodie
Cozy, supersoft, and as comforting as a hug from your own mama. Lululemon‘s top-rated, best-selling half-zip pullovers are the perfect layering piece that any mom will wear on repeat (and think of you every time she does).
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie, $, available at Lululemon
Our Place Mini Home Cook Duo
Our Place’s chic, minimal kitchen goods are the kitchen upgrade your mom would probably not ask for — but will surely be put to use ASAP. This sleek new set of cookware is sure to put a smile on her face.
Shop Our Place
Our Place Mini Home Cook Duo, $, available at Our Place
Dagne Dover Ace Neoprene Fanny Pack
A chic neoprene fanny pack is sure to be mom’s go-to for errands, walks, and weekend brunches aplenty. We love this Air Mesh version in a matches-with-everything ivory-cream hue.
Shop Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover ACE NEOPRENE FANNY PACK, $, available at Dagne Dover
ModernPotteryShop Espresso Cup Handpainted
This cheerful little espresso cup will blend in nicely with her existing coffee-accessories collection.
Shop ModernPotteryShop
ModernPotteryShop Espresso Cup Hand Painted, $, available at Etsy
Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress
Four of our writers tried the Somerset Maxi Dress on for size last year, and let’s just say, it gave major Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress vibes. Blame it on the stretchy waistline, relaxed fit, or flattering length — this dress will look dashing on moms of all kinds.
Shop Anthropologie
Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set
Her trusty sleepwear will get a serious upgrade with this 100% washable silk set. Sweet dreams!
Shop Lunya
Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set, $, available at Lunya
Cranach Multitool Pen
If your mom used to fix things around the house growing up, show her that you cherish her DIY influence with this highly handy tool-pen combo.
Shop Amazon
CRANACH Multitool Pen Construction Tool, $, available at Amazon
Bathing Culture Mind & Body Bar
Even if your mom stashes this silky smooth soap bar away, a day will come when she runs out of her signature wash. On that day, she’ll experience the wonders of Bathing Culture‘s organic suds and give you a quick but much-needed thank-you call.
Shop Bathing Culture
Bathing Culture Mind and Body Bar, $, available at Bathing Culture
Steamery Pilo No.2
Help mom seamlessly eradicate piles with the help of this nifty sweater comb. Its sharp-yet-gentle blades glide across fabrics of all kinds and pick up knots along the way. Plus, its larger design covers more surface area, which makes for quicker cleanups compared to smaller tools.
Shop Goodee
Steamery Pilo No.2, $, available at Goodee
Nadaam Fancy Cashmere T-Shirt
It took Nadaam years to develop their signature ultra-fine cashmere knit — which clocks in at a fraction of the traditional retail cost, thanks to a unique supply chain that connects the brand directly with Mongolian goatherds. The super-soft staple is a splurge, but one your mom definitely deserves. The best part? It’s available in an inclusive size range of XXS through 3X.
Shop Naadam
Naadam Fancy Cashmere T-Shirt, $, available at Naadam
J.Crew Long-sleeve pajama short set in striped linen-cotton blend
No one rocks matching pajamas like your mom, and J.Crew’s crisp 100% cotton-linen iteration will definitely pass muster in her tightly edited rotation.
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Long-sleeve pajama short set in striped linen-cotton, $, available at J.Crew
Hoka Women’s Clifton 9
Add some oomph to her daily jogs with an universally beloved, ultra-comfortable sneaker from a woman-led brand.
Shop Hoka
Hoka Clifton 9, $, available at Hoka
Fredericks and Mae Chopping Block
God knows what organisms lurk on the surface of your mom’s ancient plastic cutting board — she deserves a fresh upgrade in the form of this speckled-red chopping surface.
Shop Coming Soon
Fredericks and Mae Chopping Block, $, available at Coming Soon
Horti Forest Alchemy Candle
Horti’s signature “plandles” (plant-inspired candles) are painstakingly mixed with a blend of essential oils for a luxurious scent that comes in a ready-to-repurpose terracotta pot.
Shop Horti
Horti Forest Alchemy, $, available at Horti
MUSICOZY 3D Bluetooth Headband Sleeping Headphones
The person who is everything to everyone has met their gifting match: a multipurpose eye mask-slash-Bluetooth headset for listening to tunes while drifting off in total darkness.
Shop Amazon
MUSICOZY 3D Bluetooth Headband Sleeping Headphones, $, available at Amazon
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