Mother’s Day is only a few days away. If your life is like mine, then you’re probably scrambling to find a gift for mom. May is the time of year when everything gets crazy in my house. This year is even crazier than most. Between now and the end of the month my family’s activity list includes: several end of the school year projects, assemblies, and trips, prom, a high school graduation, out of town visitors, two birthdays, a camping trip, and Mother’s Day, of course. Add to my madness two dogs that seem to enjoy eating things they shouldn’t (like underwear!). We’ve also had illness to deal with (stomach flu, root canal, and a grandfather in the hospital).
It shouldn’t be surprising, given my household’s busy schedule, that I have left getting Mother’s Day gifts a little too late for comfort. Sure, I could get flowers and candy and it would be appreciated. But it’s so much nicer when you find something extra special.
Here is my list of 15 things Mom is sure to love. Please note this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure page for details.
14 Last Minute Ideas for Mother’s Day Gifts
Jewelry
Most moms love shiny things. The nice thing about jewelry is there is something for everyone and at every price point. I prefer to give earrings as gifts because it’s one size fits all (just make sure her ears are pierced). But necklaces can also be a good option and bracelets are nice too.
I love this simple bangle I found on Amazon. It’s under $25.
Fashion
FashionIt’s nearly impossible to buy clothes for other people. But there are two ways you can give Mom the gift of fashion. One is to give her a gift card to her favorite store. The other is to help her accessorize. Try scarves, watches, or a great new purse.
I was given a Citizen Eco Drive Mother’s Day about 8 years ago. I love it. Eco Drive watches use solar power. I have never had a problem with mine. Check this one out.
I also love my Fossil wallet. I always buy a bright colored one so it’s easier to find in the dark, bottomless pit that is my purse.
Pampering
Every mom deserves to be pampered. Send her for a massage or a facial. If that’s not her style, try some bubble bath or a great candle, or both. Or try some of the fantastic face masks that are out there. There are tons to choose from. I really like the Tony Moly brand from Korea. You could even make up a basket with masks, a candle, hand cream, and some bath salts. Luxury!
Art and Crafts
Is your mom crafty? Craft supplies are almost always a welcome gift to those who love to craft and create. Every quilter I know can never have too much fabric. Every handlettering fan I know loves more paper and pens. If your not sure what she’d like, try a craft kit so she can try something new.
Try this jewelry making kit from Beadstone. Maybe she’ll even make something for you!
Gardening
Does your mom have a green thumb? It’s time to start planting the garden. Why not bring her a flat of annuals or some tomato plants to get her started. Make a basket with gloves, seeds, and a few tools for her. Or buy a great gardening book to inspire her. I really like this gardening inspired t-shirt.
Kitchen Fun
Kitchen FunI know, I know…never give your mom a blender for a gift. but what if she really wants one? A nice one hat she’d never buy for herself. I’m talking Vitamix or Blendtec here. If your mom loves to cook or is dreaming of a special kitchen item, break the rules and buy it for her. If she’s sick of coming up with meal ideas, give her a meal subscription. I use Blue Apron, but there are lots out there to choose from.
Does buying a nearly $400 blender make it a more acceptable Mother’s Day gift? I think so. Here is the Vitamix 5200 at just under $400. You can buy a more powerful model for around $600 if that’s what Mom really wants.
Make it Personal
Sometimes personalized gifts can be a little cheesy, but I really like them anyway. Maybe it’s because my name, Leah, is almost never found on the key chain rack at whatever touristy spot I visit. It may be cutting it close to order a personalized gift for Mom, but it’s still possible to get it in time.
I love this birthstone necklace. It should make it in time if you order it in the next day or so.
I also love the “Letters to My” series of books. I’ve seen them in lots of bookstores, but you can also order them on Amazon. The “Letters to My Grandchild” book would make a nice gift for a grandmother.
Treats
Does you mom have a sweet tooth? Or is she trying to tame one? Either way there are treats for her. Chocolate is my all-time favorite. But if mom is watching her waistline, you could send fruit, cheese, cocoa, or coffee instead.
I love this dried fruit on a bamboo tray from Golden State Fruit. Isn’t it great?
Decor
Picture frames, pillows, and throw blankets are all great gifts for mom. Pick something in her favorite color or in her favorite style. Or get her something that is the latest trend, like a Himalayan salt lamp. They have a soothing glow and are supposed to give off negative ions that counteract the positive ions given off by all our modern technology.
Add to Mom’s Collection
Does she collect something? Add something special to her collection. My mom collects everything from antique purses to Bakelite dice and Jadeite dishes. I’m thinking she might like this Jadeite bunny dish.
Travel
Does your mom like to travel? If so, she probably has most of her supplies already set. But maybe she could use some new luggage or a great new carry-on bag. Travel gadgets are also fun to give. You could upgrade her plastic ziplock baggie with this travel bottle kit. I also like this travel jewelry box. It’s pink!
Make a Memory
My family is big on making memories instead of giving each other more junk. Get mom tickets to a local play, opera, or symphony. Go to your favorite park, beach, or museum. Last year, I chose to go to Universal Studios with my hubby and kids for my birthday gift. We had so much fun! A few years before that, we rode the Rocket Boat in San Francisco Bay. It was an absolute blast. Most people don’t really need more stuff. But more happy memories are always welcome.
Keep Mom Healthy
There is so much you can give Mom to help her stay healthy. There are more traditionally health conscious gifts like healthy cookbooks, gym memberships, workout gear, or a new bike. But there are also mental health options like gratitude journals, spa days, and self-care manuals. Think about what Mom would like best and give her that.
I really like this bicycle. I am in need of a new one. Hint, hint…do my kids even read my blog???
Have Some Fun
Our family is big on silly gifts. Something that makes the recipient smile. While searching for mother’s day ideas, I foound a couple of cute, fun items that might make your mom smile too.
Does your mom like to swim? Does she get cold sitting on the couch and need something to keep her warm? Maybe she needs a mermaid tail blanket. It comes in six colors and is less than $20.
Does Dad leave the toilet seat up? Is it causing tension at home? Maybe your mom needs a toilet bowl night light. That way she’ll see if she’s about to fall in.
There really is an idea here for everyone. I mean, who doesn’t need a toilet bowl night light. If you mom already has one, go ahead and get her some jewelry or chocolate, or be really generous and get her that beautiful blender. Just remember to thank her for everything she’s done for you. Mom’s are amazing. If Mom’s ruled the world, we’d all be a lot better off.
Thanks for reading and please share!
