22 Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts for Under $20

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and all we can say is: It's a good thing that it coincides with getting our tax refunds. But then there are so many other expenses that pop up — and really, while it's so much fun to drop a ton of cash as soon as we receive it, we all know that that money would be better spent in a rainy day fund than blown on a brunch out. 

Unfortunately, taking Mom out for an overpriced brunch isn't the best move for Mother's Day this year. Add to that finances that are tough this year, it's easy to get discouraged. But that doesn't mean we can't show our love The truth is, no one needs to get super spendy to show mom that we really, really care. Instead of focusing on the price, we think the best bet is to consider what mom really loves — and give her presents that reflect that. 

So here, we've rounded up some of the best presents available for under $20 a pop. Not all of these will be perfect for every mom we're shopping for, but we're confident that at least something on this list is going to appeal to the moms we love. Whether the mom could use a constant reminder of love every time she peeks into her purse, or would enjoy a little fresh (and low-maintenance) greenery in her home, we've got something for her!

Love You Forever Ring Dish

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Target
single icon $19.99 from Target
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Moms have a connection to the phrase on this jewelry plate thanks to the book by Robert Munsch. It's a lovely gift for a mom who doesn't want to lose track of her favorite pieces but also doesn't have enough to necessitate a full jewelry box.

Personalized Wine Tumbler

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PreppyPineappleShop/Etsy
starting icon Starting at $12.99 from PreppyPineappleShop/Etsy
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Several things make this the perfect wine tumbler for Mother's Day this year. Tumblers are better than stem glasses because we're less likely to knock them over. A personalized one means there's no confusing that it is for mom. And it can be used for more than just wine, too.

Mini Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick Duo

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Sephora

There's never been a better time to try out lipsticks if this hasn't been mom's thing. With many workplaces still remote, these bright colors would look amazing on Zoom. The Rare Beauty brand cream lipsticks can be layered to be more bold or a small swipe for a subtle pop of color.

Secret Weapon Rose Quartz Facial Roller

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Target
single icon $18.99 from Target
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Moms are full of stress. And this year more than ever it feels like. That's what makes this rose quartz roller the best. It's affordable but can give mom comfort and relief for years to come. Using this "love stone" at the end of the day can massage all the stress away. Rose quartz, known as the "love stone," is the crystal of unconditional love.

Jasmine, Rose, Eucalyptus & Spearmint, or Lavender Bath Salts

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Etsy ; CharmedBathBody

There are so many options to give mom for Mother's Day but there's something special about the gift that encourages her to take care of herself. We don't get enough time to do that, and any hint that we want them to be able to take that time. These beautiful scented salts for the bath are a little getaway without having to go anywhere.

Flameless Unscented Votive Candle

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Wayfair
single icon $13.59 from Wayfair
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All the beauty without any of the stress of real flames. This flameless candle set can be used to make the bathroom more relaxing, set the stage for a cute date night. And mom won't have to worry about the safety factor, which is important when there are young kids in the house.

Initial Heart Ring in Rose Gold

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CaitlynMinimalist/Etsy

This is a beautiful piece of jewelry that mama will treasure for years to come. Bonus points because it's elegant and classic meaning she can wear it day in and day out. Whether she's at work in the office, on a hot date, or playing Legos with the kids in her pajamas.

An Elegant Chime

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Eastern Leaf

For the mom who loves to garden, has a beautiful window that lets in a lot of light, or needs some added tranquility this is one of those gifts she's going to love an appreciate. For many, the chime sound is supposed to bring healing and positive energy vibrations to the space.

A Lunch Tote

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Target
single icon $19.99 from Target
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For the majority of 2020 and spilling into 2021, going out for lunch or packing a lunch to head off to work hasn't been possible. But as the world normalizes soon enough going out for lunch dates, picnics, or taking a packed lunch to work starts will be an everyday occurrence. So, why not give mom a chic bag so she can carry her snacks in style?

Hanging Air Plant Terrarium Kit

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Eastern Leaf

This DIY kit contains everything needed to make mom a great Mother's Day gift. This beautiful terrarium includes an air plant, glass terrarium, deer moss, river rocks, and burlap wire to hang it from. She can customize its look to suit her style or prep it as suggested.

DIY Spice Jar Gift Box

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Penzeys
starting icon Starting at $4.95 from Penzeys
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Create a gift for mom with this kit where one can choose all of mom's favorite spices from all that Penzeys has to offer. These folks produce amazing spices and spice blends, so this is an incredibly nice gift at a good price. Mom will be able to make use of this time and again.

Uncorked Scented Soy Wax Candles

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Napauncorked/Etsy

These pretty candles use pure fragrance oils and soy wax, and are housed in upcycled wine bottles. Given all that care, this product smells amazing and it's environmentally friendly. Mom can enjoy the calm fragrance when they need a little extra care.

Elegant Phone Case

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Red Bubble

For many moms, a phone is something she can't leave the home without. It remembers all the phone numbers for us, organizes our calendar so we know where we're supposed to be, and we can stay connected to people that matter. This year, give Mom an upgrade for her phone with this elegant phone case.

Personalized Necklace

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MignonandMignon/Etsy
starting icon Starting at $7.99 from MignonandMignon/Etsy
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Chic and versatile, these elegant bar necklaces come in rose gold, brass, gold, and silver. Given the different metals, the gift-giver can choose the finish that looks best on mom's skin tone. Thes are also fully customizable so things like names, initials, an important date, or meaningful coordinates can be added.

Mini Waffle Maker

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Amazon

Make her waffles on Mother's Day morning with this delightful little waffle maker. Pair them with a mimosa for a full brunch-in-bed Mother's Day experience. The size of the waffle makers is just enough to make a lovely breakfast without having to take up too much counter or storage space.

Mom & Daughter Bracelets

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LemonArtStudio/Etsy
starting icon Starting at $15.95 from LemonArtStudio/Etsy
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These sweet matching Celtic knot bracelets are great bonding present for a mother-daughter duo. Make a wish, tie one on both both mom and daughter's wrists, and wear until they break — then the wish will come true. There a few customizable options to make the best pairing for mom's style.

Chocolate & Wine Pairing Kit

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Williams Sonoma

For moms who love wine and chocolate, these artisanal, high-quality chocolate bars are handcrafted to create flavor profiles that pair perfectly with different wines. Mom can enjoy some time to herself while she enjoys the treat in one sitting or she can take her time and make the most of it.

Coral Recycled Glass Florero Vase

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World Market

At an extremely reasonable price for this beautiful bud vase, there's plenty of money left to get mom a beautiful flower to put in it. Perfect to add to the Mother's Day breakfast in bed delivery. And it's pretty enough to hold space on the shelf with nothing else in it, too.

Reading Socks

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Amazon
single icon $12.97 from Amazon
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There's nothing better than putting on a cozy pair of socks after a soak in the tub. Mom can settle down on the couch or her favorite quiet space in the house with warm feet while she reads the book she's been meaning to pick up.

Classic Square Polarized Sunglasses

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Amazon
single icon $14.99 from Amazon
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Help her get ready for summer with these polarized sunglasses. The leopard print and oversized shape of this pair has the perfect amount of personality without being too bold that it's hard to pull off.

Avocado Yoga Mug

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Red Bubble

So many moms rely on their morning cup of coffee or tea to start their day off on the right foot. Or perhaps she prefers a midday cup or one to get her through the challenging dinnertime hour. Either way, this avocado mug is perfect for any time of the day and a giggle is always a good thing.

Customized Wooden Spoon Set

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ModParty/Etsy

For those who have a mama who loves to cook or bake, this personalized wooden spoon set is exactly what she needs. It can be customized to have anything written on the handles and can become a beautiful heirloom with a loving message or go the route of a playful joke message instead.

*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.