It's that time of year again: Time to start scouring the internet for the perfect Mother's Day gifts for our mamas. (Or start dropping hints for ourselves!) But for those of us who have special women in our lives who don't quite fit into that traditional "mom" category, trying to find ways to thank them can be more tricky. We're talking about the women who feel like second mothers to us. Our "bonus moms." The ones who stepped in when our own mothers couldn't be there, or took us under their wing when we moved far away and started our lives in a new place. The women who may have married our fathers, and became incredible stepmoms to us. The ones who lent an ear or a shoulder to cry on or a great big 'ole hug when they know we needed it most. Yeah — those moms.
Bonus moms may not even know how much they've touched our lives, but oh, have they. They gave us confidence when we needed it most. They pitched in and watched our kids when we were at our wits' end. They inspired us in one way or another to be the people we are today, and for that, we can't thank them enough. So how do we show them that their presence in our lives has made all the difference? Maybe a yummy-smelling candle or a gold necklace will never quite do the job — but they can sure remind her of how much we care. We've found 45 Mother's Day gift ideas for bonus moms, ranging from humorous to heartfelt to useful. Got a stepmom who's addicted to Bravo? We've got something for her. Or how 'bout a bonus mom who's long overdue for some precious "me time?" Yeah, we've got something for her, too — from Unwind Kits to wine cooling coasters.
Personalized Velvet Notebook
This pretty velvet journal can be personalized with her first initial, and features tons of blank pages inside for jotting down notes, thoughts, and more. If she's a natural writer or just loves to journal her thoughts, this is one thoughtful gift idea she might actually get some use out of.
Personalized Velvet Notebook ($19, ThreeTwo1/Etsy)
Zodiac Pendant Necklace
For the bonus mom who's also super into reading astrology, this gold zodiac pendant might be the perfect way to pay homage to her love of the stars. (Plus, how cute is it?)
Zodiac Pendant Necklace ($24, lalee/Etsy)
'The Book of Awesome Women'
This book is perfect for the feminist mama who's constantly inspiring those around her to do better, and is all about women supporting other women. In it, she'll find the fascinating stories of such sheroes as Georgia O'Keeffe, Sojourner Truth, Anita Hill, and so many more.
The Book of Awesome Women by Becca Anderson ($17, Barnes & Noble)
Glass Gallery Frame for Pressed Flowers
Slip a pressed flower or leaf inside one or more of these bronze picture frames, and voilà — she's got some gorgeous wall art, for at home or at work.
Glass Gallery Frame for Pressed Flowers (from $18, sweeetHomeSupplies/Etsy)
Birth Stone Necklace
This pretty gold necklace holds a special gemstone pendant on its end, she she can honor her birth month in style. It also comes with an inspiring message to the "celestial adventurer" who wears it.
Birth Stone Necklace ($34, Dear Ava)
'Life Gave Me You' Mug
Now she can sip cold coffee every morning from a mug that literally makes her tear up when she sees it. "You didn't give me life, but life gave me you," the front reads. I mean … is there a better message out there for a bonus mom who means everything? If there is, I can't think of one.
'Life Gave Me You' Mug ($13, CoatesCreations/Etsy)
'If Mothers Were a Flower, I'd Pick You' Wall Hanging
OK, actually this one runs a pretty close second …
This sweet work of art can sit on a bookshelf or hang from her living room wall, to serve as a constant reminder that she is loved. This digital download can be printed and framed to match the bonus mom's decor.
'If Mothers Were a Flower, I'd Pick You' Wall Hanging ($4, GrayFrames/Etsy)
'Bonus Mom' Candle
Is there a woman out there who doesn't love lighting a calming scented candle at the end of a long, hard day? (Answer: NOPE.) This candle features a message of appreciation on the front that's perfect for any stepmom, or second-mom and feels like a bit warm hug.
Bonus Mom Candle (Etsy, $12)
Kocostar Rose Petal Face Masks
Face masks, FTW! For the bonus mom who deserves to be pampered (but doesn't exactly have time for a day at the spa), this set of rose petal face masks will make her feel like she's getting a luxurious facial in the comfort of her own home.
Kocostar Rose Petal Face Masks ($5, Anthropologie)
'My Second Mom' Necklace
Get ready for a few tears to drop the second she opens the box to this sweet necklace. Even if she didn't know how special she was before, she certainly will now.
'My Second Mom' Necklace ($38, Etsy)
Passport Holder & Luggage Tag
Know a bonus mama who loves to travel the world? Or better yet, one who rarely gets to travel, but is finally making plans to stamp her passport? This passport holder and luggage tag set will inspire her to see new places.
Passport Holder and Luggage Tag ($20, Mod Boutique)
Bathtime Essentials Wine Holder
Hilarious, and yet … kind of practical? This unusual wine holder is for any mama who loves a good glass of vino every now and then, and especially loves to have one while relaxing in a luxurious bath. (Honestly, who doesn't love that?!)
Bathtime Essentials Wine Holder ($38, Uncommon Goods)
Merlot-Infused Coffee
Well, well, well … what do we have here? A morning drink that infuses our two favorite things — coffee and wine? Where has this been all our lives!?
Get her a bag of this goodness, and she won't be disappointed.
Merlot-Infused Coffee ($20, Uncommon Goods)
Monogrammed Coasters
This chic little gift set will keep her living room furniture in mint condition, while also adding a bit of retro flair to the decor. (Plus, they match a ton of other Art Deco-inspired knickknacks, if it feels like this gift isn't enough on its own.)
Monogrammed Coasters ($24.50, Pottery Barn)
Literary Scarf
Now here's a gift Jane Austen herself would approve of. These literary scarves are perfect for the avid reader, with four classic books to choose from. One of which may be her favorite book. (How cool is that?)
Literary Scarf ($35, Uncommon Goods)
Crystals Set
Crystals may not be everyone's jam, but they're surprisingly popular. The "New Agey" trend is practiced by those looking to bring good energy into their lives and/or home, and may be a sweet and sentimental gift for any bonus mom who's looking to start a new chapter or banish any bad vibes in her life.
Crystals Set ($38, The Moon Deck)
Click & Grow Smart Garden
Black thumb begone! This indoor grow kit is for any newbie gardener who wants to start off by growing something simple, or the avid gardener who doesn't have much outdoor space to cultivate her harvest. If she's interested in gardening, this handy little kit will make her feel like she's got a green thumb, even if she really doesn't.
Click and Grow Smart Garden ($200, Amazon)
InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oils Diffuser
It's no secret that essential oils are all the rage these days — and devotees swear they can help with everything from easing anxiety to increasing focus and productivity. This top-of-the-line diffuser will gently infuse the air with a mist of her preferred oil, while also blending in perfectly with the decor.
InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oils Diffuser ($20, Amazon)
Lush Relax Gift Set
This gift set was made for one purpose, and one purpose only: relaxation. It comes packed with some of Lush's best (and yummiest-smelling) products to help relax the mind and the body for a good night's sleep.
Relax Gift Set ($40, Lush)
'Bonus Mom' Cutting Board
Part kitchen essential, part ornamental gift, this sweet engraved cutting board is perfect for the bonus mom who loves to cook and gather the people she loves around the table. The fully functional chopping board is made from 100% natural bamboo (so you know it's high quality), but can also be hung on the wall as a display piece.
__"Bonus Mom" Cutting Board ($35, Amazon)
Floral Initial Cotton Tote Bag
Who doesn't like a personalized tote? (No one, that's who!) This pretty canvas bag can hold all her goodies, and even double as a nice reusable grocery bag.
Floral Initial Cotton Tote Bag ($17, Shutterfly)
Custom Animal Portrait
We all know women who may as well have given birth to their furbabies — because they're basically one of their children. (Hey, maybe that woman is us!) Give her a gift that celebrates the love she has for her four-legged sidekick, with a customized pet portrait! Just submit a photo of the cat/dog/parakeet, and wait for a true work of art to arrive in the mail.
Custom Animal Portrait (from $35, LeFloreStudio/Etsy)
Temperature-Controlled Coffee Mug
It's a problem that's plagued busy moms everywhere since forever: How to enjoy a warm cup of coffee, when constant interruptions and morning chaos mean the coffee gets poured, but the mug sits on the counter getting cold for hours? Enter, the Ember — a temperature-controlled mug that'll make sure that cup o' Joe never gets cold. (Bonus: There's even a travel mug version!)
Temperature-Controlled Coffee Mug ($110, Amazon)
Monogram Soap Bar
Pretty and practical, Pottery Barns has a set of four bars of soap that can be personalized with the bonus mama's first initial or all of her initials. Plus, they're paperwhite scented and made with 100% vegetable-based ingredients.
Monogrammed Soap ($29, Pottery Barn)
Heated Neck Massage Pillow
Oh, only if we all had unlimited funds to get massages every day. But for those of who don't, this heated portable massager is the next best thing, and will work out all those kinks and knots. Consider getting this for the bonus mom who works hard, but doesn't often take a moment for herself to relax.
Heated Neck Massage Pillow ($39, Amazon)
Personalized Apron
For the bonus mama who loves to cook, and is always the one manning the oven at all the holiday parties, this apron will give her a chuckle. (And also come in handy once Thanksgiving rolls around.)
Personalized Apron ($26, PricelessKids/Etsy)
Panda Zen Garden
This artsy and cute "zen garden" will bring her to a meditative place of zen in no time. It's also super adorable — I mean, who wouldn't love that sweet little panda smiling back at her?
Panda Zen Garden ($26, ZenFoxStudio/Etsy)
Bravo TV Door Mat
For the Real Housewives-obsessed woman (which is most of us), this door mat isn't just hilarious — it's practical. Because let's be honest, at any given moment, she's probably watching Bravo.
If RHONY is her favorite in the franchise, check out this alternative pick, which reads, "What are you doing here without Dorinda?" It's a CLASSIC.
Bravo TV Door Mat ($45, Shop by Bravo)
Book of the Month Club Subscription
For the bonus mom who loves to read — but never seems to find the time — a monthly book club subscription might be just what she needs. Each month, she'll have her pick from five carefully curated books, and then get super excited when it's delivered right to her door.
Book of the Month Club Subscription (from $45 for 3 months, Book of the Month Club)
Winc Subscription
What goes better with a good book than a yummy glass of vino? Winc is a monthly wine subscription service that sends clients delicious bottles of wine each month, customized to suit their tastes. G-E-N-I-U-S.
Winc Subscription (from $39, Winc)
Herb Garden
A novice gardener, or even a more advanced one, would love this adorable planter to grow herbs and spices just about anywhere—on their porch or backyard. Plus, it's great for bonus mamas who may live in apartments with smaller outdoor space.
Herb Garden ($60, Harry and David)
Recipe Box With Cards
If she's known for her mouthwatering recipes that she seems to keep filed away in the back of her mind, here's a way to make sure your bonus mama's best meals are saved for posterity. The bright and cheery tin box comes with category dividers and 24 blank recipe cards inside so she can jot down and catalog all her best dishes.
Recipe Box With Cards ($34, Amazon)
OrganiCotton Waffle Seaglass Bath Towel
$27
from
Crate & Barrel
Everyone loves a fresh, soft towel after a shower, and it's a feeling that moms and mother-figures deserve after a long day of being amazing people. This all-cotton seafoam green towel from Crate & Barrel will do the trick.
Embroidery Kit
If the bonus mom enjoys a creative outlet, embroidery might be something she'd want to take up. This beginner's embroidery kit makes it easy to create beautiful flower designs on fabric. It can also be a gift to make for her as a finished product.
Unwind Kit
from
Pottery Barn
Great mamas of all kinds, blood and non-blood, love hard and do a lot for the people they take care of. So they deserve some self-care time. Self-care is made simple with this Unwind kit that has everything needed (a candle, face mask, pillow spray, and lavender grow kit) to destress and unwind.
Crystal Facial Roller Set
Crystal facial rolling not only feels good but is said to have benefits in the skin care world. It can help depuff the skin, help circulation and help skin care products soak in. They make a skin care routine feel more like a special treat, which is what makes this a great gift.
Composite Agate Cheese Board
$78
from
Anthropologie
Speaking of luxury products, we love this cheese plate for bonus mamas. But it's not any cheese plate. It's a fancy one for adults. Just what she needs so she can have her cheese and eat it, too.
Personalized Jewelry Case
$69
from
Mark & Graham
For a gift that's both super special and super useful, we recommend this travel jewelry case that can be personalized with her initials. It's a great keepsake for those who love to travel in style.
Wine Chilling Coasters
$42
from
Uncommon Goods
Wine is always a good gift, but wine that is cold is the gift that keeps on giving. These wine cooling coasters will protect tables from water or wine staining and keep the glass cold all day, or night.
'Thanks' Candle
Gifts are a great way to say thanks, but gifts that actually say "Thanks" are even better, especially ones that smell amazing. This Homesick candle sends a special message to the special bonus mom who receives it.
Flower Arrangement Workshop
Starting at
$35
from
Flower Bodega
Flowers are a classic Mother's Day gift. And we have nothing against flowers — we love them. But a flower arrangement workshop as a gift will take a bouquet to the next level. It's both a traditional treat and an activity rolled into one for more bonding time with bonus mom.
Spice Rack
$50
from
Crate ande Barrel
This spice rack is a functional and fashionable gift for those women who love cooking. Even better if that cooking is something shared with the special bonus mom. This rack has space for 6 big jars of spices, so it's definitely for foodies.
Cookbook
$15
from
Crate & Barrel
Speaking of cooking together, it all comes down to the food and recipes. Gifting the bonus mom with a cookbook like this one, especially if food is special to everyone, is a way to try out new foods and spend time together.
Convertible Face Mask Lanyard
We may will have to wear masks for a while longer. And if not, many people will still have sunglasses or regular glasses they wear — and will want to keep handy. Glasses lanyards make a practical and thoughtful gift, whether they're used for masks or for glasses.
*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.
