Looking for thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts she’ll actually love? Whether you’re shopping for your mom, mother-in-law, stepmom, grandma, your partner (aka the mother of your kids), or a mother-figure who’s made an impact in your life… this is your friendly nudge to not wait until the last minute.
And also… please don’t get her something that plugs in unless she specifically asked for it. No shade to appliances (I LOVE cooking!), but this day is supposed to be about HER. Not her smoothie game. 😅
✨ Here’s the golden rule: Buy mom something she wants, but would never buy for herself.
Something that feels like a treat. Something she wouldn’t justify getting on a random Tuesday, but that would make her feel seen, appreciated, and just a little bit spoiled.
If that sounds like a tall order, don’t worry. I’ve got you.
This guide is packed with unique gift ideas for mom — from luxury pieces that won’t break the bank to experience gifts, self-care treats, and a few “share this with your partner” moments (because sometimes we need to help ourselves out too).
Let’s discover some of the most thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts for 2025!
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means that if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
How This Gift Guide is Organized:
To make things easy (because no one needs more stress in May), I’ve divided this thoughtful Mother’s Day gift guide into three helpful sections:
💐 For daughters: Gift ideas that are personal, meaningful, and perfect if you’re shopping for your mom, stepmom, or mother-in-law.
💛 For partners: A no-fluff section with gifts your wife or the mother of your kids actually wants — including a few “read between the lines” hints if this was sent to you 😉
🚫 What NOT to get: A friendly PSA on what to skip this year (unless she explicitly asked for it).
Scroll through or jump to the part that fits you best — and let’s find something she’ll truly love.
⭐️ Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts From Daughters (Aka: You’ve Got This)
If you’re a daughter shopping for your mom, you probably already know this: Most women are good at buying gifts for other women.
It’s a fact. We get each other. We notice the hints. We remember that comment she made about wanting a silk robe last year. Honestly, we don’t get enough credit for how good we are at this 😂
So, when it comes to thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts, daughters usually nail it.
So whether you want to go big or keep it simple and sweet, here are a few unique gift ideas for mom that are personal, practical, and guaranteed to make her feel special — even if she says, “I don’t need anything” (classic mom move).
1️⃣ A perfume that feels like a warm hug: Perfumes are such a treat yourself kind of gift. It feels personal and indulgent in the best way.
Need a crowd-pleaser? Try something light and fresh for spring — nothing overpowering. Think clean florals or citrus fragrances. Bonus points if you get her a pretty bottle she can display.
2️⃣ A nice bag — because she deserves to feel put-together: Moms carry a lot — literally and figuratively. So a cute bag that goes with everything? Yes, please.
Crossbody bags, leather totes, or even a chic satchel bag she can use on girls’ nights or date nights. She probably wouldn’t splurge on one herself, which is why it makes the perfect gift.
3️⃣ An elevated basic she’ll wear nonstop: We all love a good basic piece — but the kind that feels luxurious? That’s the real magic.
Think a classic silk button-down, a breezy linen set, or a cashmere sweater that feels like a hug. These elevated fabrics make even the simplest outfits feel special — but they usually come with a not-so-simple price tag.
That’s why moms rarely splurge on them. Why buy a $50 silk cami when she can get a simple tank top for $10 at Target, right? So give her the upgrade she wouldn’t give herself. She’ll wear it on repeat — and feel amazing every time.
🌟Explore these luxurious fabrics (minus the price tag) here: Silk pieces – Cashmere pieces – Linen Pieces
4️⃣ Comfy and cute workout clothes (only if she likes working out – DO NOT send the wrong message): Nice activewear is shockingly expensive — which is why moms rarely buy it for themselves. But trust me, the good stuff makes a big difference.
I love Quince for this. Their leggings and sets feel amazing, look elevated, and cost about 50% less than the big brands. If she loves a workout (or just dressing like she might), this is an easy win.
5️⃣ A girl’s date: Plan something you can do together — like a brunch, a wine tasting, a museum visit, a mani/pedi date, or even just a long walk with coffee. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. The point is to give her your time — and your full attention.
Trust me, that matters more than flowers ever will. (Though if you do get her flowers… don’t skip the card!)
⭐️ If you’re the husband/wife/partner…
Hi there. Yes — this section is for you.
And if you’re reading this because someone forwarded you this article with zero context… take the hint. She wants a nice Mother’s Day gift. Possibly this exact one. Don’t panic — I’m here to help.
1️⃣ A silk robe (or a nice Turkish robe): No one has ever opened a silk robe and said, “Ugh.”
Add a candle, a nice book and a bath bomb and boom — you’re the hero of the day.
2️⃣ A massage: Don’t just mention it. Book it. In advance. At a nice spa. At a time when she’s actually free. If you’re feeling fancy, check out boutique hotel spas in your area. They’re usually nicer than the ones you’d find with a quick Google search.
3️⃣ Jewelry (duh): It sparkles. It never goes out of style. And it says, “I tried.”
Go for dainty gold, a timeless necklace, or gorgeous earrings she can wear every day. And if you really want to impress her? Look into lab-grown diamonds or sustainable jewelry brands — it’s chic and conscious. (Bonus points if you tell her it’s ethically sourced — trust me, that matters)
4️⃣ Time off: This is not something moms usually ask for, but oh boy do they want it. As someone who chose not to have children, let me just say — moms tell me things they don’t always say out loud.
And one of those things I hear on repeat? “I just want a little time to myself.”
So if you’re really stuck on what to do this year… give her a break. Let her sleep in, go out with the kids, have a quiet house, whatever she needs to feel human again.
Time is the most underrated gift.
💡 Pro-tips for the overachievers:
- Check Airbnb experiences in your city! You’d be surprised at what you find. Think: pottery classes, wine pairings, food tours, art walks, sunset sails… Book something you can do together or something she’s always wanted to try.
- Look up spas in boutique hotels in your area. Not kidding — the nicest spas are often hidden inside the chic hotels. And you don’t have to be staying there to use them. Just saying.
And if you’re now thinking, “Wait… this sounds amazing. I want this too.”
Yes. Send this article to your partner. Yes. Right now 😅 #subtle
🚫 What NOT to get mom…
Let’s just say… unless she explicitly said she wants one. Stay away from these on Mother’s Day:
- No kitchen gadgets.
- No vacuum cleaners.
- No “cleaning bundles.”
- No wrinkle creams (who raised you??).
- No home decor unless it’s her obsession.
Mother’s Day is not the day for “this will make our chores easier.” It’s the day for “you deserve joy.”
So even if it’s something cozy like a candle or a blanket (which can be lovely gifts), try to level it up with something more personal. Like pairing a candle with a spa gift card. Or a cozy blanket with a handwritten letter.
That’s what makes a gift feel like a gift 💝
A gentle note if Mother’s Day feels hard…
If this day is tender for you — I see you.
I know Mother’s Day isn’t easy for everyone. If this time of year feels heavy — whether because of loss, complicated relationships, or dreams that haven’t come true yet — please know you’re not alone.
You’re allowed to feel whatever you feel. Take care of your heart however you need to, whether that means unplugging, slowing down, or giving yourself permission to skip the whole thing entirely.
And if you are celebrating, I hope this guide helped you find something meaningful — something that makes her feel seen and appreciated.
Sending you all a big hug! The ones who celebrate, the ones who don’t, or the ones who simply don’t care!
Thanks for being here.
XO,
Aimara
PS: if you need more ideas for Mother’s Day on May 11th, check out the Mother’s Day guide that Quince put together! (I disagree with a few of the items LOL, but it’s still a great guide)
About the author:
Hey, I’m Aimara — welcome!
I created this blog to help women simplify their closets, pack lighter, and feel confident in what they wear — whether they’re heading out for a trip or just living their everyday lives.
After years of full-time travel (with only a carry-on suitcase!), I’ve learned how to build intentional wardrobes that actually work — and now I share all my best tips right here. From capsule wardrobe ideas and style tips to thoughtful gift guides and packing advice, my goal is to make getting dressed easier, more fun, and way less stressful.
If you’re into practical advice, cute outfits, and simplifying your life one outfit at a time — you’ll feel right at home here.
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