POV: Mother’s Day is just around the corner and you need a gift that surprises, delights, and just “gets” her — all without breaking the bank. The good news is this kind of challenge is our favorite kind, our bread and butter, and we’re very much here to help. Read for our top recs in beauty, wellness, home, and more — all under $25, of course.
For more of our favorite Mother's Day gifts, click here.
Sunglasses for the mom whose future is looking bright (she’s going on vacation)...
These cat-eye sunnies have been popping off online for a reason. They’re lightweight, but durable. Plus, their UV400 protection lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Now the only thing she needs is a little umbrella in her favorite bev. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
Hand sanitizer she’ll keep in every purse…
There’s regular hand sanitizer, and then there’s Touchland’s hydrating sanitizer mist. It not only looks chic, but it comes in more than 10 different fresh scents, like pure lavender, rainwater, and mango passion. Perfect for a last-minute refresh when there isn’t a bathroom available. ($10, Sephora)
A minimalist candle that’ll zhuzh up her space…
Skip the generic Mother’s Day card and get her a candle that tells it like it is. This handmade soy candle smells like sea salt, jasmine, wood, and cream to create a light, soothing ambience. Plus, it's made with nontoxic ingredients — from a woman-owned business, btw. ($22.49, Etsy)
A heart-shaped charm to remind her of her fave child, aka you...
In case you (or mom) haven’t heard, charms are back. And this charm features red or pink enamel with a metallic finish. It’s colorful, yet versatile enough to pair with other charms — or kickstart her collection. Pair it with one of their paperclip chain necklaces and bracelets for a completed look. ($6, Pura Vida)
A customizable leather wallet that takes up little to no space…
It’s sleek, it’s compact, and it comes in nearly every color combo imaginable. Bonus points for its smooth genuine leather. Our favorite part? The online demo editor that lets you see your design before adding it to cart. ($24.99, Sprinkled With Pink)
Calming fidget stones for her most stressful days…
These pocket-sized meditative stones work with essential oil to slowly diffuse a relaxing scent. Each kit comes with two stones, two wristlets, and a small bottle of the scent of your choice. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A trinket dish she’ll want to show off…
If there’s one thing the limit does not exist for, it’s trinket dishes. They’re as decorative as they are useful, and this one from Anthropologie will add the perfect pop of color and pattern to any tabletop. ($14, Anthropologie)
A coffee table book that marries fashion and cocktails…
“Vogue Cocktails” is what happens when a “British Vogue” writer collects 150 recipes inspired by 1930s cocktail culture, organizes them by spirit, and pairs them with Jazz Age-inspired illustrations. It's a chic addition to her tabletop or bookshelf that she’ll love flipping through. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A colorful tea towel she’ll want to display year-round…
Some tea towels are functional, some are for display only, and others — like this one — are both. This machine-washable towel adds the perfect pop to any bread basket, wall hook, or oven handle. We wouldn’t blame you for getting more than one. ($20, Rifle Paper Co.)
The overnight lip mask that keeps going viral…
Just one night with this vitamin C-packed mask and one of our editors was completely hooked. Each dollop is rich in antioxidants, coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru seed butter to help smooth and hydrate lips overnight. Pro tip: a little goes a long way, so you can be sure it’ll last her a while. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
An ice face roller to help her decompress…
After 30 minutes in the fridge, this massaging roller can help ease muscle tension, relieve fatigue, and reduce redness. Oh, and help tighten skin for less puffiness or swelling. Just five minutes a day with this roller will have her feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A straw bag to keep her hands-free…
What do you get when you combine a trendy bucket bag with smooth straw and a detachable, adjustable strap? This bag right here. Your giftee can wear it as a crossbody for daytime use, or remove the strap for an evening-friendly look. Either way it’s nice and roomy. ($20, Target)
A personalized compact mirror she’ll keep for years…
Choose everything from the font, to the design, to the overall color of these compact mirrors for a sweet and unique bag-ccesory. It features a push-button for easy open and close, and a close-up mirror for more precise touch-ups. No wonder it’s gotten over 60,000 reviews. ($2.99+, Etsy)
A cute pouch for her water bottle…
Whether she’s taking her bottle with her on a run or running errands around town, this portable pouch makes storing essentials like keys, cards, and earbuds a total breeze. All without compromising style. Don’t be surprised if she goes back and snags it in every other color to complete her collection. ($18, Anthropologie)
A bucket list journal where she can log her adventures…
Each page in this pocket journal has sections for her to not only write down her bucket list items and check them off, but also details like whom she shared the experience with, what challenges came up, her favorite moment, and overall fulfillment level. There’s also space to paste photos so she can keep all of her memories in one place. ($10, Madewell)
A mini shoulder bag that’ll become her summer go-to accessory…
Remember Mary Poppins’ bottomless travel bag? This bag is the mini version of that. It’s designed to be lightweight and flexible, while actually holding a surprising amount of stuff. It comes in nine different colors that go with practically everything. It’s also water-repellant and comes with an adjustable strap for added comfort and versatility. ($19.90, Uniqlo)
A greeting card she’ll never forget…
This is your sign to stop fighting through the Hunger Games that is the greeting card aisle at your local drugstore and opt for these 3D pop-up cards instead. Each design is so eye-catching, she’ll want to keep the pop-up art as tabletop decor. Choose from over 20 different pop-ups — then gatekeep it so you can win Mother’s Day again next year. ($13, Love Pop)
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