There’s no single way to define a mother figure, and no gift that feels like it fully measures up, but that’s never stopped us from trying! This Mother’s Day, our editors are sharing the pieces with personality that they’re gifting to the mothers in their life, from a locket that keeps family close to a phone-finding gadget for staying in touch when far. A tole orchid brings the beauty of spring indoors, while an elegant watering can upgrades a green thumb. And for those who insist they don’t need anything at all, a box of impossibly good chocolate chip cookies is never a bad idea.
For a mix of practical, nostalgic, and unexpected, read on for our picks for the mothers (and stepmothers, grandmothers, aunts, new moms, and honorary mothers of all sorts) who make it all look effortless.
Emma Bazilian
Content Director
Munching Rabbit Vide Poche by John Derian
My mom has been collecting John Derian decoupage plates for ages. She’s especially fond of his animals—her dining room is a veritable zoo of them!
$110, johnderian.com
The Rowley Ripple Two-Pint Watering Can by Haws
Because my mom is constantly misplacing her watering can, I’m thinking that a colorful one—like this clay-pink Haws version—might be the key to keeping track of it!
$120, haws1886.com
Inez Washable Silk Printed Long PJ Set by Eberjey x ILIA
One important rule I learned from my mom: You can never have too many pajamas. While I’m a cotton girl, she’s all about luxe silk sets; I love that these are washable, too.
$298, eberjey.com
Aged ENGLISH LATTICE OVAL PLANTER
by Campo de’ Fiori
My mom loves Campo de’ Fiori’s beautifully aged terra-cotta planters. I think this oval pot would make a perfect centerpiece for her outdoor dining table, maybe filled with some old-fashioned geraniums.
$89, campodefiori.com
Eugenia Santiesteban Soto
Style Director
Tole Double Orchid
My mom is an orchid lover and luckily for her, she lives in the perfect place: The humid sub-tropical temperatures of Miami are ideal for growing an expanse of them in her yard. This tole orchid is a funny (and beautiful!) take on the typical Mother’s Day plant, especially after having gifted her countless live versions over the years (orchid fatigue is real!).
$385, getthegusto.com
Raffia Mahjong Game Set
Mah jong has become a serious craze and my sister is nothing short of an addict. I love this raffia-covered set that you can also personalize. It would look so good on a coffee table, too.
$249, markandgraham.com
Gluten-Free Sourdough Double Chocolate Chip Cookies by Knead Love
Sarah Magid of Knead Love Bakery makes the most delicious and magical baked goods that are also better for you (they’re vegan, gluten-free, and have no refined sugar). But health-conscious or not, they are hands-down scrumptious. It’s the ultimate Mother’s Day gift for me!
$38 for a box of six, kneadlovebakerynyc.com
Yellow Vine Tablecloth by Carolina Irving & Daughters
I share a love of tabletop and entertaining with my mother-in-law and I think she would love this Carolina Irving & Daughters tablecloth in a sunny shade of yellow. I love this color set against the Arizona landscape and it would look perfect with all her classic blue-and-white plates.
$475, ci-daughters.com
Jill Simpson
Home & Design Editor
Grand Tour Collection of Intaglio Soaps
I know soaps might seem trite, but I gave these to my mother-in-law and she absolutely loved them! They’re different enough to feel special.
Picnic in Provence Bulb Garden in Woven Basket
My mom can’t get out much anymore, and she doesn’t need any more “stuff,” so I’m planning to give her this pretty bulb garden that I hope will bring her a burst of spring. White Flower Farm told me they keep the bulbs in coolers, so they’ll still bloom indoors in May.
$119, whiteflowerfarm.com
The Gardener’s Mindset: Connecting with Nature Through Plants
My mother-in-law is a garden lover, so I’ll be giving her Stephen Orr’s lovely new book, The Gardener’s Mindset (coming out May 5th) and maybe a new gardening hat.
$29, bookshop.org
Decorative Scallop Trimmed Pedestal Bowl
In case my sons happen to read this and want to know what I’d like, maybe they could go in on this beautiful big scalloped bowl that I’m thinking would look great on my dining table.
$249, greenrow.com
Hudson Moore
Associate Director, Design and Decoration
Pewter Footed Glass Vase by MATCH
My mom isn’t one for extravagance, but she loves beauty: This bud vase is the perfect complement for single blooms cut from the garden.
$112, match1995.com
Pot Pourri by Santa Maria Novella
The scent of this potpourri is rich, familiar, and transporting—first made over three centuries ago. It’s an easy gift and sure to be a hit.
$38, us.smnovella.com
Uni Silver Picture Frame by Christofle
When I was a teenager, I terrorized my family as the self-appointed decorator, changing around every room as often as I possibly could. Without fail, any family photos that my mom managed to sneak into the living spaces were relegated back to her nightstand. I am repaying her now by gifting her a pewter or silver frame any chance I get.
$215, christofle.com
THE PERFECT WEEKDAY TOTE BY ALEX MILL
Both useful and good looking, this Alex Mill tote would be a great replacement for my mom’s school bag (she’s a middle school principal—such a badass).
$175, alexmill.com
Isabel Molster
Associate Editor
Elma Jumpsuit in Terry by Suzie Kondi
For mothers like mine who always want to look put-together but rarely have enough time to put an outfit together, this Suzie Kondi jumpsuit is a hack. Pairs just as well with a chic pair of sneakers as it does with strappy flat sandals in summer.
$475, suziekondi.com
Wood Crossbody by Ossa
I love my mother to death and she can do anything in the world except keep up with her phone. Hoping this cute phone chain will eliminate one thing for her to worry about!
From $65, ossanewyork.com
Floral Signet Oval Locket Necklace
A customized gift is a great way to show your mom that you care (and that you thought about Mother’s Day ahead of time). This signet locket from my favorite jeweler out of Charleston is so sweet and special, and at a great price point!
$340, croghansjewelbox.com
Lavender Sachet
Lavender sachets are always a lovely gift. This sweet hand-embroidered one would be especially nice for infant or toddler moms who have to deal with a lot of smelly things all day.
$18, porta-nyc.com
Penelope Riley
Assistant Editor
Vintage Egg Cup with Saucer
My mom sends me a picture of her breakfast or “elevenses” as she would say, which is always savory rather than sweet, usually Scandinavian-inspired, and definitely worthy of a sophisticated egg cup.
$90, hotelsilverltd.com
Wedge Pillow by Leontine Linens
The women in my life are all avid readers and we love sharing books. This pillow is perfect for propping up with a great novel.
From $235, leontinelinens.com
Seal set with initial and wax stamp by Il Papiro
When visiting Florence with my mom, she took me to Il Papiro where she bought a marbled desk set in her 20s, which still outfits her desk. I would like to give my grandmother a wax stamp for letter writing.
€55, ilpapirofirenze.it
Tomato Season Classic candle by LAFCO
Mother’s Day marks the frost-free milestone for starting my vegetable garden with help from my aunt. I love this candle in my kitchen and I would love to give her one for home.
$56, lafco.com
Everything on our website was hand-picked by a FREDERIC editor. We may earn commission on items you purchase.
