May is a big month in my home for me because both Mother’s Day and my birthday both fall within the month. My husband Reggie has been asking me what I want. Since I’m very particular and will end up giving away things that I don’t love, I told him to just give me heartfelt cards with money in them. Although that would be perfectly fine, I thought about it some more and (based on my opinion and input from my friends who are mom) came up with a list of 10 favorite Mother’s Day gift ideas that moms really want. (These ideas also make wonderful birthday and holiday gifts too!)
1. Beauty Gifts:
Spa services, at-home spa gifts sets, perfume gift sets, hair products and makeup are all great. In-home beauty service providers, like GLAMSQUAD and Zeel Massage on Demand are also special options. (Personally, I’d love a massage, pedicure or any of the items that I mentioned in the Spring Beauty post .)
My top pick: Lancome La Vie Est Belle. I appreciate that the name means “Life is beautiful.” I agree!
2. Clothing and Accessories:
Watches, jewelry, handbags, wallets, clothing and shoes are top picks. (Personally, I’d like a pair of jeans, spring dresses, sneakers and one of the marriage tees from my friends at BMWK.)
3. Handmade/DIY/Craft gifts:
Very little can match the impact of gifts made by kids. (You can send your significant other to the 5 Mother’s Day Crafts for Kids post if they need help.)
4. Fitness Gifts:
Gym memberships, exercise DVDs, cute workout clothes, athletic shoes, wearables (the Fitbit or Up 3 by Jawbone) are appreciated if the mom asks for them. Otherwise, it could be awkward. (I also mentioned my top 3 fitness picks – CIZE workout DVD, a reliable scale and a Brita water filter on the 5 Ways for Moms to Inspire Kids to be Healthy post.)
My top pick: CIZE (My youngest son Sean loves to dance, so he sometimes joins me in these workouts.)
5. Food gifts:
Favorite foods, cookbooks, cooking classes, desired kitchen items, gift card to favorite restaurants or meal delivery services are all strong picks. (I would be happy with a cupcake subscription to Baked by Melissa. A springform pan to make a cheesecake, ramekins to prepare creme brulee or a a cast iron pot to make jambalaya are all on my “to get soon” list too.)
My top pick: Enameled Cast Iron Pot
6. Paper/Photography gifts:
Cameras, cards, photo gifts, Mixbook photobooks, Pictl framed photos, photo calendars, journals, thank you cards, monogrammed stationery and planners are all memorable options. (I especially love Poppin, Minted and Tiny Prints‘ paper offerings.)
7. Entertainment gifts:
From cultural gifts – Alvin Ailey at NJPAC or a Broadway show like Beautiful – to movie tickets to books, there really are options to fit the taste of every mom. (My sons wanted to give me tickets to Captain America: Civil War for Mother’s Day. We’re going to see it but that’s not my Mother’s Day gift. There are several books that I would enjoy though – including Pat Flynn’s Will it Fly and Michael Hyatt’s Living Forward.)
My top pick: Michael Hyatt’s Living Forward
8. Technology gifts:
Computers, tablets and smartphones are all terrific choices.
My top pick: Apple MacBook Pro
9. Business-related gifts:
Online courses, blog or website design and tickets to various business conferences are all helpful gifts. (I really enjoyed the Rock the World conference last year.)
10. Miscellaneous Gifts:
Flowers, cash, a housekeeping service, a getaway and a gift to her favorite charity round out the favorite options. (If you’re looking for amazing flowers in NYC, my super-talented friends own Élan Flowers in NYC. Lastly, if you’re looking for a reputable charity, Dress for Success and God’s Love We Deliver are a couple of my favorites.)
The most important thing (no matter what the gift-giving occasion happens to be) is to keep in mind the person receiving the gift. If you really take the time to consider their wants and needs, you will not go wrong. Remember… moms are individuals with their own unique tastes and preferences.
