People Always Ask Me What to Gift Moms—Shop 59 Things You Can’t Go Wrong With

What is the best gift for a mom? This isn’t an easy question to answer, as there are obviously many factors to take in account. Maybe you have a picky mom who has a certain taste and often dislikes most of the presents she receives. (I’m not not talking about my mom.) Maybe you have a mom who swears she doesn’t need anything, making it that much more difficult to figure out what she wants. Or, maybe there’s a mom-figure in your life who seems to have it all, and you never know what to get her.

Whatever the type of mom, I’ve encountered her. I know what the picky mom will actually like, I know what the mom-who-doesn’t-need-anything needs, and I know what would pleasantly surprise the person who has it all. Below, peruse through the 59 best gifts for moms, many of which I’ve vetted and often gifted myself with success—from $11.

Voluspa 12-Day Candle Advent Calendar

Best Overall Gifts

It’s not easy to crown the best overall gifts for moms, but I’ve selected the seven things I really don’t think you can go wrong with.

My top pick is Athleta’s cozy, chic, and practical Pranayama Long Wrap, which both my 64-year-old mom and I absolutely adore. My mom also loves any and everything from recovery shoe brand Oofos, especially the Oocoozie Lined Recovery Shoe—a warm, extremely lightweight, and bouncy slip-on sneaker/slipper hybrid. I’d be remiss not to talk about Idyl’s Lab Grown Diamond Studs, which I own and have worn every day for nearly two years—Angelina Jolie has sported them herself, too, per the brand.

Bombas Chunky Ragg Calf Socks

Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25

If you know how to pick them well, stocking stuffers can sometimes be better than the main gift itself.

It’s hard to pick my favorite stocking stuffer of the bunch, but if I had to, I’d go with the extremely underrated Narway Vegan Leather Makeup Bag Set. I was gifted these, and they’re so high quality that I assumed they cost around $50 (or more). Imagine how surprised I was when I looked them up and saw that they were only $16—for two.

I think any mom would be happy to receive Londontown’s viral nail concealer, which gives you the perfect manicure illusion in a matter of seconds. There’s a reason it’s sold out multiple times; shoppers say it “adds a really healthy color to the nail” and also helps heal damaged nails in a matter of weeks.

I love shower steamers, but hate when they dissolve too quickly or barely smell. That’s not the case with these Cleverfy shower steamers, which I get multiple uses out of and have my entire bathroom smelling good even post-shower. If your mom needs a spa-worthy shower moment, this set is a no-brainer for just $13.

Dream Pairs Memory Foam Platform Slippers

Best Amazon Gifts

I order a bulk of my gifts on Amazon during the holidays; not only are the prices unbeatable, but it has so many hidden gems that moms will love.

My top Amazon gift is a little out-of-the-box—but those make the best gifts. The Renpho Eye Massager is sure to be a hit no matter what types of gifts your mom prefers; it features compression, heat, and vibration to help with eye strain and migraines. Plus, it can sync up with your phone to play music. In terms of body care, the Advanced Clinicals Retinol and Collagen lotion set is a powerful two-in-one that’ll take care of fine lines and crepey skin, per shoppers. When it comes to getting cozy, my mom and I both love Crz Yoga’s Fleece-Lined Leggings and wear them on repeat during the winter.

Athleta Cozy Karma Twist Neck Sweatshirt

Best Clothing Gifts

Clothing is arguably the hardest thing to gift. It’s personal, and figuring out sizing can be stressful. However, it’s also one of the most useful presents—so if you can sneakily figure out your mom’s size, I’d say it’s definitely worth it.

I have a lot of favorites here, but I’ll start with Bleusalt’s 2 Yard Wrap, which can be used as a shawl, wrap, and scarf. The Meghan Marke-worn brand features a lineup of incredibly chic, comfy, and timeless pieces, and I guarantee your mom will use its wrap for years to come. I’m also a huge fan of the Spanx AirEssentials Long Jacket, which is made out of the same fabric that Oprah has said “feels like a hug” (and it does). I gifted my mom the Ryka Echo Knit Sneakers for Mother’s Day and they were a huge hit—she wears them everywhere. And for a piece that feels like cashmere (but costs way less), Gap’s CashSoft Crewneck Sweater is a must.

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

Best Bag Gifts

I’d say bag gifts are definitely my forte—my mom has loved just about every bag I’ve given her, as has my boyfriend’s mom. (Humble brag.) They’re also my general go-to present because, I mean, who doesn’t love being gifted a nice bag?

My top pick is this incredibly luxe-looking Coach Mollie Tote Bag, which you can get for a whopping $259 less at the brand’s outlet. It can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag, or just carried by the top handles. Small but roomy, it’ll fit all the essentials.

My mom’s absolute favorite bags are from MZ Wallace. She already owns three of the brand’s Sutton Totes, but always requests one for Christmas. The last one I gifted her was the Small Sutton Deluxe Tote in black lacquer, which isn’t just eye-catching, but incredibly spacious with tons of interior pockets. 

If you’re looking to give your mom the hottest bag of the season, you could go for a sexy suede bag, but for something more practical, consider this soft-shell mini carry-on luggage from Calpak. It’s completely sold out on the brand’s site, and likely to sell out on Anthropologie soon, too. The bag features a stylish, puffy exterior that’s water-resistant, and only weighs 5.3 pounds.

Baublebar Custom Bead Charm Necklace

Best Jewelry Gifts

Jewelry is another category that can be tough, but if you know where to look, finding the perfect present will be easy-peasy.

When it comes to finding something modern, fresh, and as shiny as can be, I highly recommend browsing through Jenny Bird’s offerings. The celebrity-worn brand—sported by Eva Longoria and Selena Gomez—is perfect for the mom who loves a quiet luxury look. I’m a fan of the two-tone bangles that shoppers say are “lightweight, no-fuss, and elegant.” My mom, who loves a statement necklace, is a super-fan of Jane Win’s jewelry; it doesn’t get any sweeter than this mother of pearl moon necklace inscribed with “to the moon and back.” For something that’ll elevate any outfit, Mejuri’s 18K Chunky Large Hoops are fabulous.

Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer

Best Beauty Gifts

I know a thing or two about mom-loved beauty. My 64-year-old mom, who’s often mistaken to be in her 40s, owes half her complexion to genes, and half of it to the top-notch products I’ve given her (at least, I’d like to think). 

When it comes to anti-aging beauty, it doesn’t get better than True Botanicals’s Chebula Anti-Aging Set. This do-it-all trio—which is on sale exclusively for InStyle with the code HOLIDAY30 at checkout—includes a wrinkle-fighting serum, ultra-hydrating moisturizer, and plumping eye patches made with the antioxidant plant. For nourishing skin care that’ll transport mom to the spa, Naturopathica’s Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm and Whipped Oil set is a must-buy. My boyfriend’s mom is a huge fan of the Jones Road Miracle Balm (also available in travel-sized kits), which is perfect for moms who love a glowy, no-makeup makeup look without all the fuss.

Smeg 50’s Retro Style Mini Electric Kettle

Best Home Gifts

When it comes to home gifts, I like to be strategic—what’s something you know your mom will use, and won’t just sit around gathering dust? These seven picks will definitely be appreciated and used over and over again.

A soap gift set is the ultimate holiday gift hack. Not only does it look fancy, but it’s extremely practical; who doesn’t need soap? I love this beautiful set from Casewell-Massey that features essences of flowers from the New York Botanical Garden, including lilac, gardenia, and honeysuckle. Swoon.

I’ve labeled this gift as something that will pay for itself because I can’t think of any mom out there who wouldn’t love to pop a squat in a heated massage seat after a long day. This portable chair pad can be used anywhere—the couch, computer chair, recliner, you name it—and features three massage zones and three levels of intensity. More than 11,000 happy shoppers have nothing but good things to say about it.

Ninja’s kitchen appliances go viral for a reason—not only are they innovative and designed to make your life easier, but they really are just that good. While the brand’s latest Ninja Crispi Air Fryer is already sold out everywhere for the holiday season, you can still grab the popular Ninja Creami, which may just sell out (again), too. The 7-in-1 appliance can make totally customizable ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, smoothies, and gelato. More than 8,600 Amazon shoppers love it, and 5,000 people alone have bought it in the last month alone, so snap it up while you can.