Every mother-daughter relationship can’t be as perfect as Lorelai and Rory’s — at least for the first 16 or so years of your life. During tweendom, we’re hardwired to think our moms are just out to embarrass us with their puppy-printed pajamas (you know it’s true, mom) in the carpool drop-off line and their constant need to check on us when we’re out with friends. But eventually, once we’re moved out of the house, we come to the realization that moms weren’t totally uncool at all. Rather, they were pretty fucking great.
So why, then, do we so often end up getting them such lame Valentine’s gifts this time of year? More often than not, when you Google search gifts for moms, you’ll find a blasé selection of kitchenware, slippers, and one too many monochrome sweater sets. Yawn. This year, instead of going the easy route and writing just another gifts-for-mom round-up, we’re dedicating this guide to what our moms really want.
Whether your mom is into traveling, mid-century design, the art of salad making, or The Go-Gos’ debut album (ahem, Lorelai), one of these 32 gift guide options will surely speak to her. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For the mom that has it all, gift her the best of the best in clean-up technology. Not only is this cordless vacuum extra chic and streamlined, but it’ll make her tidying up a breeze.
Dyson V7 Absolute Vacuum Cleaner, $, available at
Not only is this a very sweet on-counter accessory, but it also just so happens to make a damn good cup of coffee.
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker, 6-Cup, $, available at
The best in-quarantine lounge pants that have ever been created, hands down.
Simon Miller Rib Alder Pant, $, available at
A modern take on a cozy classic.
Agolde Thora Balloon Sleeve Sweatshirt, $, available at
Improve their cooking game with this stew essential.
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, 3.5 Qt., $, available at
This mini suitcase, because she’s a boss lady who travels a lot for work (at least she did). Plus, her skincare routine is 10/10 and needs protection from the in-flight elements.
Away The Mini: The Travel Wellness Kit, $, available at
Now she definitely won’t lose her phone at the bottom of her bag.
Wildflower Moo Moo Limited Edition iPhone Case, $, available at Amazon
Since she’s not going anywhere anytime soon, you might as well give her the gift of comfort.
Dearfoams Perth Genuine Shearling Foldover Boot Slipper, $, available at
Treat her to a bit of self-care.
Shea Brand CBD Bath Bomb Trio, $, available at
This candle smells as good as it’ll look on her mantlepiece.
Diptyque Roses Candle, 6.5 oz., $, available at Amazon
This matching sweater set has to be the perfect cool mom gift.
Zara Oversized Knit Sweater, $, available at
Zara Knit Culotte Pants, $, available at
A “coffee bowl” as Lorelai Gilmore would say.
Nathalie Lété Titania Mug, $, available at
Salad inspired by artists? She will LOVE this.
Abrams Publishing Salad for President: A Cookbook Inspired by Artists, $, available at
For when your mom has better taste in perfume than you do.
Maison Margiela Replica Travel Size Fragrance Trio, $, available at
Liven up her otherwise neutral tablescape with these handcrafted placemats made by artisans in Colombia.
Ames Jipi Plate Mat (Set Of 6), $, available at
Obviously, she uses reusable tote bags.
Baggu Standard Baggu, $, available at
For the mom who drank non-dairy milk long before it was trendy.
Thrive Market Gift Card, 1 Year Membership, $, available at
Has staying home been stressing your mom out? 350 mgs of CBD should do the trick.
Rosebud Original Strength Tincture, $, available at
Jazz up her at-home diffuser situation with this chic terracotta alternative.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, $, available at
Although her regular trips to the nail salon may be a self-care treat of the past, you can still make sure her cuticles stay healthy. Pair this convenient on-the-go cuticle oil with OPI’s Mini 4-Pack of Lacquers for the perfect gift set.
OPI Nail Strengthener, $, available at
OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil To – Go, $, available at
Now she can take her coffee wherever she goes with this sleek travel mug that features a ceramic interior designed to retain the integrity of the brew’s flavor.
Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug, $, available at
Because times such as these can stress out even the chillest of moms.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Mini Calming Serum, $, available at
We had to.
Go-Go’s The Go-Go’s – Beauty and the Beat Vinyl, $, available at Amazon
The same bag all her friends carry, but tinier.
Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Pouchette, $, available at
For her daily fruit water concoctions.
Hay Blue Lid Carafe, $, available at
She might want to get dressed up sometime in the next few months. When she does, give her something comfy and cute to wear.
Ganni Seersucker Check Maxi Dress, $, available at
For all the backyard picnics you two will be having this summer in quarantine.
Slowdown Studio Colombo Throw, $, available at
As a thank you for introducing you to the Boss.
Little High Little Low ’80 Bruce Springsteen, $, available at
Because your mom’s been working out more in quarantine than you have and deserves cute leggings for her hard work.
Girlfriend High-Rise Pocket Legging, $, available at
Ease the aches and pains associated with sitting inside all day with this natural muscle oil.
The Nue Co. Magnesium Ease, $, available at
Prairie-style PJs have to be the perfect cool mom gift.
Zara Home Floral Embroidery Pajamas, $, available at
To help her cut down on waste even more than she already has.
Anthropologie Reusable Travel Flatware, $, available at
For the mom who’s constantly locked out of the house, the car, the garage, etc. because she can’t seem to stop losing her keys, here’s a keychain that’s also a reminder of your close mother-daughter friendship. But if you two are more Sopranos than Gilmore Girls, here’s a keychain that’ll do just as well.
AllThingsHipAndCool Dragonfly Inn Key Tag, $, available at
When you’re wrangling a bunch of kids, your footwear needs to be both stylish and utilitarian.
Everlane The Rain Boot, $, available at
And we couldn’t finish off a mom gift guide without including this unbeatable box set. But since you likely don’t own a DVD player anymore (maybe your mom still does?), here’s one of those too.
Amy Sherman-Palladino Gilmore Girls Complete Season 1-7, $, available at
This is what I like to call a “going out” nightgown because it feels like pajamas, but looks like a million bucks.
Eloquii Ribbed Tank Maxi Dress, $, available at
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