In this article
We all know that moms — whether that’s your own mom, a maternal figure in your life, or someone you love who happens to be a mom — are tough to buy for. It’s never as easy as a wishlist: Finding a gift for mom entails deciphering the cryptic clues that she drops (in between her insistences that she “really doesn’t want anything”). To expedite that process, I’ve rounded up over 50 gifts, lots of which we’ve written about before, for practically every type of mom out there. Whether she’s a party animal or homebody, you’ll find some gift inspiration for her here. And to make things even easier, I’ve organized my ideas by price, and made sure everything can conveniently be found on Amazon (though we’ve also linked out to other merchants, if you want the option).
Update on August 23, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all other products.
Under $25
For the mom who misses her six-step skin-care routine
We love this gift for frazzled new moms, which soothes and depuffs your face. One mom told us she loves it so much, she’s bought three more for other people in her life.
For the competitive mom
If Mom’s tired of wiping the floor with you all at Catan, here’s a lesser-known alternative, recommended by Strategist contributor Laura Guidry. She says it’s like a speedier, far more energetic version of solitaire.
For the cat mom
Cat experts we spoke to said this little banana shaped toy was a favorite among cats, and cat parents, alike.
For the mom with a discerning nose
If mom’s looking for subtle living room air freshener, she might like these incense sticks that actress Natalie Morales can’t live without.
For the mom who knows her soba from her udon
For the mom who has a monthly spa day
For the mom who loves a good seaweed wrap, Camila Alves McConaughey thinks this stuff is just as good as what they use at the spa – and she says it’s great for those with sensitive skin.
For the mom who likes your tattoos more than she thought she would
If she was surprisingly enthusiastic about your new ink, she can play around with some temporary tattoos of her own.
For the mom who never leaves the house in flats
These squishy inserts — that one personal assistant told us she buys on repeat for her influencer boss — alleviate some of the pain that comes from clip clopping around in heels all day.
For the mom who has ‘good’ soap for the guests
This particularly pretty bath soap will fit nicely within her sweet smelling collection — and it gives back, too: a contribution from each purchase will be given to the New York Botanical Garden’s conservation efforts
For the mom who loves a natural look
“You’re never going to put it on and look like a clown,” Jennifer Garner told us. “You can use it to give some color to the apples of your cheeks, your lips, your eyelids, wherever.” It’s sure to look good on a variety of skin tones, and your busy mom will appreciate a one-and-done product.
For the mom whose skin is perpetually parched
We dubbed this oft-recommended moisturizer the best for mature skin, thanks to its barrier-reinforcing ceramides and inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which helps skin retain moisture.
For the mom who has read all of Bridgerton
Ripped Bodice booksellers recently told us about their favorite romance novels. This contemporary story they recommended caught my eye. “Alexis Daria writes characters that are very family oriented so there’s always some complexity surrounding that,” says bookseller Haruka Iwasaki. “I think that anyone whose families are important to them or they have contention with them can relate.”
For the mom who wants to exercise her green thumb
If your mom is limited on space yet has decided she wants to grow a so-called victory garden, gift her this vertical wall planter. It’s suitable for planting flowers, vegetables, strawberries, and hanging plants and is homesteader approved.
For the mom who likes to live (a little) dangerously
For the mom who contours with an eyeshadow brush
I’m sure my mom has makeup brushes older than I am — this inexpensive set will solve that problem.
Under $50
For the mixologist mom
These stylish glasses might inspire a new favorite cocktail.
For the mom who knows comfort is key
Originally made as a martial arts shoe, sensible moms and stylish moms alike will appreciate this addition to their shoe rack.
For the mom getting organized
As you might guess, moms only need to commit five minutes per day to set intentions, track positive moments, and keep on track.
For the CleanTok mom
This electric scrubber (which she’s probably already spotted on CleanTok) is ideal for hard-to-reach places like behind the faucet.
For the mom makes her own pesto
This olive oil, which is featured in our roundup of the very best, is ideal for dipping.
For the mom who’d rather uncork a nice red
She can serve it from this traditional Spanish wine decanter that looks way more expensive than it is. The vessel doubles as both décor and an olive-oil dispenser, according to restaurant stylist Amy Morris.
For the mom whose home office could use some light
This mustard yellow desk lamp that Shannon Retseck, founder of textile and home-goods line Cuttalossa, told us about is way more affordable than it looks. (And it’s a stylish way to brighten up her WFH space.)
For the mom who’s always achey
She won’t even need to leave the comfort of the living room to soothe the knots in her back with this handy tool.
For the mom who’s skin-care curious
Olay’s eye cream is one of our favorites — and derms like it too.
For the mom who gets chilly
The heating pad that Nicola Peltz Beckham told us that she takes to her in-laws is soft, fast-heating, and machine washable.
For the mom who always has a snack
We’ve been fans of the Takenaka bento box since 2018 — but Marie Kondo also recently gave it her seal of approval, meaning that it officially sparks joy.
For the mom who refuses to upgrade her phone
With this Anker, she’ll be fully juiced whenever you dial in for an impromptu FaceTime (no matter how ancient her phone battery.)
For the mom who says she doesn’t like to celebrate her birthday (but doesn’t mean it)
No matter her interests, she’s sure to appreciate a soothing candle with a relaxing scent to unwind next to.
For the mom who reads The Cut
Any mom with a New York Magazine subscription will have read Leslie Jamison’s viral personal essay in spring. And if mom doesn’t have a subscription? Throw that in the cart, too.
For the mom who’s discovered ClassPass
Pilates, yoga, and spin moms will all appreciate these high-waisted, opaque leggings.
For the mom whose hair is parched
I love this spritz-able leave-in conditioner which smells like a fancy salon. Hairdressers recommend it for every hair type to give your hair some moisture.
… and something to wrap her hair up in.
She can let her product marinate inside this microfiber hair wrap, which prevents the breakage that regular towels can cause.
Under $100
For the mom who scrapbooks
She’ll have stacks of photos to choose from with this compact printer, which receives pictures directly from the camera roll.
For the mom whose curls never stay
This classic Babyliss curler can glide through the thickest and longest hair — for perfect curls every time.
For the mom whose kid won’t let go
Like a fanny pack with a cushy saddle for a little one, the Tushbaby is a hip seat carrier for moms whose babies have outgrown their slings (but not being carried).
For the mom who’s over Ray Bans
A classic cat-eye pair from Le Specs will go with everything from her summer jacket to her fall trench.
For the mom who scrolls through Zillow
Budding architect moms and discerning Property Brothers moms alike will appreciate flicking through Thomas Kligerman’s body of work.
For the mom who binges The Great British Baking Show
Completely cord-free (and kid-friendly), this mixer can whip up batters, creams, and frosting.
Under $200
For the mom who always wants a dance party
The next day, her tired feet will surely appreciate this foot massager, which has been a favorite of Strategist readers for two years.
For the mom who makes you take your shoes off at the door
Swap out her house slippers for something snugglier. The thick, plush soul and fluffy trim on this pair looks supremely inviting.
For the dog mom
This expert-recommended memory-foam dog bed from Casper will show her that you know how much her precious pooch means to her — and that you have no hard feelings about it.
For the mom who can temper chocolate
If your mom treats her cooking as an artform, here’s a gift from French brand Mauviel that the head chef of New York’s Gem restaurant told us he often gifts to fellow chefs.
For the mom who covets Gucci
For footwear-obsessed moms, these Sam Edelnman loafers are reminiscent of Gucci, for a fraction of the price.
For the mom who makes café-level matcha
This tea-maker is a good option for the mom who makes her matcha lattes at home or the recently-relocated mom who misses the ones from her local café.
For the mom who winds down with yoga
This yoga mat has an added bit of cushioning, making it extra-plush for moms who stretch out every day.
For the mom who’s serious about her run club
Hoka’s spongy, marathon-friendly training shoes are stylish run-club friendly, too.
For the mom who goes bare-faced
Contributor Diksha Basu told us that, at 40, her skin has never looked better — and it’s thanks to the red-light therapy of the Solawave.
Over $200
For the mom who has a beach-day cupboard
She’ll appreciate the Shibumi, a parachute tunnel that seasoned beachgoers Ruth Baron and Kayleen Schaefer use to keep their families shaded on sunny days by the sea.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
