I start thinking about holiday gifting probably earlier than most do; the best gifts for mom question looms large in my mind—in part, because of the nature of my job, which requires me and colleagues to think about beauty gift sets and Advent calendars in the middle of summer; but also because my own mother lives 3,650 miles away from me in Belgium, and like any good Italian daughter, I could never go back home empty-handed. My mom, like most mother figures, is particular about what she likes, but the way to her heart is, more often than not, a black and white beribboned box with a camellia on top. (The way to my heart is a bottle of olive oil.)
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The best gifts to me, those given and received, are ones that are thoughtful and useful. They needn’t cost much, but they should feel intentional; preferably a small treat she wouldn’t normally buy yourself. Even a last-minute gift card can be touching when it’s carefully chosen. When in doubt, there’s no harm in asking—if not directly (to maintain the element of surprise!) by enlisting a co-conspirator. (In my case: my brother or longtime boyfriend.)
Our senior beauty writer, Kiana Murden, says she’ll usually wait to buy something until her mom to tells her what she wants; Minty Mellon, our shopping market editor, keeps tabs on “the not-so-subtle hints she sends me over the year; a pasted URL and smiley face is a clear sign she would like this as a future gift,” she jokes. Our market editor, Andrea Zendejas, says no matter the occasion, be it a birthday gift or a Mother’s Day gift, she sticks to things she knows her mom will love, like beauty and accessories: “My mom is a woman who loves to accessorize, so anything of the kind will make her holiday.” Last year, it was a new lipstick and perfume oil, this year, she’s thinking a silk scarf, or a piece of jewelry.
Whether it’s a small indulgence or a big surprise, you’ll find a mix of ideas in this gift guide, below.
Under-$100 Gift Ideas
For the mom who wants little more than a small gesture accompanied by a hand-written note, these under-$100 gift ideas offer the thrill of discovery without compromising on practicality or thoughtfulness. If food is her favorite expression of affection, I’d DIY my own kind of gift basket: I’d wrap a pretty organza bow around a trio of chocolate bars from Casa Bosques and team it up with a bottle of fancy olive oil—Flamingo Estate makes it even more special with the option for a personalized label. Other pocket-sized gestures to consider for your mom, or mother-in-law: Hermès lipstick and Chanel’s latest blush.
The Classic Mom
Leather and soft goods, like a wallet, scarf, or sweater might not sound like the most unique gifts, but the right one (ideally, in luxe leather or heavenly-soft cashmere) is sensible and timeless—look to Burberry, Lisa Yang, &Daughter for the loviest scarves, gloves, jumpers, and cardigans. Cozy pajamas and other indulgent forms loungewear are hard to go wrong with as well: Cortne Bonilla, our senior shopping writer, and soon-to-be mom of one, said a personalized robe once made for the most memorable gift: “My mom is overjoyed by any gift given, but I’ll never forget the look on her face when I got her a a monogrammed bathrobe, in her favorite color—powder pink.” Alex Mill’s tote can be monogrammed with her initials (or any other trio of letters) in her favorite color; I am partial to our exclusive colorway in red and brown, available for a limited time this holiday season.
For the Mom Who Loves to Host
Your every phone call includes tales of her latest kitchen exploits, and she never serves a meal without setting a pretty table. What’s a more perfect gift for the consummate host than something that sparks joy when she’s in her element? A literal interpretation would Edie Parker’s glass lighter, or perhaps it’s something more decorative, like a hand-marbled book for dinner guests to sign on their way out, or Charlotte Chesnais’s elegant flatware set for Christofle—jewelry for her table.
For the Mom With Dedicated Beauty Rituals
She’s touted the benefits of magnesium before bed since you were a teenager and evangelizes the virtues of ice cold showers to wake up. She’ll share her entire closet with you, but won’t let you near her favorite lipstick. Senior beauty writer Kiana Murden tells me if beauty tech is what her self-care routine is missing, a great gift is Omnilux’s—one of best LED face masks she’s tried. (When gifting her own mom, Murden says she likes to stick to skin-care classics—nourishing night creams and anti-aging serums she has a higher chance of using than makeup that might collect dust.) My own mom doesn’t care much for spa days, but can regularly be found at the hair salon, and asks me weekly if I have tried “the new Dyson” yet? (I haven’t, but I’m positive this is her way of telling me it’s what she wants for herself.) I’d pair it with a bestsellers kit from Rōz—celebrity hair stylist Mara Roszak’s wonderful hair-care line. The four minis, housed in a blushed toiletry kit, are personal favorites that I actually shared with my mom on vacation this summer. If you’re going the perfume route, a number of my colleagues cosign Byredo’s fragrances.
For the Sporty Mom
Whether she’s just joined a new gym or loyal to a studio nearby, giving a gift that facilitates movement and wellbeing is always appreciated—just be sure to tailor it to her exercise of choice. High-quality sneakers, a warm puffer, comfy leggings, and if she’s tech-savvy, some kind of gadget all make for great holiday gift ideas.
For the Mom Who Appreciates the Finer Things
If jewelry is her love language and gold her material of choice, why not a hand-painted signet ring from Cece Jewellery, or a wraparound style from Emily P. Wheeler? If she’s one to impart daily pearls of wisdom, a Sophie Bille Brahe pearl necklace makes for an extra thoughtful gift. Other treasures to have and hold include Pamela Zamore’s diamond and gold hoop earrings, Marie Lichtenberg’s locket, or Viltier’s birthstone charms to add to a pendant necklace. If budget is of no concern, a timeless Cartier Tank watch delights all.
