24 Thoughtful Gifts for Moms

If your mom’s idea of self-care involves a martini, these colorful vessels from Sophie Lou Jacobsen are not to be missed. Available in an array of colors, the delicate stemware is bound to elevate the everyday. Each glass comes with a stainless steel stirrer. Cocktail hour just got a whole lot more chic.

Few things in life are as luxurious as cashmere socks, and this pair from Naadam is not to be missed. Available in four colors and two sizes, these 100 percent cashmere socks are light yet warm and will carry you through winter with flair.

Cozy nights are made better with a warm, fragrant candle. I can’t get enough of these scents from Brooklyn Candle, inspired by iconic destinations like the warm beaches of Tulum and the lush gardens of Bali.

Our evaluators unanimously agreed that this Summer Fridays lip butter balm went on smoothly, and many loved its hydrating and moisturizing nature. Its mild vanilla scent was another standout feature of this TikTok-famous balm, which is available in several flavors.

If curling up with a great read on a cold winter’s day sounds like a dream for your giftee, look no further. “Turns out everyone who told me I needed to read Sally Rooney was right,” says Angela Lashbrook, a CR senior multimedia content creator. “The Irish novelist’s latest, ‘Intermezzo,’ focuses on two brothers, a competitive chess player in his early twenties and a lawyer in his mid-thirties, as they repair—and destroy—their fractured relationship in the wake of their father’s death. Romantic entanglements both assist and get in the way of their mutual healing. Despite being only loosely plotted, this character-driven novel is a page-turner.”

I purchased a set of these oh-so-soft pajamas for my mom one year and promptly bought myself the same after seeing how much she loved them. It’s worth noting that she has since amassed a mini collection of her own. The matching set is made of 100 percent cotton, and even after two years of wear, the coloring has yet to fade. (I wash mine in cold water on a gentle cycle and hang them to dry.)

Few things in life feel as great and refreshing as a spritz of Caudalie’s iconic Beauty Elixir—especially after a long-haul flight or a workout. This versatile mist, made from grape extract and a variety of essential oils such as rose, peppermint, and rosemary, can be used as a setting spray for makeup or a little pick-me-up whenever you need it.

If your mom’s idea of self-care involves a mini getaway, the MZ Wallace Travel Jim weekender bag is an ideal pick. A favorite in a recent evaluation of the best weekender bags, we like it mostly for its spacious innards and abundant pockets. It doesn’t quite tout the luxurious aesthetic of something like a Hermès Birkin, but this highly functional bag won’t let you down with features like a water- and stain-resistant lining, a key leash, and an external pocket that’s ideal for carrying water bottles. The satinlike quilted pattern might not suit everyone’s taste, but this is the bag many people will want for stress-free travel.

The Dyson Supersonic lives up to its status as a luxury hair dryer. In our lab tests, it earns top scores for drying speed and is one of the quietest of the models we evaluated. Plus, it comes with five attachments: a diffuser, styling concentrator, gentle-air attachment, flyaway attachment, and wide-tooth comb. All attach easily to the nozzle via a magnet and store neatly in a case that also houses the hair dryer.

The Béis Dopp Kit is made of cotton and vegan leather and comes in a variety of colors. It’s a bag that you will enjoy holding because of how comfortable the material feels. It can be opened wide enough that every item in the bag is in full view and easy to access. The bag is divided into a top and bottom compartment, and there are two side pockets in the top compartment. Take this gift to the next level by pairing it with your giftee’s favorite beauty essentials.

Ceremonia’s line of deliciously scented haircare essentials has been a favorite of mine for years, not to mention a foolproof gift for many occasions. I swear by its Guava collection (the scent alone is enough to reel one in), which has done wonders for my hair. The mini trio set is a great way to dip your toes into the brand’s offering. It includes a leave-in conditioner, a “rescue spray” I use as a heat protectant and detangler, and a beach wave spray for volume and texture.

This fragrant duo, comprised of a candle and room spray, will instantly transport your mom to a lush summer garden. When she catches a whiff of Flamingo Estate’s now-famous heirloom tomato scent, she’ll feel like she’s standing in front of a ripe tomato hanging off of a vine. The beautiful packaging is a bonus.

A harvest basket is just the gift for the one who loves to garden. Made from hardwood and wire, this handmade piece will certainly be up to the task. Plus, it’s customizable. Once the season is over, the basket can be used to store tools and other garden staples. Why not fill it with fresh flowers and produce?

When it comes to cooking essentials, good olive oil almost always comes out on top. This one from Wonder Valley was a standout in our evaluation. It boasts a fruity flavor balanced with pepperiness and bitterness. Its strong taste would make it good for drizzling on food and adding to salad dressings.

Next time you’re headed to a party, ditch the standard box of chocolates for a healthier treat. I remember the first time I tried Rancho Meladuco dates and how floored I was by their quality. They’re tender and indulgently rich, unlike the harder, saccharine versions I typically buy from the grocery store. They’re sun-ripened and hand-picked from a farm in California’s Coachella Valley, and they’re pretty sublime. 

Coffee hour is getting a major upgrade courtesy of this beautiful mug by Kinto. Its soft pastel coloring aside, it’s the large, comfortable handle and soft rim that make this one of my favorite vessels for my morning brew. Choose between four beautiful colorways and pair this gift with a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans or your mom’s favorite tea.

This is more than just your run-of-the-mill tea. Made with seaweed (don’t worry, the flavor is subtle), this tea features a blend of ginger and turmeric. Brew a cup and spoon in a bit of honey for a sweet nighttime treat.