Thoughtful, Useful, and Fun Mother’s Day Gifts to Surprise Mom With

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

It’s hard to put into words just how much our moms mean to us, but the right gift can say it all. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to kick into gear and find the perfect present that truly celebrates all they do. Whether your mom craves a spa day escape with luxurious shower steamers, delights in getting her hands dirty with a new garden tool set, or simply deserves a pair of comfy shoes to match any ensemble, we found the very best Mother's Day gift ideas. Worried about finding the perfect gift for that notoriously picky mom? Don't sweat it – we’ve found a selection of gifts that put self-care first, guaranteed to give her the relaxation she deserves.

We also included top-rated editor favorites, stylish apparel to have her strutting her stuff with confidence, and thoughtful, personalized gifts for the one-of-a-kind mom. We also found gifts for the other important maternal figures in your life — from your beloved mother-in-law to your cherished grandma to your loving stepmom. Read on for our 60 favorite Mother's Day gift ideas below, and be sure to scroll to the very end to check out our FAQ section!

Generations Necklace

You can celebrate years and years full of love with this generational necklace. The pink, white, and light grey pearls represent different the relationship between mother, grandmother, and grandkids. The necklace is made with sterling silver, so it won't tarnish.

Best Dog Mom Soy Candle

If the mom in your life is also a parent to a furry friend, then grab her this candle. It's made with soy wax, can burn for 45 hours, and has a soothing, lavender scent.

Besties Set

Laneige makes the fan-favorite overnight lip mask, so pick up this travel gift set for the beauty-loving mom in your life. It comes with a cleansing foam, hyaluronic serum, moisturizer, water lip mask, and sleeping mask.

Personalized Hand Embroidered Corner Bookmark

These beautiful personalized bookmarks are a great way to mark a page, so your mom never loses her place. There are four design options available, and the bookmark can be monogrammed with your moms initial.

eGift Card

A gift card is a great gift for the indecisive receiver, so they can shop till they drop and grab items off their wish list. Plus, since it's an e-gift card, you can make your mom feel special even when you're miles away.

Polymer Clay Earring Making Kit

Stepping into a craft store can be overwhelming, and can lead to material overload. With this DIY earring kit, your mom can skip the trip to her local Michael's. It comes complete with instructions, clay cutters and tools, five colors of polymer clay, earring hooks, and plenty more so can make her own custom designs.

4-in-1 Facial Wand and Renew Complex Serum Bundle

Red light therapy is a newer technique making waves in the beauty community, and your mom can get in on the action. This combination facial wand uses lights, low-current energy, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth to reduce fine lines and scarring.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Fresh water can be hard to come buy on a hike or camping trip, but the LifeStraw can filter up to 99.99% of waterborne bacteria like e. Coli and salmonella. It's compact and portable so she can stick it in her hiking backpack and head out to the trail.

Massage Gun

Say goodbye to sore muscles and aches. This massage gun has 30 different speed levels to tailor the experience, and comes with 9 massage heads to tackle different muscles and issues. The battery can last for up to 8 hours.

Reading Journal

This reading journal is a great way for the mom in your life to keep track of her favorite novels. It includes useful tools like a daily reading log, space for memorable quotes, and room for 52 reviews.

Corduroy Tote Bag

The mom in your life can carry all of her farmer's market findings with this adorable strawberry tote bag. It's made with sturdy corduroy material, with reinforced shoulder straps for baring weight. It has a magnetic button closure, with interior pockets to organize her essentials.

Wine Accessories Set

Whether she's headed to a friends house for ladies night or a sunset picnic in the park, your mom can bring her favorite wine along with her. This set comes with a chiller, thermos, bag, aerator, corkscrew, and stopper, so her favorite beverage stays fresh and ready to drink.

Cryotherapy Ice Roller and Gua Sha Facial Tool

Ice therapy is a great way to reduce puffiness in the morning, so your mom can wake up refreshed before a busy day. One the ice roller is fully frozen, she can glide it across her skin to help with redness, pain, and decrease wrinkles.

High-Speed Touchscreen Toaster

Is she serious about her toast? Does she live on paninis? This fancy toaster won’t just crisp up her bread, it will use its innovative algorithms to expertly toast. Mom can customize using its 34 preset bread types, three toasting modes, and seven toasting shades.

A large, full-color display will add a touch of tech luxury to your kitchen. And, you can use this gadget for warming sandwiches to make paninis, and it promises to do it super-fast!

Bonfire 2.0 Firepit

Ignite unforgettable moments with Mom using the Solo Stove Bonfire. This fire pit is all the rage because of its cutting-edge combustion airflow efficiency and minimalist design. It’s both sleek and minimally smokes if at all. Made of stainless steel, it has a removable base plate and ash pan for easy cleaning.

And the best part is, Mom won’t complain about that post-fire smell on her hair and clothes!

Enameled Cast Iron Heart

This Insta-worthy heart-shaped pot from Le Creuset will look gorgeous on Mom’s stove. It’s made from enameled cast-iron for even heating and comes with a heavy, tight-fitting lid to seal in moisture.

Indi Neoprene Diaper Backpack

Diaper bags don’t have to be cheesy — they can be stylish and luxe, like this one from Dagne Dover!

This vegan backpack can hold all of her baby’s essentials, not to mention Mom’s. It can be clipped to a stroller, features various zipped compartments and pouches for security and easy access, and has a mini changing mat. A luggage sleeve makes it great for travel, too.

More: Best Gym Bags for Women

Courtly Check 3-Quart Tea Kettle

A beloved design of moms, this signature MacKenzie-Childs tea kettle should be in every family kitchen. You’ll recognize its black-and-white checkered print and notable accents. It is made of heavy-gauge steel underbody, which is hand-painted, completed with a ceramic glaze, and rimmed in bronzed stainless steel. This item is as beautiful as it is functional.

Warm water in it over a medium flame on a gas or electric range. Just don’t use it on induction cooktops or heat it on a high setting to preserve its quality.

Premium Airfryer XXL

This Mother’s Day gift idea tops our list of the best air fryers. From roasting to grilling (yes, grilling), the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL has multiple settings and a “starfish” fan to cook her food evenly. Plus, it’s easy to clean.

Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame

This clever Mother's Day gift displays hundreds of her favorite family photos in just one frame. It cycles through digital photos and videos that are loaded through a USB drive, and it'll even turn on and off as your mom enters or exits the room to save power.

Foam Pillow

She’s supported you all your life, so now’s your chance to support Mom with this Mother’s Day gift idea. This bed pillow is lightweight, breathable, and extra-supportive, while its single-foam construction will keep her head and neck aligned.

Click and Grow Smart Garden

If your mom has always wanted to grow herbs but doesn't have the right environment to have an outdoor garden, this self-watering indoor planter is the perfect gift. It has energy-efficient lights, so her plants can thrive at any time and in any setting. We're big fans of this smart planter, and Mom will be, too.

Best Mom Ever Bundle

Perfectly curated (and with a handwritten note that you personalize), this Mother’s Day gift box has a lovely selection of spa items she can use on her next self-care session. It includes a candle, handmade organic soap, a Spongellé-infused soap sponge, Sugarfina rosé gummies, and a dried lavender bouquet. So elegant!

6-Cup Micom Rice Cooker

Treat Mom to the CUCKOO Multi-Functional Rice Cooker, which we consider to be a modern kitchen marvel. This rice cooker can cook oatmeal and quinoa, in addition to 13 menu choices, like white rice, porridge, and even baby food.

Your mom will appreciate how this gadget can easily whip up delicious meals with its user-friendly digital controls and modern LCD display. A non-toxic nonstick inner pot is provided, and this appliance even as an auto-clean function, which means you won’t have to scrub it after use.

Personalized Recipe Board

Honor Mom’s legacy (or those of the moms who preceded her) in your family by immortalizing a prized family recipe on this usable cutting board. The coolest part is you can transfer the ingredients and directions from your mom’s actual recipe book, showcasing her handwriting.

Simply upload your recipe as an image file and wait for the magic to appear on your doorstep. Different cutting board varieties are available, including but not limited to designs with handles.

Eucalyptus Sheet Set

There are those who love crisp, starched bed sheets, and then there are those who prefer a soft and silky feel. If your mom is in the former category, she'll probably love the percale sheets from Parachute, but if she's not, gift her Sijo's Eucalyptus Set, stat.

They're buttery-soft with a cooling, sateen-like sheen, while also having enough warmth to keep her cozy on cold nights (or in a bedroom with the AC cranked). It's true that these sheets aren't cheap, and they don't feel that way, either.

Sprocket Portable Instant Color Photo Printer

Some memories are just too special to stay hidden away on her phone’s camera roll. This Mother’s Day gift is a petite HP photo printer that connects to her device via Wi-Fi — it comes with 50 photo sheets to start her off.

Portable Steamer for Clothes

This gadget will be a game changer for your mom. Instead of using heavy, bulky irons, this steamer for clothes will remove all wrinkles with care. With its luxurious design and lightweight construction, it effortlessly works using long-lasting dry steam, so clothes won’t have that damp feel.

All it takes is 15 minutes to heat up. One simple button turns it on. And the best part is, it’s compact enough that Mom can travel with it, no problem.

Spring Mix Bundle

If your mom likes a good cocktail or mocktail, keep these Simple Times Mixers on hand. These juices are crafted with love and quality by hand in the Midwest. Mom can simply pour and enjoy straight from the bottle or add sparkling water, sparkling wine, or spirits for a delicious beverage.

This bundle includes spring flavors: Strawberry Sage Margarita, Raspberry Mule, Blackberry Lemonade, and Blood Orange Lemonade.

Flower Video Book

Show the mom in your life that you’ve been thinking of her with this super heartfelt and thoughtful gift idea. Consider it a digital greeting card that can last a lifetime. This Heirloom video book can fit up to 10 minutes of a personalized video of your choice nestled in a 5-inch HD screen. WiFi is not required to view it, but a rechargeable battery is provided.

Choose from several hardcover designs that appeal to Mom, like Flower (pictured), “Good Times,” and Memories, just to name a few.

Foot Massager

Whether she sets this Mother’s Day gift in front of her couch or under her desk, a stealthy foot massage is just a button-press away.

This electronic foot massager provides a bi-directional shiatsu massage with or without heat, and all she has to do is rest her feet on top of the device and power it on and off with her toe — no need to fuss with any speed or intensity settings.

Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray

It simply isn't Mother's Day without gifting her the invitation to relax and take the night off. This extendable bamboo bathtub caddy holds anything that she wants to have within an arm's reach (like her iPad, Kindle, or a glass of wine) while enjoying a luxurious soak.

One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer Hot Air Brush

Help Mom combat frizz with this editor-obsessed blow dryer brush that’ll make her replace all of her other hair tools.

The round edges will add tons of volume and lift to her roots, while she can use the unique oval shape to curl her ends for a look that feels salon-fresh.

Filter Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

Some of the best Mother's Day gifts are photo gifts. She’ll be so excited to hang this custom, heart-shaped photo collage from Minted. Besides selecting the pictures, you can customize the type of frame, as well as the color tint on each photo.

Stemless Wine Glass Chiller

After a long day of making sure everything goes smoothly, Mom deserves a glass or two of her favorite vino. Make sure it’s her ideal sipping temp with this Mother’s Day gift idea.

She simply places the cradle in the freezer for at least three hours before using, connects it to the stand when it’s ready, and rests her stemless wine glass in between sips to keep her wine chill.

The Bouqs Co. Flower Subscription

Celebrate Mom for months to come with a flower subscription from Bouqs. Choose between roses, a farmers market blend, or a classic mix, along with the size of the bouquet.

Depending on how much you’re looking to spend, you can have them delivered every 2 months, monthly, every 2 weeks, or weekly.

10 Piece Gardening Tools Set

It's true: Gardeners aren't always the best at taking a break in the middle of their work, but to help prevent her from collapsing with exhaustion after a day full of deadheading, spring for this garden stool as a Mother's Day gift.

This set not only provides a convenient foldable seat for her to rest awhile, but it also includes a variety of hand tools like pruning shears, a rake, and a garden sprayer. She'll have all the necessities to grow the garden of her dreams all in one place.

Everywhere Belt Bag

No, it’s not a fanny pack, Mom! This cute belt bag from lululemon can be worn like a crossbody bag or around the waist to help her travel light and keep just the basics on hand when she’s out on a walk or a quick drive. It also comes in 12 fun colors.

Pure Silk Pillowcase

Mom will appreciate receiving this mulberry silk pillowcase as a Mother's Day gift — it feels so good to fall asleep on its silky smooth surface. Plus, it also comes in 11 different colors.

LED Bedside Lamp with Wireless Charger

This is no ordinary wireless charger: It operates as a bedside lamp, night light, and Bluetooth speaker.

Rest it on her nightstand for easy access. Its wireless charging function means she can set her phone on its surface and won’t need to plug anything in — perfect for the mom who’s not a fan of pesky wires.

And if that’s not enough to convince you that the mom in your life needs this, it’s as stylish as it is practical! It’s a win-win for the mom who appreciates good design.

Philippa Frame

Capture cherished moments and display them in style with this exquisite frame! Crafted from hand-painted and glazed stoneware, each piece is truly unique and brings joy. Imported with care, it adds a touch of elegance to any space. It can perfectly preserve precious memories and add a personal touch to Mom's decor. Gift it to her with a photo inside for a sweet sentiment.

Tangle Tamer Ultra Paddle Brush

This detangling paddle brush will be a godsend when your mom is working through her mane. The gift of smooth, damage-free grooming can be hers with the help of this quality brush’s air-cushioned pad, which gently responds to the contours of heads.

She can also use it on wigs and hair extensions if that’s how she rolls. The soft nylon pins provide comfort while ridding her hair of knots and tangles. Mom will also appreciate the ergonomic handle that makes it easy and painless to hold during long brushing sessions.

Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller

If an unfailing ability to attract swarms of mosquitos runs in the family, it may be time to level up Mom’s bug protection with the editor-endorsed Thermacell Radius Zone.

At just about the same size as a Bluetooth speaker, this Mother’s Day gift has the power to repel mosquitos within a 15-foot radius, thanks to its refillable, scent-free cartridges. The gadget itself is rechargeable and can run for 6 to 7 hours at a time — or about as long as one of Mom’s backyard cookouts.

Electric Cordless Hair Scalp Massager

Treat your mom to the ultimate relaxation experience with this scalp massager unlike any scalp massager you’ve seen before. You’re probably familiar with the kind that has long metal wires, but this one is the most high-tech by far. It features four massage heads with 28 individual nodes that soothe, massage, and stimulates.

It can improve hair growth, clean the scalp, and relieve stress with its four modes, Mom can customize her massage experience to suit her preferences, whether she's in need of gentle relaxation or a more invigorating massage.

Shower Steamers

Not all moms are bath-takers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a little aromatherapeutic spa moment.

Each of these 15 tablets gradually dissolves while Mom takes a shower, releasing the soothing smell of lavender into the steamy atmosphere.

More: Mother’s Day Gifts on Amazon for Every Mom

Electric Heated Foot Warmer Pad

This clever warming pad is like a mini electric blanket that she can use year-round on her always-cold feet. It's equipped with three heat levels and a 2-hour auto-off for peace of mind. And yes, it's machine-washable.

Sewing Kit With Wooden Box and Sewing Accessories

This quality sewing kit is perfect for the seamstress you know whether she’s a beginner or advanced. This sewing gift comes with all the necessary tools required for the basics — minus the fabric, that is.

Its contents are neatly organized in a lovely wooden sewing box, so she won’t have to rummage through it when while making a garment.

While she can certainly add her existing tools to the set, it comes with a pair of scissors, 24 colors of sewing thread, 1 extra white and black thick threads, an assortment of sewing needles, pin cushions, a tape measure, button-shaped sewing pins, a thimble, a seam ripper, and needle threader tool.

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

Ready to give Mom the gift of sparkling clean treasures? This ultrasonic cleaning machine is a game-changer that cleans grimy glasses, dull jewelry, and dingy watch straps. It has four customizable cleaning modes, from gentle to tough grime. Thanks to its high-frequency vibration, dirt doesn't stand a chance, even in tight spots. Plus, its sleek design and easy-to-use controls make it a must-have treasure for your mom's desk or bedside table.

State Spoon Rest

Add a touch of hometown pride to Mom's kitchen with these charming pottery spoon rests, shaped like the state she grew up in. These hand-sculpted creations will showcase her geographic roots, while keeping her countertops clean of chili, soup, stew, or whatever she’s cooking.

Each spoon rest is finished in three food-safe glazes and stamped with the state's name and a leaf of its tree. It’s basically a work of art.

Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set

Your mom will appreciate the ultimate relaxation experience brought on by the ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set. An effective remedy for any muscle discomfort, stress, and insomnia that she may be feeling, this innovative gift features thousands of plastic needles covering acupressure points, stimulating healing, and promoting relaxation.

You can choose between the regular mat with 8,910 acupressure points or the longer version with 11,178 points for full-body coverage. Tell Mom she can use it for post-workout recovery, yoga sessions, or just when she wants some “me” time.

Sun Straw Hat

It may still be light-jacket weather now, but when the days are long and hot, she'll probably be seeking shade wherever she can find it.

This reviewer-favorite sun hat is simple, flattering, and flexible enough to pack or store away, plus, it provides UPF 50 protection from the sun.

Win for Women Two-Ticket Gift

LottoLove puts a clever and charitable spin on the good old scratch-and-win ticket. Packaged in a sweet greeting card of your choice, this gift that gives back is easy and fun to use. Mom can scratch off the circles on each card until she gets a match — a guaranteed win.

The purchase of these LottoLove cards supports four different organizations that help women and girls around the world.

Lunch Bag

If she brown-bags it, this pretend "brown bag" is the most stylish option that has a bit of sass. We hope it suits her. Don't let its appearance fool you. This extra thick, water-resistant lunch bag comes equipped with a soft, thermal liner to protect against leaks. It's also easy to clean should you have a spill inside.

It is made out of innovative TYVEK fabric that looks like paper but is durable and eco-friendly.

Microwave Popcorn Popper

Made of borosilicate glass and topped with a 3-in-1 lid, this snack-sized popcorn maker is a Mother’s Day gift idea that’ll come in handy when she needs something healthy to eat during her next binge-watch. It has an ergonomic handle for convenient holding and a wide mouth for sharing.

Open-Toe Slide Slippers

Help put the fuzzy slippers away and transition to the warm weather with these summer slippers. These Isotoner Slide Slippers are an editor favorite for their comfort, arch-support, and affordable price.

Knot Pillow Ball

Of course Mom would love a novelty knot pillow. Yes, it's trending, and your mother loves to get in on what's in and all, but it'll also keep her comfortable on the couch. This one is made with premium flannel and filled with high-quality PP cotton. Not only will it feel lux, it'll also maintain its fun shape over time.

Get it in two sizes or several colors. Mom can decide whether to unknot it or what.

Compact Magnifying Mirror

If you always catch your mama reapplying her lipstick at a red light or blending in her blush on the go, she'll go crazy for this sleek compact that doubles as a phone charger.

Gold Mama Necklace

One of the best gifts for moms are her kids. This Mama necklace is the second best. Not only is it something she'll love to wear like a badge of honor, its simple packaging comes with a nice poem about motherhood.

Select from different fonts and finishes to make your gift as unique as can be.

Funny Cat Hand Towel

We know this gift is silly bordering on ridiculous, but the cat-obsessed mom on your list will get it — both literally and figuratively. She can hang this cat towel in her kitchen or bathroom, and she and her guests can enjoy using it when their hands are damp.

You can select from several cat varieties to match with your family cat if you have one, or just the cutest one you see.

Q&A a Day for Moms: A 5-Year Journal

This 5-year journal offers 365 short-answer questions to help your mom remember all of the good times. It’s also a great way to monitor personal growth and look back on the small everyday experiences.

"Tell Me Your Life Story, Mom: A Mother’s Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book"

"Tell Me Your Life Story, Mom” is a meticulously crafted guided journal designed to hold your mother’s precious memories and timeless wisdom. It has 200 thought-provoking questions organized into chapters that give Mom the opportunity to reflect on her various life stages. She can preserve her most cherished experiences, reflections, and lessons for you and your siblings. Once completed, this journal transforms into a priceless keepsake to save for generations.

'A Whole Book of Things I Love About Mom' Gift Journal

Whether Mom has kids younger than 10 or older than 50, this sweet book offers a simple way to jot down treasured memories. It's filled with 30 fill-in-the-blank-style lines — and is so much more original than getting a card.

FAQs

Q: When is Mother's Day in 2024?

A: Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 12, 2024. That means the best time to start shopping for a gift is three weeks early: the week of April 21.

Q: What are the best Mother's Day activities to plan?

A: For Mother’s Day, Mom may very well say that what you buy for her doesn’t matter — she just wants to spend time with you.

Mother’s Day activities can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like, but it’s best to plan an itinerary, make reservations if needed, and keep Mom’s preferences in mind above all else. Some activity ideas include booking her a spa treatment, going on a hike or stroll through a botanical garden, or cooking her favorite meal for dinner at home.

Q: What should you write in a Mother's Day card?

A: A thoughtful, handwritten Mother’s Day card seems simple, but it's one of the best gifts you can give. Your note can be short and sweet, expressing love and gratitude for all that she's done for you. If writer’s block is getting the best of you, here are 80 heartfelt messages to write in a Mother’s Day card.

No time to even shop for a card? No problem! You can quickly fold a paper heart, write a message inside, and attach it to your gift.

Q: What are the best delivery gifts for Mother's Day?

A: If you and Mom live far away, seeing each other in person on Mother’s Day may not be possible. If you’re not able to visit Mom on May 12, you can send her a thoughtful delivery gift like a food gift basket, bouquet, or a wine subscription that’ll arrive in time. Make sure to give her a phone or video call on Mother’s Day so you can send her well wishes and see her open and enjoy the gift!

As you’re shopping online, keep in mind that certain retailers will gift-wrap your present for you. This will help ensure that Mom has something to unwrap on Mother’s Day.

Q: Is it a good idea to give a bouquet for Mother's Day?

A: Flowers are a great go-to gift, whether you’re seeing your mom in person or sending your present from afar. Plus, they make for a fabulous last-minute Mother’s Day gift as well.

Flowers are popular, too: According to a National Retail Federation survey, 74% of people who shopped for Mother’s Day in 2023 bought flowers and a greeting card. If you want to go this gifting route, you have a few different options.

One of the easiest ways to give a bouquet for Mother’s Day is to gift Mom a flower subscription — this means that Mom will receive a fresh bouquet on the schedule that you choose in your online order, whether that’s weekly, biweekly, monthly, or bimonthly.

If you’d prefer to pick out a bouquet at the florist, farmers market, or grocery store to hand-deliver to Mom, we recommend choosing her favorite flowers. If you don’t know what she likes, you can select blooms in her favorite color or check out the hidden meanings of flowers so that you can gift appropriately.

As for which flowers you shouldn’t gift? If your mom suffers from allergies, avoid gifting bouquets that include amaranth, chamomile, chrysanthemums, daisies, or sunflowers, per WebMD.

You Might Also Like

• The Paris Hilton Housewares Collection Brings ‘That’s Hot’ Energy to Your Kitchen

• 16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones Perfect for Rocking Out in Quiet Bliss

• Beyoncé Uses This $26 Amazon Product for Her Glossy Blonde Hair