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 30 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.
For the mom that has it all, gift her the best of the best in clean-up technology. Not only is this cordless vacuum extra chic and streamlined, but it’ll make her tidying up a breeze.
Dyson V11 Outsize Cordless Vacuum, $, available at Dyson
Not only is this an ultra-modern on-counter accessory, but it also just so happens to make a damn good cup of coffee.
Bialetti Moka Alpina Limited Edition Espresso Maker, 3 Cups, $, available at Walmart
The best in-quarantine lounge pants that have ever been created, hands down.
Simon Miller Alder Pants, $, available at Simon Miller
— PAID —
A cozy, colorful sweater they’ll wear over and over again.
Gap Marled Turtleneck Sweater, $, available at Gap
A chic sweater they’ll wear over and over again.
Astr The Label Brynn Textured Pointelle Sweater, $, available at Verishop
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 Travel Wellness Kit, $, available at Away
Salad inspired by artists? She will LOVE this.
Abrams Publishing Salad for President: A Cookbook Inspired by Artists, $, available at bookshop.org
Liven up her otherwise neutral tablescape with these handcrafted placemats made by artisans in Colombia.
Ames Jipi Plate Mat (Set Of 6), $, available at Goodee
For when your mom has better taste in perfume than you do.
Maison Margiela Replica Travel Size Fragrance Trio, $, available at Nordstrom
Obviously, she uses reusable tote bags.
Baggu Standard Baggu, $, available at Baggu
For the mom who drank non-dairy milk long before it was trendy.
Thrive Market Gift Card, 1 Year Membership, $, available at Thrive Market
Has staying home been stressing your mom out? 350 mgs of CBD should do the trick.
Rosebud Original Strength Tincture, $, available at Standard Dose
Although her regular trips to the nail salon may be a self-care treat of the past, you can still make sure her cuticles stay healthy. Pair this convenient on-the-go cuticle oil with OPI’s Mini 4-Pack of Lacquers for the perfect gift set.
OPI Nail Strengthener, $, available at OPI
OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil To – Go, $, available at Ulta
Since she’s not going anywhere anytime soon, you might as well give her the gift of comfort.
Alpine by Dearfoams Moritz Bootie, $, available at Dearfoams
Jazz up her at-home diffuser situation with this chic terracotta alternative.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, $, available at Vitruvi
Because times such as these can stress out even the chillest of moms.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Mini Calming Serum, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Now she can take her coffee wherever she goes with this sleek travel mug that features a ceramic interior designed to retain the integrity of the brew’s flavor.
Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug, $, available at Fellow
We had to.
Go-Go’s The Go-Go’s – Beauty and the Beat Vinyl, $, available at Amazon
Now she definitely won’t lose her phone at the bottom of her bag.
Lisa Says Gah x KJP iPhone Case – Green Warp Check, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
The same bag all her friends carry, but tinier.
Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Pouchette, $, available at Nordstrom
To take her daily cup of tea to the next level.
Kinto USA Unitea Glass Unimug, $, available at Ecovibe
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.
Ganni Seersucker Check Maxi Dress, $, available at Ganni
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.
La Botica Ceremony Candle, $, available at La Botica
A “coffee bowl” as Lorelai Gilmore would say.
Anthropologie Ilana Matte Mugs, Set of 4, $, available at Anthropolgie
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 Legging, $, 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 The Nue Co
This matching sweater set has to be the perfect cool mom gift.
Zara Merino Wool Blend Oversized Polo Shirt, $, available at Zara
Zara Merino Wool Blend Pants, $, available at Zara
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
When you’re wrangling 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 Walmart
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
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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