Working moms and stay-at-home moms all work so hard. They handle all of life's challenges and still make sure their kids are happy, healthy, and loved. And yes, both SAHM and working moms have mom guilt. I personally relate to working moms as my own mother worked throughout my childhood. I don't know how she did it, to be honest. She woke up every morning, got herself ready for work, then got my brother and I ready. She'd teach kids at the school she worked at and then came home to take care of us all evening. As working moms have to report to two types of bosses — the adult type and the small human type, they deserve some special Mother's Day love, too.
At the end of the day, or even at the beginning of their days, most working moms probably just want a little help. A little time to relax. Gifting them the ability to be in two places at once, or the innate ability to "lean in" isn't an option. But giving them a few items to make their lives a bit easier could definitely help.
That's why for Mother's Day, we rounded up the best gifts to give a working mom. The hope is that it'll alleviate the stress in her life, even if it's in a small way. Like with a new bag to store her things or a towel to dry her hair faster in the morning. It won't solve everything, or stop the mom guilt, or internet warriors who compare, but at minimum, it will make her day.
More from CafeMom: Mom Reveals All the Things We Don't Want for Mother's Day in Comically Relatable TikTok
Diaper Bag Backpack
Working moms may juggle laptops and diapers. And just because they may have a bag of Cheez-Its next to their files, doesn't mean they need to have a "mom bag." This BabbleRoo travel bag does it all and looks like every other chic work/play bag.
Diaper Bag Backpack ($44, Amazon)
HelloFresh Meal Subscription Service
Making a full meal after a long day takes a lot of energy. Give the gift of extra family time with a meal subscription service. Choose the meal plan that works best for the recipient and choose how often they'll receive it. There are vegan and lunch options, too.
HelloFresh (from $75, HelloFresh)
Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells
Between work and taking the kids to activities, it can be hard to find time to get to a gym. These adjustable weights bring the gym to wherever mom is. Weights range from 5 to 52 pounds and don't take up much floor space at all.
Adjustable Weights ($429, Amazon)
USB Charger Bracelet Cord
USB cords come in handy when a phone or iPad needs to be charged and a charger is nowhere in sight. This bracelet version makes it possible to always have one on hand (literally). And the best part is that no one will be able to tell it's a piece of tech equipment, ready to go at a moment's notice.
USB Bracelet ($12, Amazon)
Microfiber Hair Towel
Drying hair sucks a lot of time from already busy mornings. Cut that time in half with a super absorbent towel and get ready faster than ever. Bonus: It doesn't pull at hair, which also makes the case for it being a solid beauty gift as well.
Microfiber Hair Towel ($14, Amazon)
Bedside Smartphone Vase
Decorative and functional, this smartphone stand vase is a pretty spot to charge a mom's phone, while also making the bedside table look chic. The phone is visible and the vase doubles as decor to keep the bedroom as uncluttered as possible.
Flower Vase Smartphone Stand ($32, Uncommon Goods)
Charging Wristlet
Mom can keep all her essentials together with this multi-functional wristlet/crossbody purse. It comes in a few colors and looks like a regular wristlet or crossbody bag. It frees up a hand to hold a phone in one and a toddler in the other — or both hands — and still allows wireless charging.
Phone Wristlet ($29, Amazon)
'The 52 Lists Project' Journal
"The 52 Lists Project" journal is a project for list-loving moms who want to create a space each week to reflect on life and make positive changes. Many moms turn to journaling as an act of self-care and to help improve mental health and well-being. This one is sure to get the creative juices flowing with its weekly writing prompts.
The 52 Lists Project Journal ($17, Amazon)
Working Mom Mug
Every mom needs a reminder of how awesome she is. Accomplish that with a working mom mug that tells it like it is. And it holds coffee, which is really the best part.
Working Mom Mug ($16, UltimateGiftsShop/Etsy)
Bluetooth Headphones
Juggling things is what moms do, but if she can listen to music on the go, or talk on the phone, without holding her phone, it'll make her life a whole lot easier. She can take that conference call, but still have two hands free to help pack lunch.
Bluetooth Headphones ($20, Amazon)
Mom Tee
If a working mom has three kids, this is tee for her. The neutral color works with everything and can even be worn while working from home, to proudly show the world that she's a mom (times three.)
Mom of Three Tote ($13, GreyPrint/Etsy)
Dry-Erase Calendar
Help her keep on top of things at the office and at home. This dry-erase calendar can go up on the wall so the family can see the activities, appointments, meals, or mom's notes for the week. A great find for the organization mavens out there.
Acrylic Calendar ($47, CalenLove/Etsy)
Automatic Pan Stirrer
Talk about a time-saver! A stirrer device like this can keep a dish stirred without requiring anyone to physically be in the kitchen. This allows mom to get the kids ready for school, or to finish checking morning emails instead.
Pan Stirrer ($25, Uncommon Goods)
Water Bottle Phone Sleeve
Work out. Answer emails. This water bottle sleeve allows its user to do both. A true time saver when every minute counts in a day, and the goal is to have self-care and time to spend time with loved ones.
Water Bottle Sleeve ($25, Amazon)
Gold Hoop Earrings
Moms who have nice earrings can rock it at work. OK, that's not a thing, but it can't hurt to try. These earrings feature a textured design, turning a classic piece of jewelry into a statement piece.
Hoop Earrings ($30, LOFT)
Microwavable Pasta Pot
Making dinner after a long work day sounds not so great to lots of working moms. Eliminate that hassle for her with this super cool microwavable pasta pot. Instead of waiting for a pot of water to heat on the stove, just add water to this pot, then stick it in the microwave.
Pasta Pot ($29, Uncommon Goods)
Handbag Light & Phone Charger
Is there a better invention than a portable flashlight phone charger? We don't think so. The "handbag illuminator" with a charger is the best thing to have in a purse when a phone battery is running low and/or there's lip balm lost at the bottom.
Handbag Charger ($36, Uncommon Goods)
Bobby Pin Necklace
Bobby pins are magical hair tools. To have one at any point, is basically like being one's own godmother. To do so with a cute necklace? Even better. Bobby pins fit perfectly in this necklace that features a stainless steal pendant.
Bobby Pin Storage Necklace ($40, Uncommon Goods)
Washable Lunch Box
Lunch bags make a huge difference in the life of a working mama. They encourage lunch-packing, which can save money. Plus, it's a cute way to express oneself at work. Bonus: It's washable!
Washable Lunch Bag ($10, Amazon)
Lavender Gift Set
Help her unwind after a long day with this lavender gift set. It features a lavender grow kit with a self-watering pot, an aromatherapy candle, a nighttime eye mask, and a calming spray for pillows.
Calming Set ($58, Uncommon Goods)
*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.
