If you can’t be with your mom this Mother’s Day, the next best thing is finding a gift meaningful enough to take your place. Something to enhance a convenient e-card or a classic flower delivery. The idea is to find a gift that lets mom know she’s always on your mind — not just on Mother’s Day, but every day. So with May 10 fast approaching, it’s time to go the extra mile to make up for the distance that separates you.
To really to get this right, you need a present that will spark emotion: think something tied to a memory, or something that will make her laugh. While we don’t know the inside jokes and stories that make your relationship unique, we do have some thoughtful gift ideas that will preserve those moments forever. We scoured the internet to find the best digital frames, personalized sweets, and sentimental decor items that we’re sure mom will love. Plus, we’ve got recommendations for products to make digital communication easier as well. So click through for all kinds goods to gift your long distance mom this year.
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.
Umbra® Clipline Photo Display
Skip the traditional photo frame and give mom a new way to display her favorite postcards, photos, and mementos. This clip board frame allows for more creative freedom and is suitable for a wall or tabletop.
Umbra Umbra® Clipline Photo Display in White, $, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Bedside Smartphone Vase
Having a long-distance mom means hours spent on FaceTime. Enhance the experience with this smartphone stand/vase hybrid to brighten up her bedside table.
Heather and Myles Geyman Bedside Smartphone Vase, $, available at Uncommon Goods
Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flo Sandal
When you can’t show your support in person, opt for the ultimate shoe to do it for you. Known for its legendary arch support, the Birkenstock sandal has long been celebrated as a comfortable-but-cool footwear style with a contoured footbed to help mom with balance and foot alignment.
Birkenstock Arizona Birko-Flor™ Sandal, $, available at Zappos
House Of Dorchester Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles
In addition to being pink pearlescent drops of deliciously flavored joy, these treats have a shelf life of nine months so your mom can enjoy them on Mother’s Day or wait for your next visit to indulge in them together.
House Of Dorchester Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
I Love You Mom Trinket Dish
What better way to let mom know that your love only grows the farther away you find yourself from home. This decorative trinket dish is a reminder of just that and is great for her bedside table or bathroom countertop.
Paper Source I Love You Mom Trinket Dish, $, available at Paper Source
Lo & Sons Catalina Tote
This gift comes with an open invitation. Make sure your mom can travel in style when it’s finally time to visit again with this durable, functional weekender made by… a mom! If you don’t know about Lo & Sons, now’s a great time to check out this sustainable, family-run travel bag company.
catalina The Catalina Deluxe, $, available at Lo & Sons
Homesick Thank You, Mom Candle
Even if you no longer live together, let mom know how grateful you are for all the ways she turned your childhood house into a home.
Homesick Candles Thank You, Mom Candle, $, available at Homesick Candles
Pantone Porcelain Tea Cups
Your Zoom coffee dates are about to get a lot more cheerful. Inject bright pops of color into her daily caffeine routine with this design-oriented collection of tea cups in a charming spectrum of pastels.
Pantone Porcelain Tea Cups (Pastel Tones), $, available at Fy!
ReFa Carat Body Massage Roller
If your mom’s love language is touch, she definitely misses having you around for that much-needed hug or neck rub at the end of a long day. For the times you’re not there to help, consider gifting her this massage roller that feels great and helps visibly firm, tone and contour tired, puffy skin on the face and body.
ReFa ReFa CARAT, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Oliver Bonas Mini Hand Creams
You don’t need to be next to your mom to know she’s amped up the hand washing these past few weeks. These cute creams will ensure her skin stays moisturized, too.
Oliver Bonas Mini Hand Creams Set of Three, $, available at Oliver Bonas
Miami Beach Beach Towel
For an instant good mood, just add sun. This oversized beach towel will give mom plenty of room to lay out, whether that’s actually at the beach, in the yard, or simply just as a state of mind.
Society6 Miami Beach Beach Towel, $, available at Paul Fuentes Photo
J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap
This cashmere knit is so cozy, it’s like wearing a hug. You can even personalize this gift with a monogram to take it to make it all the more special.
J. Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap, $, available at J. Crew
Pink Anthurium Potted Plant
Since you sent flowers last year (and the year before… and the year before that), change things up with an easy-care potted plant that’ll last longer than your traditional bouquet. You can also add a message pop to make this gift feel particularly personal, even though it’s been sent from afar.
The Sill Pink Anthurium Potted Plant, $, available at The Sill
The Bouqs Co. Mom-osa Bouquet
But hey — there’s nothing wrong with going for flowers for the tenth year running if that’s your mom’s favorite. And with fun options like the “Mom-osa” arrangement, you can get creative with this year’s take on tradition. There is no long-distance gift more classic than a bouquet, after all.
The Bouqs Co Mom-osa Bouquet, $, available at The Bouqs Co
Aura Smart Digital Picture Frame
While there are plenty of digital frames out there, this sophisticated option from Aura is one of our favorites. Mom can add as many photos as she’d like and invite others to share more to her frame from anywhere in the world.
Aura Frames Aura Smart Digital Picture Frame, $, available at Amazon
Rifle Paper Co. Tin Recipe Box
Nothing brings people together like food. Help your mom preserve and share the family’s most cherished recipes with this analogue recipe box, containing a set of recipe cards for old and new favorites alike.
Nordstrom Queen Anne Tin Recipe Box, $, available at Rifle Paper Co
Felizia Wrap Friendship Bracelets
What is a mom if not your forever bff? This personalized bracelet is like a stylish declaration of that friendship that you both can wear every day. (Don’t forget to get one for yourself!)
BaubleBar Felizia Personalized Wrap Bracelet, $, available at BaubleBar
Sugarfina Design-Your-Own “Mother’s Day” Candy Trunk
Instead of chocolates, give mom a sweet gift that she’s guaranteed to love. Sending a Sugarfina customizable trunk means you get to pick all her favorite sweets to be sent straight to her door.
Sugarfina Design Your Own “Mother’s Day” Candy Trunk, $, available at Sugarfina
Made By Mary Mama Bear Disc Necklace
Show her how proud you are to call her mom with this charming necklace. It’s the perfect token of appreciation for the woman who doesn’t settle for anything less than full hearts.
Made By Mary Mama Bear Disc Necklace- 5/8″, $, available at Made By Mary
Dagsmejan Balance Sleep Pants
Give mom the gift of a good night’s sleep with these breathable, thermo-regulation pajama pants that feel like a second skin.
Dagsmejan Balance Sleep Pants Cuff, $, available at Dagsmejan
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