When it comes to the holidays, shopping for your mom can be a bit of a scary nightmare — especially if, for whatever reason, you guys aren't all that close.
I feel you on that one. But finding a present for your mother doesn't have to be an emotionally fraught nightmare. Skip the impersonal bath beads this year: here are 13 thoughtful-seeming gifts for your mom, even if you guys don't talk that much.
A cozy sweater.
Moms love sweaters — and this lightweight layering sweater from J.Crew is a great pick. EVERYONE looks good in blue, and this print combination is kind of amazing. So cute, it'll make your mom forget all those times you kinda sorta forgot to call. ($90, J.Crew)
Next-level lipsticks.
I know: Kat Von D Beauty seems like a trickier sell for your mom, but HEAR ME OUT. Studded Kiss lipsticks are perfect for everyone, especially mothers, and here's why:
– They're super long-wearing, so minimal touch-ups.
– The case is TOUGH, so your mom can throw it into her bag without worrying about it.
– They don't feather out into lines around lips, if that is a thing your mom worries about.
– They're expensive, but not SO pricey that your mom won't use it because "it's too nice."
The Studded Beloved Lip Trio contains three full-sized lipstick shades: Cathedral (matte cocoa rose), Cathedral (matte red), and Sexer (bright pink). This means that no matter what kind of lipstick your mom is into, one of these three shades will hit the spot. ($45, Sephora)
A pet portrait.
If you have a four-legged "sibling," your mom will LOVE one of these unique pet portraits. Simply send in a photo of your mother's favorite animal love, and get a super-cute cartoony print that's ready to frame. (Starting at $60, Etsy)
A knitted scarf.
Who among us doesn't love a scarf, am I right? This chunky knit scarf comes in a variety of colors, will keep your mom warm, and hey — maybe even she'll think you knitted it yourself. ($38, Etsy)
Gorgeous perfume.
Perfume is the classic mom gift — but also one of the trickiest, because when you're not all that close with your mother, it becomes hard to know what she wants to smell like.
The Hermes Garden Collection Coffret Set ($50, Sephora) get around that nicely — your mom will get four little bottles of perfume that run the gamut of scents, so she's sure to find something she likes. Un Jardin en Mediterranée is a musky floral, Un Jardin sur le Nil is a watery green, Un Jardin sur le Toit is a cheerful fruity floral, and Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is a cool floriental.
And even if, after all that effort, she's not into the fragrances — she'll AT LEAST respect the Hermes orange box.
An elegant mug.
Is your mom a tea person? A coffee person? Do you even KNOW anymore? Whatever her hot beverage of choice — come on, EVERYONE drinks SOMETHING hot — this mug is dark blue and gold perfection. Along with some nice cookies, this could be the perfect easy present. ($14, Anthropologie)
An art book.
Why DO moms love the French impressionists so much? The world may never know, but until they do, here's a gorgeous coffee table book replete with all the gorgeous sun-dappled water lily paintings your mom can handle. ($50, Amazon)
Themed tea.
There's not a mom alive who didn't love Downton Abbey. Even my mom, who is as "abolish the monarchy and eat the rich" as they come, was obsessed with it. This English Rose tea blend is light, fruity, and delicious — and because it's caffeine free, your mother can sip it alllllllll day long. ($12, Republic of Tea)
A candle that smells like home.
Candles don't have to feel like a basic, cop-out gift — even if that's exactly what they are. Homesick Candles are soy-based candles that supposedly smell like your home state — send your mom one that smells like her home state, or the state where you live now, and voila! Perfect! ($30, Homesick Candles)
An actually cute necklace.
Jewelry is another time-honoured mom classic — but don't just pick something random and call it a day. Bar necklaces were a huge trend this year, so pick a metal (gold, silver, rose gold) and an inscription (try to think of something more meaningful than "Mom") and go to town. (Starts at $38, Etsy)
Coffee for all occasions.
Give this to everyone you know. Seriously, it's awesome. Special blends of coffee for morning, noon, and night that will keep you going and make you happy, without giving you jitters? SIGN YOUR MOM UP. ($12, Uncommon Ground)
A DIGITAL photo frame that you can load from afar.
If I had a dollar for every fight I've had with my mom over technology, I'd be on a beach sipping fruity cocktails right now. Anyway! This digital photo frame doesn't require her to do ANYTHING, save unwrap it and turn it on — you can upload photos from your phone (iPhone or Android) and beam them straight into her living room. So, so easy. ($149, Amazon)
Cashmere. Goddamned. Sweatpants.
THIS WOMAN GAVE YOU LIFE. The least you can do is get her some luxurious sweatpants. ($140, Everlane)
Your heart (literally).
If your mom has a sense of humor, this anatomically-correct heart pin will assure her that she's always in your heart. Literally. ($10, Etsy)
