We Want: Gifts for Mother’s Day
By Laura Norkin
Motherhood is like a game of choose-your-adventure, with each day bringing so many choices and not quite enough caffeine or focus to make all of them. It’s no wonder one of the moms we consulted for this list suggested “not having to make decisions” as her ideal gift. We’d also like an assault weapons ban and uninterrupted bathroom time. For anyone out there shopping, we tapped designers, authors, tastemakers, and the kind of cool people we’d follow blindly into any sample sale for their number one Mother’s Day wish.
To not have to make any decisions for one day.
“I have decision fatigue!” — Lauren Sherman, fashion correspondent at Puck
Lizzie Fortunato Rainbow Aquamarine, Morganite & 14k Gold Necklace, $825
“I'm very into collar-length strands of beads these days, and I mostly blame Harry Styles for it.” — Claire Mazur, A Thing or Two
We’re also into this pastel version ($170), monochrome ones ($75), and this by Roxanne Assoulin ($65).
United Sodas 12-pack in White Grape, $34.99
“I love all grape sodas — even ones that taste like cold medicine. But, this is the most luxurious version. The brand describes it as ‘how a fine wine dresses during the daytime,’ which is a perfect description that cannot be improved on, so I won't try. I used to treat myself to a single can each time I went to the fancy grocer, but I'm asking for a sugar rush for Mother's Day.” — Connie Wang, author of Oh My Mother!
Dorsey Triple Ear Cuff, $155
“Basically what I want for Mother's Day isn't much different than what I'd want any other day — this ear cuff is so simple and elegant and I know I'd wear it every single day.” — Olivia Villanti, founder of Chava Studio
We’re also into these double oblong hoops ($45) and this twisty cuff ($20).
Coperni Black Mini Swipe Bag, $590
“It’s the perfect little black structured bag that you can dress up or down for mom’s night out or date night.” — Michelle Ochs, founder and creative director of ET OCHS
We also like this inflatable-looking one ($230), a bow-topped interpretation ($278), a casual circle crossbody ($58), and this messenger-bag sized take on the oval shape ($58).
Hoka hiking boots, $185
“Because Mama's sanity depends on movement and my joints aren't what they used to be. Hokas are notoriously comfortable and supportive; these boots are just pricey enough for me to hesitate before buying them for myself, which makes them a perfect gift.” — Angela Garbes, author of Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change
A hotel room with a tub only for me.
“I’m a mom with two little ones, it would be nice to have a quiet night alone where I could just relax.” — Haidee Burner, @sewwithhaidee
Birkenstock 1774 Florida Triple Strap Sandals, $420
“I know shoes are kind of a weird gift, but these are so beautiful, so useful, and exactly the kind of thing I'd never buy for myself.” — Laurel Pantin, creative consultant and writer
Or try a daintier version with the slightest heel ($170), comfy and colorful slides ($45), fun platforms that come in a bunch of colors ($210), or a no-fail classic Birk ($170).
Sony Bluetooth Stereo Turntable, $249
“I'm ready to become the type of person who collects and plays records. In this era of ephemeral digital content, I actually like the idea of tangibility. It also would mean a brief reprieve from my 7-year-old's fave: the entirety of the Alvin & the Chipmunks catalog.” — Leslie Price, Gloria co-founder
Have a player to dust off? Find a significant LP on Experience Vinyl.
A bi-weekly flower delivery service from Brooklyn-based farmer-florist Molly Oliver Flowers, $63/week
“A recent round-up in the Found NY newsletter sparked my interest in the concept. Why only feel the love one day a year when I could feel appreciated year-round? Bonus: it is sustainable, seasonal, and I can pick them up at some of my favorite local spots, or have them delivered.” — Michelle Curb, Gloria co-founder
Paco Rabanne Pacoio Cabas Tote, $1,150
“I never thought I'd need a tote that takes me from beach to bar but this is it and I need it. I'm about to be a mom of two but I really don't want to compromise style to make room for more baby stuff. This is roomy, chic af, and practical enough if you buy a tote organizer.” — Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, Founder & CEO of Chillhouse
A subscription to Mother Tongue Magazine, $44
“Mother Tongue is the rare magazine targeted at mothers that doesn't feel reductive, condescending, or assume any flattened type of maternal ‘ideal.’ It's funny, irreverent, smart, and gorgeous!” — Sara Petersen, author of the new book Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture
Balenciaga Camera Bag, $1,090
“I’m always looking for items that are accidentally vegan and this is one!” — Jilian Bream, costume designer
This logo-free style comes in nine colors ($198); this lilac rattan version ($375) combines a couple of summer’s best bag trends, and this sleek one sees your vegan desires and adds a better price point ($125).
New gardening tools
“I don't need more things in my life but I do love gardening. As my kids get older, it's something they can participate in, so a refresher to my supplies would be a nice and appropriate gift from them to me. Also picking out the plants, gloves, shears, etc. might get them more excited about the project.” — Amanda Kludt, lifestyle publisher at Vox Media
How about these fun and somewhat outrageous garden gloves ($59), this understated set complete with a canvas tote ($84), or this wildly fancy hand-forged one ($329).
Marla Aaron Twisted Lock in Gold (with chain)
“I love getting jewelry for Mother’s Day. It always feels like a future heirloom with a special memory attached.” — Robin Heller, interior designer
We also love birthdate pendants ($149), initial necklaces ($100), and a standout two-stone ring ($380).