Mother's Day Gifts That Are the Next Best Thing to Seeing Her IRL

(Image credit: Design By Morgan McMullen)

By Rachel Epstein published 16 April 21

Gifts, in general, feel like the last thing that should be on our minds when we're in the middle of a pandemic, but with the increased vaccine rollouts across the country, things are starting to look up. If you're planning what to get your mom for Mother's Day (FYI, it's on Sunday, May 9 this year), any of these thoughtful gifts, ahead, are the next best thing to a hug IRL. We're so close!

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Made by Mary Poppy Hoop Earrings

If she's been wanting a new pair of earrings, look no further than Made by Mary's bestselling Poppy hoop earrings that just so happen to be at an excellent price point.

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Homesick "Thank You, Mom" Candle

What better way to express your appreciation for mother dearest than with a natural soy wax candle that says "Thank You, Mom?" Top notes include bergamot, lavender, and sage with mid notes of jasmine and ylang ylang, plus a base of sandalwood, musk, and lily.

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Allswell Home Spa Bundle

Lay the groundwork for an at-home spa with this Allswell Home bundle that includes a waffle robe and slippers.

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VEJA Veja Espalar Sneakers

Tell your mom she's basically a duchess when you gift her this pair of cool Veja sneakers seen on Meghan Markle and more celebs.

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Bookshop 'The Pepper Thai Cookbook' by Pepper Teigen

Who doesn't love mother-daughter duo Chrissy and Pepper Teigen?! Pepper's newly-released family cookbook is the perfect gift to buy mom this Mother's Day. Afterwards, schedule a time to whip up some recipes together.

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MOTHER Denim "Save Your Mother, Save Yourself" Tee

It wouldn't be an appropriate Mother's Day gift guide if it didn't include an item from the aptly-named brand, MOTHER Denim. This "Save Your Mother, Save Yourself" tee is alluding to Mother Earth, but she can take it as she will.

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Missoma Gold Large Round Disc Necklace

Engrave a special message in this gold disc necklace that she'll carry with her for years to come. Suggestion: "You're my sun, my moon, and all of my stars. 5/9/21"

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EPARA Epara Intense Hydrating Mask

Encourage her to indulge in some self-care a couple times per week with Epara's intense hydrating mask that cleanses and nourishes skin while reducing hyper-pigmentation.

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Bluestone Sunshields Full Lux Visor

If you have one of those moms who never fails to remind you to make a dermatologist appointment, allow me to suggest gifting her this lux visor that protects the face from UV rays. She can wear it during her next tennis match or to the beach.

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LottoLove Win for Women 3-Pack

Talk about a win-win for the both of you. LottoLove is the first social good scratch off ticket. How does it work? Purchase a pack of lotto tickets that come with accompanying greeting cards. When mom scratches off the card, she'll find out which of the four charities that focus on supporting women across the globe (Global G.L.O.W, CAMFED, Womankind, and Running Start) have been donated to in her honor!

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Adidas RPT-01 Sport On-Ear Headphones

If she's in desperate need of an upgrade from her wired headphones, this bluetooth pair from Adidas is chic, high-quality, and practical thanks to its washable parts.

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Juniper Books The Art of Gardening Set

If she can spot a bougainvillea from a mile away, Juniper Books' Art of Gardening book set is exactly what she needs to learn more about the history of gardening and landscaping, along with special tips and ideas.

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Gucci GG Marmont Thin Leather Belt

While you may need to secretly find out her belt size before purchasing this Gucci leather belt, it will be well worth it when you see the look on her face as she opens this present.

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Slowdown Studio Jacklin Knit Blanket

The best part about this knit blanket, designed by Maggie Stephenson in collaboration with Bravery Co. and Slowdown Studio, isn't the gorgeous design, but rather 10 percent of the profits will be donated to cancer research.

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Papier Customized Photo Notebook

Find a sweet photo of the two of you and put it on this customized Papier notebook, so she'll think of you every time she jots down important notes and ideas.

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Assouline 'Vital Voices' by Alyse Nelson and Gayle Kabaker

No mother has ever said no to a chic coffee table book—that's an ode to powerful women like herself, nonetheless—to add to her collection.

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Harlem Candle Co."Lady Day" Luxury Candle

If she's a fan of Billie Holiday, a.k.a. Lady Day, gift her this special Harlem Candle Co. candle that emits a vibrant mix of lush green leaves, gardenia, and sandalwood.

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Phenomenal "Phenomenal Mother" T-Shirt

Remind her how incredible she is with this "Phenomenal Mother" T-shirt from Meena Harris's Phenomenal brand. If she's more humble than she'd like to admit, there are plenty of other collections to choose from that are a bit more low-key.

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Telfar Medium Tan Shopping Bag

Nothing shows your appreciation for mom more than endlessly refreshing Telfar's website for the next restock of its iconic shopping bag—and securing it!

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Anissa Kermiche Jugs Jug Ceramic Vase

She did give birth to you, after all! Buy her some nice tulips and put them in this chic ceramic vase.

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McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Wine Trio

A Black Girl Magic wine trio set of riesling, rosé, and zinfandel to crack open and celebrate when the two of you can be together again IRL.

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Anthropologie Brianna Wine Caddy

...And if you're feeling generous, you can give her this brass and marble wine caddy to go with it!

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Minted Desert Sun Puzzle

If she's a puzzle person, this desert sun pick designed by Kenya-based artist David Michuki will pair great with that glass of wine.

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Gray Malin The Reef Coaster Set

Once social gatherings become acceptable again, this Gray Malin coaster set will be a crowd-pleaser for every at-home happy hour.

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Bookshop 'Just as I Am' by Cicely Tyson

The only person who appreciates Cicely Tyson more than you is your mother. Order the memoir written by the late actress and activist that she'll cherish now and forever.

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Roxanne Assoulin Personalized Bracelet

Get creative and customize a pretty Roxanne Assoulin bracelet (or three) with lines like "best mom ever" or initials of her children. The possibilities are endless!

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Rowing Blazers Sheep Sweater

Princess Diana stans only! This black sheep sweater, made famous by Princess Di in the '80s, is a timeless piece that *fingers crossed* she'll pass down to you one day.

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Jo Malone Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Perfume

A spritz of Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt perfume will instantly transport her to a mountainside villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean—a dose of goodness we could all use right about now.

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Staud Pet Custom Sweatshirt

Just imagine the look on your mom's face when she receives a custom sweater with a picture of your family dog on it!

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Vitruvi White Stone Diffuser

If she's not much of a candle gal, she'll appreciate this ceramic Vitruvi diffuser that will blend in nicely with her living room or kitchen.

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Gaiam Reversible Metallic Sun & Moon Yoga Mat

Find her a pretty yoga mat to practice on at home, like this reversible sun and moon one from Gaiam. Bonus points if she's into astrology.

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Mejuri Solo Diamond Bracelet

Mejuri's diamond bracelet is the perfect combination of luxe and understated, making it an ideal gift for mothers who don't like to attract too much attention to themselves.

Rachel Epstein

Rachel Epstein is an editor at Marie Claire, where she writes and edits culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also manages the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game, finding a new coffee shop, or analyzing your cousin's birth chart—in no particular order.