What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day
Skip the clichés—these are the gifts she’d actually choose for herself.
Somewhere between becoming a mom and becoming the person who buys the birthday gifts, books the appointments, cleans the house, plans the trips and remembers that we’re out of sunscreen before we’re out of sunscreen, my tolerance for mediocre (read: performative) Mother’s Day gifts has completely evaporated. And I know I’m not alone.
Let me be upfront: I’m not sentimental. Not in the way society expects moms to be, anyway. My three-year-old gets a pass. A macaroni craft? Sure. I’ll take a photo of it and move on. My gifting expectations are directed squarely elsewhere: my husband.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Mother’s Day has an energy—and it’s not a good one. Panic-bought flowers, still in the paper (process them and put them in a damn vase!). A candle that’s nowhere-near Diptyque status. A mug that says “Mom” in a font so wrong it’s almost impressive. Earnest? Yes. Well-meaning? Sure. But we can do better.
Do I sound like a brat? Probably. But I’m okay with that.
If you’re too busy to take on yet another piece of invisible labour—like making a gift list for someone who should already know—send this article to them. And if you’re not a mom yourself, you likely have a mom figure in your life who deserves better than a “Mom” mug. Either way, consider this your cheat sheet.
Just remember: A great gift doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s just the thing she wouldn’t necessarily buy for herself, but will reach for every single day. And for the record, I’ll take the macaroni art. I’m not a monster.
What to Gift the Unbothered Icon
When I think of a cool mom, I think of Chloë Sevigny and French makeup artist Violette Serrat —women who make getting dressed look instinctive. The kind of mom who throws on a saffron cashmere bandana from Kujten and suddenly the entire outfit makes sense. Who leans into the irony of an “I SAID I’M FINE” denim cap for school drop-off. And who finishes it off with something delicate but directional like a slim, sculptural snake earring from Bluboho—because even her low-key moments have a point of view.
Little Luxuries for New Moms
Growing a baby is no small feat. It asks everything of you (physically, mentally, emotionally) so whether she’s expecting or deep in those early months of PP, she’s more than earned a little indulgence. This is your cue to go off-registry and choose something that makes those groundhog days feel better.
For the many stroller walks ahead, a chic bucket hat from Dior feels correct. And while baby carriers aren’t typically known for their style factor, Artipoppe is the exception. I splurged on one six months postpartum and can confirm: the patterns are cool, the quality is there and it’s something you’ll actually want to wear. Finish with a small but mighty upgrade to hand sanitizer like Touchland’s glow-boosting mist.
Always Fashion-Forward, With A POV
This is the mom who would never wear leggings unless she’s en route to Pilates (ahem, Victoria Beckham). She always looks pulled together, even when she claims she just “threw something on.” It’s not effortless, it’s edited. And it applies across the board—new mom, veteran mom, even grandma—because style has no age. At the centre of every look: designer sunnies. Enter the Celine Triomphe frames—the kind that instantly pull everything into focus. If in doubt, go with fragrance. Guerlain’s Absolus Allegoria Florabloom hits that sweet spot—fresh, floral and softly warm. And then, of course, the lipstick. Because what’s chicer than a red lip? One from Hermès.
For The Chic Mom
First Class Finds for the Mom in Transit
Home is wherever she lands next. The jet-setting mom has passports stamped, itineraries memorized and a packing system that would put most travel influencers to shame. Canadian actress Shay Mitchell knows the drill—the entrepreneur (who shares two daughters with partner Matte Babel) has practically made jet-setting a lifestyle. As the founder of Béis, she didn’t just learn to travel well, she built a whole brand around it.
These gifts are for the busy mom on the go—functional enough to keep up with her schedule, and stylish to boot. An expandable backpack from Béis keeps everything in its place (and then some), while a custom leather passport case from Mark & Graham adds a polished touch at every check-in. Long-haul flights call for small comforts, like an e-reader in a pretty hue—light enough to toss in your tote. And once she lands? The new Dyson Supersonic Travel ensures she’s out the door—and looking like herself—in record time.
For the Always-in-Motion Mom
She’s not chasing a workout high—she’s building it into her life. The kind of mom who treats a 6 a.m. class like a meeting, stacks errands with steps and somehow makes activewear feel like a look. Think Kate Hudson energy: disciplined, dialed-in, but never boring. The gifts should follow suit. A retro-cool personal blender from SMEG turns her post-class protein-packed smoothie into a moment. Phlur’s new Rose Whip deodorant is the kind of low-key essential that feels unexpectedly elevated. Then there’s the outfit: the powder pink Micro Bra from 437—minimal, sculpted, made to be seen—and featherlight trainers from Hettas that move as fast as she does.
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