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While none of us should ever need a reason to spoil our moms (they raised us, after all), there’s no better occasion than Mother’s Day to shower the maternal figures in your life with tokens of appreciation. But picking out the perfect present isn’t always easy — especially for those of us who haven’t assumed the title of parent yet (guilty as charged!). That’s why I made a beeline to What to Expect’s community pages to find answers to the question so many of us have about this time every year: What do moms really want for Mother’s Day?
And your responses did not disappoint! While I can’t physically put a bow on “eight hours of uninterrupted sleep” or “a pass on cooking dinner,” I can wrap up a super-soft set of Target PJs or a heart-shaped cutting board. So, if you need to send inspo to your spouse or want to celebrate a new grandparent who wants for nothing, I’m confident my below list of ideas — appealing to seasoned caretakers and new moms alike, according to WTE moms! — is a great place to kickstart your search for a unique Mother’s Day gift they’ll love receiving on May 11.
A Full Night of Sleep
![Collage of Mother's Day Gifts to Help Her Sleep, Including a Kitsch Satin Pillowcase, Target PJs, Loftie Mouth Tape, Stanley Tumbler, and the Hatch Restore 3]()
Kitsch Satin Pillowcase, Target Auden PJs, Loftie Mouth Tape, Stanley H2.0 Straw Tumbler, Hatch Restore 3
When’s the last time mom really had the opportunity to catch some serious shut-eye? Whether it’s a hungry newborn or a bedtime-averse tot, help make her relatable (and, let’s be honest, reasonable) request a reality by gifting her a handful of items that will up the quality of her Zzzs. I’m talking a cloud-knit PJ set in a pretty botanical pattern, a trendy striped tumbler so she won’t have to wander into the kitchen to quench her thirst in the middle of the night, or a satin pillowcase that will keep her skin and mane moisturized while slumbering.
- A satin pillowcase: Kitsch Blue Satin Standard Pillowcase ($20)
- A fancy pair of PJs: Target Auden Cloud Knit Short Sleeve Pajama Set ($25)
- A luxe pack of mouth tape: Loftie Mouth Tape ($27)
- A bedside water bottle: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Straw Tumbler ($35)
- A sleek sound machine: Hatch Restore 3 ($170)
A Free Pass on Chores
A close runner-up to a solid night’s rest, most moms in the community agreed: they did not want to worry about what’s for dinner. But don’t just tackle this daily chore on her behalf; up the ante by splurging on tools to help lessen the load later on, whether that’s meal-prepping for the week, doing laundry, or hand-drying the dishes.
- A quick-drying towel: Geometry Kitchen Tea Towel ($18)
- A handheld iron: Nori Press Travel Iron ($119)
- A giant set of Tupperware: OXO Good Grips Leakproof Glass Container Set($37)
- A heart-shaped serving tray: Berry Good Lunch Heart Charcuterie Board($30)
- A hands-free vacuum cleaner: Eufy Robot Self-Emptying Vacuum ($300)
An (At-Home) Spa Treatment
What mom doesn’t want to feel pampered? But making time to schedule a trip to the spa or salon will only add to her mental load. So bring the treatments to her. She can even partake in a top-rated foot massage anytime — even while working from home! Thousands of Amazon reviewers praise this heat-equipped, deep-kneading gadget as a serious source of relaxation thanks to easy-to-control pressure intensities.
- A pocket-sized face roller: TBPHP Face Massage Roller ($7)
- A sweet-scented hand cream: TONYMOLY Strawberry Hand Cream ($12)
- A salon-quality mani: Olive & June Perfect Polish and Cuticles Set ($15)
- A slipper to wear everywhere: Bombas Waterproof Friday Slide ($50)
- A massager she can keep under desk: Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager ($200)
A Way to Relive Favorite Family Mems
Everyone’s always saying, “They grow up so fast.” Help her relive precious memories by arranging a family photo shoot with a local professional (that she can then deliver immediately to the grandparents’ digital art frame!), immortalizing a special moment in a stunning frame worthy of her growing gallery wall, customizing a baby board book to commemorate a new family member, or ensuring every “Kodak moment” is caught on film, rather than getting lost in the Cloud.
A professional photo: Shoott Mini Sessions(Varies)
A custom baby book: Artifact Uprising Board Book($55)
A gallery wall addition: Framebridge Gift Set ($65)
A modern film camera: 35mm Co. The Reloader ($99)
An actually good-looking smart frame: Aura Carver Matted Digital Frame ($179)
A True Moment of “Me” Time
As a friend of many parents, I quickly realized there’s nothing they relish more than silence. To help mom take full advantage of the peace and quiet, consider gifting her with a few pampering essentials and self-care sweets, depending on how she prefers to spend her free time … solo. For instance, bibliophiles will love being able to finally catch up on their monthly book club read, and this custom book stand from Etsy will allow her to do so without having to leave bed.
- A tulip-shaped tea infuser: OTOTO Loose Leaf Tea Steeper ($7)
- A chunky coffee cup: Koythin Ceramic Mug Saucer Set ($24)
- A sweet treat (sans candy): Bonne Maman Assorted Preserves($14)
- A fountain soda (without having to leave home): SodaStream Art Carbonating Maker ($113)
- A bookstand that holds more than novels: Etsy WoodandGiftCo Custom Book Nook ($40)
A Weekend Getaway
Multiple moms in the community shared their Mother’s Day plans of getting out of the house — everything from camping in the woods to taking a road trip to the family cottage or simply exploring local haunts. So go on, spoil mom not only with a staycation or plane tickets but all the fixings she’ll need to jetset near or far (including a bag to carry it all in).
- A travel-friendly set of skincare: Sol De Janeiro Jet Set ($32)
- A waterproof beach bag: Bogg Baby Bag ($70)
- A cool toiletry bag: Dagne Dover Seoul Dopp Kit ($90)
- A diaper bag that doubles as a crossbody: CALPAK Crossbody Diaper Bag ($134)
- A bike to tool around the neighborhood: Huffy Sienna Comfort Bike ($154)
- A collection of TSA-approved containers: Cadence Capsules Discovery Set ($182)
A Cute Trinket (or Two!)
Seriously, you can’t go wrong with customizable charms or baubles — and these darling treasures are destined to become a part of her everyday rotation, whether she’s into jewelry or not. “I’m not normally a jewelry person, but my friend got me a beautiful necklace with my kid's names and birthdays on them, and I’m obsessed with it,” one mom writes. “It’s simple and delicate but so meaningful.” My recommendations? A tiny locket to keep mementos close or a bubble-y pendant of her child’s initial.
- A beaded bracelet: Little Words Project Mother’s Day Bracelets ($25)
- A mini monogram: Anthropologie Mini Bubble Letter Necklace ($44)
- An engravable band: Gorjana Bespoke Plate Adjustable Bracelet ($80)
- A collection of birthstones: Catbird Personalized Gold Charm Holder ($174)
- A little locket: Tiny Tags Square Locket Necklace ($175)
A Handmade Craft or Card
For little ones who can’t shop for themselves, lend them a hand with a craft or completing fill-in-the-blank pages of a journal detailing what they love about mom. Consider pairing these smile-inducing creations with a surprise, such as a box of Fresh Sends flowers that ships with Tubby Todd’s bestsellers (because I know you can do better than a grocery store bouquet!).
- A book on why mom’s the best: Knock Knock What I Love about Mom Journal ($10)
- A crochet character: Etsy Hammonie Crochet Nutrition Facts Amigurumi Plant ($14)
- A mug painting kit: Pott’d Paintables Mug Kit ($49)
- A one-of-a-kind bouquet: Fresh Sends The New Baby Send($129)
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