Every mother-daughter relationship can’t be as perfect as Lorelai and Rory’s — at least for the first 16 or so years of your life. During tweendom, we’re hardwired to think our moms are just out to embarrass us with their puppy-printed pajamas (you know it’s true, mom) in the carpool drop-off line and their constant need to check on us when we’re out with friends. But eventually, once we’re moved out of the house, we come to the realization that moms weren’t totally uncool at all. Rather, they were pretty fucking great.
So why, then, do we so often end up getting them such lame gifts this time of year? More often than not, when you Google search gifts for moms , you’ll find a blasé selection of kitchenware, slippers , and one too many monochrome sweater sets. Yawn. This year, instead of going the easy route and writing just another gifts-for-mom round-up , we’re dedicating this guide to what our moms really want.
Whether your mom is into traveling, mid-century design, the art of salad making , or The Go-Gos’ debut album (ahem, Lorelai), one of these 27 gift guide options will surely speak to her. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Not only is this an ultra-modern on-counter accessory, but it also just so happens to make a damn good cup of coffee.
Gemini Gemini Espresso Maker, $, available at MoMA Design Store
The best in-quarantine lounge pants that have ever been created, hands down.
Simon Miller Cyrene Pant, $, available at Simon Miller
This mini suitcase, because she’s a boss lady who travels a lot for work (at least she did ). Plus, her skincare routine is 10/10 and needs protection from the in-flight elements.
Away The Mini: The Mindfulness Set, $, available at Away
Salad inspired by artists? She will LOVE this.
Abrams Publishing Salad For President: A Cookbook Inspired By Artists, $, available at Forty Five Ten
For when your mom has better taste in perfume than you do.
Le Labo ‘Neroli 36’ Eau de Parfum, $, available at Nordstrom
Obviously she uses reusable tote bags.
Baggu Standard Baggu, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
For the mom who was a vegetarian long before it was trendy.
Farm To Table The Cook’s Box – Vegetarian, $, available at Farm To Table
Has staying home been stressing your mom out? 500 mgs of organic CBD should do the trick.
Hi Stevie CBD Tincture, $, available at Hi Stevie
Since she’s not going anywhere anytime soon, you might as well give her the gift of fashion-forward comfort.
Eckhaus Latta x Ugg Brown & Off-White UGG Edition Block Boot, $, available at SSENSE
Jazz up her at-home diffuser situation with this fire-engine red alternative.
Serene House Ranger Essential Oil Diffuser, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Because times such as these can stress out even the chillest of moms.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Mini Calming Serum, $, available at Dr. Barbara Sturm
We had to.
International Record Syndicate Go Go’s Vinyl Beauty and the Beat Original Recording, $, available at Amazon
The same bag all her friends carry, but tinier.
Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Cosmetics Case, $, available at Neiman Marcus
For her daily fruit water concoctions.
Hay Blue Lid Carafe, $, available at Hay
She might want to get dressed up sometime in the next few months. When she does, give her something comfy and cute to wear.
& Other Stories Voluminous Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
For all the backyard picnics you two will be having this summer in quarantine.
Slowdown Studio Colombo Throw, $, available at Need Supply
This candle smells as good as it’ll look on her mantlepiece.
Nanor Dapper, $, available at Nanor
A “coffee bowl” as Lorelai Gilmore would say.
H&M Stoneware Mug, $, available at H&M
As a thank you for introducing you to the Boss.
Little High Little Low ’80 Bruce Springsteen, $, available at Little High Little Low
Because your mom’s been working out more in quarantine than you have and deserves cute leggings for her hard work.
Girlfriend Compressive High Rise Leggings, $, available at Girlfriend
Ease the aches and pains associated with sitting inside all day with this natural muscle oil.
The Nue Co. Magnesium Ease, $, available at Chillhouse
Prairie-style PJs have to be the perfect cool mom gift.
Zara Home Floral Embroidery Pajamas, $, available at Zara Home
To help her cut down on waste even more than she already has.
Anthropologie Reusable Travel Flatware, $, available at Anthropologie
For the mom who’s constantly locked out of the house, the car, the garage, etc. because she can’t seem to stop losing her keys, here’s a keychain that’s also a reminder of your close mother-daughter friendship. But if you two are more Sopranos than Gilmore Girls , here’s a keychain that’ll do just as well.
AllThingsHipAndCool Dragonfly Inn Key Tag, $, available at Etsy
This is what I like to call a “going out” nightgown because it feels like pajamas, but looks like a million bucks.
Eloquii Ribbed Tank Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii
When you’re rangling a bunch of kids, your footwear needs to be both stylish and utilitarian.
Everlane The Rain Boot, $, available at Everlane
And we couldn’t finish off a mom gift guide without including this unbeatable box set. But since you likely don’t own a DVD player anymore (maybe your mom still does?), here’s one of those too.
Amy Sherman-Palladino Gilmore Girls Complete Season 1-7, $, available at Amazon
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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